Latvia

Riga, Latvia's vibrant capital, welcomes you with a mesmerizing blend of medieval charm and Art Nouveau splendor. Start your adventure in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a car-free wonderland of cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades. Climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church for €9 to soak in panoramic views that stretch across the Daugava River. Nearby, the reconstructed House of the Black Heads stands as a symbol of Hanseatic trade history, perfect for photos and a quick history lesson.

Wander to Alberta Street for some of Europe's finest Art Nouveau architecture—ornate doorways and mythical mosaics will stop you in your tracks. Evenings come alive with street performers and cozy cafes. For a full day, follow a self-guided loop: two hours in Old Town, then head to the massive Riga Central Market in its Zeppelin hangars. Haggle for smoked fish, fresh cheeses, and rye bread—grab picnic supplies for €5-10 (about $5-11 USD).

Use the Hello app's trip planning feature to map this itinerary seamlessly, keeping your group on track amid the buzz. It's an effortless way to organize stops and share the route with companions.

Just a short train ride from Riga, Gauja National Park—Latvia's 'Switzerland'—offers thrilling hikes, ancient castles, and river valleys that feel worlds away. Base yourself in Sigulda and hop on the cable car to Turaida Castle (€12 entry), where red-brick towers overlook lush forests and folklore-inspired gardens. Explore the ruins of Krimulda Castle or the manicured paths of 19th-century Krimulda Manor for a mix of history and scenery.

Trails range from easy riverside strolls to challenging treks—pack sturdy shoes for the Gauja River viewpoints. In 2026, time your visit for festivals like the Song and Dance Celebration previews, blending culture with nature. Families love the aerial tramway views, while adventurers tackle bobsled runs in winter.

Stay connected on these remote paths with Hello's eSIM connectivity, dodging roaming fees so you can navigate trails or book castle tours on the fly. Track your hiking expenses in local currency via the app's budget tracking to keep adventures affordable.

Latvian cuisine is hearty and soul-warming, rooted in Baltic traditions—think rye bread, wild berries, and farm-fresh dairy. Dive in at Riga Central Market, sampling rupjmaize (coarse rye bread) with garlic or smoked sprats for €3-5 (around $3-5.50 USD). In Latgale, the Land of Blue Lakes, hunt for regional cheeses from small farms—pair them with local craft beers. Don't miss pirts, traditional saunas with birch whisks for detoxing steams; many guesthouses offer sessions for €15-20.

Coastal spots like Jurmala serve fresh Baltic seafood—grilled flounder straight from the sea. For groups, split a feast at beachside spots using Hello's expense splitting feature; it handles euros effortlessly and avoids post-meal math.

Pro tip: Visit Liepaja for rye bread festivals or Ventspils' Seaside Open-Air Museum (€2 entry), where demos of traditional fishing include tastings. Food tours here reveal hidden eateries—budget €20-30 daily (about $22-33 USD) for immersive eats.

Latvia's compact size makes it a breeze to explore by train, bus, or rental car—Riga's airport connects easily, and trains to Sigulda run hourly for €3-5. For beaches, head to Jurmala (20 minutes from Riga) for white sands, 200-year-old Dzintari forest walks, and spa vibes in wooden manors. Further afield, Ventspils dazzles with dune-backed shores, a playground promenade, and the quirky Seaside Open-Air Museum. Liepaja mixes pop-rock energy with Karosta Prison tours (€7) and sea breezes.

Rent a bike in coastal towns for €10/day to cruise dunes. Public buses link Riga to Rundale Palace (€10 round-trip), a Baroque gem with rose gardens. Drive for Latgale's lakes if you're venturing east—roads are well-maintained.

Organize your multi-stop journey with Hello's trip planning tools, syncing transport times across the group. Track fuel or ticket costs in euros with budget tracking, ensuring smooth, shared finances on the road.