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Latvia is alive with vibrant cities, tantalising beaches, historic towns and a busy network of forests and rivers.

Latvians are proud of their past and much time and effort has been spent preserving their architectural history. Once you’ve had your fill of Baroque, Art Nouveau and Renaissance wonders, head to the nearest beer garden and make friends with some of the liveliest locals in Eastern Europe.

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Our Latvia trips

Map of Baltic Experience including Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania

Baltic Experience
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Map of Cycle the Baltics including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Cycle the Baltics
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Map of Highlights of Russia & the Baltics including Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland

Highlights of Russia & the Baltics
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Map of Oslo to Berlin including Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania

Oslo to Berlin
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Travel through northern Europe on a tour from Oslo to Berlin. Visit Norway, Sweden,...

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Map of Scandinavia & Baltic Circuit including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany and Latvia

Scandinavia & Baltic Circuit
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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Articles on Latvia

Jan 25, 2018

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Latvia travel highlights

Old buildings of Riga city in Latvia with art nouveau architecture

Riga

Admire Art Nouveau architecture in Riga

Aerial view of Riga city from tower of St Peter's church

St Peter’s Church

Take in the views from St Peter’s Church

Barbed wire fence in Museum of Occupation, Latvia

Museum of Occupation

Explore Latvia's dark history at the Museum of Occupation

Latvia holiday information

At a glance

Best time to visit Latvia

Geography and environment

Top 5 Architectural Delights of Latvia

Health and Safety

Further reading

Latvia travel FAQs

Standard tipping in restaurants is 10% unless a service charge has been added to the bill. Round up any taxi fares.

Internet access is excellent in Latvia. Free wireless zones as well as internet cafes can be found all over the country.

Latvia has excellent mobile phone coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

Latvia has western-style flushable toilets. Keep loose change handy to pay for public toilets.

Can of soft drink = £1
Cup of coffee = £2
Beer in a bar or restaurant = £2
Three-course meal = £15.5 
Short taxi ride = £2.5

Yes, tap water is considered safe to drink.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

There’s good access to ATMs in nearly all towns and cities.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey. 

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

  • 1 Jan New Year's Day
  • 14 Apr Good Friday
  • 17 Apr Easter Monday
  • 1 May Labour Day
  • 4 May Independence Restoration Day
  • 5 May Independence Restoration Day Holiday
  • 23 Jun Midsummer's Eve
  • 24 Jun St John's Day (Midsummer's Day)
  • 18 Nov Independence Day
  • 24 Dec Christmas Eve
  • 25 Dec Christmas Day
  • 26 Dec 2nd Day of Christmas
  • 31 Dec New Year's Eve

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Latvia go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/latvia/public-holidays

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Responsible travel in Latvia

Top responsible travel tips for Latvia

  1. Be considerate of Latvia’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
  2. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water.
  3. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
  4. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
  5. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
  6. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
  7. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.