Tourist Attractions in Latvia

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Latvia

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Latvia

Latvia is a country with a leisurely pace of life. Hospitable locals advise you to take your time and get acquainted with the various sights of the pearl of the Baltic States. The architecture of the country is represented by ancient buildings – Bauska Castle or Dome Cathedral and modern constructions – Riga TV Tower. Separately, one can distinguish the houses of the Riga Art Nouveau style, which is characteristic only for the capital.

Natural beauty – waterfalls, rivers, forests can be appreciated in the national parks of Latvia. Many of them have health centres. Cultural life is represented by museums of various subjects. Traditional are the art museum and ethnographic museum. Unusual and unique is the Riga Motor Museum. Not only the capital of the country, but also small and cosy towns such as Kuldiga or Jurmala are worthy of tourists’ attention.

Top Cities to Visit in Latvia

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Latvia

Old Town (Riga)

The historical part of Riga, where it is recommended to start exploring the capital. A walk through this neighbourhood will take several hours. The cosy streets of the Old Town are lined with beautiful churches and old houses, as well as the Riga Castle, the centuries-old residence of the state’s rulers. Experienced travellers also recommend stopping by one of the small cafes in Old Town. Their pastries and coffee are extremely tasty.

House of the Black Heads

 4.6/5

8707 reviews

A building belonging to the largest corporation of foreign shipowners and merchants founded in the 14th century. In the past, they organised balls and celebrations in this house, as well as holding important public meetings. The facade of the building was reconstructed after the destruction during the Great Patriotic War. The building of the House of Chernogolovs is currently used for classical music concerts.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Art Nouveau building

 4.7/5

1316 reviews

About one third of the houses in the centre of Riga are in a special architectural style called “Riga Art Nouveau”. Most of the buildings were erected at the beginning of the 20th century. Distinctive elements of the style are bas-reliefs in the form of masks of women, unusual plant decorations and mouldings in the form of mythological creatures. Many houses of this style are located on Elizabetes Street, Alberta Street. Interesting is the “House with Dragons” at 8 Antonijas Street.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Freedom Monument

 4.7/5

9625 reviews

It was established in 1935. It honours the memory of those who fought for Latvia’s independence. It is located on the central boulevard of Riga. The monument is 42 metres high. At its top is a 20-metre sculpture of a young girl, who symbolises freedom. At the base of the stele are 13 figures and sculptures depicting the main moments of the country’s history. The Freedom Monument is considered the unofficial symbol of the country.

Open time

Kuldīga

 0/5

An ancient city with unusual architecture in the west of the country. One of the first churches in the city, the Church of St Katerina, was founded in 1252. The town square has been preserving the town’s traditions since the XVII century – it hosts festivals, fairs and exhibitions. The Venta River attracts the interest of travellers. It forms a wide picturesque waterfall. A bridge with brick vaults was built across the river in 1874 to pass to the other side.

Jomas iela

 0/5

It is one of the oldest streets in Jurmala, founded in the 19th century. The street is pedestrianised and has many cafes, small restaurants and souvenir shops. Every year festive events in honour of the founding of the street are held there – competitions and concerts, amusement rides and fireworks. An interesting historical building is the People’s House of Jurmala, which used to house a cinema.

Cat House

 4.5/5

2383 reviews

Built in the late Art Nouveau style in 1909. The cats symmetrically mounted on the turrets originally had their tails turned towards the Great Guild building. According to legend, this is how the landlord Blumer cynically expressed his displeasure at not being accepted into it. As a result of numerous lawsuits, the cats were turned the other way. The façade of the building is decorated with an eagle with open wings.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architechture

 4.4/5

4180 reviews

A residential complex representing a single architectural ensemble in Old Riga. The urban legend says that they were built by three men from the same family. Each of them erected the building in his own style, characteristic of the era of construction. The White Brother was built in 1490, the Middle Brother in 1746 and the Green Brother in 1718. Currently, the buildings of the architectural monument are occupied by state institutions.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Daugavpils Fortress

 4.5/5

2785 reviews

Located in the city of Daugavpils, it is a defence fort on the banks of the Western Dvina River. The construction of the castle began in the 19th century. The fortifications consist of a rampart, bastions and redoubts. On the square of the fortress there was a church, which was blown up in 1944. The fortress is divided into neighbourhoods, with main and secondary streets. The décor of the fortress houses is minimal, in the style of late classicism.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Latvian National Opera

 4.7/5

6155 reviews

It is home to the National Opera and Ballet Companies. It is a state institution dedicated to the development of classical art in Latvia. The building was built in 1863 and originally belonged to the City German Theatre. Over the years it has suffered fires, artillery shells and several reconstructions. Many ballet dancers have achieved international fame – Mikhail Baryshnikov, Maris Liepa and Alexander Godunov.

Open time

Dzintari Concert Hall

 4.6/5

7260 reviews

A cinema and concert complex that is famous all over the world. It hosts world-class festivals and concerts. For better sound, special elements – glass rhombuses – are installed above the stage of the large open-air hall. The five-level stage can be used for concerts of different themes – jazz, choir and symphony orchestra performances. The Small Hall is stylised with national romanticism motifs.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM

Riga Motor Museum

 4.8/5

9483 reviews

One of the most interesting car museums in Europe. The three-storey building was built especially for the exhibition of the car collection. The area of the museum halls is more than 3000 m². Cars made in Latvia, military vehicles, a collection of cars produced by the Auto-Uniom concern, as well as motorbikes, mopeds and boat engines are presented. Some exhibits, such as the Soviet RAEF-50, exist in a single copy.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia

 4.6/5

4949 reviews

The museum was founded in 1924. It consists of 118 buildings transported to the museum from different parts of Latvia. Together they give a complete picture of the country’s rural historical landscape. The houses of fishermen, craftsmen and peasants are available for viewing. There are also mills, churches and forges. The interior of the buildings is recreated to reflect the life of the people of the region, and shows the life and culture of the time period.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Latvian National Museum of Art

 4.7/5

4453 reviews

The museum has more than 50,000 works of art. There are paintings by both Latvian and foreign artists. The museum building itself is a monument of architecture in the style of classicism and baroque. It was built in 1905. More than 100 years later the building was reconstructed. There was an underground floor with a glass roof. Two terraces under the roof were rebuilt as exhibition halls.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Latvian War Museum

 4.6/5

3501 reviews

Dedicated to the history of the Latvian armed forces. Initially, the museum was located in the surviving Powder Tower, and the exposition was dedicated to the memory of Latvian riflemen who died in the First World War. In 1940 the museum moved to a building specially constructed for it. Currently, the museum’s expositions cover the military history of the peoples of the Baltic region over many centuries and the role of the armed forces in the establishment of the Latvian state.

Open time

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

 4.3/5

1415 reviews

The museum exposition tells about the history of Latvia from 1941 to 1990. The museum is private but has state accreditation. There are more than 60,000 objects and 30,000 documents and photographs in the collections, which preserve the memory of the period of occupation of Latvia. Including more than 2,000 videos with people who lived through this period. The museum is often visited by major politicians such as Petro Poroshenko and Angela Merkel.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Riga Cathedral

 4.6/5

5358 reviews

One of the largest and oldest religious buildings in Latvia. The cathedral was built in 1211. It is located in the centre of Riga. Its architectural style combines elements of Art Nouveau, Baroque and Gothic. The height of the spire before the fire in 1547 was 140 metres. An organ with 6768 pipes is installed in the cathedral. Hundreds of people come to enjoy its music. The Cathedral also houses the Museum of Riga’s History and Navigation.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM

St. Peter's Church

 4.6/5

6177 reviews

Lutheran church, built in 1209. It is included in the list of UNESCO protected objects. Its 123 metre high spire can be seen from almost every corner of Riga. Only the Riga TV Tower is higher. At a height of 71 metres there is an observation deck on the spire. From it you can see almost the whole city and the Daugava River valley. Inside the church there is an ancient carved wooden altar, the chapel of the Blue Guard, and a statue of the knight Roland.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

 4.7/5

2324 reviews

Cathedral, built at the end of the XIX century in the traditional Byzantine style. The temple is five-domed with a large bell tower. Russian painters Vereshchagin, Shamshin, Venig were invited to paint the cathedral. XX century was difficult for the cathedral. During the change of political power in Latvia, no services were conducted in the cathedral, and the building was practically destroyed. Only in 1992 religious life was resumed in the restored building.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Basilica of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Aglona

 4.8/5

2396 reviews

It was founded in 1768. More than 150,000 pilgrims come here on Ascension Day. The record attendance was set in 1993, when Pope John Paul II celebrated the Pontifical Mass. 380,000 pilgrims came to hear the Mass. The style of the basilica is late Baroque. The spring by the lake near the basilica is believed to be holy and can heal, and Our Lady of Anglesey protects newborn babies.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:15 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Turaida Castle

 4.6/5

6683 reviews

It was founded in 1214. It was built on the site of a wooden crusader castle. It burned down at the end of the 18th century. But tourists kept visiting its ruins and their interest in the ruins influenced the decision to restore the castle. Since 1973, excavations have been carried out here and many valuable antiquities have been found. At the same time, the castle is being restored. Several towers, part of the buildings and walls have been restored.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sigulda New Castle

 4.6/5

97 reviews

Built by the Crusaders in 1207 after their victory over the local population. One of the most powerful and protected fortresses in Livonia. Over the centuries, the castle has changed many owners and survived many battles and assaults. A tower and several fragments of the walls have been preserved. The early Gothic style can be discerned in the design elements. The ruins of the chapel have preserved elements of the interior and facades.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Rundāle Palace Museum

 4.7/5

11321 reviews

The residence of the Dukes of Courland. Its name means “Valley of Tranquillity”. Its construction began in 1736. The palace complex includes outbuildings and a stable. It is surrounded by a garden in the French style. The palace is two-storeyed and has 138 rooms. It is built in the Baroque style, and the facade is in the Rococo style. Currently, the palace is used to receive high-ranking guests from abroad.

Open time

Cēsis Castle

 4.8/5

5436 reviews

Also known as Wenden Castle. One of the best preserved castles of the Teutonic Order. It was built in the 13th century. The town of Cesis was built near its walls later. Among the owners of the castle is the Russian chancellor Bestuzhev, who abandoned the castle after a heavy fire in it. At the end of the 18th century, Baron Sivers restored the castle and added additions to it – the Church of the Saviour, the “New Castle” and the Lademacher Tower.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bauska Castle Museum

 4.6/5

5329 reviews

It was built in the 15th century by the Knights of the Livonian Order for defence against Lithuanian troops. Over time, the surrounding settlements of craftsmen and fishermen became the town of Bauska. During the Second Great Northern War the castle was blown up by order of Peter the Great. The locals used the debris of the walls for their needs. In 1970 the restoration of the castle began. Nowadays there are several museum expositions within its walls.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Rīgas radio un televīzijas tornis

 4.3/5

26 reviews

The tallest building in the Baltic States with a height of 369 metres. The TV tower is located on Hare Island. At a height of 97 metres there is an observation deck, from which Riga and the Gulf of Riga can be seen. There are high-speed lifts in two pillars of the tower. Above, on the technological floors, there is an ordinary lift. The TV tower building pointing into the sky is one of the most recognisable symbols of Riga.

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Dzintari Forest Park

 4.7/5

10355 reviews

Located in the centre of Jurmala. It has a unique forest of 200-year-old pine trees. The green zone is large – it occupies 13 hectares. It is perfect for walking. Paths are laid between trees, there are enough benches for rest. The park has special paths for cycling and roller skating. There are playgrounds for children and a skate park for teenagers.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Vērmane Garden

 4.6/5

10578 reviews

Founded in 1813, it is one of the oldest parks in Riga. It was named in honour of the widow Werman, who donated a large sum of money to build a park on the site of a mire. The area of the park is 5 hectares. There is a fountain in the centre of the park. More than 2000 trees and shrubs, including those not typical for this area – ash-leaved lanina and Manchurian walnut, were planted. The park’s rose garden – the first of its kind in Riga – is noteworthy.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Venta waterfall

 4.9/5

2901 reviews

The waterfall is located in the town of Kuldiga on the Venta River. The natural monument is valued because it is located within the city limits and it is very convenient for tourists to see it. There is a staircase and a viewing platform on the city side. The width of the waterfall is about 100 metres, in high water it can be more than 200 metres. The height is about 2 metres. The river flow is slow, some daredevils wade through the waterfall a step away from the cliff.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Daugavas loki

 4.7/5

106 reviews

The nature park is located on the banks of the River Daugava, in a picturesque place where it makes 8 bends. The height difference in this place is significant – it reaches 50 metres. The largest cliff named Verversky is 42 metres high. Several thousand people visit the park every year. They are attracted not only by the natural beauty of the park, but also by its historical sights – castles and parishes.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Ķemeri

 0/5

The National Park was founded in 1997 and is of high importance in the field of nature conservation. It is divided into three zones. People are not allowed to enter one of the protected zones at all, while visitors are allowed access to the others. There are paths for walking, bridges over streams. They pass through a large Kemer swamp, sand dunes, past lakes. You can also rent a bicycle. There are two mineral springs in the park, and spa treatments are available.

Gauja

 4.7/5

1980 reviews

The picturesque park is the most famous in Latvia. It is located in the valley of the Gauja River. Because of its beautiful views and landscapes, the park is often called Livonian or Latvian Switzerland. Most tourists are attracted by the cliffs made of Devonian sandstone, their height reaches 90 metres. Most of the territory is covered with forest, and there are many lakes. You can also see historical monuments – burial mounds, medieval castles, rock paintings.

Riga National Zoological Garden

 4.5/5

18118 reviews

More than 300,000 people visit the zoo every year. There are more than 2000 animals of 400 different species. The zoo is located on the shore of Lake Kisezers. It is a large green area with walking alleys and beautiful landscaping. Cosy pavilions are built on the lake shore. You can not only look at the animals in Riga Zoo, but also feed them. The “Village Corner” is equipped for this purpose. The zoo has a café for visitors.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Jurmala Beach

 4.6/5

1762 reviews

The total length of Jurmala’s beaches is about 30 kilometres. All of them have clean and soft sand. Maiori beach is considered the most popular among young people because of the many active beach activities on it. For family holidays with children choose Bulduri and Jaunķemeri. They have a flat and shallow entrance to the water. Windsurfers prefer Pumpuri beach – strong winds create decent waves there.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Gulf of Riga

 4.6/5

666 reviews

It is located between Estonia and Latvia. The cities of Riga, Jurmala and Pärnu are located on its shores. The water temperature warms up to 18 degrees Celsius in summer and drops below 0 degrees Celsius in winter. The wide beaches of the coasts consist of white sand, but there are also stony areas. There is a strip of dunes up to 10 metres high. Some parts of the shore are covered with dense forest. The diverse nature of the bay makes it a wonderful holiday destination.