Latvia is a diverse destination famed for Riga St. Peter's Church and Cesis Medieval Castle, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Latvia?
You should plan to spend around $148 (€136) per day on your vacation in Latvia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $61 (€56) on meals
- $22 (€20) on local transportation
- $111 (€102) on hotels
A one week trip to Latvia for two people costs, on average, $2,075 (€1,904). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,037
€952
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,075
€1,904
-
One Month
Per person
$4,446
€4,080
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,075
€1,904
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,150
€3,808
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,892
€8,160
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Latvia cost?
A one week trip to Latvia usually costs around $1,037 (€952) for one person and $2,075 (€1,904) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Latvia on average costs around $2,075 (€1,904) for one person and $4,150 (€3,808) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Latvia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Latvia on average costs around $4,446 (€4,080) for one person and $8,892 (€8,160) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Latvia expensive to visit?
Latvia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Latvia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Turkey or Malta.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Latvia has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Riga are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Latvia, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants, taking public transit, and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $59 (€54) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $148 (€136) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $363 (€332) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Latvia.
For more details, see Is Latvia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Latvia?
The average Latvia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Latvia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Latvia cost?
Latvia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$23
(€21)
|
$56
(€51)
|
$127
(€117)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8.24
(€7.57)
|
$22
(€20)
|
$58
(€54)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(€23)
|
$61
(€56)
|
$148
(€136)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.48
(€5.95)
|
$17
(€15)
|
$42
(€39)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
(€4-11)
|
$10-31
(€9-28)
|
$24-71
(€22-65)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Latvia for around $59 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Latvia has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Riga. Some locations also have great public transit, which help budget travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or rideshare options.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors are not going to want to miss the top sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $148 per person, per day.
In Latvia, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Riga and Cesis offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Boutique Hotel Roze in Liepaja or Neiburgs Hotel in Riga. If you're seeking romance in Sigulda, Hotel Sigulda is an ideal place for couples to stay. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Latvia here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $363. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Riga and Cesis. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Premium Baltics - offered by Intrepid Premium.
Accommodation Budget in Latvia
The range of hotel prices in Latvia can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Latvia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $111 (€102). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 (€51) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Latvia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Riga
As a hidden gem, Riga offers a variety of hotel options at a range of prices. You'll find typical hotel prices from $34 in the low season to $166 during the busy peak season. With many travelers lingering for up to four days, you should prioritize finding a comfortable stay in a favorable location if you plan to explore the area. If you're looking for some good options, you should check out Metropole Hotel by Semarah for $115 and Neiburgs Hotel starting at $70. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $15 for a dorm bed.
Cesis
In Cesis, which is a town, expect a fairly wide range of choices and prices for accommodation. Hotel prices here can range from $53 in the low season to $250 during the peak season. Karlamuiza Country Hotel ($134) is one of the best hotel options here, and [BEST_HOTEL_2] is also good, and starts at $[BEST_HOTEL_2_PRICE].
Local Transportation Budget in Latvia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $22 (€20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Latvia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Latvia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
€20
In Latvia, the train system is excellent, allowing you to connect to nearly all regions of the country. The ticket prices are reasonable, and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If trains don't reach your destination, regional and long-distance buses can help.
If you're looking to save money, public transit is the best way to get around. Many places have reliable public transportation systems. Some of the best include Riga. Many travelers like to experience places on foot. This lets you get up close and personal with different neighborhoods and the local culture. If you like walking, you'll enjoy your time in these cities.
If you're in larger cities such as Riga, consider grabbing a multi-day pass if you plan to use public transit often. You could save a substantial amount depending on your usage rather than buying tickets individually.
Planning to explore the countryside? You'll likely want to rent a car. Keep in mind that the average car in Europe has a manual transmission, and an automatic will come at a higher price. It's best to make your reservation early, as the cheaper options often sell out fast.
If you're bringing a car to a larger city, be sure to inquire about parking at your hotel beforehand. You may need to pay for parking either at the hotel or at a nearby garage. Finding a spot further from the city could save you some money.
Food Budget in Latvia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Latvia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Latvia is $61 (€56) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$61
€56
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Latvia is around $62 (€56) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $149. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Latvia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $31
- Dinner: $22 to $49
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Latvian cuisine is comparable to many of its northern neighbors. The dishes are usually hearty and filling. Popular ingredients include bread, sausage, mushrooms, pork, potatoes and beets. It doesn't use much spice so some visitors consider the flavors kind of bland. Seafood is a popular item and you can find smoked salmon in most markets. Outdoor markets are popular throughout the country and you'll find the largest in downtown Riga.
Aukstais galds: The Latvian form of a Smorgasbord, this is typically served at a wedding or special event. Typical items include, ham, jellied meats, smoked salmon, rye bread, and Latvian potato salad.
Piragis: These crescent filled pastries are usually made with a bacon or meat and onion filling. They are the Latvian version of a dumpling and are available at cafes and restaurants throughout the country.
Kvass: This is an alcoholic drink that is made from fermented rye bread. The alcohol content is generally quite low and the drink is sometimes used in the preparation of a soup.
Latvia is a great destination to enjoy the local food, as you'll find a variety of delicious dishes. A few of the best cities for food are Riga.
Riga
If you're a traveling foodie, you'll enjoy your time in Riga. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
While numerous hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, some might add it as an additional fee. The quality and pricing of breakfast can fluctuate based on the hotel. Knowing this information in advance can guide your decision on whether to indulge in a hotel buffet or opt for a cheaper bakery or café nearby.
Carrying a water bottle instead of buying drinks can help you save money while also being good for the environment.
If a tour is on your agenda, be sure to confirm which meals are covered beforehand. Paying for some food out of pocket can really add to your travel expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Latvia. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Riga Medieval Dinner for $106 details
- Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family for $129 details
- Riga: Central Market Latvian Food Tour for $46 details
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class for $63 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Latvia, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Pastry
€1.85
-
Fast Food Lunch
€5.77
-
Lunch in town for two
€6.67
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Latvia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Latvia typically cost an average of $17 (€15) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
€15
Latvia features many lesser-known destinations that aren't as overrun with tourists, giving you the chance to explore some truly authentic hidden gems. Some of the well-known locations here include .
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Latvia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Group day trip from Riga to Hill of Crosses - 5 hour day tour! For $63 details
- Guided Ebike Tour on Forest Roads and Trails Near Riga for $86 details
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Legends and Secret of Riga's Old Town for $58 details
- Riga Jewish History Tour for $75 details
Nightlife Budget in Latvia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 (€19) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Latvia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
€19
Latvia is a fun place to enjoy the local nightlife, as you'll find a variety of bars, clubs, parties, and more. A few of the best cities for nightlife are Riga.
Riga
If partying is a priority while you're traveling, then you'll want to visit Riga. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.
Nightlife is often a highlight, but cutting back on alcohol can help you stay within your travel budget.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Latvia. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience for $34 details
- Pub Crawl in Riga for $32 details
- Riga Brewery Tour for $53 details
- Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl for $54 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Nov 15, 2024
Traveling in Latvia
Riga
Latvia is one of the three small countries that make up the Baltics. It is bordered to the north by Estonia and to the south by Lithuania and it sits along the Baltic Sea. It is influenced by its maritime culture and you will find seafood prolific in the cuisine. There are some interesting coastal communities that offers a glimpse into small town life in this quaint and beautiful country. Many people head to Riga, the country's vibrant capital city, but if you want to see more of the area, head into the countryside and find some small towns to explore. This is where you'll see daily life and small town culture at its finest.
This area has seen a dramatic increase in popularity among travelers in recent years. It has become a more well known destination both inside and outside of Europe. Thanks to the affordable flights offered by Air Baltic, many travelers find themselves with at least a day layover in Riga when they are traveling elsewhere in Europe. Riga is a very livable city with a lovely old town and a very impressive market. It's a popular destination for young Europeans who are looking to go bar hopping and enjoy some cheap drinks, but it's still second in line to the more popular and famous city of Tallinn to the north. If you find yourself with a few days in Riga and can spare the time, lengthen your stay because this beautiful country has so much to offer outside of its capital.
Outside of Riga, there are many things to see in the form of great beaches, lovely small towns, and beautiful countryside. Churches and crosses dot the landscape, paying tribute to the area's strong religious routes. There are museums and monuments that educate and inform the visitor on country's brutal past, but the lighthearted nature of its citizens give today's Lativa a fun and laid back atmosphere. Whether you choose to hang out in the cosmopolitan capital city, or step back in time to the quaint villages, you're sure to have an eyeopening experience in this great country.
At A Glance
- If you're traveling into Latvia from within Europe, your cheapest option is often to catch a flight on Air Baltic. It's the country's national airline and most flights travel through Riga. There are connections available throughout Europe and the prices are usually quite low. It's often cheaper than taking the train or any other form of ground transportation.
- Because the country is so small, it is fairly easy to navigate it by public transportation. Trains travel to many different towns, and those that are not accessible by train can be reached by bus. It's not necessary to rent a car, but if you do decide you'd like your own private vehicle, there are plenty of reputable rental agencies around.
- Summer is easily the most popular time to visit the country. The weather is the most mild during the summer months and it's a good time to be outdoors and experience the area's nature. Many restaurants and hotels close during the winter months as well, so you may find it challenging to visit during these low times as well. This is particularly true in the small towns and near the national parks. Even in Riga, you will find that some hostels are not open during the coldest winter months.
- If you're looking for souvenirs to take home, there are many great local markets throughout the country. In large cities and small towns alike you can find handmade goods that range from hand woven mittens to pottery and jewelry. If you're at an outdoor market you can often barter the price down a little bit.
- If you're in a college town, head to the neighborhood around the university to grab a bite to eat. The prices are cheaper than other neighborhoods and the meals are very filling. It's a great option for those who are traveling on a budget. Many of the restaurants are casual in nature and sell everything from piragis to pancakes. You often pay by the weight so you can get as much or as little as you like.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Riga's Old Town: Riga's Old Town is a great place to take a walking tour and learn about the fascinating history of this small country. There's some excellent examples of regional architecture, plenty of outdoor cafes, and a nearby market where you can do some shopping.
Sigulda: This is a great place for those who enjoy outdoor sports and activities or want to see an interesting castle. It's a small, rural community, and it is best visited during the summer months when the hiking trails are at their best and the outdoor entertainment is all open.
Gauja National Park: This is the largest national park in the country and is a great place to experience the area's natural beauty. The most famous sight is the sandstone cliffs that run along the Gauja River. At their maximum they can reach ninety meters in height.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.