Riga

The capital of Latvia with a population of about 1 million (so it's not a big city), Latvia's total population is about 2 million. Realistically you'll only need about two days to see most of what Riga has, maybe three if you want to see things not in the city center. The city center square is a lot more expensive than the rest of Riga. Lots of bars and in the summer pop up hipster areas where you can sit outside and get food and drink from the varies vendors. 

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Food to try

Not the best selection for vegetarians, although it's much better than it used to be - many dishes are meat and potato based. Potato pancakes, potato balls, pork cutlets, dumplings, fruit beers.

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Travelling around Latvia

Getting around Latvia is easiest with a car although from Riga's bus station you'll be able to get most cities, there are also some trains. Sunday's have a very reduced public service. Getting to some of the more remote nature places can be difficult without a car, i.e National Parks, forests or secluded beaches. Within Riga bus tickets are cheap or you can rent eScooters around, they go fast or slow if you want to restrict your speed.

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Other cities

Kuldiga

A small town with Europe's longest (Venta) waterfall, although being only a couple of meters high. The water is shallow and many people swim and walk through it. Not at all dangerous, well maybe for your phone if you drop it. A small town center that is mainly restaurants and cafes.

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Ķemeri National Park - Wetlands

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Gauja National Park - 25 miles west of Riga

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Cesis - West - medieval - castle

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Rundale Palace

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Latvia beaches

Almost all the beaches are sandy in Latvia, with around 300 miles of coastline you will not be short of choice where to go but here are some of the top choices around cities.

Jūrmala

Around 16 miles west of Riga (one of the closest beaches), Jūrmala is probably the most "touristy" beach town with many restaurants and more to do to keep busy. For that reason it can be quite busy during summer and weekends but nowhere near as busy as UK beach standards. Aside from the beach there is Dzintari Forest Park (great for kids and big kids), open air museum, lots of kids playgrounds and  shops in the town centre. Ķemeri National Park also isn't too far from here.

 

North Latvia (Vidzeme) beaches 

The beaches in the Vidzeme region will mostly be very quiet and will have a lot more nature. These beaches are mostly sandy although there are rocky areas. The Veczemju cliffs are worth a visit although "cliffs" is a slight exaggeration being around 2 - 3 meters high. The Randu Meadows are also trip worthy if you are in the area. The strip between Tuja and Vitrupe is a good target to aim for.

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Ventspils

A family family friendly beach town like Jūrmala but located further east and usually less busy. The typical seaside town, a promenade, town center with shops and restaurants. There is a water amusement park and also a kids adventure park. The Creative Centre has a planetarium and observatory, it also shows 360 degree films.

 

Pavilosta

A very small port "town" in West Latvia, very popular with surfers if conditions are just right. Only a handful of restaurants. With a population of under 1000 don't expect any nightlife or many actives for a younger family apart from the beach.

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Cape Kolka

The highest beach point on the east side of Latvia. The sandy beaches are surrounded by forests and because it's where Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga meet sometimes the seas are different colours. It's a popular spot for people who want to see nature and wildlife.

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Neighboring countries - Estonia, Lithuania ​