Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
It’s generally recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and varicella (chickenpox). Consider getting a flu shot if traveling during flu season. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are advisable, especially if you’re planning to stay for a while or have a specific risk factor. Tick-borne encephalitis is a consideration if you plan to hike or camp in rural areas during the warmer months. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Latvia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for LatviaCulture & Customs
Respect personal space—Latvians value it. A firm handshake is the norm during greetings. Avoid loud talking in public, especially on public transport. It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, major cities like Riga are generally safe and accepting, but discretion is advised in rural areas. Women should feel relatively safe, though staying in well-lit areas at night is advisable.
When visiting churches, dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially in rural areas. Always ask before taking photos of people.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Latvia.
- Pīrāgi: These are small pastries filled with bacon and onions. They’re a staple at Latvian celebrations and gatherings, making them one of the most cherished comfort foods.
- Rye Bread: Known locally as ”rupjmaize,” this dense, dark bread is a cornerstone of Latvian cuisine, often served with meals or used in desserts. Its rich flavor and cultural significance make it a must-try.
- Grey Peas with Bacon: Often served during Christmas, this dish combines hearty grey peas with crispy bacon and onions. It’s both a traditional dish and a symbol of Latvian hospitality.
- Sklandrausis: These sweet rye pastries filled with carrot and potato have been around for centuries. They’re a testament to the simple yet delicious flavors that define traditional Latvian fare.
- Aspic: Known as ”aukstā gaļa,” this dish involves meat set in gelatin. It’s an acquired taste for some but remains a popular appetizer that’s deeply rooted in Latvian culinary traditions.
Yes, tap water in Latvia is generally safe to drink, and locals drink it without issues. However, if you’re sensitive or in rural areas, you might want to stick to bottled or filtered water just to be cautious. Always trust your gut and check local advice if you’re unsure.
The main language in Latvia is
Latvian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Latvian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Latvia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Latvia,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. Most Latvians, particularly those in the service industry, such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides, have a good command of English. In major cities like Riga, you’ll find that many signs and menus are available in English, making it easier for travelers to navigate.
However, in rural areas, English proficiency may decrease, and you might encounter older generations who primarily speak Latvian or Russian. While younger Latvians often learn English in school, older individuals may not have had the same exposure. Overall, you should have no significant issues communicating in English during your travels in Latvia, but learning a few basic Latvian phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Latvia is EUR (€).
Latvia’s pretty chill with euros as the currency. ATMs are easy to find in cities and larger towns, but if you’re heading to rural areas, grab some cash beforehand. Most places accept cards, but having cash on hand can save you some hassle, especially in markets or small cafes.
Forget about carrying dollars—exchange them for euros before you arrive or at the airport if needed. For exchanging money, stick to banks or official exchange offices to avoid rip-offs. Avoid those sketchy exchange kiosks at tourist hotspots.
If you’re using your card, check for any foreign transaction fees your bank might charge. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to withdraw a chunk of cash from an ATM than to swipe your card for every little thing.
Tipping in Latvia isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is common if the service charge isn’t included. For taxis and other services, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.