English
Russian
Nederlands
Deutsch
Español
Français
Türkçe
Travel tips for Latvia - what to prepare in advance and what to obey
1. The cheapest way of traveling around Riga is by public transport. It includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, and shared taxi. Transport runs from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. You will need to pay baggage fees. In Latvia, one of the most popular modes of transport is the bicycle.
2. To rent a car at a rental office, you need an international driver's license and a credit card. Car rental for one day costs 35 euros.
3. The cost of entry into Jurmala by own or rented car is 1 euro. Only coins are accepted.
The majority of tourist routes in Latvia start with a visit to Riga. There’s nothing strange in that as in the capital it’s possible to see main …
Read further
Read further
5. All beaches in Latvia are free. Smoking on beaches is prohibited.
6. In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave tips - about 5-10% of the bill if the tip is not included.
8. It's best to exchange cash in bank offices. They are normally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is not recommended to exchange money from individuals on the street and at the airport.
9. In hotels, tourists pay for such services as using a minibar, meals in hotel restaurants, watching paid TV channels, phone calls, and other hotel services. They are not included in the cost of tours.
10. In hotels, the use of all kinds of heating appliances and boilers is prohibited.
11. Every year, on the nearest Saturday to February 21, there are free city tours in Riga timed to the International Tourist Guide Day. Those wishing to take them meet at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at the Powder Tower.
Latvian culture and traditions are deeply rooted in antiquity. Latvians have preserved a number of traditional features of their ancient culture. In …
Read further
Read further
13. The local law bans the sale of alcohol between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Alcohol cannot be bought during this time since shops are open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
14. If tourists have any problems or get into a criminal situation, they can call the toll-free emergency telephone number 112.
15. In order to avoid conflict situations and becoming a victim of pickpockets, all valuables, jewelry, and documents should be kept in your hotel's safe. It's recommended to carry copies of important documents. 
This collection of travel tips for Latvia is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.
Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Latvia
Country maps
Map of cities
![Cities map of Latvia]( "Cities map of Latvia")
Map of sights
![Map of sights in Latvia]( "Map of sights in Latvia")
Photogallery of sightseeing Latvia
Advices for popular cities of Latvia
Riga
1. Tourists are recommended to visit the central market for shopping tours as this is the place where you can buy just about anything, from fresh food to souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain with vendors in the market – sellers consider this an exciting game. 2. The best way to move around the city is on public transport. This type of transportation is the savviest one. 3. The main streets of the city are always crowded. You will find many people even late at night. The majority of … Read more 
Liepaja
1. It’s recommended to exchange money only in banks that operate on weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The exchange rate in private offices may be less favorable, and the services of private individuals should be abandoned. 2. Opening hours of museums and other cultural institutions should be specified in advance, as they can vary depending on season. You can see exact timetables and purchase tickets for cultural events at the tourist office. 3. In the city there are restaurants of … Read more
Ventspils
1. Smoking in public places is prohibited in Ventspils, and a failure to follow that rule may result in a large fine. It is also not allowed to smoke near governmental and culture buildings, at public transport stops, and in shopping centers. That said, smokers will not have hard time finding a suitable place to enjoy a cigarette – there are special areas for smokers near all large organizations. 2. Don’t forget to leave tips in local cafes and restaurants. As a rule, the service fee is … Read more
