Why visit
Latvia balances Riga's Art Nouveau streets, Baltic beaches at Jurmala, Gauja National Park castles, and a strong song and folk tradition. It is a practical first Baltic trip, especially by train or bus from Estonia or Lithuania.
Country - Europe
Latvia
culturenaturehistorycity
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Latvia works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Riga as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Latvia.
At a glance
Location
57.0°, 25.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
64,559 km²
24,926 mi²
Country population
1.9 million
29/km²
Subregion
Northern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+371
Language
Latvian
Demonym
Latvian
Internet
.lv
UN
Member state
ISO code
LV / LVA
Where in the world
57.0° - 25.0°
Latvia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Latvia hosts the largest choir festival in the world every five years: 30,000+ singers perform at once in Riga.
- Riga has the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture: over 750 buildings.
- Latvia's national dish is grey peas with bacon (pelēkie zirņi ar speķi).
Bordering Latvia
Traveler notes
- Riga has one of Europe's richest Art Nouveau districts
- Gauja National Park combines forest, caves, castles, and river trails
- Jurmala gives Riga an easy beach escape
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Riga, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Signature travel cities in Latvia
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Latvia
What is the capital of Latvia?
Riga is the capital of Latvia.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Latvia?
The primary language is Latvian.
Is Latvia landlocked?
No, Latvia has a coastline.
What countries border Latvia?
Latvia borders Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia.
What is the international calling code for Latvia?
The calling code is +371.
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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