This Baltic state is decorated with several ancient monuments, modern lifestyle, rustic beauty, traditional coastal villages and archaeological discoveries. Things to do in Latvia are enticing that capture the hearts of tourists forever. Book a cruise trip and discover the regal city, Riga; sit along the shore of Kolka where the waves of Baltic Sea embrace the Gulf of Riga or bath in the widest rapid of Europe, there are incredible sites in Latvia to visit. Apart from exotic destinations Latvian cuisine is also very eclectic. Grey peas, wheat, onions, cabbages and eggs are the chief contents in Latvian dishes. Below are some of the marvellous things to do in Latvia.
Riga Central Market (Centraltirgus)
This Europe’s largest and most advanced market is located in the heart of the capital city. Inaugurated in 1930, it has five pavilions, which are categorized into dairy, meat, fish, vegetables and gastronomy items. There is also a Night Market and Round the Clock Farmer’s Market.
Albert Street (Alberta Iela), Riga
This is the Art Nouveau jewel in the city’s crown. The street is studded with splendid edifices, which are decorated with sculptures, carved columns, balconies, monumental figures and other elements.
Turaida Museum Reserve
At the bank of River Gauja, this historical site tells the tales from 11th century. Spreading over a wide area of 43.63 hectares, the museum reserves include Turaida Stone Castle, Church and Church Hill, Folk Song Hill, Folk Song Garden and Rose of Turaida Memorial.
Gauja National Park, Vidzeme
It is the largest and oldest national park spreading over an area of 91.745 hectares. It has five zones with unique landscapes. There are cliffs, caves, natural springs, river, and various ancient monuments.
Nativity Cathedral, Riga
Officially opened in 1884, this is the largest Orthodox church in the city and is designed in a Neo-Byzantine style. The cathedral is famous for its historical and valuable iconostasis.
Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Located at the bank of Lake Jugla, it is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe. Covering an area of 87 hectares, there are 118 buildings and almost 150,000 items are on display.
Araisi Archaeological Museum Park
Also known as Araisi lake dwelling site is a unique park where the 9th and 10th century Latgalian wooden buildings are located. There is also a Medieval Araisi Lake Castle, 19th century windmill and 13th century church.
Cape Kolka
This cape is the meeting place of Baltic Sea waves with the Gulf of Riga. It is the part of Slitere National Park and is the residence for thousands of migratory birds. Enjoy smoked fish in the coastal villages, discover the pine trails and explore the Kolka Lighthouse, which is located at an artificial island.
City Canal (Pilsetas Kanals), Riga
Enjoy a cruise trip in historical canal boats and explore the Old Riga. This fabulous panoramic tour along River Daugava offers the picturesque views of Kronvalda Park, the Freedom Monument, Bastion Hill, Latvian National Opera, Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral and other spectacular sites.
Venta Rapid (Ventas Rumba), Kuldiga
This is the widest waterfall in Europe on River Venta. Its width is from 249 to 270 m and the height is in between 1.80 to 2.20 m. Observe the breathtaking views of flying fish, take bath and then stroll on the 19th century old brick bridge across the River Venta.