When is the best time to visit Latvia?

Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) are ideal. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and festivals galore. Summer's great, too - if you don’t mind some crowds.

What is the weather like in Latvia?

Latvia’s weather can be quite unpredictable - it can go from sunny skies to sudden showers. Summers are mild (20°C to 25°C), winters get frosty (0°C and below), and spring and fall are pleasantly cool.

Do I need a visa to travel to Latvia?

Your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship. Check out our handy Visa Guide for all the info you need on visas and other travel requirements around the world.

What is ATM access like in Latvia?

ATMs are everywhere in Latvia, especially in cities like Riga. Make sure to carry some cash with you if you’re visiting more rural areas.

How many days should I spend in Latvia?

Around 2-5 days are enough to see Riga and nearby gems. If you want to dive deeper into the countryside and national parks, a week will give you more breathing room.

What is the tipping etiquette in Latvia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated! In restaurants, 5-10% is standard if the service is good. In taxis or bars, rounding up to the nearest euro does the trick.

Is tap water safe to drink in Latvia?

Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink in Latvia, especially in cities.

Is internet access good in Latvia?

Yup, internet speeds in Latvia are some of the fastest in the world, especially in Riga. Plus, cafés, hotels, and public spaces often have free Wi-Fi too.

Is Latvia LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Latvia is gradually becoming more LGBTQIA+ friendly (especially in bigger cities like Riga). Acceptance is improving, but some rural areas may be more conservative. It’s always good to research local attitudes depending on where you’re headed!

Best Latvia Tours & Trips 2026 / 2027

Name: European Encounter
Brand: Contiki
Price: 3928 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7

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Visit Latvia with Us

Centuries-old castles, charming cafes, craft breweries and colourful streets - Latvia’s a destination straight out of a fairytale. And on our Latvia tours, you’ll get to experience it in more ways than one. From discovering the cobblestoned streets of Riga (with a local guide) and checking out all the art nouveau architecture to sampling authentic Latvian beer & food at the iconic Valmiermuiza Brewery, you’ll get the most authentic experience when you visit Latvia with us.

Best part? We’ll take care of your transport & stays. Plus, hook you up with a local guide and an awesome group of 18-35s from around the world. All you have to do? Show up and soak in all the Latvian charm you’re about to experience on one of our Latvia trips.

Why Contiki?

Totally stress-free travel

Accommodation? Local transport? The best experiences? Relax – we take care of it all (and then some).

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The travel dream team

Your iconic Trip Leader, Driver and Local Guides will help your group explore the world with complete confidence.

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Experiences that count

You’ll see the main sights, sure, but you’ll also meet local people and join the most culturally immersive experiences.

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Top Latvia trips

Best of Baltics

3 Countries

9 Places

Best of Scandinavia & The Baltics

6 Countries

19 Places

Best of Baltics 35 to 45

3 Countries

9 Places

Scandinavia & Best of Baltics 35 to 45 Tour

Scandinavia & The Baltics 35 to 45

6 Countries

19 Places

Why visit Latvia with Contiki?

Awesome experiences

From discovering Riga’s highlights with a local guide to discovering charming ancient castles, you’ll experience all that makes Latvia so unique.

Expert Trip Managers

You’ll have an expert Trip Manager & Trip Driver with you on all our Latvia trips for 18-35s. They’ll point you in the right direction no matter what you need.

New besties

Latvia is fascinating on its own. But it’s even better when you’ve got an epic crew of 18-35s from around the world to keep you company.

Latvia tour reviews

“The trip was brilliant. Pretty much three city breaks rolled into one so lots of sightseeing and history tours! Our trip manager was great and really knowledgeable about the countries.”

Trusted Customer

Best of Baltics

“The Scandinavia, and best of Baltics tour is a mixture of adventure and relaxation. Expect to enjoy the outdoors and submerge yourself in culture. The boat cruise through the Norwegian fjords were the highlight of my trip.”

Scandinavia and Best of Baltics

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European Encounter

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See all trips

Book with confidence

Lock in your spot with a $200 deposit

Pay monthly or bi-weekly

Amend your booking up to 60 days pre-trip

Plans changed? Your payments are protected

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Highlights of our Latvia tours

View Of The Old Town And St Peters Cathedral in Riga, Latvia

Discover Riga with a local guide

Take an orientation around the colourful streets of the Latvian capital. We’ll show you the highlights and the best places for a night out. What better way to kick off your trip to Latvia?

Take a tour of Valmiermuiza Brewery

Check out this popular craft brewery where they make fine beer from Valmiermuiža (and well water!). Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal in the wilderness too.

Visit the Cesis Castle

Take a jaunt around this incredible medieval Latvian castle with an expert and learn more about the Livonian Order that built it. It’s one of the best places to visit in Latvia.

Best food in Latvia

Pelēkie Zirņi (Grey Peas)

This traditional Latvian dish often paired with bacon and onions. It’s a must-try Christmas staple of Latvian cuisine and is hearty, humble, and full of earthy goodness.

Smoked Fish

From sprats to trout, Latvian food knows its way around smoked fish. Think of it as a perfect snack by the seaside on your Latvia trip or as part of a festive spread.

Cabbage Soup

This humble bowl of cabbage, pork, and potatoes is Latvian comfort food at its finest. It’s the type of traditional Latvian dish your grandmother would make…

Latvian Meatballs

These juicy meatballs (frikadeļu) are often served in a rich, creamy sauce, proving that Latvian cuisine does hearty comfort food better than most.

Rye Bread (Rupjmaize)

Dark, dense, and full of flavour, Latvian rye bread is a national treasure. Eat it with butter, cheese, or soup, it’s the backbone of Latvian food traditions.

Top museums in Latvia

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

For anyone Curious about the darker chapters in Latvian history? Then this museum is a must-visit. Covering the Soviet and Nazi occupations, it’s a sobering but fascinating stop on your Latvia tour.

Latvian National Museum of Art

Culture? Check. Beauty? Double check. A beautiful blend of classic and modern, this museum houses an impressive collection of Latvian art from centuries past to contemporary pieces.

Latvian War Museum

A deep dive into the military history of Latvia, with exhibits ranging from medieval armor to modern warfare. It’s one of the best museums in Latvia for history buffs looking to travel to Latvia.

Riga Art Nouveau Centre

If you’re an architecture lover, this is the jackpot. The museum is set in an actual Art Nouveau apartment, with stunning period details and all the curves you expect.

Latvian Museum of Pharmacy

Ever wondered what medicine was like before antibiotics? This quirky museum explores Latvia’s medical history, complete with odd potions and antique remedies that’ll make you glad to be living today.

Top festivals in Latvia

Riga Opera Festival

Love grand performances? Then you need to visit Latvia in June for this celebration of world-class opera. Even if you don’t know a high note from a low one, the spectacle is so worth it.

Līgo and Jāņi (Midsummer Festival)

Best way to celebrate the longest day of the year? Bonfires, songs, and a serious amount of flower crowns. This ancient Latvian tradition is the ultimate summer party.

Positivus Festival

Imagine partying on the Baltic coast with indie bands and DJs on your Latvia tour. That’s what Latvia’s biggest music festival will get you.

Riga City Festival

Every August, Riga goes all out to celebrate its birthday with concerts, food, and fireworks. It’s basically one giant street party where Latvian history comes alive.

Latvian Song and Dance Festival

Held every 5 years, this is like Latvia’s Super Bowl... but with choirs. It’s an explosion of Latvian culture, featuring thousands of singers and dancers. It’s a Latvia highlight.

Frequently asked questions

Latvia’s been using the euro (€) since 2014. So, if you’ve got euros, you’re all set. No need to dig up those old lats coins (they're museum pieces now!).

Latvia tours & holidays

Visit Latvia with Us

Top Latvia trips

Why visit Latvia with Contiki?

Awesome experiences

Expert Trip Managers

New besties

Latvia tour reviews

Other Trips You Might Like

Book with confidence

Lock in your spot with a $200 deposit

Amend your booking up to 60 days pre-trip

Plans changed? Your payments are protected

Highlights of our Latvia tours

Discover Riga with a local guide

Take a tour of Valmiermuiza Brewery

Visit the Cesis Castle

Pelēkie Zirņi (Grey Peas)

Smoked Fish

Cabbage Soup

Latvian Meatballs

Rye Bread (Rupjmaize)

Top museums in Latvia

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

Latvian National Museum of Art

Latvian War Museum

Riga Art Nouveau Centre

Latvian Museum of Pharmacy

Top festivals in Latvia

Riga Opera Festival

Līgo and Jāņi (Midsummer Festival)

Positivus Festival

Riga City Festival

Latvian Song and Dance Festival

Frequently asked questions

What currency does Latvia use?

When is the best time to visit Latvia?

What is the weather like in Latvia?

Do I need a visa to travel to Latvia?

What is ATM access like in Latvia?

How many days should I spend in Latvia?

What is the tipping etiquette in Latvia?

Is tap water safe to drink in Latvia?

Is internet access good in Latvia?

Is Latvia LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Places we visit in Europe

Countries we visit in Europe

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