10 Beautiful Towns in Latvia You’ve Probably Never Considered

Latvia doesn’t win you over with big gestures. It does it quietly, through human-sized towns, streets made for walking, and a close relationship with nature. Rivers run through town centers, forests start just beyond the last house, and daily life moves at a pace that feels manageable rather than rushed.

If you want to explore Latvia beyond Riga, these towns offer a deeper look at the country’s character: practical, calm, and quietly beautiful.

Latvia’s Most Beautiful Towns at a Glance

Why Latvia’s Towns Feel So Different

Latvian towns are compact and easy to navigate. You don’t need plans or transport schedules to enjoy them. Daily life hasn’t been reshaped around visitors, which gives each place a lived-in quality that feels honest and refreshing.

Cēsis: Medieval Roots Wrapped in Nature

Cēsis is one of Latvia’s oldest towns, anchored by a medieval castle that rises above parks and tree-lined paths. The old town is colorful and well cared for, with cafés, small shops, and quiet streets that encourage slow exploration. Forests begin just beyond the center, making it easy to combine history with long walks in nature.

Kuldīga: Where the River Sets the Pace

Kuldīga stands out immediately thanks to Venta Rapid, Europe’s widest waterfall, which flows right through the town. Life here feels shaped by the river. Wooden houses, stone bridges, and wide streets create a relaxed atmosphere where nothing feels hurried. It’s the kind of place where you sit by the water and stay longer than planned.

Sigulda: A Town Inside a National Park

Sigulda is surrounded by the forests, valleys, and cliffs of Gauja National Park. Nature isn’t something you visit here; it’s part of everyday life. Castles sit along hiking trails, and viewpoints overlook river valleys. Despite its popularity with locals, Sigulda keeps a calm, small-town feel outside peak weekends.

Liepāja: Baltic Sea Air and Creative Spirit

Liepāja has a distinct personality shaped by the sea and a strong cultural scene. Art Nouveau architecture lines the streets, the beach stretches wide and open, and music plays an important role in local life. It feels slightly unconventional, relaxed, and open-minded, making it appealing to travelers who like coastal towns with character.

Ventspils: Orderly, Colorful, and Welcoming

Ventspils is one of Latvia’s most family-friendly towns. Flower displays brighten the streets, playgrounds line the waterfront, and cycling paths connect different neighborhoods. The town feels carefully maintained without being sterile, and the sea is always close enough to shape the mood.

Bauska: Life Between Two Rivers

Bauska sits at the meeting point of two rivers, with a castle watching over the town from above. The pace here is steady and unforced. Parks, riverbanks, and open spaces define daily routines, making it a good stop for travelers who want quiet evenings and simple pleasures.

Sabile: Small, Hilly, and Personal

Sabile is one of Latvia’s smallest towns, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Life feels intimate here, with everything within walking distance. The town’s size and rural setting give it a calm, grounded atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Alūksne: Calm Built Around a Lake

Alūksne stretches along the edge of a large lake, giving the town a sense of space and air. Parks, wooden houses, and water views define its layout. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who enjoy long walks, quiet mornings, and a strong connection to the landscape.

Jūrmala: Forests, Beaches, and Breathing Space

Although close to Riga, Jūrmala feels separate from the city’s pace. Pine forests, wooden villas, and long sandy beaches shape daily life. Outside the summer season, the town becomes especially peaceful, ideal for slow walks and relaxed routines.

Aizpute: Where Time Feels Suspended

Aizpute feels largely untouched by modern tourism. Narrow streets, historic buildings, and a slow rhythm give it a sense of continuity. Nothing here is polished or performative, which makes the town quietly compelling for travelers seeking authenticity.

Live Like a Local With HomeExchange

Latvia’s towns reveal their character over time. Staying in a real home allows you to settle into local routines rather than rushing from sight to sight.

With HomeExchange In Latvia, you can swap homes with locals in places like Cēsis, Kuldīga, or Liepāja. You experience daily life from the inside, moving at the town’s pace and discovering Latvia in a more personal way.

Travel-Focused Summary: Choosing the Right Town for You