• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-856466760351
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "latvia",
      "destination": "Latvia",
      "title": "latvia",
      "type": "Country",
      "country": "Latvia",
      "region": "Eastern-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Latvia

A tapestry of sea, lakes and woods, Latvia is best described as a vast, unspoilt parkland with just one real city – its cosmopolitan capital, Rīga. The country might be small, but the amount of personal space it provides is enormous. You can always secure a chunk of pristine nature all for yourself, be it for trekking, cycling or dreaming away on a white-sand beach amid pine-covered dunes.

House of the Blackheads in Riga, Latvia

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Latest Stories
Book
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026
Book

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop $19.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Take your Latvia trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Latvia

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Top places to visit in Latvia

Discover the best attractions in Latvia from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-203879495214
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "latvia",
      "destination": "Latvia",
      "title": "latvia",
      "type": "Country",
      "country": "Latvia",
      "region": "Eastern-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Travel Guides

Latvia travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From Rīga’s art nouveau architecture to sprawling Baltic beaches to medieval castles in the countryside, discover the best Latvia has to offer.


Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-641597782872
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "latvia",
      "destination": "Latvia",
      "title": "latvia",
      "type": "Country",
      "country": "Latvia",
      "region": "Eastern-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Latvia

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Latvia and beyond

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-652922417581
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "latvia",
      "destination": "Latvia",
      "title": "latvia",
      "type": "Country",
      "country": "Latvia",
      "region": "Eastern-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }