Latvia
Latvia’s capital, Riga, has one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in Europe, alongside a old town that’s easy to explore on foot. Outside the city, the country opens up into forests, beaches along the Baltic coast, and small towns that see far fewer tourists. It remains one of the more affordable countries in the region. A few days in Riga pairs easily with a wider Baltic trip through Estonia and Lithuania.
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Is Sigulda Worth Visiting? Pros, Cons and Travel Tips (2026)
I almost skipped Sigulda. On my first trip to Latvia, I had it pencilled in as a half-day filler between Riga and the rest of my itinerary. I ended up staying two full days, hiking until my legs ached, and telling everyone I met afterward that they needed to go too. Sigulda sits about an…
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Is Jurmala Worth Visiting? Pros, Cons and Travel Tips (2026)
I went to Jurmala expecting a quick beach afternoon to break up a busier Latvia trip. I stayed three nights instead, and I’ve been back twice since. There’s something about a Baltic Sea resort town lined with wooden villas and pine forest that’s hard to walk away from after just a few hours. Jurmala sits…
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Is Riga Worth Visiting? Pros, Cons and Travel Tips (2026)
I landed in Riga expecting a quick stopover on my way through the Baltics. I ended up staying five days and coming back a year later for another four. That should tell you something already. Riga doesn’t get the attention that Prague or Vienna gets, and honestly, that works in its favour. The Old Town…
