Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Sigulda and Gauja National Park
Highlights: Turaida Castle and Rose legend site · Gutman's Cave (Latvia's largest grotto) · Medieval castle ruins · Cable car over Gauja valley · Bobsled track in winter
Jurmala Beach Resort
Highlights: 23km of white sand beaches · Art Nouveau wooden villas · Dzintari Forest Park · Jomas iela pedestrian street · Kemeri National Park bog walk
Cesis and Araisi Lake Castle
Highlights: Cesis Medieval Castle with lantern tours · Charming old town with cafes · Araisi Lake Dwelling archaeological site · Gauja valley viewpoints · Local Cesis brewery
Rundale Palace
Highlights: Baroque palace designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli · Stunning formal French gardens · Golden Hall and White Hall interiors · Bauska Castle ruins nearby
Cape Kolka and Slitere National Park
Highlights: Where two seas meet (Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga) · Slitere Blue Hills ancient coastline · Cape Kolka lighthouse · Pristine fishing villages · Rare coastal forest
Liepaja
Highlights: Karosta abandoned Soviet naval fortress · Beautiful sandy beaches · St Trinity Cathedral · Vibrant music scene · Liepaja Music Hall
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized tours to Sigulda €35-50, Rundāle €50-70, Jurmala €25-35. Book through Riga bus station tour desks or online.
- Private
- Car hire from €25-35/day at Riga Airport — essential for Rundāle, Cape Kolka, and rural Latvia. Fuel costs add €10-20 for day trips.
- Public
- Trains serve Jurmala (every 30 min, €2), Sigulda (hourly, €3.50), Cēsis (regular buses, €4-6). Buses to Rundāle and Liepāja. Book at Riga Central Station.
- Rental
- Car rental from €25/day at Riga Airport (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Avis all present). Book online for best prices, especially in summer.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start Sigulda day trips early (first train departs ~7:00 AM) to avoid coach tour crowds at Turaida Castle by mid-morning
The Jurmala train requires a separate town entry fee in summer (€2/day) — buy the combined train+entry ticket at Riga Central Station
Rent a car for Rundāle Palace — public transport is very limited and a car allows combining with Bauska Castle (15 min away) and the Mežotne Palace gardens