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Latvia: The Baltic Beauty You Need to Discover

By eSIMVu Team •
February 19, 2026 • 4 min read • Destination Insights

Latvia

The Old Town of Riga, Latvia, beside the Daugava (Western Dvina) River.

Source: Britannica

Tucked away in Northern Europe between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia is a country that feels like a well-kept secret. With over half of its landmass covered in pristine forests and a coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometers, it is a haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Latvia offers the charm of Western Europe without the overwhelming crowds. It is a place where medieval castles rise above dense woodlands and where the capital city feels like a living museum. If you are ready to explore the heart of the Baltics, here is your factual guide to Latvia.

1. Riga: The City of Spires and Art Nouveau

Your journey will undoubtedly begin in Riga, the vibrant capital city that straddles the Daugava River.

  • The Old Town (Vecrīga): This UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. The crown jewel is the House of the Black Heads, a stunning 14th-century Gothic building with an elaborate Renaissance facade.
  • Albert Street (Alberta Iela): Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. A walk down Albert Street is a visual feast of ornate building facades adorned with gargoyles, floral motifs, and intricate sculptures.
  • Riga Central Market: Housed in five massive repurposed WWI Zeppelin hangars, this is one of the largest markets in Europe. It is the perfect place to sample local produce, fresh berries, and artisanal cheeses.

2. Gauja National Park: The Switzerland of Latvia

Just an hour northeast of Riga lies Gauja National Park, the country’s largest and oldest national park. It is a lush landscape of river valleys, sandstone cliffs, and dense pine forests.

  • Turaida Castle: Looming over the treetops, this striking red-brick medieval castle dates back to the 11th century. You can climb the main tower for sweeping panoramic views of the Gauja River valley.
  • Top Floor View, Turaida Castle, Latvia
  • Source- Ken Eckert, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Gutman’s Cave: This is the widest and highest cave in the Baltics. It is steeped in local folklore and its sandstone walls are covered in inscriptions left by travelers dating back to the 17th century.

3. The Connectivity Reality: Why You Need an eSIM

Here is a vital logistical tip for your trip. Latvia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in Europe, and everyday travel relies heavily on being connected.

The Navigation & Ticketing Challenge

  • Digital Transit: To get around efficiently, locals use mobile apps like Mobilly to buy digital train and bus tickets, or Bolt for ride-hailing. You need data to activate and display these tickets to inspectors.
  • The Roaming Trap: For non-EU travelers, relying on your home carrier's roaming plan in the Baltics can result in massive daily fees or severely throttled internet speeds.

The Solution: The eSIM To ensure you can navigate the country seamlessly, purchase a Latvia-compatible eSIM data plan before you fly.

  • The Benefit: An eSIM connects you to reliable local networks (like LMT or Tele2) the moment you land at Riga International Airport. It allows you to check train schedules, translate Latvian signs, and use GPS on forest hikes without worrying about finding a physical SIM card shop or hunting for public Wi-Fi.

4. Jūrmala: The Baltic Riviera

When you are ready to relax, take a 30-minute train ride from Riga to Jūrmala, Latvia’s premier seaside resort town.

  • The Beach: Jūrmala boasts over 30 kilometers of pristine, white quartz sand beaches bordering the Gulf of Riga.
  • The Atmosphere: Unlike crowded Mediterranean beaches, Jūrmala is serene. Dense, fragrant pine forests grow right up to the sand, and the town is dotted with beautiful 19th-century wooden villas featuring intricate carved details.
  • Emīlija Rācene Former Establishment on the beach in Jūrmala, Latvia
  • Emīlija Rācene Former Establishment, Jūrmala, Latvia. Source- Raul Cortez999, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. A Taste of Latvia (Earthy and Fresh)

Latvian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and deeply tied to the seasons, utilizing ingredients foraged from the forests and pulled from the sea.

  • Rupjmaize (Dark Rye Bread): This is the cornerstone of the Latvian diet. It is dense, slightly sweet, and tangy. It is often served with a thick layer of local butter or honey.
  • Smoked Fish: With its extensive coastline, smoked seafood is a staple. Look for Baltic Sea sprats, herring, or salmon, traditionally smoked over alder wood.
  • Aukstā Zupa (Cold Beet Soup): A striking, bright pink summer soup made from beets, kefir (fermented milk), cucumbers, and dill. It is refreshing and entirely vegetarian.
  • Sklandrausis: A traditional sweet dish originating from the western region of Kurzeme. It is a small tart made with a rye dough crust and filled with layers of mashed potato and sweetened carrots, often dusted with caraway or cinnamon.

Why Go Now?

Latvia offers a travel experience that feels both grand and deeply personal. It is a country where you can marvel at towering cathedrals in the morning and wander through silent, moss-covered forests in the afternoon. With excellent public transport and an eSIM to keep you connected, traversing the Baltic beauty of Latvia is easier than ever.