Latvia-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Latvia

Day 1: Arrival in Riga and Exploration of the Old Town

  • Arrival: Fly into Riga International Airport (RIX) and take a taxi or bus (22) to your accommodation
  • Morning: Explore Riga’s stunning Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit:
    • Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms): A beautiful Lutheran cathedral with impressive architecture
    • House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams): A historic building that dates back to the 14th century
    • Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums): The heart of Riga’s Old Town, surrounded by beautiful buildings and cafes
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Art (Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs) to learn about Latvia’s art history
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Old Town, such as Mārtiņi or Kaļķu vārti

Day 2: Riga’s Art Nouveau and Surroundings

  • Morning: Explore Riga’s famous Art Nouveau district, featuring over 800 buildings with unique architecture
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum (Etnogrāfiskais brīvdabas muzejs) to learn about Latvia’s rural culture and traditions
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Daugava River and enjoy the city views

Day 3: Sigulda and the Gauja National Park

  • Morning: Take a train (around 1 hour) or drive to Sigulda, a picturesque town in the heart of the Gauja National Park
  • Afternoon: Explore the national park by hiking, biking, or taking a scenic cable car ride
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine and relax at one of Sigulda’s many guesthouses or hotels

Day 4: Cēsis and the Vidzeme Region

  • Morning: Drive to Cēsis (around 1.5 hours), a charming town in the Vidzeme region
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cēsis Castle, explore the old town, and enjoy the scenic views of the Gauja River
  • Evening: Return to Riga or stay overnight in Cēsis

Day 5: Jurmala Beach and Departure

  • Morning: Take a train (around 30 minutes) or drive to Jurmala, a popular beach resort town
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful white sand beaches, such as Majori or Dubulti
  • Evening: Return to Riga for your departure flight

Visa Requirements:

Citizens of many countries, including EU, US, and Canada, do not need a visa to enter Latvia. Check the Latvian Government’s website for specific requirements.

Transportation:

  • Airport: Riga International Airport (RIX)
  • Public Transport: Buses and trams operate in Riga, while trains connect major cities
  • Taxis: Widely available, but make sure to use licensed services
  • Car Rental: Available at the airport or in Riga

Other Things of Interest:

  • Language: Latvian (official), with many people speaking English and Russian
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Latvia has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters
  • Safety: Latvia is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings

Enjoy your trip to Latvia!