Art Nouveau streets, long sandy beaches and a lot of quiet forest.
Latvia sits in the middle of the Baltic trio, with more than half its land covered in forest. Riga's old town is a UNESCO site, and its streets hold one of the world's finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings. Jūrmala's long beach is close to the capital, while Gauja National Park, Sigulda and the Baroque Rundāle Palace are easy trips inland.
Food is simple and seasonal: rye bread, smoked fish, forest mushrooms and Riga's huge Central Market in old Zeppelin hangars. Distances are short and buses are reliable. June to August is the best time, especially around the Jāņi midsummer festival; winters are cold and dark, though the capital is atmospheric in December.
Best time to visit Latvia
June, July, August.
Places to visit in Latvia
Riga: The largest city in the Baltics, known for its medieval old town, remarkable Art Nouveau architecture and a huge central market.
Sigulda: A small town in the Gauja National Park, set among sandstone caves, forest trails and medieval castles above the river.
Jūrmala: Latvia's classic seaside resort west of Riga, a long strip of white sand backed by pine forest and ornate wooden villas.
Essentials
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Latvian; Russian widely spoken, English common in Riga
Plugs: Type C / F, 230 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+2
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is customary
Getting around: Buses and trains serve Riga and the coast; a car helps for rural areas
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking