Latvia 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Riga

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes. Recommendations include “Robert’s Cafe”, “Farbos Kavas Kafetija” or “Cafe Alley”.
    • Visit the House of Blackheads, a historic building in the Old Town of Riga, rebuilt after its destruction during World War II.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to the Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and oldest markets, offering a wide variety of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
    • Explore the Art Nouveau District and marvel at the beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the “Melngalvju iela 19”, known as the most ornate Art Nouveau building in Riga.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a traditional Latvian dinner at “Vestiges” restaurant, located in a cellar dating back to the 13th century.
    • Take a leisurely stroll along the Daugava River and enjoy the night view of Riga from the Karlshaan Park.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Latvian, but English is widely spoken in the cities.
  • The currency is Euro (EUR).
  • The time zone is Eastern European Time (EET).
  • Wi-Fi is readily available in cafes and public areas.

Day 2: Discover Sigulda and Turaida

  • Morning:

    • Take a train or drive to Sigulda (approximately 1 hour from Riga).
    • Visit the Turaida Museum Reserve, an open-air history and ethnography museum with beautiful views of the Gauja River valley.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Gutman’s Cave or “Guta ala” in Latvian, a picturesque limestone cave accessible by boat or footpath.
    • Try bobsledding at the Sigulda Bobsleigh Track, one of the few remaining natural tracks in the world.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Riga and enjoy dinner at “Kompanija”, a restaurant specializing in Latvian cuisine with an innovative twist.
    • Take a night tour of Riga, if interested. Tours can be booked through various travel agencies or online platforms.

Day 3: Experience Cesis and the Vidzeme Region

  • Morning:

    • Drive or take a bus to Cesis (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Riga).
    • Visit the Cesis Medieval Castle, a well-preserved castle dating back to the 13th century.
    • Walk through the charming Old Town and explore the St. John’s Church, one of the tallest churches in Latvia.

  • Afternoon:

    • Drive through the Vidzeme region, known for its picturesque landscapes, quaint villages, and beautiful lakes. Stop at Lake Razna or Lake Lubans for a scenic walk or picnic.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Riga and have dinner at “3Tunas”, a restaurant offering Baltic Sea specialties in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Visit the Riga Central Market for some last-minute shopping or enjoy a drink at one of Riga’s many bars.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to visit Latvia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always check the latest requirements with your country’s embassy or online before traveling.

Transportation: Latvia has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the country.