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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 10.716689
AAVE 0.006195
ADA 4.193133
AED 4.107144
AFN 72.124996
AKT 1.411687
ALGO 8.540019
ALL 91.432623
AMD 405.129838
AMP 1,767.547063
ANG 2.013618
AOA 1,026.184185
APE 6.666280
APT 1.414881
AR 0.249927
ARB 5.562765
ARS 1,713.558082
ATOM 0.642150
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.612034
AVAX 0.102675
AWG 2.001848
AXS 0.853785
AZM 9,506.143510
AZN 1.901229
BAKE 4,657.009958
BAM 1.955830
BAT 10.888341
BBD 2.236702
BCH 0.003513
BDT 137.524417
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.420500
BIF 3,370.596007
BMD 1.118351
BNB 0.001415
BND 1.433591
BOB 13.394371
BRL 5.838865
BSD 1.118351
BSV 0.055945
BSW 2,692.196847
BTC 0.000013
BTCB 15.779982
BTG 1.690470
BTN 107.857669
BTT 2,986,438.293298
BUSD 1.115741
BWP 15.445980
BYN 3.361268
BYR 21,888.448241
BZD 2.250892
CAD 1.597536
CAKE 0.447756
CDF 2,585.065236
CELO 10.634771
CFX 20.739642
CHF 0.928271
CHZ 66.913355
CLP 1,095.805620
CNH 7.504962
CNY 7.498685
COMP 0.044611
COP 3,668.633536
CRC 512.313311
CRO 16.380217
CRV 2.920317
CSPR 433.831992
CUC 1.116758
CUP 26.781283
CVE 110.270000
CVX 0.480139
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.427415
DAI 1.116955
DASH 0.018779
DCR 0.060688
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,690.437002
DJF 199.433697
DKK 7.474046
DOGE 11.736926
DOP 66.942633
DOT 0.921640
DYDX 7.726001
DZD 149.513894
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.250402
EGP 58.875767
ENJ 33.455704
EOS 11.597993
ERN 16.775265
ESP 166.386000
ETB 182.584597
ETC 0.124766
ETH 0.000413
EURC 0.998152
FEI 1.116794
FIL 1.066157
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.520626
FKP 0.846645
FLOW 35.366072
FLR 154.814788
FRAX 1.126750
FRF 6.559570
FTT 4.374043
GALA 450.964172
GBP 0.846645
GEL 2.902565
GGP 0.846645
GHC 131,118.303233
GHS 13.111830
GIP 0.846645
GMD 82.837782
GMX 0.133363
GNF 9,843.195338
GNO 0.009256
GRD 340.750000
GRT 37.364613
GT 0.100761
GTQ 8.545799
GUSD 1.118883
GYD 233.766907
HBAR 10.840850
HKD 8.775334
HNL 30.095591
HNT 1.946686
HOT 2,497.771041
HRK 7.534500
HT 30.969037
HTG 146.341550
HUF 368.722470
ICP 0.343605
IDR 20,064.789025
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.413023
IMP 0.846645
IMX 6.155015
INJ 0.147883
INR 107.857669
IQD 1,464.189229
IRR 1,950,461.194231
ISK 137.186841
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.846645
JMD 176.904871
JOD 0.792911
JPY 176.783772
KAS 26.188209
KAVA 16.236521
KCS 0.149235
KDA 120.351931
KES 144.033878
KGS 97.805615
KHR 4,534.159251
KLAY 29.657263
KMF 491.967750
KNC 7.946349
KPW 1,005.082162
KRW 1,505.947201
KSM 0.216975
KWD 0.345466
KYD 0.927998
KZT 501.581157
LAK 25,206.193348
LBP 100,255.986202
LDO 2.398507
LEO 0.125191
LINK 0.079348
LKR 369.596274
LRC 106.282452
LRD 192.048172
LSL 18.714990
LTC 0.015970
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 22.038647
LUNC 21,263.726001
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.156972
MAD 11.025710
MANA 11.008864
MBX 37.578927
MDL 19.966841
MGA 4,983.731116
MGF 24,918.655582
MINA 6.985527
MKD 61.245028
MKR 0.000508
MMK 2,347.683970
MNT 4,025.174006
MOP 9.038594
MRO 449.134322
MRU 44.913432
MTL 0.429300
MUR 54.181048
MVR 17.289190
MWK 1,937.822140
MXN 20.385706
MXV 2.313413
MYR 4.571840
MZM 71,387.282107
MZN 71.387282
NAD 18.714990
NEAR 0.229327
NEO 0.439238
NEXO 1.300413
NFT 4,652,680.921770
NGN 1,484.186632
NIO 41.089455
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.807919
NPR 172.653164
NZD 2.000444
OKB 0.008970
OMR 0.430320
ONE 7.649904
OP 8.538552
ORDI 0.247791
PAB 1.118351
PAXG 0.000270
PEN 3.870044
PEPE 254,691.279240
PGK 5.023502
PHP 70.167354
PI 12.874739
PKR 309.664113
PLN 4.387800
POL 10.300702
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,529.511283
QAR 4.070798
QNT 0.004484
QTUM 1.138689
ROL 53,442.340852
RON 5.344234
RPL 0.586039
RSD 116.845922
RUB 93.785099
RUNE 1.431213
RVN 468.925516
RWF 1,651.985584
SAND 15.319711
SAR 4.193816
SBD 9.023667
SCR 15.945433
SDD 67,128.979894
SDG 671.289799
SEK 11.278751
SGD 1.433591
SHIB 189,483.745157
SHP 0.846645
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 25.772508
SLL 25,772.507633
SNX 4.447338
SOL 0.009269
SOS 637.324120
SPL 0.186392
SRD 42.291419
SRG 42,291.418817
SSP 6,388.682590
STD 24,710.092826
STN 24.710093
STX 2.833940
SUI 0.918317
SVC 9.785571
SYP 14,520.082122
SZL 18.714990
THB 37.675381
THETA 4.938643
TJS 10.297467
TMM 19,571.071207
TMT 3.914214
TND 3.344174
TOP 2.687501
TRL 54,977,692.756548
TRX 3.333290
TRY 54.977693
TTD 7.578355
TUSD 1.117203
TVD 1.612034
TWD 35.567085
TWT 1.968648
TZS 2,943.340803
UAH 50.294792
UGX 4,460.558641
UNI 0.124155
USD 1.118351
USDC 1.116839
USDD 1.117321
USDP 1.118920
USDT 1.117116
UYU 45.041246
UZS 13,170.899335
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 96,972,004,106.1163
VED 969.720041
VEF 96,972,004.106116
VES 969.720041
VET 128.660065
VND 29,092.685846
VUV 134.692447
WAVES 3.717087
WEMIX 5.724719
WOO 82.920725
WST 3.102503
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.018364
XAU 0.000271
XAUT 0.000270
XBT 0.000013
XCD 3.026703
XCG 2.013618
XCH 0.710119
XDC 33.992788
XDR 0.825945
XEC 137,662.026900
XEM 1,955.985830
XLM 5.019391
XMR 0.002076
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000956
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000654
XRP 0.742663
XTZ 3.404846
YER 264.369878
ZAR 18.714990
ZEC 0.000849
ZIL 312.086960
ZMK 21,963.655411
ZMW 21.963655
ZWD 404.731237
ZWG 29.934191
ZWL 74,797.287852

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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.