Latvia
Europe · Riga · LV
Latvia is the Baltic country of amber, birch forests and the wide, elegant city of Riga, a capital built on the trade of the Hanseatic league and rich in the art nouveau facades that line its central streets. The old town of Riga crowds a small peninsula with church spires, gabled guild houses and the cafes of the squares, while the boulevards of the ring around it hold some of the finest art nouveau buildings in Europe, their carved faces rising four and five storeys high. Beyond the city, the countryside spreads the birch and the pine woods, the dunes and the beaches of the Gulf of Riga, the sandstone cliffs and the castle of the Gauja valley, and the wild fishing coast of the west. In the summer the light stretches deep into the evening and in the winter the snow and the frost tighten the forests. Latvia is quiet, green and beautiful, a Scandinavian-tinged surprise of the east.
Overview
Latvia is a country in Europe. Its capital is Riga and the international dialling code is +371. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Latvian. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). We also list 1 city in Latvia: Riga.
Getting around Latvia
Riga is compact and easy to explore on foot or by tram, with a modern bus and trolley-bus network connecting the airport with the centre. Intercity coaches and the regional train network link Riga with Jūrmala, Sigulda, Cēsis and the coast.
Driving is on the right, roads are good near the cities, and the old parts of Riga are pedestrianised. For day trips to castles and forests (Gauja National Park, Rundāle Palace), a car or a guided tour is the most practical choice — public transport to the deep countryside is sparse.
When to visit Latvia
May to September is the best season: warm days, green landscapes, and the popular Jūrmala seaside town on the Gulf of Riga. July is the liveliest, with festivals in Riga. Winter is cold but atmospheric — the old town is lovely in the snow, and there's cross-country skiing in the countryside.
Spring and early autumn are quieter and good value. The midsummer festival (Jāņi, around 23–24 June) is the biggest national celebration, with bonfires and songs — an unforgettable time to visit if you like local tradition.
Eating and drinking
Latvian food is simple and seasonal: rye bread, herring, smoked fish, potatoes, beet soups and milk soups are staples. The Baltic region loves sour dairy — try "rūgušpiens", a fermented milk drink. Around Riga you'll also find modern farm-to-table restaurants.
Smoked fish from the coast and local honey are great souvenirs. Latvians brew good craft beers and are famous for their homemade fruit wines; a glass of Rīga Black Balsam (a herbal liqueur) is the classic evening tipple. A 5–10% tip is appreciated.
Money and local customs
Latvia uses the euro, and card payment (contactless included) is common across Riga and the resorts; carry a little cash for village markets and small guesthouses.
Latvians are reserved and appreciate a formal greeting — "labdien" (good day) in shops, "sveiki" among friends. A firm handshake with eye contact is standard. The sauna is a strong tradition, and being invited to one in the countryside is a sign of hospitality. Tipping is polite but modest.
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- Capital
- Riga
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Latvian
- Calling code
- +371
- Internet TLD
- lv
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Latvia.
Which nationalities can enter Latvia?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Latvia visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Latvia?
Riga is the capital of Latvia, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Latvia?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Latvia. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Latvia?
The languages we list for Latvia are Latvian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Latvia?
The dialling code for Latvia is +371 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which cities in Latvia do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Latvia: Riga (capital).