Solo travel in
Latvia.
I was born in Liepāja on Latvia's west coast, so this is the guide I'd give a friend. This is my hub for solo travel in Latvia: Riga's cobbled Old Town and Art Nouveau streets, the seaside city I grew up in, the best day trips by train, what it really costs in GBP and when to go.
Solo travel in Latvia: key takeaways
- Start inRigaWalkable, safe and full of history - my 72-hour plan.
- Daily budget£35-55 / £60-100Budget / mid-range per day, before flights.
- Best timeMay - SepLong light evenings. December for Christmas markets.
- Entry (UK)90 days visa-freeSchengen rules - see entry rules.
What should you know before travelling solo in Latvia?
Latvia is the middle of the three Baltic states, between Lithuania and Estonia. It's small, green - about half the country is forest - and Riga is home to roughly a third of the population. Here's my quick snapshot.
The capital
Riga
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Since 2014. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere.
- Language
- Latvian
- English is widely spoken in Riga, and Russian is common too.
- Time zone
- UK + 2 hours
- Eastern European Time, all year round.
- Plugs
- Type C / F
- Standard European two-pin, 230V. Bring a UK adaptor.
- Healthcare (UK)
- Carry a GHIC
- Covers state healthcare at local cost - still get travel insurance.
Why is Latvia good for solo travel?
It's one of Europe's best-value city breaks, it's quiet compared to Prague or Budapest, and you can be on a white-sand beach or in a national park within an hour of Riga.
Riga is made for walking
The Old Town, the Central Market and the Art Nouveau district are all within about 20 minutes of each other on foot.
Great value for Europe
Meals, beer and transport cost far less than in Western Europe. A business lunch is around £5-9.
Easy day trips by train
Jūrmala's beach, Ķemeri's bog boardwalk and Sigulda's castles are all reachable by cheap local trains.
Still under the radar
Fewer crowds than the big European capitals - outside July, you'll often have the quieter streets to yourself.
Safe and easy alone
Low crime, good English in Riga and a relaxed pace make it a brilliant first or second solo trip.
The perfect Baltic base
Riga sits in the middle of the Baltic route - about four hours by bus to both Vilnius and Tallinn.
Born in Liepāja, living in London for 20+ years, and back on the Latvian coast every year since.
"Latvia is one of the most overlooked countries in Europe - and I think that's exactly why it's worth visiting."
Tom Lejava, founder of Tom Solo Travels. I was born in Liepāja and spent my early childhood there, I've lived in London for over 20 years, and I've been travelling solo for six years - all while working a 9-5. This guide mixes a local's perspective with how I actually travel now: mid-range, solo, and with real costs.
Where should you go in Latvia?
Start with Riga, then pick day trips by what you're into. Everything below is reachable from Riga by public transport - use the filters to find your match.
Showing all 10 places
Riga
Where I'd start every Latvia trip. A UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the world's best collections of Art Nouveau buildings and a food market in old Zeppelin hangars - and it's all walkable.
Liepāja
The seaside city where I was born and spent my early childhood - I've been back every year since. One of Europe's best beaches, Karosta's former military prison and the amber-coloured Great Amber concert hall. It's a European Capital of Culture in 2027.
Jūrmala
Latvia's seaside resort - a long white-sand beach backed by pine forest and old wooden villas. Majori and its pedestrian street Jomas iela are the centre.
Ķemeri National Park
The Great Ķemeri Bog boardwalk is one of the easiest nature escapes from Riga - a wooden trail over a huge raised bog, with a lookout tower at the end. Best at sunrise.
Sigulda & Gauja
Latvia's 'Switzerland' (locals' joke, not mine). Turaida Castle, Gutmanis Cave, a cable car over the Gauja valley and the Olympic bobsleigh track. Stunning in autumn.
Cēsis
One of Latvia's oldest towns, with a medieval castle you explore by lantern. Pairs perfectly with Sigulda on the same train line.
Rundāle Palace
A baroque palace designed by Rastrelli - the architect of St Petersburg's Winter Palace - with formal French gardens. The easiest way is a day tour or a bus via Bauska.
Kuldīga
A UNESCO-listed small town with Venta Rapid - Europe's widest waterfall - and a red-brick bridge. Slow, pretty and very photogenic.
Ventspils
A tidy port town with Blue Flag beaches, an open-air museum and a famous collection of painted cow statues. A good pairing with Kuldīga.
Daugavpils & Latgale
The east of Latvia - the 'land of blue lakes'. Daugavpils has the Mark Rothko Art Centre in a 19th-century fortress (Rothko was born here).
What's the best Latvia itinerary for a solo trip?
Three days in Riga is the sweet spot for a first visit. With five days, add the coast and Sigulda; with a week, go west to Kuldīga or combine Latvia with Lithuania and Estonia.
72 hours in Riga
The itinerary I followed on my own solo trip - Old Town, markets, views and Art Nouveau.
- Day 1
Old Town
House of the Blackheads, cobbled lanes, grey peas for lunch and a sunset walk along the Daugava.
- Day 2
Market & Art Nouveau
Breakfast at the Central Market, St Peter's Church tower for the views, then Alberta and Elizabetes streets.
- Day 3
Freedom & slow time
The Freedom Monument, Bastejkalns park, boutiques and a long coffee - or swap in a half day in Jūrmala.
Riga plus the best day trips
Base yourself in Riga the whole time - no repacking, just cheap trains.
- Days 1-3
Riga
Follow my 72-hour itinerary for the Old Town, market and Art Nouveau district.
- Day 4
Jūrmala or Ķemeri
Beach and wooden villas in summer, or the bog boardwalk at sunrise - both by train.
- Day 5
Sigulda
Turaida Castle, Gutmanis Cave and the cable car over the Gauja valley.
A week around Latvia
Riga, the Gauja valley and the west coast, finishing in Liepāja - easiest with trains plus a couple of buses.
- Days 1-3
Riga
The city plus a half day in Jūrmala.
- Days 4-5
Sigulda & Cēsis
Castles and hiking, with a night in Cēsis.
- Day 6
Kuldīga
Venta Rapid and the old town, then on to the coast.
- Day 7
Liepāja
The beach, Karosta and the city I grew up in - see my guide.
The Baltic route
The best-value route in Europe, easy by bus between each capital.
- Days 1-4
Vilnius
Lithuania's baroque old town and creative scene.
- Days 5-9
Riga + Sigulda
Riga with a day trip into the Gauja valley.
- Days 10-14
Tallinn
Estonia's medieval old town and the Baltic coast.
How do you get around Latvia as a solo traveller?
Walk in Riga, take the train to the coast and the Gauja valley, and use buses for western Latvia. Bolt is cheap for late nights and the airport.
Bus 22
Runs from Riga Airport to the centre. Buy your ticket in advance from a machine, kiosk or app, or pay the driver by card.
€1.50 / €1.81 on boardTrams & buses
One ticket covers 90 minutes of transfers - validate it every time you board. Day passes are great value.
€5 for 24h / €8 for 3 daysLocal trains
Vivi electric trains run from Riga Central Station to Jūrmala, Ķemeri, Sigulda and Cēsis.
Majori €1.50Buses & Bolt
Buses reach Kuldīga, Liepāja and Ventspils. Lux Express and FlixBus link Riga to Vilnius and Tallinn.
Vilnius / Tallinn ~4 hrsHow much does solo travel in Latvia cost?
Excluding flights, I'd budget around £35-55 a day on a budget and £60-100 a day mid-range. Riga's Old Town is pricier - eat a few streets out and your money goes much further. Here are typical prices in GBP.
- Hostel dorm bed£16-25
- Mid-range hotel (central)£65-120
- Business lunch menu£5-9
- Dinner at a restaurant£10-20
- Beer in a bar£2.50-4
- Coffee£2-3.50
- Riga public transport ticket£1.30
- Train to Jūrmala£1.30
- Bolt to/from the airport£10-15
All prices are approximate guidance in GBP and will drift with exchange rates and the season.
Covers accommodation, meals, local transport and an activity or two. Flights and insurance not included.
Where should you stay in Riga as a solo traveller?
For a first visit, stay on the edge of the Old Town or in the Quiet Centre. You'll be able to walk everywhere, but sleep away from the loudest weekend bars.
Old Town (Vecrīga)
Right in the middle of the sights and lively at night - but the priciest area, and noisy at weekends.
Quiet Centre
The Art Nouveau district - calmer, better value, great cafes and a 10-15 minute walk to the Old Town.
Āgenskalns
Across the river, with wooden houses, Kalnciema Quarter's weekend market and a neighbourhood feel.
Jūrmala
Stay by the beach for a few nights in July or August and day-trip into Riga by train.
Solo tip: book with free cancellation, and check the reviews mention noise if you're near Old Town bars.
Find hotels in RigaLatest Latvia stories
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
May to September is best for solo travel - long days, warm weather and terraces everywhere. Tap a month to see what it's like.
One of my favourite months. Long light evenings, cafe terraces open and everything is green. Prices are still reasonable.
What food should you try in Latvia?
Latvian food is hearty and seasonal - rye bread, smoked fish, dairy and lots of dill. For a cheap, authentic lunch, try a self-service Lido canteen or the Central Market.
Grey peas with bacon
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķiLatvia's national dish - hearty, smoky and usually served with kefir. I had it on my first day in Riga.
Rye bread
RupjmaizeDark, dense and slightly sweet. It turns up at every meal - and in desserts like rye bread pudding.
Bacon buns
PīrādziņiLittle crescent buns filled with bacon and onion. The perfect cheap snack from any bakery.
Cold beetroot soup
Aukstā zupaBright pink, made with kefir, beetroot, cucumber and dill. A summer staple.
Riga Black Balsam
Rīgas Melnais BalzamsA bitter herbal liqueur that's been made in Riga since 1752. Try it in a cocktail or with blackcurrant.
Smoked fish
Kūpināta zivsBest from the Central Market's fish pavilion or roadside smokehouses on the coast.
How do you plan a solo trip to Latvia?
Book your flights, then accommodation and travel insurance, sort your mobile data, add activities, and check the latest entry rules. Here's my checklist, in the order I sort things before every trip.
Affiliate disclosure: some links below are affiliate links from partners I've genuinely used or researched. If you book through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - it keeps this blog running. Thank you!
Book your flights
Ryanair, airBaltic and Wizz Air fly direct to Riga from London in about 2h45. I book early and stay flexible on dates.
I use: Skyscanner, Booking.com
Search flightsBook your accommodation
For a first trip I'd stay in the Quiet Centre or the edge of the Old Town - always with free cancellation.
I use: Booking.com
Find hotels in RigaGet travel insurance & a GHIC
A free GHIC covers state healthcare in Latvia at local cost, but not repatriation or private care - so I always get proper travel insurance too.
I use: SafetyWing, EKTA
Get coveredSort your mobile data
Check your UK network's EU roaming charges, or pick up an eSIM before you fly.
I use: My eSIM Data Calculator
Check my dataBook activities & tours
Pre-book an Art Nouveau walking tour or a Rundāle Palace day trip - both are worth it solo.
I use: GetYourGuide, Viator
Find tours in LatviaCheck the entry rules
UK travellers get 90 days in any 180 visa-free. Your passport must be under 10 years old when you enter and valid for 3 months after you leave.
I use: FCDO travel advice
FCDO advice for Latvia
EU entry rules for UK travellers
Your first entry to the Schengen Area records your fingerprints and a photo, replacing passport stamps. It's free - just allow extra time at Riga Airport.
Visa-free for holidays across the Schengen Area, including Latvia. EES now tracks your days automatically.
Expected in 2027 - there's nothing to apply for yet, so beware unofficial sites charging for it.
Latvia solo travel FAQs
Quick answers to the questions people ask me most about Latvia.
Is Latvia good for solo travellers?
Yes. Latvia is safe, compact and great value, and Riga is small enough to explore on foot. English is widely spoken in Riga, hostels are social, and day trips to the beach, castles and national parks are easy by train. As someone born in Latvia, I'd say it's one of Europe's most underrated solo trips.
Is Latvia safe to travel alone?
Yes. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and Riga feels safe to walk around, including at night in the centre. The main thing to watch for is overcharging scams in some Old Town bars and clubs - check prices before you order, and be wary of strangers inviting you to a specific bar. Emergency number: 112.
How much does a trip to Latvia cost?
Excluding flights, I'd budget around £35-55 a day on a budget and £60-100 a day mid-range. A dorm bed costs roughly £16-25, a business lunch about £5-9, a beer around £2.50-4, and a public transport ticket in Riga €1.50 (about £1.30). Flights from London are often £30-90 return booked early.
How many days do you need in Riga?
Three days is ideal for Riga itself - enough for the Old Town, the Central Market, the Art Nouveau district and a half day in Jūrmala. With five days to a week, add Sigulda and Cēsis, Ķemeri National Park or Kuldīga.
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
May to September is best - long days, warm weather and everything open. June brings white nights and Jāņi (Midsummer) on 23-24 June, and September is great for autumn colour with fewer crowds. December is cold but festive, with Christmas markets in Riga.
Is Liepāja worth visiting?
Yes - and not just because it's where I grew up. Liepāja has one of the best beaches in Europe, Karosta's former military prison and the Northern Forts, a big live music scene and the Great Amber concert hall. It's about 3.5 hours from Riga by bus (around €15), and it's a European Capital of Culture in 2027.
Do people speak English in Latvia?
Yes, especially in Riga and among younger people. The official language is Latvian, and Russian is also widely spoken. Learning 'labdien' (hello) and 'paldies' (thank you) goes a long way.
What currency does Latvia use?
The euro, since 2014. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for markets and small cafes.
How do you get from Riga Airport to the city centre?
Take bus 22 to the centre - a ticket costs €1.50 if you buy it in advance from a machine, kiosk or app, or €1.81 paying the driver by bank card. A Bolt or taxi to the centre is quicker and usually costs around €12-15.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Latvia?
No. Latvia is in the EU and the Schengen Area, so UK travellers can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Since 10 April 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints and photo on your first entry. ETIAS isn't required yet.
Your Latvia trip
starts here.
Start with three days in Riga, add a day trip or two, and take the leap. Got a question about Latvia I haven't answered? Ask me - I read every message.