Latvia isn’t one of those countries that come to mind when thinking about Europe but there are certainly other top reasons to visit Latvia. For instance, the small nation is yet to be discovered by most tourists and in that sense possesses an otherworldly charm. Below is a list of a few more reasons why you should visit Latvia.
1. Riga. The country’s capital is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and therefore one of the best reasons to go there. The dynamic city offers a look at the country’s history with its old quarter and its cobblestone streets (make sure you can roll your suitcase, a holdalls with wheels are a good one) - , steeples, and Jugendstil-style architecture. In other parts of the city, Riga shows itself as a modern metropolis with a healthy nightlife. Further adding to its allure is the combination of Latvian and Russian cultures; with half of the city’s population having Russian origins. Three must-see places in Riga include the Central Market, St. Peter’s Church, and Riga Cathedral.
2. Old architecture. Riga has made it clear that Latvia is noteworthy for its old architecture but there’s much more going around in other places around the country. Cesisis, one of its most historic towns, also has an old town, impressive castles, and nice wooden buildings. Aglona has a colossal white cathedral and there are two Baroque-style palaces you can admire in Jelgava. Its wide array of old architectural buildings is one of the top reasons to visit Latvia.
