A typical first trip here runs about $525 to $700 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Grey peas with bacon, Latvia's most beloved traditional dish
- Rupjmaize, dark, dense rye bread that Latvians are deeply proud of
- Smoked and marinated fish from the Baltic Sea
- Riga Black Balsam, herbal liqueur with 24 plant ingredients
- Kvass, fermented rye bread drink, refreshing in summer
- Latvian Song and Dance Celebration (every 5 years), UNESCO heritage event
- Jāņi (Midsummer, June 23), the biggest holiday, celebrated in countryside
- Riga Art Nouveau architecture, one of the world's best-preserved collections
- Independence Day (November 18), parades and light festivals in Riga
Latvian is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in Riga.
Russian is commonly understood. Latvians take pride in their language and culture after Soviet occupation, showing respect matters.
- Latvians are reserved in public but warm in private settings
- Singing is deeply embedded in culture, Latvians sing at every occasion
- Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants
- Riga's Old Town is compact, explore it entirely on foot
Latest for Latvia
Updates for Latvia will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.