Latvia! The land of twelve thousand rivers, three thousand lakes, Europe’s most wild waterfall, and a multitude of castles, palaces, and national parks. A country full to the brim with beauty to admire! There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Art Nouveau architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes, all cooped up in the smallest of the Baltic states. Does any of that catch your attention? Great! Latvia is quickly becoming one of the most popular countries to visit in all of Europe, and with one visit you will understand why. Its beauty and masses of exciting attractions will leave you mesmerized. So, if you’re looking to start planning your Latvia itinerary, you are in the right place. Detailed below are this author’s top nine things to do in the fantastic country of Latvia. See if anything takes your fancy, and get ready for the Latvian adventure of a lifetime!
Explore Old City Riga
The district of Vecrīga, which sits comfortably in Latvia’s capital of Riga, is considered the ‘Old City’. The area is incredibly charming; full to the brim with cobblestone streets, Nordic style buildings, Gothic Rennaisance buildings, baroque and Jugendstil buildings, and many historic sites. Of these sites are Riga Castle, St Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, and the Freedom Monument. So, it is safe to say that this district boasts many things to see! Walking around Vecrīga truly feels as if you are taking a step back in time; an authentically Latvian experience. Not only this, the area has a number of fantastic restaurants and bars for you to enjoy a sit-down meal or beverage whilst admiring your surroundings.
Visit Turaida Castle
Located in the town of Sigulda lies the wondrous Turaida Castle. Turaida Castle is truly beautiful and surrounded by fantastic green grounds and breathtaking landscapes. Top tip: climb to the top of the largest castle tower to get access to breathtaking views of the countryside residing below! There are many sculptures dotted around the exterior of the castle, making for an interesting walk around the grounds, admiring the statues as you go. Not only does the exterior boast immeasurable beauty, but the interior sits and awaits your exploration also. Tour through the many rooms, hearing about the stories of the castle as you go and truly feeling as if you are stepping back in time! If you aren’t wanting to go inside the castle or you’re a little too afraid of heights for the tower climb, do not fret! There are many walking paths and benches sitting on the castle grounds, so why not go for a leisurely stroll or sit for a picnic with the family?
Visit the Northern Forts
Wanting to visit one of the most interesting and significant historical sites in Latvia? A trip to the Northern Forts is on the cards for you! Located in Liepaja, the site exists as an abandoned set of concrete block ruins. These ruins previously existed as Latvia’s navy port defenses. Nowadays, the Northern Forts are an insight into Latvia’s past, almost haunting in their apocalyptic state. Not only of historical significance, but the area is also an excellent place to watch the sunset, go on a walk, or have a bike ride, with the beach located seconds from the forts.
Admire the View from Riga’s St Peter’s Church
There is a multitude of churches and even a few cathedrals in the capital city of Latvia. But, if you want this author’s opinion, St Peter’s Church is the one you want to visit! The views from its magnificent spire are truly breathtaking. I’m talking unmatched, panoramic views of the beautiful city below. Choose from taking a flight of stairs or the lift to the very top and get ready to admire Riga from one of its highest points! Look on in awe at the red rooves and quaint cobbled streets of the Old Town, and gaze at vibrantly blue waters of the Daugava river that so elegantly separates the right and left banks of the city. For the very best views, make sure to explore St Peter’s Church and its wonderful spire on a cloudless, sunny day. You won’t be disappointed! Plus, on your way back down, why not explore the church’s interior? St Peter’s Church very often holds temporary art exhibitions, displaying some wonderful pieces of world art.
Brave Karosta Prison
Are you feeling brave! If you find yourself in Liepaja, make sure you take part in a guided tour of the infamous Karosta Prison. Previously existing as a Soviet military prison, the venue is now a historic site and museum. Though be warned, the building is still just as eerie! The tour is incredibly fascinating and lasts for around one hour. If you’re feeling super brave, why not take part in one of the overnight experiences? Make sure to bring a friend, as Karosta Prison remains as creepy as ever!
Go Bobsleighing
When in Sigulda, one of the most fantastic activities you can take part in is bobsleighing! The very best place to do this just has to be the Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track. Not only a wonderful place for visitors to take part in these exciting recreational activities, the track has hosted many competitions in its time and so also functions as a brilliant events venue. For tourists, there are three main activities for you to take part in: softbob, soft skeleton or frog, and taxibob. Each depends on your level of skill or how brave you are feeling on the day! Bobsleighing is an incredibly fun experience and one unique to cold and snowy regions. So make sure to take advantage of this opportunity whilst you are visiting Latvia! You will not regret it!
Try Riga’s Black Balsam
When in Latvia you simply must have a taste of the country’s most infamous and traditional drink! So, what is this mysterious beverage? Latvia’s traditional drink consists of a liquor that in itself is made up of vodka and a multitude of different types of plants. It is named ‘Riga Black Balsam’. The drink itself is sometimes described as possessing a medicinal taste, with legend stating that when Russian Empress Catherine II became ill whilst visiting Latvia, only Riga Black Balsam would relieve her symptoms. Though the truthfulness of this tale is unlikely, it remains true that a trip to the country is incomplete without experiencing this fantastically unique beverage. What’s more, it’s everywhere! You can find Riga Black Balsam in restaurants, bars, and shops across the entire country. Drink it on its own or pair it with other ingredients to fashion a quirky cocktail. Though, be warned! Riga Black Balsam is very strong and is not recommended for the faint-hearted.
Take a Day Trip to Jūrmala
Just half an hour from the city of Riga lies the stunning seaside resort of Jūrmala. Jūrmala has existed as a fantastic choice destination for Eastern European holidaymakers for well over a century! In fact, some of the highest-ranking Communist officials often used to relax there. So, you can imagine how wonderful the resort is. There is so much to see and do here, but the main attraction is of course the Jūrmala beach! Over thirty-three kilometers in length and covered in white sand, the beach is truly beautiful. As well as the sea and sand, there are many green spaces to choose from. Why not go for a picnic in the stunning Dzintari Forrest Park and admire the Art Nouveau style, wooden architecture. To get to Jūrmala, take a short train from Riga Train Station and get ready for a relaxing beach day, surrounded by natural beauty.
Location: Jūrmala, Latvia
Step Back in Time at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Standing beside some of the most famous architectural landmarks in Latvia’s capital is the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. If you are struggling to find the museum, remember, that it stands out as a large, black, modern building! The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia recalls the period dating from 1940 to 1991 when the country of Latvia was occupied by Soviet Russia, then Nazi Germany, and then once again by Soviet Russia. In light of this, the Musem of the Occupation of Latvia is described as a ‘’haunting memorial’ to the victims of Soviet repression and the Holocaust. Exploring this museum is a truly eye-opening experience and is one that this author recommends all visitors take. Not only will you feel your mind-expanding, but you will also begin to understand the emotional history of Latvia and feel more so connected to the fascinating country in which you stand.
Location: Raiņa bulvāris 7, Centra Rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
