Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Latvia
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| | | Can you diga Riga? |  | Why go on holiday to Latvia?
To explore the bustling capital Riga, to see medieval castles, lush river valleys, forest wildlife and to soak up some culture at one of the country's many music festivals.
How much does it cost?
A three-night city break is from £289. Flights from London to Riga are from £150, a three-star hotel in Riga is from £65 per room, hostels are from £5 a night. Eurolines coach to Riga from London Victoria takes two days and costs from £188 return.
When should I go?
April to September is best for weather and more daylight hours. Summer is good for folk festivals and winter is best for theatre and concerts, but the winter weather can be really bitter. In July and August hotels get full so make reservations well ahead to avoid disappointment.
What should I do when I'm there?
Riga is most people's jumping off point. While not possessing quite the medieval charm of some other Baltic capitals it has enough to keep you interested. Most of the sights are in the Old Town (Vec Riga) with its medieval walls and historic buildings.
Get a bird's eye view of the area from the spire of St Peter's Church. Riga Castle dates from 1330 and houses three museums. Stroll down Smilsu iela, one of Riga's oldest streets, and the pedestrianised Torna iela (Tower Street) with its restored buildings.
Don't miss the Blackheads House, which is a lot prettier than it sounds. One of Latvia's architectural gems, it dates back to the 14th century and was badly damaged in the Second World War but has recently been fully restored. The city's many well tended parks are worth a look.
Anywhere else?
Take a day trip from Riga to Sigulda, 33 miles away, known locally as the Switzerland of Latvia.There are plenty of buses and trains from the capital.
As the gateway to Gauja National Park, it is an attractive area dotted with castles. They include the ruins of 13th-century Sigulda Castle, the red-brick Turaida Castle, which features a small but interesting museum, and Krimulda Castle.
Gutmanis Cave and Viktors Cave play important roles in local folklore.
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| | | Relax beside the seaside | | How about activities?
Thrill-seekers should remain in Sigulda where you can go canoeing and rafting. There is also bobsleighing at weekends on a 1,020-metre-long, 121-metre-high luge. Bungee jumping, ballooning and horse-riding are also possible.
Private companies offer guided bird-watching trips from Baldone, about 12 miles south of Riga.
Where can I relax?
Jurmala features a string of small towns and resorts stretching 12 miles along the coast west of Riga. With beaches, dunes and woodlands, plus museums, galleries, restaurants, pubs and inns, it's a perfect recipe for a relaxing break.
Better still, it's rarely crowded and easy to reach. There are several trains from Riga and a special Jurmala-bound taxi rank in front of Riga's railway station. If you're driving into Jurmala, you have to pay a toll.
Are there any festivals?
Gadatirgus is a big arts and crafts fair held in Riga in in June. The International Festival of Organ Music is held in the capital in the same month.
The Opera Music Festival follows in July in Sigulda; and Liepajas Dzintars, a rock festival is held in Liepaja in mid-August.
What's the food like?
Latvians eat a lot of smoked fish including eel, herring and flounder. Soups and sausages are popular too. In summer, look for pies and tarts made with fresh berries. Wash it all down with the Latvia's most popular beer, Aldaris, or if you're really feeling brave, try Riga Black Balsam. Brewed here since 1755 it's thick, black and 45% proof.
Riga's old town is atmospheric if a bit pricey and has hundreds of restaurants serving everything from traditional Latvian food to Armenian and Japanese.
What should I buy?
Latvian linen, Baltic and amber jewellery, dolls in Latvian national costume, Riga Black Balsam, Latvian sweets, woollen jumpers and mittens.
What is there for children to do?
In Riga, take them on a boat trip on the river Daugara or to Riga Zoo. There's also a circus in the city between September and June, although some of the acts are slightly bizarre.
If you're visiting the city in the winter, Riga's outdoor ice skating rink opens when temperatures fall below -3°C/27°F.
Where's good for nightlife?
Riga is probably your best bet. Nightspots offer live rock, pop, jazz and there's plenty of clubbing action too.
If you prefer more cultured entertainment, attend classical music concerts by Latvia Philharmonia. Or enjoy opera at Riga's 1860 Opera House.
Tourist Office
Latvian Embassy, 45 Nottingham Place, London, W1M 3FE. Tel 020 7312 0040.
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| | Fact File : Latvia |
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| | | Latvia | | Did you know?
In each of the country's seven largest cities, Latvians are outnumbered by Russians.
Languages
Latvian and Russian but English is widely spoken in Riga.
Visas
UK passport-holders can travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting there
Air Baltic and British Airways offer direct flights from London.
Flying time from London
About two hours 40 mins.
Getting around
A good network of suburban trains provides the best transport option for many places within 50km of Riga. On longer routes however, bus services are generally cheaper, more frequent and faster. Within the cities, buses, trolleybuses and trams operate, usually between 6am-midnight. Driving and cycling in Latvia are popular, as the main roads are good and distances aren't great. Most of the major car rental agencies have offices in Riga and at the airport. Driving is done on the right side, and there are 24-hour petrol stations along all the major roads.
Currency
Lats. But the best money to use in Latvia is probably US dollars. Euros will be introduced in 2008.
Costs
Prices vary but a cheap meal will cost from £2, while a dish in an upmarket restaurant is about £10. Cheap accommodation is around £8 a night, compared to from £50 a night for more upmarket hotels.
Weather
Spring and summer (April-Sept) is the best time of year to visit. July is hottest - temperatures can climb to 28C but there can also be persistent showers. Winter from Nov-Mar can be extreme, with temperatures rarely nudging above 4C and snow common in coastal regions.
Time difference
Three hours ahead of the UK in the summer.
Voltage
220V. Sockets require a European plug with two round pins.
Opening hours
Most shops are open from 9am or 10am to 6pm Mon-Fri, and to 4pm or 5pm on Saturdays. Many open on Sundays too. Restaurants are usually open until 11pm. Museum hours vary.
Health - Before you go
In the summer, there is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in the capital's parks and bordering Jurmala's beach areas. Consider obtaining a vaccine and always ask your GP for advice. No other immunisations are needed.
Health - When you are there
Drinking unboiled tap water in Riga is best avoided. Stick to bottled drinking water.
Warnings
Theft from hotel rooms is a risk, particularly at the budget end of the market. Street crime is also possible so avoid walking alone along darkened routes and beware of pick pockets.
Emergency
Fire 01; police 02; ambulance 03.
Customs
When making a payment in a shop or restaurant, place your money in a tray on the counter rather than give to the cashier.
Pets
Latvia is not part of the Pet Travel Scheme so pets will be quarantined when they re-enter the UK.
Tipping
It's not traditional in taxis ut if you're happy with restaurant service, add 10% to your bill.
Tourist Office
Latvian Embassy, 45 Nottingham Place, London, W1M 3FE. Tel: 0207 3120040.
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