Latvia

Discover Latvia

For a small country, Latvia offers an impressive amount of wide-open space. Nature lovers will delight in the pristine beauty of its countryside, while fans of the cosmopolitan will be enchanted by its largest city, Riga.

From Gothic spires to elaborate Art Nouveau buildings and a picturesque Old Town, Riga is an urban masterpiece. The largest of the Baltic capitals, it features everything from fine dining restaurants to hip bars and world-class museums. Wander its curving, cobbled streets to find lush parks, castle ruins, winding canals, and endless charm.

Outside of Riga, Latvia’s countryside is spectacularly unspoiled. Half of Latvia is covered in wild forest, with meadows, marshland, and sandy coast making up the rest. Thousands of lakes are dotted throughout the country, and countless waterways make breathtaking recreation areas, as well as homes for wildlife. 500 km of coastline offer everything from white sand beaches to steep cliffs and sandstone outcrops.

Abundant farmland contributes to the locally-sourced heart of Latvian cuisine. Traditional meals are hearty affairs, with a heavy emphasis on meat and potatoes. Latvian markets are a great place to sample local favorites, from smoked fish to local cheeses and in-season foraged foods like berries and mushrooms. Don’t forget to sample some local beer—Latvia has an impressive array of microbreweries producing top-quality brews.