So, let me guess—you’ve been scrolling through endless travel blogs, trying to find your next “hidden gem” destination, right? And now Latvia pops up. First thought: “Wait… Latvia? Isn’t that somewhere in Eastern Europe?” Yep, you nailed it. But here’s the thing—Latvia isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s an absolute powerhouse of culture, nature, and jaw-dropping experiences that will leave you wondering why you didn’t pack your bags sooner.
I’ve been to Latvia, and honestly, it surprised me more than I can put into words (but hey, I’ll try anyway 😉). From medieval cobblestone streets to wild pine forests and quirky traditions, this little Baltic beauty deserves way more love.
So, why should you travel to Latvia right now? Buckle up—here are 12 reasons that will make you want to book a ticket before you finish this article.
1. Riga Is Straight Out of a Storybook
If you love cities with personality, Riga will blow your mind. It’s not just Latvia’s capital—it’s the beating heart of the Baltics.
- Old Town (Vecrīga): Think narrow cobblestone streets, colorful merchant houses, and Gothic churches.
- Art Nouveau heaven: Riga has over 800 Art Nouveau buildings—FYI, that’s more than almost anywhere else in Europe.
- Nightlife: The city doesn’t sleep. Seriously, you’ll find pubs, jazz bars, and dance spots buzzing every night.
Walking through Riga feels like flipping between a medieval fairytale and a modern European hotspot. And honestly? That’s the kind of split personality I like in a city.
2. It’s Affordable (Your Wallet Will Thank You)
Europe can be pricey, but Latvia is refreshingly budget-friendly. Accommodation, food, and transport won’t drain your bank account.
- A good meal in Riga? Around €10–12.
- A pint of beer? Sometimes just €2 (cheaper than a fancy latte).
- Public transport? Super affordable and easy to use.
IMO, Latvia gives you the European charm without the European price tag. Why pay triple in Paris when you can live like royalty here?
3. Beaches That Rival the Mediterranean
Wait, did I just say beaches? Yep. Latvia isn’t all forests and old towns—it’s got over 500 km of Baltic Sea coastline.
The star? Jūrmala, a seaside resort town just 30 minutes from Riga. Imagine: golden sandy beaches, wooden villas, and lively cafés. Bonus points—it’s not overcrowded like Spain’s Costa del “I-can’t-find-space-for-my-towel.”
On a sunny day, you’ll forget you’re in the Baltics and start questioning whether you teleported to a Mediterranean paradise.
4. Untamed Nature Everywhere
If you’re the type who needs nature to reset your brain (same here), Latvia will feel like therapy.
- Gauja National Park: Latvia’s largest national park—filled with castles, sandstone cliffs, and hiking trails.
- Kemeri National Park: Famous for its wooden boardwalk through wetlands. Perfect for sunrise photography (trust me, it’s magical).
- Forests everywhere: About 50% of Latvia is covered in forest. That’s a LOT of trees.
Seriously, every time I left the city, I felt like I walked into a postcard.
5. Castles That Make You Feel Like Royalty
Ever wanted to pretend you’re in Game of Thrones (without, you know, the beheadings)? Latvia’s castles are perfect for that.
- Cēsis Castle: A medieval masterpiece where you can actually climb towers with lanterns.
- Rundāle Palace: Known as the “Versailles of the Baltics.” Gold-plated, extravagant, and Instagram-worthy.
- Bauska Castle: Overlooking rivers, this one’s pure magic.
Latvia doesn’t just preserve history—it lets you live in it.
6. The Food Scene Will Surprise You
I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect much from Latvian food. Then I tried it. Mind = blown.
- Grey peas with bacon: Don’t knock it till you try it—it’s a national dish and seriously addictive.
- Smoked fish: Straight from the Baltic Sea, full of flavor.
- Rye bread: Dark, dense, and perfect with cheese or honey.
Plus, Riga’s food scene is booming with hip cafés, fusion spots, and craft breweries. Who knew Latvian beer could be this good?
7. Festivals That Go All Out
Latvians know how to party—especially when it comes to traditions.
- Jāņi (Midsummer Festival): Bonfires, beer, flower crowns, and singing until sunrise. It’s basically Coachella, but with ancient vibes.
- Riga City Festival: Music, parades, fireworks—you name it.
- Song and Dance Festival: Happens every 5 years, with tens of thousands of performers. Goosebumps guaranteed.
Ever wanted to join a festival where people actually believe in traditions? Latvia delivers.
8. A Blend of Old and New
Latvia balances ancient traditions with modern vibes. One moment, you’re exploring a medieval church. The next, you’re sipping lattes in a sleek, Instagram-ready café.
This blend gives Latvia a unique personality. You never feel stuck in the past, but you also never lose that old-world magic. Best of both worlds.
9. Quirky Museums You’ll Actually Enjoy
Museums can be… let’s just say, boring. But Latvia’s? Totally different.
- Ethnographic Open-Air Museum: Over 100 historic buildings set in nature—you can wander through villages from centuries ago.
- Latvian War Museum: If you’re into history, this one hits hard.
- Sun Museum: Yes, it’s all about the sun. Don’t ask, just go—it’s oddly charming.
Latvia makes learning fun (and that’s coming from someone who usually avoids museums 🙃).
10. The People Are Chill (and Surprisingly Funny)
Latvians might seem reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they’re some of the warmest people ever. They love sharing stories, cracking dry jokes, and teaching you weird traditions.
Oh, and almost everyone speaks English pretty well, which makes traveling super easy. No awkward hand gestures needed (unless you want to entertain yourself).
11. It’s Still Under the Radar
Want to avoid tourist traps? Latvia is your place. It hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism yet, which means:
- No endless selfie sticks blocking your view.
- No inflated “tourist prices” for a cup of coffee.
- You actually get to enjoy places without elbowing through crowds.
It feels like you’ve discovered a secret—because honestly, you kind of have.
12. Perfect Base to Explore the Baltics
Latvia isn’t just amazing on its own—it’s also the perfect launchpad for the Baltics.
- Lithuania and Estonia are just a bus or train ride away.
- Cheap flights connect Riga to the rest of Europe.
- You can literally do a 3-country road trip in less than a week.
If you love ticking multiple countries off your list (guilty 🙋), Latvia makes it easy.
Final Thoughts: So, Why Latvia Right Now?
Here’s the deal: Latvia isn’t just another travel destination—it’s an experience. It’s affordable, stunning, culturally rich, and still feels undiscovered. Whether you want city adventures, wild nature, or just a place to chill by the sea, Latvia’s got you covered.
And honestly? I’d go now before the secret gets out and the crowds arrive. You don’t want to be that person saying, “Yeah, I was planning to visit Latvia… but then it got too touristy.”
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to fall in love with a country you didn’t even know you needed. Latvia’s waiting—what are you waiting for? :)
👉 Pro tip: Book your flight sooner rather than later. Latvia may be under the radar now, but trust me, it won’t stay that way for long.
