Europe · Northern Europe

Latvia

Republic of Latvia

Flag of Latvia
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+02:00
🏛️ Capital
Riga
👥 Population
1,829,000
📐 Area
64,559 km²
💱 Currency
euro (€)
🗣️ Languages
Latvian
📞 Calling Code
+371
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Europe / Northern Europe

About Latvia

Latvia is a small Baltic nation that rewards visitors with a remarkable concentration of natural beauty, architectural brilliance, and a cultural identity forged through centuries of resilience. Wedged between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia sits on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, its landscape a serene mosaic of dense pine forests, amber-scattered beaches, mirror-still lakes, and gentle river valleys that feel refreshingly undiscovered compared to more heavily touristed European destinations.

Riga, the capital and the Baltic region's largest city, is a place that stops visitors in their tracks. Its Art Nouveau architecture — the most concentrated collection anywhere in the world — transforms entire streets into open-air galleries of sculpted facades, floral motifs, and dramatic maskheads. The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds across cobbled lanes between soaring Gothic churches, guild halls, and the city's iconic Riga Cathedral. The energy of the city is lively and creative, with a thriving restaurant scene, independent design shops, and a music culture deeply rooted in the Latvian tradition of choral singing.

Beyond Riga, Latvia opens into a landscape of quiet power. The Gauja National Park draws hikers and cyclists through ancient sandstone valleys to medieval castle ruins. The Latvian coast at Jūrmala stretches for kilometres of white-sand beach backed by elegant art nouveau villas. In the east, the Latgale region harbours a contemplative lakeland landscape that feels almost untouched. Latvia is a place where you can spend mornings in a world-class art museum and afternoons foraging for mushrooms in a primeval forest — and feel that both experiences are equally authentic.

History & Background

Latvia's recorded history is one of conquest and resilience. The Baltic Latvian tribes were subjugated by German crusading knights (the Livonian Brothers of the Sword) in the 13th century, beginning seven centuries of foreign rule. The region passed through Swedish and then Russian imperial control, and by the 19th century a Latvian national awakening was underway — poets, educators, and intellectuals began asserting Latvian language and culture as something worth celebrating and defending. Latvia declared independence on 18 November 1918, establishing a short but culturally productive interwar republic.

Soviet occupation in 1940, followed by Nazi invasion in 1941 and re-occupation by the USSR in 1945, brought catastrophic suffering, including the deportation of tens of thousands of Latvians to Siberia and the near-annihilation of Latvia's Jewish community in the Holocaust. Latvia was the last Soviet republic to declare independence, doing so on 4 May 1990 in a process culminating in full recognised independence in August 1991. The Singing Revolution — mass peaceful protests using song — is one of history's most extraordinary acts of non-violent resistance. Latvia joined NATO and the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2014, firmly anchoring itself in the European community.

Culture & People

Latvia's cultural identity is a remarkable act of collective preservation — a people who maintained their language, songs, and traditions through centuries of German, Swedish, Polish, Russian, and Soviet rule and emerged with a culture that is distinctly, defiantly their own. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival, held every five years, brings together over 30,000 performers in a mass choral celebration that was used as an act of peaceful resistance during the Soviet era and remains one of Europe's most emotionally powerful cultural events, recognised by UNESCO.

Latvian folk culture is rich with pagan roots. The ancient festival of Jāņi (Midsummer) is celebrated with bonfires, garlands of oak leaves and wildflowers, folk songs called dainas, and the rolling countryside filling with song long into the luminous Nordic night. The dainas — short, four-line folk poems — are among Europe's most extensive oral traditions, with millions recorded, exploring themes from nature and seasons to love and death. Latvians are known for their reserve with strangers but deep warmth within their circle of trust, and the experience of earning that warmth through genuine curiosity and respect is one of travel in Latvia's greatest rewards.

Food & Cuisine

Latvian cuisine is honest, seasonal, and deeply connected to the land and sea. Dark rye bread — rupjmaize — is the cornerstone of the Latvian table, dense, slightly sour, and eaten at every meal; Latvians consider it a national symbol as much as a food. Smoked fish, particularly cold-smoked sprats (sprats in Latvian — šprotes) and fresh smoked salmon, are beloved as both everyday sustenance and celebratory delicacies. Grey peas with bacon — pelēkie zirņi ar speķi — is the traditional Latvian staple, especially prepared at Jāņi (Midsummer), simmered with smoked lard and served with sour cream.

Seasonal eating is embedded in Latvian food culture. Spring brings wild garlic soups and fresh sorrel; summer overflows with berries, new potatoes, and cottage cheese; autumn means mushroom and cranberry harvests; winter centres on preserved meats, pickled vegetables, and warming potato dishes. Riga's food scene has transformed in recent years, with a new wave of restaurants celebrating Latvian ingredients with modern techniques and genuine creative ambition. The city's Central Market — housed in five former zeppelin hangars — is one of Europe's most atmospheric and comprehensive food markets, perfect for sampling local cheeses, breads, cured meats, and freshly caught Baltic fish.

Top Attractions

  • Riga Art Nouveau District — World's densest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, centred on Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela streets.
  • Riga Old Town (Vecrīga) — UNESCO-listed medieval core with Gothic churches, the House of the Blackheads, and St Peter's Church tower views.
  • Gauja National Park — Latvia's oldest national park, with sandstone cliffs, the medieval Turaida Castle, and hiking and cycling through ancient river valleys.
  • Jūrmala — Elegant Baltic seaside resort with art nouveau wooden villas, long sandy beaches, and a relaxed spa-town atmosphere.
  • Rundale Palace — Magnificent 18th-century Baroque palace designed by Rastrelli with elaborately restored state rooms and formal gardens.
  • Cēsis Medieval Town — Charming historic town with a ruined Livonian castle, cobblestone centre, and excellent craft brewery culture.

Practical Travel Tips

  • The euro is the currency; ATMs are widely available throughout Riga and major towns.
  • Riga's Old Town is compact and best explored on foot — wear comfortable shoes on the cobblestones.
  • Book accommodation well in advance if visiting during the Song and Dance Festival (held every five years) or summer peak season.
  • Purchase an Riga Card for unlimited public transport and discounted museum entry if spending several days in the city.
  • Renting a car is recommended for exploring the countryside, Gauja National Park, and the eastern Latgale lakes.
  • Learn a few basic Latvian phrases — locals genuinely appreciate the effort, even though English is widely spoken in cities.
  • Take the train to Jūrmala beach — it is only 30 minutes from central Riga and far cheaper than a taxi.

Visa Overview

Latvia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, meaning EU and EEA citizens can enter freely with a national ID card or passport. Citizens of many other countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. Nationals of countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a Schengen visa through a Latvian embassy or consulate before travel. Always verify current entry requirements on the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs website.

Getting Around

Riga International Airport is well-connected to major European cities via airBaltic (Latvia's national carrier) and numerous budget airlines. Within Latvia, bus services operated by Lux Express and regional providers connect all major towns efficiently. Trains run between Riga and Jūrmala, Sigulda, Cēsis, and other destinations. Car hire is the best option for exploring rural areas and national parks. Riga's public transport system of trams, trolleybuses, and buses is comprehensive, affordable, and easy to navigate with a contactless payment card.

Safety Notes

Latvia is a safe country for travellers, with crime rates low by European standards. Petty theft can occur around Riga's tourist areas and the Central Market, so keep bags close in crowded spaces. Exercise caution in the Old Town late at night during summer weekends when stag parties can create boisterous atmospheres. Roads in rural areas can be poor, particularly in spring when frost damage is common. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is recommended, though healthcare is readily available.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Latvia.

euro (EUR) €
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 13.498135
AAVE 0.012207
ADA 6.274808
AED 4.289988
AFN 76.455547
AGIX 20.529179
AKT 2.272266
ALGO 14.189848
ALL 92.685141
AMD 424.027941
AMP 3,045.105625
ANG 2.092390
AOA 1,072.800048
APE 9.083432
APT 2.088233
AR 0.628490
ARB 13.355611
ARS 1,748.796683
ATOM 0.782760
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.643352
AVAX 0.172446
AWG 2.090968
AXS 1.295990
AZM 9,928.939944
AZN 1.985788
BAKE 1,679.319615
BAM 1.955830
BAT 18.681877
BBD 2.336277
BCH 0.005530
BDT 142.135736
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.439220
BIF 3,474.425125
BMD 1.168138
BNB 0.001869
BND 1.485327
BOB 13.417154
BRL 6.049165
BSD 1.168138
BSV 0.072958
BSW 3,223.258550
BTC 0.000017
BTCB 19.735463
BTG 2.662160
BTN 111.698989
BTT 4,293,633.870463
BUSD 1.167363
BWP 15.712392
BYN 3.531873
BYR 22,892.119768
BZD 2.346397
CAD 1.612335
CAKE 0.724865
CDF 2,677.850523
CELO 18.665735
CFX 26.670481
CHF 0.932977
CHZ 91.379841
CLP 1,076.533162
CNH 7.856221
CNY 7.856620
COMP 0.063387
COP 3,566.077193
CRC 525.908198
CRO 23.443031
CRV 4.477219
CSPR 437.376052
CUC 1.167965
CUP 30.951080
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.722160
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.169588
DAI 1.167995
DASH 0.036762
DCR 0.098876
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,173.949573
DJF 207.474605
DKK 7.475781
DOGE 15.559342
DOP 68.222254
DOT 1.475899
DYDX 10.619105
DZD 155.028351
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.411187
EGP 59.168004
ENJ 46.163995
EOS 17.699426
ERN 17.522076
ESP 166.3860
ETB 189.840962
ETC 0.177060
ETH 0.000517
EURC 1.007090
FEI 1.166659
FIL 1.735227
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.570325
FKP 0.858509
FLOW 40.402035
FLR 181.679512
FRAX 1.178113
FRF 6.559570
FTT 5.628028
GALA 810.679960
GBP 0.858509
GEL 3.043474
GGP 0.858509
GHC 129,258.080826
GHS 12.925808
GIP 0.858509
GMD 86.563737
GMX 0.171685
GNF 10,251.220328
GNO 0.009637
GRD 340.750000
GRT 83.486314
GT 0.167849
GTQ 8.891317
GUSD 1.170061
GYD 242.978961
HBAR 16.482536
HKD 9.160613
HNL 31.229263
HNT 6.739420
HOT 3,459.133937
HRK 7.534500
HT 10.285845
HTG 151.930830
HUF 363.912152
ICP 0.503691
IDR 20,795.129467
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.479186
IMP 0.858509
IMX 11.165802
INJ 0.251490
INR 111.698989
IQD 1,521.432984
IRR 1,605,485.093482
ISK 142.210760
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.858509
JMD 183.506639
JOD 0.828210
JPY 184.981804
KAS 43.807615
KAVA 28.379937
KCS 0.160141
KDA 248.775858
KES 151.206276
KGS 102.263782
KHR 4,704.545984
KLAY 47.524124
KMF 491.967750
KNC 11.038440
KPW 1,051.169108
KRW 1,627.923719
KSM 0.379386
KWD 0.360072
KYD 0.970366
KZT 538.830177
LAK 26,188.725142
LBP 104,412.210169
LDO 3.447439
LEO 0.125630
LINK 0.111452
LKR 384.367548
LRC 146.833407
LRD 211.504891
LSL 18.807871
LTC 0.024865
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 26.419400
LUNC 23,121.482124
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.391687
MAD 10.810712
MANA 17.424385
MBX 56.487447
MDL 20.024216
MGA 5,003.343056
MGF 25,016.715279
MINA 27.334818
MKD 61.674485
MKR 0.000804
MMK 2,452.453344
MNT 4,202.281258
MOP 9.435431
MRO 465.248150
MRU 46.524815
MTL 0.429300
MUR 54.867428
MVR 18.057908
MWK 2,016.268235
MXN 19.797147
MXV 2.259844
MYR 4.722522
MZM 74,543.965010
MZN 74.543965
NAD 18.807871
NEAR 0.670043
NEO 0.641778
NEXO 1.564265
NFT 4,147,709.312915
NGN 1,573.132375
NIO 42.861444
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.896422
NPR 178.802157
NZD 1.965174
OKB 0.011409
OMR 0.449610
ONE 1,619.106291
OP 13.152159
ORDI 0.317301
PAB 1.168138
PAXG 0.000261
PEN 3.914147
PEPE 403,253.666827
PGK 5.244348
PHP 71.979185
PI 12.998716
PKR 322.928610
PLN 4.318860
POL 14.310295
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,989.685768
QAR 4.252024
QNT 0.019769
QTUM 1.618321
ROL 52,463.807106
RON 5.246381
RPL 0.751167
RSD 117.347658
RUB 98.112485
RUNE 2.738814
RVN 448.100204
RWF 1,712.919923
SAND 28.281148
SAR 4.380519
SBD 9.345534
SCR 16.944618
SDD 70,107.285017
SDG 701.072850
SEK 11.024123
SGD 1.485327
SHIB 246,536.287597
SHP 0.858509
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.764891
SLL 26,764.891300
SNX 5.698820
SOL 0.013769
SOS 662.486214
SPL 0.194690
SRD 44.162051
SRG 44,162.051242
SSP 6,622.133568
STD 24,659.830261
STN 24.659830
STX 8.955080
SUI 1.655196
SVC 10.221211
SYP 15,185.884647
SZL 18.807871
THB 38.354550
THETA 7.772011
TJS 10.714711
TMM 20,438.152755
TMT 4.087631
TND 3.385351
TOP 2.782662
TRL 56,017,507.438721
TRX 3.497140
TRY 56.017507
TTD 7.896346
TUSD 1.169893
TVD 1.643352
TWD 37.189827
TWT 2.920863
TZS 3,091.766548
UAH 52.172341
UGX 4,340.252567
UNI 0.319007
USD 1.168138
USDC 1.167877
USDD 1.168659
USDP 1.169374
USDT 1.168573
UYU 46.737715
UZS 13,720.168830
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 90,679,061,617.2383
VED 904.759628
VEF 90,475,962.821118
VES 904.759628
VET 240.660059
VND 30,514.748068
VUV 138.166522
WAVES 5.923568
WEMIX 6.035916
WOO 105.900228
WST 3.145984
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.017462
XAU 0.000260
XAUT 0.000261
XBT 0.000017
XCD 3.162080
XCG 2.092390
XCH 0.824540
XDC 41.993825
XDR 0.853050
XEC 166,599.965148
XEM 2,495.030510
XLM 6.801196
XMR 0.002735
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000879
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000648
XRP 1.052739
XTZ 5.362280
YER 276.931742
ZAR 18.807871
ZEC 0.002081
ZIL 480.563218
ZMK 21,882.679521
ZMW 21.882680
ZWD 422.749282
ZWG 31.154616
ZWL 77,846.793734

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Cities in Latvia 78
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Ainazhi Aizkraukle Aizpute Akniste Aloja Aluksne Ape Auce Baldone Balozhi Balvi Bauska Broceni Cesis Cesvaine Dagda Dobele Durbe Grobina Gulbene Ikskile Ilukste Ilukste Jaunjelgava Jekabspils Jelgava Kalnciems Kandava Karsava Kegums Kraslava Kuldiga Les Hautes-Rivieres Lielvarde Liepaja Ligatne Limbazhi Livani Lubana Ludza Madona Mazsalaca Ogre Olaine Pavilosta Piltene Piltene Plavinas Preili Priekule Rezekne Riga Rujiena Sabile Salacgriva Salaspils Saldus Saulkrasti Seda Sigulda Skrunda Smiltene Staicele Stende Strenchi Subate Subate Talsi Tukums Valdemarpils Valka Valmiera Vangazhi Varaklani Viesite Vilaka Vilani Zilupe

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Latvia needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Latvia?
The capital of Latvia is Riga.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Latvia?
The official language(s) of Latvia include Latvian.
What is the population of Latvia?
Latvia has a population of approximately 1,829,000 people.
What region is Latvia in?
Latvia is located in Europe, specifically in the Northern Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Latvia?
The international dialing code for Latvia is +371.
What time zones does Latvia observe?
Latvia observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in Latvia?
The local time in Latvia is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Latvia?
Latvia covers a total area of 64,559 km².
How many states or provinces does Latvia have?
Latvia is divided into 33 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Latvia in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Latvia in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Latvia?
Visa requirements for citizens of Latvia vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.