Latvia 4 Day Itinerary
4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Latvia
Day 1: Explore Riga (Capital City)
Places to Go
- Old Town Riga: Wander through the charming medieval streets, visit the House of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome Cathedral.
- Central Market: One of Europe’s largest markets offering fresh produce, traditional foods, and handmade crafts.
- Art Nouveau District: Marvel at the stunning architecture, especially the buildings designed by Mikhail Eisenstein.
- Latvian National Opera and Ballet: If you’re an art lover, catch a performance here.
Activities
- Visit the Museum of Occupation of Latvia: Learn about Latvia’s history during the 20th century.
- Take a River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Daugava River for beautiful city views.
- Explore the Central Park: A peaceful green space in the heart of Riga, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
Things to Know
- The official language is Latvian, but English is widely spoken.
- Latvia uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency.
- Latvia’s timezone is Eastern European Time (UTC+2).
Day 2: Discover Sigulda (Gauja National Park)
Places to Go
- Turaida Museum Reserve: Explore a medieval castle and open-air museum showcasing Latvian history and culture.
- Gauja National Park: Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or river rafting in this beautiful national park.
- Sigulda Cave: Explore one of the longest caves in Latvia.
Activities
- Visit the Sigulda Boberg Manor: Learn about the history of this grand manor house and its surrounding park.
- Go Bobsledding at Kempini: Experience a thrilling bobsled ride down the hillside.
Day 3: Journey to Cēsis (Medieval Town) and Vidzeme Open-Air Museum
Places to Go
- Cēsis Castle: Explore this impressive medieval castle, built in the 13th century.
- Vidzeme Open-Air Museum: Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing traditional Latvian architecture and lifestyle.
Activities
- Hike in Gauja National Park: Continue your hiking adventures in the picturesque landscape of Gauja National Park.
- Visit the Cēsis Town Museum: Learn about the town’s history and local culture.
Day 4: Relax in Jurmala (Seaside Resort)
Places to Go
- Jurmala Beach: Enjoy a day at the beach, soak up the sun, or take a dip in the Baltic Sea.
- Jurmala Central Park: Stroll through this beautiful park lined with Art Nouveau villas.
- Livu Aquapark: If you’re traveling with kids, spend a fun day at this water park.
Things to Know
- Jurmala is easily accessible by train or bus from Riga.
- Summer is the peak season, so book accommodations in advance.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and most European countries, do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Always check the Latvian Embassy website to confirm your requirements.
Transportation
- Public transportation in Latvia is reliable and affordable. You can use buses, trams, and trains to get around major cities and towns.
- Renting a car is also an option if you prefer to travel at your own pace. Just remember that Latvians drive on the right side of the road.
- Taxis are widely available but can be more expensive than public transportation.