Latvia may be small, but it punches far above its weight when it comes to things to see and do. Here are the top 10 places you shouldn't miss.
1. Riga Old Town
The UNESCO-listed Old Town is the beating heart of the Latvian capital. Wander through Art Nouveau architecture, climb St. Peter's Church tower for panoramic views, and enjoy the lively Central Market housed in repurposed Zeppelin hangars.
2. Jūrmala Beach
Just 25 km from Riga, Jūrmala is a beloved seaside resort town stretching 26 km along the Gulf of Riga. The pine-scented air, white sand dunes, and charming wooden villas make it a perfect day trip or weekend escape.
3. Gauja National Park
Latvia's oldest and largest national park is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Explore the dramatic sandstone cliffs along the Gauja River, visit the medieval castles at Sigulda and Cēsis, and try the world-class bobsled track at the Sigulda Olympic Centre.
4. Cēsis Medieval Castle
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Baltics, Cēsis Castle dates back to the 13th century. Explore with lanterns in hand as you venture into the dark towers — it's a genuinely atmospheric experience.
5. Cape Kolka (Kolkasrags)
At the tip of the Kurzeme Peninsula, Cape Kolka is where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. The desolate, windswept landscape feels like the edge of the world. The nearby ghost village of Kolka adds an eerie, haunting quality to the visit.
6. Rundāle Palace
Often called the Latvian Versailles, Rundāle Palace is a stunning 18th-century baroque masterpiece designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli — the same architect who built St. Petersburg's Winter Palace. The French-style gardens are breathtaking in summer.
7. Turaida Museum Reserve
Near Sigulda, Turaida is a beautifully restored red-brick castle surrounded by parklands. The Turaida Rose legend — a romantic Latvian folk story — is told throughout the grounds, adding a lyrical quality to the visit.
8. Liepāja
Latvia's second-largest city is known for its music scene, rich military history (the Karosta district is a former tsarist naval base you can explore), and beautiful beaches. Liepāja has a refreshingly raw, authentic feel compared to tourist-heavy Riga.
9. Latgale Region & Lake Rāzna
The easternmost region of Latvia feels like a different world — deeply forested, dotted with hundreds of lakes, and home to a distinct Catholic cultural identity. Lake Rāzna, the largest lake in Latvia, is surrounded by charming villages and rolling hills.
10. Ķemeri National Park
A short drive from Jūrmala, Ķemeri is famous for its otherworldly raised bog — a flat, mossy landscape stretching to the horizon with wooden walkways threading through it. The sulphur springs and historic spa town of Ķemeri add to its mystique.
Latvia rewards slow, curious travelers. Skip the rush and give yourself at least a week — you'll discover a country that's quietly one of Europe's best-kept secrets.