Latvia is a small Eastern European country sandwiched between the Baltic Sea, Russia, Belarus, and the other Baltic states. Latvia’s culture and scenery are similar to those of its neighbors, Estonia and Lithuania, owing to its geographic location. Between the three Baltic states, traditions, gastronomy, and lush forests blend nicely.
On the contrary, Latvia has a fascinating past, home to well-preserved castles, excellent museums, and lovely old towns. Most castles, which were built by Germans in the 13th century, are still standing flawlessly after all these years. If you’re interested in learning more about the Soviet Union and its effect in the region, a visit to the Latvian occupation museum and the Academy of Science skyscraper is a must.
Best Time To Visit
Summer is a popular season because of the pleasant weather, which allows you to roam about cities and enjoy the fresh air. Summers are short, as they are in the other Baltic states, with temperatures hovering around 15 / 22 °C (65 / 72 °F). Showers and cool evenings are equally likely, despite the possibility of hot and dry days.
You can enjoy both warm and sunny days as well as cold and wet days during the spring (April to May) and fall (September and October). Autumn is a particularly beautiful season to visit, with golden brown leaves contrasted against dark green pines. With traveladdicts.lt, you can plan a fantastic trip to Latvia.
Accommodations
One of the most important Latvia travel recommendations is to stay in a hotel. There are numerous hotels and various forms of lodging in Riga, and if you visit during the holiday season, you may even obtain many of the most elegant ones at a reduced rate because business visitors are generally absent. A room in a guest house can cost around £6, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, look into youth hostels, which provide excellent facilities for a lower price.
Safety
This is one of the most important things to know before visiting Latvia because it will help you manage the roads more effectively. Crime rates in Latvia have risen since the country’s departure from the Soviet Union, but it is still a safe country to visit, and you may travel alone. On your side, make sure you don’t leave valuables or cash lying around in your hotel room and don’t show it off in public. Also, make sure your bike is locked. More precautions should be used on forest roads, as collisions with wild animals are common. This is also true when crossing the street, as some cars in the country are careless.
Language
Latvian is the native and national language of Latvia, and unlike Estonian, it is a Baltic language that is one of only two Baltic languages still spoken (the other being Lithuanian). However, in the cities, English, German, and Russian are also spoken. Because Riga is the capital city and receives a large number of tourists from English-speaking countries, you will feel at ease knowing only English. However, as you get further away from large cities, the number of individuals who can communicate in English will decline, so make sure to leave some essential words at the very least so that you can seek assistance if things go wrong.
Food
It’s often a good idea to research the eating habits of the place you’re visiting ahead of time, so you’re not surprised when you arrive. Meat dishes are served with potatoes and rye bread in Latvian cuisine. However, you’ll also find dairy products and fish in this state. In terms of beverages, there’s a nonalcoholic drink called Kvass, which is made of honey, fruits, and yeast. However, alcohol is present, such as the Balzam, a bitter, black, thick alcoholic beverage prepared from cognac, orange peel, and ginger.
Currency
The Euro (€ or EUR) is Latvia’s official currency. Tipping is not obligatory in Estonia; however, it is usually appreciated. In Latvia, debit cards and most credit cards are virtually generally accepted. You won’t have any trouble paying with them in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Some street vendors at the market or vintage shops, for example, may only accept cash.
If you need cash, the best option is to use local ATMs, which are plentiful and do not charge additional costs. Moneychangers such as Money Express, Eurex, and Tavex, which are all located in Riga, are the best places to exchange currencies.
Internet
Latvia, like the other Baltic states, has one of the most advanced internet infrastructures in the EU. High-speed 4G and fiber internet are available across the country. The average mobile Internet speed is 35 Mbps, although fiber Wi-Fi speeds can reach 100 Mbps or higher. We recommend buying a local SIM card because data is quite inexpensive.
Climate
Latvia’s climate can be described as having a conventional western European influence. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and harsh. The coldest month is often January, with daily averages of around -5°C. However, in other cases, winter spells with temperatures well below freezing can be extremely cold.
This will plummet to -20°C, or northeasterly winds will become stronger and more intense, causing the ground to freeze. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius. For comparison, it might be extremely hot, up to 30 degrees Celsius. Despite the fact that the weather is dry and the sun shines for the majority of the day.
Conclusion
Latvia, also known as the “Pearl of the Baltic States,” is a country in Northern Europe’s Baltic area. It boasts a fascinating past, long-standing traditions, and a diverse culture. Although Latvia is located in the darkest reaches of Eastern Europe, this year is the year for this ugly duckling to blossom into a swan. It isn’t a particularly well-known place right now, but it should be. Latvia is widely undervalued, despite its modest yet appealing Baltic cities and stunning scenery.
