Latvia Car Hire

Find the best deals in Latvia

With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Latvia.

  • Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
  • Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
  • 10 years experience in car hire

Compare Car Hire in Latvia

In the Baltic Sea, situated between Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia has long piqued the curiosity of others due to its strategic placement at the nexus of Europe's northern and eastern halves. As a result, throughout the previous 800 years, there have been several rulers. Since independence, however, Latvia has been part of the EU and Schengen Zone. Known for its wood and art nouveau architecture as well as its enormous Central Market and historic Old Town with St. Peter's Church, Riga is Latvia's capital and largest city. Most people come to Latvia to party in the city, but to get a genuine sense of the nation, head out into the stunningly unspoilt countryside, where there are sublime lakes, sandy beaches and lush forests.

For an unforgettable trip, book your Latvia car hire in advance with Enjoy Travel for the best deals. You’ll find daily prices for car hire in Latvia starting from €17 for an economy car like a Toyota Yaris or similar.

Guide to Latvia

Geography

Latvia is a nation in the Baltic region located in northern Europe, bordering Russia to the east, Lithuania to the south, Belarus to the west, and Estonia to the north.

Latvia is the 5th greenest country in the world, with woods covering over half the land. Fertile lowland plains and modest hills cover the majority of the nation. Large forests alternate with fields, farmsteads, and pastures in a typical Latvian landscape. Berries and forested patches dot the arid desert, providing a haven for a wide variety of flora and animals. Latvia also boasts hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt coastline, which is bordered by pine woods, dunes, and endless stretches of white sand beach.

Climate in Latvia

Latvia has a humid continental or oceanic/maritime climate, depending on where you look. But in general, it has four distinct seasons. Mid-December is the official start of winter, and it lasts until mid-March. Winters are mild, with an average low of 6°C (21°F) and a snow cover that remains constant throughout the season. Summer, lasting from June through August, is hot and humid, with highs of 35°C (95°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). We recommend visiting in late summer as the slowly changing colours of the foliage truly make for a stunning sight.

Culture

Traditions of Latvian folklore extend back over a thousand years. Both Latvian and German influences may be found in their rich cultural history. Latvian nationalist groups began to take shape in the late 1800s. They promoted Latvian culture and enthused Latvians to get involved in it. Latvians typically look back on the late 19th and early 20th century as a golden period of Latvian culture in their country. In 1997, UNESCO designated Riga's Old Town as a World Heritage Site.

The Latvians celebrate Ji, a pagan summer solstice festival, on the feast of St. John the Baptist, which is why it is one of the most widely observed festivities in the country. Another essential part of Latvian culture and social life, the Latvian Song and Dance Festival is held every two years in Riga, where singers perform a cappella renditions of folk and classical choir songs in addition to current popular tunes. Theatre, scenography, choral music, and classical music have all grown in prominence in Latvian culture since the country's independence.

Things to do in Latvia

Stroll through the Old Town Square

With its narrow cobblestone lanes and Medieval-era structures lining Riga's Old Town Square, Riga's Town Hall Square is where most visitors start their exploration of Latvia’s capital city. It has to be fully rebuilt after World War II devastated the area. During the holidays, be sure to see the Town Hall Square Christmas tree, which has been a tradition since the city's first Christmas tree was lit 500 years ago. A memorial board now stands in its place, and an incredible Christmas tree is adorned every year. Numerous well-known structures can be seen on the plaza, such as the Blackheads' House, the Latvian Occupation Museum, and the Baroque Clock Tower, which is attached to the Town Hall.

Visit Riga Cathedral

The Riga Cathedral, commonly known as Saint Mary's Dome Cathedral, towers above the city and is visible from several vantage points. In the vicinity of the majestic Daugava River, the cathedral, built in 1211, is known as the biggest mediaeval church in the Baltic area. It also serves as the official residence of the Archbishop of Riga and is home to a world-famous 19th-century pipe organ. As one of the world's most precious antique pipe organs, it dates back to 1882 and is regarded as a national treasure. One of Latvia's most iconic structures, the church has appeared in artwork, photography, and television documentaries. Here, instead of a conventional crucifix atop the cathedral's bell tower, you'll find a rooster. When religious services were outlawed in the Soviet Union, the cathedral was used as a music venue.

Explore Riga’s rich Art Nouveau history

It is estimated that one-third of Riga's buildings are examples of Art Nouveau architecture, making Riga the world's largest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum, which is housed in a beautiful 1903 structure, providing an authentic setting in which to explore and appreciate this sublime art and architecture style. You can view reconstructed rooms and accompanying multimedia displays to fill you in on the history of Riga's Art Nouveau history. In addition to the kitchen and tile flooring, the museum's other rooms have restored wall and ceiling paintings, stained-glass windows, oaken wall panels, furniture, and other works of art, as well as accurate period clothes and accessories. The museum regularly organises themed exhibitions, in addition to the permanent collection. Of course, for the true Art Nouveau aficionado, there’s no equal to strolling down the charming streets of Riga and admiring the impressive buildings, most of which are still in use.

Learn about Latvia’s heavy past

Even though it's located outside of Riga's core, the Salaspils Memorial is worth a visit. Large sculptures symbolising various "feelings" are arranged in a grid pattern on the memorial grounds. They're in the same area that used to be home to a Nazi police jail and labour camp. Lithuanian, Estonian, and Latvian citizens, military personnel, and transit convicts were all housed in the camp itself. The displays explain, in great detail, the conditions in the camps, as well as all the people who died there and how they perished. Even though it's a terrible tale, it's an important one. The memorial's 100-meter concrete wall, inscribed with the words "Beyond these gates the earth moans," forms a representation of the border between life and death.

Stroll through the quaint village of Slutiski

Slutiski, also known as Old Believer's Village, is located in Daugava County, which borders the picturesque Daugava River. Visitor numbers are on the rise as more people become aware of the ancient wooden peasant cottages that are fitted together. Exceptional traditional woodworking may be found on the ornately adorned home facades. Houses are decorated in a Slavic style, and the facades, window frames, and doors are all examples of Slavic architectural traditions. As part of the Naujene Museum of Regional History's Old Believer's House, you may also observe local artisans at work while also purchasing traditional products like jams and preserves. Since 1998, the settlement has been designated as an ethnographic monument by the federal government. The outdoor exhibition "Rural Court of Slutiki" - a unique example of spiritual and domestic culture – may be seen in the Slutiski hamlet.

Hike across Gauja National Park

One of the best things to do in Latvia if you want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors is to go hiking! The Gauja National Park is arguably the most well-known of Latvia's magnificent national parks. It is known for its rich biological diversity, diverse landforms, natural springs, and sandstone outcrops, as well as its stunning views and one-of-a-kind natural, cultural, and historical treasures. It encircles the town of Csis and its 13th-century fortress, taking up much of the Gauja Valley. The Turaida Museum Reserve is anchored by the mediaeval Turaida Castle and its soaring bell tower. Folk Song Park, with its granite sculptures inspired by Latvian culture, is another attraction in the neighbourhood. The best time to visit is in autumn when the trees change colours to orange, crimson, and yellow.

Go off the beaten track at Gutman Cave

Gutman's Cave in Latvia's Sigulda National Park is the Baltic States' largest and tallest cave. It's located on the Gauja River. It began to develop after the Ice Age when meltwater eroded the sandstone rock. As a result of its legendary past, the cave is charged with a powerful, ethereal force. Ancient stories are reawakened by the sun's rays as they play in Gutman's Cave's spring and reflect off its walls in stunning light patterns! According to one story, the cave formerly belonged to a virtuous man who used the spring's water to treat others. In German, "gut Mann" means "good guy," hence the name. That's why many think the spring's healing powers are so well-known. After a gruelling hike, you can refresh yourself with the cool, natural spring water. Travellers visiting Latvia should not miss this experience because it is so out of the ordinary. The best part? It's completely free to enter.

Eating out in Latvia

For the most part, Latvian food is made from locally sourced ingredients, with meat appearing in nearly every dish. Due to Latvia's location on the Baltic Sea's eastern shore, fish is a frequent food source. Some must-try traditional dishes while visiting this Baltic treasure are: Aukstā Zupa (Cold Soup), Siļķe Kažokā (Herring in a Coat), \sAukstā Gaļa (Cold Meat in Jelly), Kotletes (Minced Meat Patties), Kartupeļu Pankūkas (Grated Potato Pancakes), and Skābeņu Zupa (Sorrel Soup). To sample some of the finest Latvian dishes, we’ve curated a list of top-rated restaurants:

Melnie Mūki, one of the best steakhouses in Old Town, has a crystal chandelier, and in the evenings, a silky jazz band plays live jazz to accompany the excellent steaks. Domini Canes offers it all: delicious food, kind service, and a prime location near St. Peter's Church. It's easy to see why this restaurant is frequently ranked among Riga's top five eateries by tourists and residents alike. Served in a rustic atmosphere, Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is a famous pub and restaurant in Riga. The food is heavy on meat and potatoes, as one might expect, and it fills you up like no other. After supper, have a few beers with the locals and listen to some Latvian folk music.

Open-kitchen restaurant Pavaru Restorans prepares exquisite Latvian and European food directly in front of diners; and every season, the menu will be altered to reflect the availability of the freshest local ingredients. Some of the restaurant's best-selling items include fish fillets and pork chops, but don't forget to save room for the amazing dessert, which includes chocolate ganache, orange marshmallow, and whiskey ice cream. Neiburgs perfectly combines traditional food with modern architecture. Visitors may dine al fresco on their terrace area throughout the summer months. It's the perfect spot to unwind, relax, and people-watch as you sample the restaurant's extensive menu of food and drink options.

Latvia Transport

Airport

Riga International Airport (RIX), sees about 5 million travellers a year. It is the largest airport in the Baltic States, offering nonstop flights to 104 cities across 35 countries. Also, it's where airBaltic's main hub is located.

Getting around Latvia

Riga's public transit system operates from 5 a.m. until just before midnight, seven days a week. In the evenings and on weekends, several routes are serviced by night buses. Trains are the most convenient mode of transportation for destinations in and around Riga and Eastern Latvia. As you go farther away from Riga, rail options become increasingly limited. Where passenger trains do not or cannot go, buses are the greatest public transportation choice. They can get you almost anywhere, but unlike trains, they are run by a slew of different firms, making it impossible to figure out specific schedules.

Due to the lack of public transportation outside of major cities and the immediate vicinity of Riga, hiring a car is highly recommended.

Got a Question? Chat with our UK support team

Online chat help is open 08:30am to 17:00 weekdays. Email: [email protected]

ENJOY FAIR FUEL POLICY

FAQs about car hire in Latvia

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Latvia

The average cost per day of hiring a car in Latvia is just €21.
Prices for Latvia car hire start from just €17 when booking in advance with Enjoy Travel.
To hire a car in Latvia you must be at least 21 years old.
Additional drivers can be added to your Latvia car hire agreement upon request.
TThe best car for exploring Latvia would be a fuel-efficient car like a Toyota Yaris or similar.
Travelers comment that Latvia is incredibly cheap compared to other Western European or Scandinavian countries. You’ll spend about €52 per day.
Riga International Airport (RIX).
Depends on how many places are in your itinerary but overall as renting a car in Latvia is quite inexpensive, it’s also the most cost-effective and comfortable option for moving around.
The most essential place to see in Latvia is its capital Riga. The city can be perfectly explored on foot in 2 or 3 days.
The best time for a trip to Latvia is between the months of May and September, which are characterized by milder temperatures although they can be rainy.
It is €85.33 for a week, or €12.19 per day.
It’s €255.92 for a month, or €8.26 per day.
Price of fuel in Latvia is between 1.09 EUR and 1.20 EUR per litre.

Enter your email address for the latest discount codes and special offers across car hire, holiday accomodation and much more!

Get the latest travel news and offers
Thanks for signing up