Attraction in Latvia
Gauja National Park
Established in 1973, Gauja National Park covers more than 90,000 hectares of forest, river valley, and sandstone formations along Latvia's longest inland river. The Gauja has carved a valley up to 85 metres deep through ancient rock, exposing caves, cliff faces, and the largest grotto in the Baltic states at Gutmana Cave. The park contains Turaida Castle, Cesis Castle, and a network of hiking, cycling, and kayaking routes that makes it the country's most visited natural destination.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Latvia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Latvia page at Yoogo.
Latvia uses the euro (EUR), having adopted it in 2014 as a member of the European Union. Card payments are widely accepted in Riga and most tourist destinations, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller towns, markets, and rural areas.
Latvia is generally considered a safe destination with low rates of violent crime. As in any city, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as Riga's Old Town and the Central Market, so it is sensible to keep valuables secure.
Riga has an extensive public transport network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses, and the Riga Card offers unlimited travel alongside museum discounts. Trains connect Riga to Jurmala, Sigulda, and Cesis, while regional buses serve destinations across the country. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in Riga, and car hire is a practical option for exploring the countryside.
Late spring and summer, roughly May to August, offer the warmest temperatures, long daylight hours, and the full calendar of outdoor festivals including the beloved Jani midsummer celebrations in late June. Autumn brings striking foliage across the national parks, while winter attracts visitors to Riga's Christmas markets and the region's cross-country skiing trails.
Latvian is the official language, though Russian is also widely spoken, particularly among older residents and in cities with large Russian-speaking communities such as Daugavpils. English is well understood in Riga's tourism and hospitality sector, and younger Latvians generally speak it confidently.
Routine vaccinations should be up to date before travel; hepatitis A, diphtheria, and tetanus are commonly recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas across Latvia, so travellers planning to hike or spend time outdoors, including in parks close to Riga, should discuss the TBE vaccine with a healthcare provider before departure.
Tipping is not obligatory in Latvia but is appreciated for good service. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% in restaurants and cafes is a courteous gesture, and taxi drivers and hotel porters are similarly happy to receive a small tip.
Latvia has good 4G and expanding 5G coverage in Riga and major towns, making it well suited for eSIM use. Several international providers including Airalo offer Latvia eSIM plans that can be purchased and activated before departure, giving you data connectivity from the moment you land.