Discover 12 Stunning Places to Visit in Latvia: A Local Guide's Top Picks
Latvia, one of the three Baltic states in northeastern Europe, is best known for its captivating capital, Riga. Yet beyond the city lie undiscovered treasures. As a local nature tour guide, I've explored Latvia's landscapes where forests cover over half the country, 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes flow, pristine boglands thrive, and 500+ km of secluded Baltic beaches await. Combined with unique Baltic heritage, Latvia offers an off-the-beaten-path escape. Here are my top 12 most beautiful places to visit.
Riga – Latvia's Gorgeous Capital and Top Destination
Riga, Latvia's most popular spot, boasts over 800 years of history and a rich cultural legacy. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, renowned Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant hipster districts, and lush parks draw visitors. National Geographic highlights Riga's blend of old-world Europe and modern Nordic vibe. Home to one-third of Latvians, it's a 'country within a country'—but the real Latvia beckons beyond.
Sigulda – Tranquil Town with Gauja National Park Views and Nature Adventures
Just 50 km from Riga in Vidzeme, Sigulda shines for its Gauja National Park vistas—Latvia's oldest park. Ideal for day trips, it offers hiking trails, kayaking on the Gauja River, and autumn foliage in mid-October. Don't miss Turaida Museum-Reserve for panoramic views and Latvian history.
Cēsis – Charming Cultural Hub Amid Stunning Nature
Nearly as ancient as Riga, Cēsis (under 100 km away) features a medieval castle and summer festivals. Nestled in Gauja National Park, nearby sandstone cliffs like Sietiņiezis and Ērgļu (Eagles’) Cliffs along the Gauja River are must-sees.
Jūrmala – Resort City with Iconic Beaches
Only 25 km from Riga, Jūrmala stretches 32 km along the Gulf of Riga. Pine forests separate beaches from urban areas, perfect for walks or bike rides on firm sand. Enjoy wooden villas, modern resorts, Jomas Street cafes, and beachside tents.
Ķemeri National Park – Unique Boglands and Coastal Wonders
40 minutes west of Riga, Ķemeri features the Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk—a rare raised bog habitat. Explore Lake Kaņieris by boat or SUP, wooded dunes, pine forests, and uncrowded Gulf beaches. Grab smoked fish in villages like Bigauņciems or Ragaciems.
Liepāja – Vibrant Resort with Silky White Sands
Latvia's third-largest city (3 hours from Riga), dubbed 'where the wind is born,' offers wide beaches and dunes. Wooden architecture fills its center. Nearby: Bernati Nature Reserve and Lake Pape for birdwatching and wilderness.
Kolka Cape – Where Gulf Meets Baltic Sea in Slītere National Park
In remote Slītere (Latvia's wildest park, 2 hours from Riga), Kolka Cape sees Gulf of Riga waves clash with the Baltic. Admire from shore—strong currents make swimming dangerous. Nearby: pristine forests and beaches.
Jūrkalne – Baltic's Most Dramatic Steep Coast
2.5 hours from Riga, Jūrkalne's cliffs stun. Stay in Ventspils or Pavilosta (30 mins away). Part of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route—ideal for nature lovers.
Kuldīga, Kandava & Sabile – Charming Medieval Towns in Kurzeme
Kuldīga boasts Europe's widest waterfall (Ventas Rumba), a stone bridge, and medieval center. Spring vimba fish jumps are a highlight. Nearby: Kandava's castle views and Abava River kayaking; Sabile's vineyard and fruit wines.
Rundāle Palace – Baroque Masterpiece
80 km south of Riga, this Rastrelli-designed gem (like St. Petersburg's Winter Palace) features opulent interiors and gardens. Join tours or drive independently.
Aglona – Pilgrimage Site in Latgale's Lake Country
In eastern Latgale ('land of blue lakes'), Aglona's Basilica draws pilgrims. Enjoy lake kayaking, wild islands, Bread Museum, and Latgalian cuisine.
Daugava River – Latvia's River of Destiny
Latvia's largest river (last 365 km here), central to culture. Daugavas Loki Nature Park offers meandering views, viewpoints, kayaking, and countryside drives.
This guide was written by Rolands Ratfelders of ESCAPERIES. A nature traveler, blogger, conservationist, ecotourism consultant, and guide at “i-Dā” Adventures, Rolands crafts custom Latvia trips.
