Top Tourist Attractions In Latvia: 2025 Guide For Travellers From Pakistan

 

Latvia is one of Europe’s hidden gems. While many travellers from Pakistan first think of London, Paris or Rome, Latvia offers something different: a mix of charming medieval towns, pine forests, sand beaches and peaceful national parks at very reasonable prices.

Riga, the capital, is now recognised as one of Europe’s best-value city breaks, combining historic Old Town streets, Art Nouveau buildings and nearby golden beaches.

 Outside the city, Gauja National Park and the Baltic coast reveal another side of Europe that feels quiet, green and refreshing.

In this updated 2025 guide, you will discover the top tourist attractions in Latvia, the best time to visit, practical tips, and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can help you plan a smooth, memorable trip from Pakistan.

 

Why Visit Latvia?

1. Underrated But Easy To Explore

Official Latvia tourism resources highlight how compact and accessible the country is: you can combine Riga, seaside resorts and national parks in a single short trip.

2. Great Value In Europe

Recent travel reports describe Riga as a “best value” European city, with affordable accommodation, food and transport compared with many Western capitals.

3. Nature, History And Coastal Relaxation

From UNESCO-listed Old Town Riga to Gauja National Park’s forests, sandstone cliffs and medieval castles, Latvia offers a balanced mix of culture and nature.

Top Tourist Attractions In Latvia

Most first-time visitors from Pakistan will base themselves in Riga and then branch out to Gauja National Park, Sigulda/Cesis, and the Jurmala seaside.

1. Old Town Riga - Cobblestones, Churches and Cafés

Old Town Riga (Vecrīga) is the historical heart of the capital, with cobbled streets, medieval buildings and lively squares. The official Latvia travel site calls it a popular entertainment district and architectural showcase.

Highlights Include:

• Riga Cathedral - one of the Baltics’ largest medieval churches
• St Peter’s Church - climb the tower for panoramic views across the city and river
• House Of The Blackheads - restored merchant guild building and museum
• Narrow streets lined with cafés, restaurants and small boutiques

Many 2024-2025 travel guides recommend starting your trip with a walking tour to understand the city’s 800-year history.

Tip: Old Town is compact and best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend at least half a day wandering, taking photos and enjoying coffee breaks.

2. Riga’s Art Nouveau District And Central Riga

Beyond Old Town, Riga is famous for having one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, especially around Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela streets.

You Can:

• Take an Art Nouveau walking tour to see decorated facades and sculptures
• Visit the Art Nouveau Museum in a restored apartment
• Combine this with a stroll through the city centre and parks

These areas show Riga’s early 20th-century prosperity and make it stand out among other Baltic capitals.

3. Gauja National Park - Latvia’s Green Heart

Gauja National Park is the largest and one of the most beautiful national parks in Latvia, described by official tourism sources as a perfect place to destress, with hiking trails, medieval castles and adventure activities.

Located about an hour from Riga, the park stretches along the Gauja River and includes:

• Forests and sandstone cliffs
• Caves and rock formations
• Historic towns like Sigulda, Cesis and Ligatne

Top experiences in and around Gauja National Park include:

• Sigulda - known as the “Switzerland of Latvia”, with viewpoints, cable car rides and hiking trails
• Turaida Castle - a restored medieval castle offering great views over the river valley
• Cesis - a charming town with a medieval castle complex and old streets

Adventure activities such as kayaking, cycling, bobsleighing and even bungee jumping in season

Tip: If you only have one full day outside Riga, a day trip to Sigulda and Turaida inside Gauja National Park is an excellent choice.

4. Jurmala - Seaside Escape Near Riga

Just 20-30 minutes from Riga, Jurmala is Latvia’s best-known seaside resort, with long sandy beaches, pine forests and wooden villas. The national tourism site describes Jurmala as a unique resort offering beaches plus spa and wellness options.

Why Visit Jurmala:

• Wide, soft sand beaches along the Baltic Sea
• Wooden, historic resort architecture
• Spa hotels offering treatments with mineral waters and mud

Tip: Jurmala can be visited as a day trip from Riga by train, taxi or organised tour. Summer is ideal for swimming; in spring and autumn, it is perfect for peaceful walks and fresh air.

5. Cesis - Medieval Atmosphere And Castle Ruins

Cesis is one of Latvia’s oldest towns, located inside Gauja National Park. Travel articles highlight its romantic medieval streets and castle ruins.

You Can:

• Explore the ruins of Cesis Castle and climb towers for panoramic views
• Visit the newer manor house and its exhibitions
• Walk through the old town with its cobbled lanes and historic houses
• Cesis is great for travellers who love history and want a quieter alternative to Riga.

6. Latvian Countryside And Other Highlights

If you have more time, consider:

• KuldÄ«ga - picturesque town known for its waterfall and old centre
• Liepāja - coastal city with beaches and historic fortifications
• Latgale region - lakes, wooden churches and a more rural feel

Recent travel features list these destinations among the best things to do in Latvia beyond Riga and Gauja.

Best Time To Visit Latvia From Pakistan

Latvia has four distinct seasons, each offering different experiences. Recent seasonal guides and climate analyses agree on the following:

Summer (June-August)

• Best overall time for warm temperatures and long days
• Ideal for beaches, national parks, festivals and outdoor dining
• Most popular season, so book flights and hotels in advance

Late Spring (April-May) and Early Autumn (September-early October)

• Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
• Spring brings blooming parks and fresh greenery
• Autumn offers colourful forests, especially in Gauja National Park

Winter (November-March)

• Cold and often snowy, but charming in Old Town Riga with Christmas markets and winter decorations
• Good time for travellers who like winter atmospheres and lower prices

For visitors from Pakistan, late spring to early autumn is generally the easiest and most comfortable period, especially for first-time trips.

Practical Tips For Travelling To Latvia (Especially From Pakistan)

1. Visa Requirements

Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so Pakistani passport holders usually require a Schengen visa before travelling. This visa can also allow visits to other Schengen countries on the same trip.

You will typically need:

• Completed visa application form and photos
• Valid passport
• Flight and hotel bookings
• Travel insurance that covers the Schengen area
• Financial and employment documents

Always check updated requirements and processing times before applying.

2. Flights And Getting There

From Pakistan, common routes to Latvia involve:

Pakistan (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi) → Istanbul / Doha / Dubai or another European hub → Riga International Airport

Malik Express specialises in international flight bookings and can help you find convenient connections and competitive fares.

3. Getting Around Latvia

• Riga is very walkable, with good public transport (buses, trams, trolleybuses).
• Trains and buses connect Riga with Jurmala, Sigulda, Cesis and other towns.
• For deeper countryside exploration, car rental or organised tours are helpful.

4. Budget And Costs

Latvia, and especially Riga, is considered a good-value destination compared to many Western European capitals:

• Food and public transport are generally affordable
• Hotels in central Riga are cheaper than in many Western cities, especially outside peak summer
• Day trips to national parks and seaside areas are reasonably priced

5. Food, Halal Options And Local Cuisine

Latvian cuisine features soups, potatoes, fish, mushrooms, rye bread and dairy products. In Riga you can find:

• International restaurants, including Middle Eastern and Asian options
• Vegetarian and seafood choices
• Halal-focused options are limited but improving. It is wise to research restaurants near your hotel ahead of time or plan to rely more on fish and vegetarian dishes.

6. Safety And Comfort

Latvia is generally considered safe for tourists. As usual:

• Take care of your belongings in busy areas
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps where available
• Keep digital copies of your passport, visa and insurance

Riga’s status as an emerging city-break destination means visitor services are well developed.

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help You Visit Latvia

Malik Express, established in 1992, is a leading travel agency in Islamabad and a tour operator serving major cities across Pakistan and even internationally (including Kabul and Dubai).

The company offers:

• Flight bookings
• Visa guidance and document support
• Tour packages
• Hotel reservations
• Travel insurance and related services

1. Latvia And Europe Tour Packages From Pakistan

Using their experience with Europe itineraries, Malik Express can design:

• Latvia-focused trips: Riga city break plus Gauja National Park and Jurmala
• Baltic combinations: Latvia with Lithuania and Estonia
• Schengen multi-country tours: Latvia plus other European destinations such as Germany, Sweden or Finland

2. Schengen Visa Support

Schengen visa applications can be confusing, especially the first time. Malik Express can assist with:

• Explaining visa requirements for Latvia
• Preparing flight and hotel reservations for your file
• Arranging Schengen-compliant travel insurance

Their support helps you present a strong, well-organised application.

3. Flights, Hotels And Day Trips

Through global booking systems and local partners, Malik Express can:

• Find suitable flight connections from Pakistan to Riga
• Reserve centrally located hotels in Riga near Old Town or city centre
• Arrange airport transfers and book day trips to Gauja National Park and Jurmala

4. Ongoing Assistance

If your flights change, you need to modify dates or want to add extra destinations such as another Baltic capital, having a reliable agency makes it much easier to adjust plans without stress.

Sample 5-7 Day Latvia Itinerary From Pakistan

Use this as a starting point and adapt it with Malik Express based on your schedule and budget.

Day 1: Arrival in Riga

• Arrive in Riga, transfer to hotel
• Evening walk through Old Town and dinner in a local restaurant

Day 2: Old Town and Art Nouveau Riga

• Guided walking tour of Old Town (Riga Cathedral, St Peter’s Church, House of the Blackheads)
• Afternoon visit to Art Nouveau district and central parks

Day 3: Gauja National Park - Sigulda and Turaida

• Day trip to Sigulda and Turaida Castle inside Gauja National Park
• Optional short hike or cable car ride over the river valley

Day 4: Cesis and Countryside (Optional)

• Visit Cesis medieval town and castle
• Explore nearby forest trails and viewpoints

Day 5: Jurmala Seaside

• Train or transfer to Jurmala
• Walk along the beach, enjoy pine forests and spa time
• Return to Riga in the evening

Day 6-7: Free Time and Departure

• Free time for shopping, museums or extra tours
• Transfer to Riga airport and fly back to Pakistan

Malik Express can package this itinerary into a complete holiday with flights, hotels, transfers and selected tours.

 

Final Thoughts

Latvia is a wonderful choice for travellers from Pakistan who want a European experience that is historical, green, coastal and budget-friendly at the same time. By focusing on top tourist attractions in Latvia - Old Town Riga, Art Nouveau streets, Gauja National Park, Sigulda, Cesis and Jurmala - you can create a balanced trip filled with culture and nature.

With Malik Express Travel & Tours managing your flights, Schengen visa support, hotel bookings and local excursions, you can explore Latvia confidently and comfortably.