Latvia Tours in 2026
Laipni lūdzam Latvijā!
Latvia may be small, but it more than delivers. Riga shines with cool bars, art, and a stunning Old Town. Beyond, find wild pine forests, lakes, moose, bears, and over 500km of beautiful Baltic beaches.
Things to do and see
Experiences that define Latvia
Riga's Old TownWander Riga’s Old Town—cobblestone lanes, Art Nouveau nearby, and lively squares in Latvia’s historic heart.
Gauja National ParkExplore Gauja National Park—river valleys, castles, and forest trails in Latvia’s outdoor playground.
St. Peter’s ChurchClimb St. Peter’s Church for Riga skyline views—Gothic architecture and one of the city’s top viewpoints.
Turaida CastleVisit Turaida Castle—red-brick towers, museum exhibits, and Gauja Valley views in Latvia’s castle country.
Pine forestsWalk through pine forests—fresh air, quiet trails, and classic Northern European scenery.
Cape KolkaVisit Cape Kolka—where Baltic Sea meets Gulf of Riga, with windswept beaches and wild coastal views.
Best time to travel
Forests, Dunes & Long Days
Jun-Aug. Warm and bright for Jūrmala and Gauja National Parks.
Most popular time
Beach season is July
Most budget-friendly
Winter season is November - March
Favourite season
Most people like to visit during June - August
Culturally significant times
Visit in June for Jāņi midsummer bonfires
Need to know
Latvia at a glance
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (UTC +2)
Climate
Temperate with cold winters and mild summers
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Transportation
Buses, trams, trolleybuses, trains
Local cuisine
Grey peas, rye bread, and bacon-filled piragi
Languages Spoken
Latvian
Because planning should feel exciting, not exhausting
Frequently asked questions
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our [Entry Requirements tool](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-and-visa-requirements/). Alternatively, check the Latvian embassy website in your country of departure.
Latvia has a temperate maritime climate, which means it experiences mild, wet winters and cool but sunny summers. Temperatures during the summer (June to August) tend to float between 15 and 20°C (59 to 68°F), though they can go higher during heatwaves and other periods. Given the latitude, the days are long here with up to 18 hours of daylight per day. Winters (December to February) are cold with temperatures ranging from around \-5 to \-10°C (23 to 14°F) on average. Snow is common and the days are dark.
Temperatures during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) float somewhere in between, though rainfall is more frequent. It can get rather wet, so pack a rain jacket\!
The best time to visit Latvia really depends on what you’re looking for. Summers (June to August) offer the best weather which means it’s the best time to get out and about and enjoy hiking, local festivals, and more. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are also pleasant times to visit as there are less crowds — though be prepared for rain.
Winters (December to February) are perfect if you’re looking to go skiing, snowboarding, or enjoy Christmas markets, which can be pretty magical.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected — though not compulsory — component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per person, per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is very much appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
The internet access in Latvia is generally very good and reliable — even in rural areas. Most public spaces offer fantastic Wi-Fi, and there’s also excellent 4G and even 5G here.
Most major banks have ATMs in Latvia, and you can access cash in various locations throughout the country — particularly in major cities like Riga.
Most ATMs here accept international credit and debit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro), though it's a good idea to check with your bank beforehand just in case. Please note that you may be charged a transaction fee for withdrawals.
Latvia does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions — nor same-sex partnerships for that matter either. It’s a conservative country, and traditional views are common here — it’s therefore wise to be discreet.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).
The official language of Latvia is Latvian, which is spoken by the majority of the population. It’s one of the world’s oldest languages, and is closely related to Lithuanian. Other languages spoken here include Russian, English, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Polish.
Yes — the tap water in Latvia is perfectly safe to drink throughout the whole country.
Yes — in general, Latvia is an incredibly safe place to visit. However, like everywhere else in the world, petty crime does exist. Keep an eye on your valuables and you should run into no problems here.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides leading your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [Travel Safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).