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Introducing Latvia

When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Baltic States is late spring or summer. Spring begins in late April and the countryside takes on a green lushness, drawing horses out from their winter barns. Summers are relatively short (mid-June through August). You may experience a string of hot, dry days during this time, but showers and chilly nights can also be expected.

Temperatures cool down rapidly from September onwards. Autumn can be a beautiful season, as the golden leaves of deciduous trees begin to contrast with dark green pines. The first snowfalls can come as early as mid-November, and by December winter sets in with a vengeance. Average daytime temperatures can remain below freezing until March. That said, winter can also be a magical time, with lakes, rivers and large expanses of the Baltic Sea freezing over, crunchy snow cover adding an air of enchantment to medieval city centers, and plenty of skating rinks and saunas to keep you warm. 

Where should you go?
With its strong German influence and tall historic buildings, Riga feels different than other Baltic capitals. You'll love strolling the web of narrow Old Town streets, with no shortage of sidewalk cafes. From Riga, head to Jurmala, a resort town where the ice-blue waters of the Baltic Sea might be the prettiest of anywhere in the region. There's plenty of entertainment to be found, but unspoiled nature is the main attraction here—come for the sea, white sandy beaches, and shady pine forests. Latvia's other draws include the Baroque style Basilica of the Assumption in Aglona, and the Medieval town of Cesis (home to the oldest brewery in the country).

How many days do you need?
Travelers with 7 days will have enough time to tour Latvia or check out the highlights of the three Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania). With 10 days, you can combine an in-depth Latvia tour with stops in Tallinn and Vilnius, and two weeks is enough to see all three countries, including rural places and hidden gems.

Latvia Travel Insights

Explore Latvia
Map of Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days
Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days

Over seven days you'll cover the highlights of Latvia, from the medieval capital city of Riga to its gorgeous coastal villages. You'll also stop at unique locales, like abandoned fallout bunkers and former KGB headquarters, that are throwbacks to when Latvia was controlled by Soviet Russia. In between, you'll tour well-preserved castles, cathedrals, and opulent palaces, some of which date back as far as the 13th century.

Latvia
Map of History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days
History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days

Discover Latvia, from the cobbled streets of its historic capital of Riga to the dense forests and waterfalls of Gauja National Park. After witnessing the famous Art Nouveau architecture of Riga, visit the sandstone caves near the medieval village of Kuldīga followed by a trip to the coastal resort city of Jūrmala. Along the way, you'll tour castle ruins, historic palaces, and discover Latvia's art scene with a visit to an open-air museum with over 150 works of art.

Riga at Sunset
Riga and the Midsummer Festival - 5 Days

Experience local culture and traditions in Riga by enjoying its annual Midsummer Festival, starting with a walking tour of the historic city center and its renowned architecture. Then participate in traditional songs, dances, and sauna rituals with locals at the festival, sleeping in the tranquility of Gauja National Park. Learn about Baltic culture and traditions with an herbal workshop, a carpentry workshop, and a visit to the open-air ethnographic museum.

Riga
Map of Highlights of the Baltic Capital Cities - 8 Days
Highlights of the Baltic Capital Cities - 8 Days

Discover the capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on this whirlwind 8-day trip through the Baltic states. As you travel north from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn, you'll learn about each city's rich cultural, historic, and culinary traditions. Visit churches in Vilnius, indulge in a food tour in Riga, and explore the creative hub of Tallinn on this Northern European adventure.

 House of the Blackheads in Riga Old Town
Highlights of Latvia - 5 Days

This trip through Latvia starts in Riga, touring the medieval Old Town, the Central Market, and the Latvian National Opera and Ballet House, and ending with a traditional dinner with folklore dancing. You'll then explore the country's rural landscapes with visits to waterfalls and caves in the town of Kuldīga, as well as the preserved Bauska Castle and the palaces of Rundāle and Jelgava. End your trip in Jūrmala, a seaside resort where you'll ride bikes along the beach and swim in the sea.

The magnificent Rundale Palace
Map of Latvia's Castles and Palaces - Day Trip
Latvia's Castles and Palaces - Day Trip

Go back in time on this guided tour of three of Latvia's castles and palaces. Learn about the long history of this Baltic nation through the grand buildings erected by its leaders. You'll visit the medieval Bauska Castle, the Baroque Jelgava Palace, and the extravagant Rundale Palace — all just a short drive from Riga.

Latvia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days
Highlights of Latvia - 7 Days
View article
Map History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days
History & Nature in Latvia - 5 Days
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Map Highlights of the Baltic States
Highlights of the Baltic States
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Related Destinations

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Trip Reviews for Latvia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our First Visit to the Baltics
Latvia | Sep 4 - Sep 11, 2025

Monica
Monica B.
Brazil | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025
This was our first experience with KimKim and visiting the Baltic.s. Everything was perfectly planned with Emerson’s help and advice and our three guides, Victoria, Ilsa and Nela who were very professional, knew a lot and were good companions. A special mention to Kaskas our driver in Vilna who was excellent too. Read more

This was our first experience with KimKim and visiting the Baltic.s. Everything was perfectly planned with Emerson’s help and advice and our three guides, Victoria, Ilsa and Nela who were very professional, knew a lot and were good companions. A special mention to Kaskas our driver in Vilna who was excellent too.

Hotel Review
Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Riga

Our room for 3 people was perfect, we had lots of space for us and a kitchentte which was handy. Breakfast was excellent, the location of the hotel was just perfect and it was also an historic site which was just awesome. We would return and recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tallinn Highlights Tour
Tallinn Highlights Tour
Tallinn

This tour included both walking and also a part in the car which made it possible to get to know sites which otherwise would have been impossible to discover. Our guide knew lots of history and was full of interesting facts to inform us about

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga

A very pleasant and interesting experience with our guide who told us lots of local customs and history

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our driver in Vilna was highly professional and added lots of tips to us
 Flavors of Vilnius
Flavors of Vilnius
Vilnius

Excellent introduction into local customs. Would definitely recommend this!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Sep 12, 2025

I’m so glad everything worked out well and you enjoyed the Baltics. Thanks for trusting me with your first trip there — I know it’s a long way to come, so it makes me happy that the planning paid off. Hopefully, the region left you with plenty of good memories (and maybe a reason to come back one day).

Valdis Brought Latvia to Life for Our Family
Latvia | Aug 31 - Sep 6, 2025

Julie
Julie G.
Lake Butler, FL | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2025
Our family recently had the privilege of working with Valdis as both our travel planner and guide for what became the most significant, symbolic, and memorable trip of our lives—a family heritage discovery journey through Latvia. Valdis brought Latvia to life for our family in a way we will never forget. From the very beginning, he thoughtfully prepared an itinerary that balanced cultural highlights with deeply personal experiences. He went out of his way to make phone calls and track... Read more

Our family recently had the privilege of working with Valdis as both our travel planner and guide for what became the most significant, symbolic, and memorable trip of our lives—a family heritage discovery journey through Latvia. Valdis brought Latvia to life for our family in a way we will never forget.

From the very beginning, he thoughtfully prepared an itinerary that balanced cultural highlights with deeply personal experiences. He went out of his way to make phone calls and track down historical places in the countryside—sites that were far off the beaten path—so we could walk the same roads our ancestors once did. Because of his dedication, we were able to visit the towns our relatives grew up in, stand in the schools they attended, and step into the very churches where they were married. These moments were profoundly moving and would not have been possible without his diligence and care.

Beyond the heritage aspect, Valdis ensured that every detail of our journey was seamless. He arranged impeccable accommodations, comfortable transport, and found us the most wonderful driver, Aldis, whose skill, kindness, and courtesy elevated the entire experience. Both Valdis and Aldis were not only professional, conscientious, and gracious at every turn, but they quickly became trusted companions—friends we now consider part of our extended family.

We could not recommend Valdis more highly. For anyone seeking assistance or guidance in their travels to Latvia or across the Baltics, we would absolutely recommend him, I would choose him 100 times over. His passion, knowledge, and personal touch transformed our trip into something truly unforgettable.

Hotel Reviews
Promenade Hotel
Liepaja

Eclectic building and rooms. Incredible location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Riga

Simply outstanding

Authenticity & Character
Stunning building, inside and out.
Location
Central and close to everything!
Staff
Impeccable service!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfection
Activity Reviews
Visit Dzukste
Visit Dzukste
Džūkstes pagasts

Once again, Valdis took the time early on in our planning of the trip to map out and research important areas of our families history and places locally to visit. We were able to walk the grounds and see the church my grandparents were married in, the post office my great grandfather worked in, and the town my grandmother grew up in. This was the last bit of our journey together.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Departure from Riga | Private transfer to the airport
Departure from Riga | Private transfer to the airport
Riga Int. Airport (RIX)

The hardest part of our trip was saying goodbye to Latvia, Valdis and Aldis.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Riga
Welcome to Riga
Riga

Valdis greeted us at the airport and he and Aldis swiftly transported us to our hotel. Valdis gave us insights on the way, reviewed our week ahead, escorted us into our hotel for registration, made sure we were comfortable and allowed us to get settled in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit  Aizpute and Pērbone
Visit Aizpute and Pērbone
Aizpute

Valdis took time and researched for us and made phone calls ahead of time so we were able to visit the cemetery our family is in, near my grandfathers home site, visit and stand in the school my grandfather attended, and see the town he grew up in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transport
Latvia

Aldis is the best!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Sailboat trip on a real Fisher's Ship and Fish Grill Bar with dinner
Sunset Sailboat trip on a real Fisher's Ship and Fish Grill Bar with dinner
Liepaja

This was such a thoughtful and most impactful experience we shared in Latvia. To sail the waters our family did, and to watch the most beautiful sunset was emotional and moving in a way we will never forget. So happy to have shared the experience with Valdis and Aldis, and thank you to Janis and the crew for the most unforgettable night of our lives :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liepaja city sighseeing tour
Liepaja city sighseeing tour
Liepaja

It was so thoughtful of Valdis to include this tour for our visit to Liepaja. It helped set the stage for a better understanding of its place in history and enjoying its beauty and all it has to offer today.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transport
Latvia

Aldis was nothing short of amazing. He and Valdis are quite the team!! They truly made magic happen for our family.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gauja National Park Tour
Gauja National Park Tour
Latvia

Such a beautiful part of Latvia - not to be missed. We had time and were able to experience the Latvian Bobsled Track as well, in addition to the Sigulda Castle Complex, Turaida Castle and Gutmann Cave.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Tour
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Tour
Riga

This was a very thoughtful and moving experience for our family since it relates to our family history. So grateful Valdis included this in our itinerary.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Historical Canal Boat Tour
Historical Canal Boat Tour
Riga
Riga walking tour
Riga walking tour
Riga

We saw and learned about everything from architecture to museums to everything in between that makes Riga the vibrant gem of a city it is. Topped it off with a historical boat ride on the canal through the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
JOHN Restaurant
JOHN Restaurant
Riga

A must do in Riga. Staff was superb!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free day in Riga
Free day in Riga
Riga

Old Town is a gem of an area to explore and get to know. We also enjoyed a drive to Valguma Pasquale to experience the Barefoot Trail, a quaint lunch and exploring Jūrmala on the drive back to Riga - with a walk on the beach!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Valdis Čeičs

The Baltics - Lithuania and Latvia
Latvia | Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2025

Linda
Linda S.
Greensboro, NC | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025
We have worked with Kim Kimfor multiple trips and Moonika has planned the last several for us. She has come to understand our requirements and expectations as travellers (as a couple and a family with grown children) and we count on her to find unexpected and different itineraries that allow us to really experience new countries. This trip was no exception. Yes, we visit the capital cities - but Moonika ensures we explore the hidden gems and little towns with guides who (for the most part)... Read more

We have worked with Kim Kimfor multiple trips and Moonika has planned the last several for us. She has come to understand our requirements and expectations as travellers (as a couple and a family with grown children) and we count on her to find unexpected and different itineraries that allow us to really experience new countries. This trip was no exception. Yes, we visit the capital cities - but Moonika ensures we explore the hidden gems and little towns with guides who (for the most part) fit our style of learning and interacting. Even the drivers she finds are pretty great. Moonika was available when we needed her and stayed in touch with us to be sure all was okay. She is truly a professional.

Activity Reviews
 Flavors of Vilnius
Flavors of Vilnius
Vilnius

This was combined with our walking tour. See previous notes.

Vilnius Walking Tour
Vilnius Walking Tour
Vilnius

Due to flight complications and arriving later than expected, our walking and food tour were combined. It all worked out great though. Our guide (Dov) was very informative, friendly and full of energy. She took the time to explain many cultural aspects related to food, people, art and history. Her communication style was friendly and warm.

Quality of Experience
Dov was a very flexible person. Took us to the art section and it was fascinating.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai
Vilnius

What a great way to see a countryside. The ride itself was perfect. Great, professional captain who made everyone feel safe and comfortable. The drivers to and from the take off site were not super friendly and didn't speak with any of us which was too bad.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Especially the captain. The crew worked hard.
Transport
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jul 14, 2025

Hello Linda,

Thank you so much for your wonderful words and for trusting me with your travels again. I’m so glad this trip met your expectations, and I’m already looking forward to helping you explore your next destination!

All the best,
Moonika

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