Discover Latvia’s Hidden Charm: OK! Guides You Through The Baltic Country’s Most Stylish Spots to Eat, Stay, and Explore!

Welcome to Latvia, a country that’s quietly having a moment.

Wedged between Estonia and Lithuania, this compact Baltic nation combines the charm of Old Europe with a cool, contemporary energy — and yet it remains blissfully under the radar. It’s the kind of place that makes even seasoned travelers feel like they’ve stumbled upon a secret.

Getting to Latvia is surprisingly easy — flights from the U.S. East Coast to Riga clock in at under nine hours — but once you arrive, the pace slows, and the rewards multiply. Whether you’re soaking in the spa scene on Jūrmala’s golden beaches, exploring medieval castles in misty forests, or hopping between wine bars and rooftop lounges in it's capital city RIga, Latvia feels familiar yet entirely its own.

Even Hollywood has caught on with Jude Law recently spotted filming his latest movie in Riga, The Bachelorette’s Hannah Brown brought her hopefuls here for one of the show’s most romantic episodes, and a growing number of film crews are using Latvia’s blend of fairytale cities and unspoiled nature as their next big backdrop.

So before the secret’s fully out, OK! takes you through Latvia — the small but mighty Baltic beauty where history, design, and excellent food all meet.

THE GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI , RIGA

Set directly across from the Opera House and overlooking the leafy calm of Bastejkalna Park, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is one of those rare hotels that manages to feel both grand and genuinely welcoming. Following a thoughtful renovation, the property beams with fresh elegance — marble floors, soft lighting, and rooms that strike a perfect balance between classic comfort and modern design. Guests quickly notice the signature “Ladies in Red,” Kempinski’s trademark ambassadors, who always seem to appear right when you need them — whether it’s a dinner recommendation, a map for exploring Old Town, or just a friendly chat.

The Kempinski Spa is a highlight, complete with saunas, a snow room, and a tranquil pool area ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Evenings are best spent at the hotel's rooftop restaurant Stage 22 where an asian infused menu meets refined European style. It’s an easy choice for travelers looking to experience Riga at its most polished — a place that pairs five-star luxury with a warmth that feels unmistakably Latvian.

MALPILS MANOR

About an hour’s drive from Riga, Mālpils Manor is the kind of countryside escape that feels straight out of a postcard. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, lakes, and tree-lined paths, this lovingly restored 18th-century manor has all the charm of a historic estate but with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and full of character — think high ceilings, vintage-style furniture, and big windows that let in plenty of light. The on-site restaurant is one of the highlights, serving beautifully presented seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for a long lunch or dinner after exploring the grounds. Whether you come for a weekend getaway or a quiet day trip, Mālpils Manor captures the slower, more romantic side of Latvia — elegant without trying too hard, and the perfect spot to stay in Latvia if wanting to escape the city and take in some nature countryside.

GRAND PALACE HOTEL RIGA

Tucked along a cobblestoned street in Riga’s Old Town, the Grand Palace Hotel Riga is where classic European charm meets just the right amount of luxury. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building that once served as a Baltic bank, it’s elegant without feeling over the top, The rooms are cozy yet refined, with plush fabrics, marble bathrooms, and that old-world atmosphere that’s hard to find these days. It’s also a hotel with a guestbook full of star power — everyone from Elton John to Prince Albert of Monaco has checked in here over the years. Don't forget to check out the hotel’s lobby Pils Bar, one of Riga’s best hotel cocktail bars and great for people-watching out the window to the busy cobblestone streets outside.

Three Chefs Restaurant

Just a short stroll from Riga’s Old Town, Three Chefs Restaurant is a must for anyone who loves great food served with a sense of fun. A Michelin Guide favorite, it’s famous for its open kitchen — where you can watch the chefs work with precision and flair, turning local ingredients into edible art right before your eyes. The space strikes a perfect balance between relaxed and refined, with warm lighting, friendly service, and a menu that changes with the seasons. Expect dishes built around the best of what’s fresh — from Baltic seafood and forest mushrooms to garden herbs and house-made sauces — all beautifully plated with a modern edge. And don’t skip the restaurant’s playful signature: the “color oil painting” for your bread, where guests can mix flavored colored oils and create their own mini masterpiece right on the paper placemat before dipping in. It’s creative, delicious, and just the kind of detail that makes Three Chefs one of Riga’s most unique dining experiences.

Rozengrāls Restaurant

Hidden down a narrow lane in the heart of Old Town, Rozengrāls is more than just a restaurant — it’s a full-on time warp back to medieval Riga. Set in a 13th-century wine cellar complete with vaulted ceilings, flickering candlelight, and the city’s only underground well, it’s the kind of place where every dark tunnel transports you back to medieval dining. The staff, dressed in period costumes, serve hearty, old-world dishes with wooden utensils and a touch of theatrical flair. It’s atmospheric, a little bit quirky, and absolutely unmissable if you want to experience Riga’s history in the most delicious way possible. The menu is packed with traditional favorites, but the French onion soup is the true showstopper — worth ordering for its presentation alone. If you're looking for a dining experience that's truly different, Rozengrāls is the kind of spot you’ll be talking about long after you’ve left the cellar.

Kaļķu Vārti Restaurant

Right in the heart of Old Riga, Kaļķu Vārti is housed in a centuries-old building tucked inside a quiet courtyard. What makes Kaļķu Vārti different is its deep connection to Latvian ingredients — not just using what’s seasonal, but celebrating it. The kitchen sources herbs, berries, and vegetables from small local farms and even wild forests, giving every plate a true sense of place. Whether you’re sitting inside surrounded by rustic brick walls or dining al fresco in the courtyard during summer, Kaļķu Vārti captures the essence of Riga: rooted in tradition, but always evolving.

Black Magic Bar

Stepping inside Black Magic Bar, is like crossing the threshold into another century — part apothecary, part speakeasy, and entirely Riga. Located in Old Town, this candlelit bar pays tribute to the city’s most famous elixir, Balsam, a herbal liqueur that’s been brewed here since the 18th century. The décor mixes dark wood, velvet curtains, and shelves lined with mysterious bottles, setting the tone for what’s more than just a drink — it’s an experience. The guided tasting is a must: a deep dive into the history and flavors of Balsam, complete with stories, sips, and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re sampling traditional versions or trying a modern cocktail twist (the black currant one was our standout), Black Magic Bar offers a mix of old-world charm and modern creativity that perfectly captures Riga’s old town spirit.

Gimlet Nordic Bar

For a taste of Riga’s contemporary cocktail scene, Gimlet Nordic Bar is the place to be. Situated near the city center, this sleek, minimalist bar channels the clean lines and natural textures of Scandinavian design — all wood, stone, and soft lighting — creating a space that feels both stylish and inviting. The cocktail menu is a love letter to the north, built around local ingredients, seasonal botanicals, and a creative approach to flavor that keeps every drink feeling fresh and unexpected. Signature cocktails often feature foraged herbs, berries, and house infusions that give a true taste of the Baltic landscape in a glass. The bartenders are as passionate as they are precise, happy to talk you through each pour and help you find your new favorite. Whether you’re looking for a happy hour cocktail or a post dinner nightcap Gimlet Nordic Bar captures modern Riga at its coolest — understated, inventive, and effortlessly chic.

Chef’s Corner Bar

If you like your cocktails with a side of creativity, Chef’s Corner is one of Riga’s most exciting spots to pull up a stool. Blurring the line between restaurant and bar, this stylish spot takes a culinary approach to mixology — every drink feels crafted, not just poured. The menu is ever-evolving, with inventive flavor combinations that might include locally infused spirits, seasonal herbs, or unexpected ingredients like beetroot, smoked honey, or sea buckthorn. Presentation is half the fun here; cocktails arrive in everything from chilled glassware to a drink served in a hatched egg complete with a nest, making each round feel like a mini performance. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, with bartenders who are as happy to experiment as they are to chat about what’s on your plate and in your glass.

Jūrmala

Just a short 25-minute train ride from Riga, Jūrmala is Latvia’s laid-back seaside escape — a place where pine forests meet golden sand and life moves at a slower, saltier pace. Stretching along 26 kilometers of Baltic coastline, it’s the perfect day trip for when you need a breather from the Riga city cobblestones. The town’s mix of pastel wooden villas, beach cafés, and art nouveau charm gives it a timeless feel, while its spa culture adds a touch of indulgence — think sea-salt scrubs, thermal pools, and long, lazy afternoons by the water. Grab a bike and cruise down Jomas Street, stop for seafood at a beachfront grill, or take in the view from the Dzintari Forest Park treetop walk. Whether you come for a few hours or end up staying the night, Jūrmala offers a refreshing change of scene — relaxed, breezy, and effortlessly beautiful, it’s where locals go to unwind and visitors fall in love with Latvia’s coastal side.

Rundāle Palace and Museum

Often called the “Versailles of the Baltics,” Rundāle Palace and Museum is Latvia’s most dazzling architectural treasure — and a must for any day trip from Riga. Located about an hour’s drive from the capital, this 18th-century Baroque masterpiece was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the same architect behind St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace, and it shows in every gilded detail. The palace’s grand halls are filled with crystal chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and ornate furniture that bring Latvia’s aristocratic past vividly to life. Outside, the manicured French gardens stretch for acres, blooming with roses in summer and offering the perfect backdrop for a slow, scenic stroll. With its art, history, and sense of elegance, Rundāle Palace feels like stepping into another century — an easy, enchanting escape from the city that captures the beauty and grace of Latvia at its finest.

Gauja Valley Adventures

For a day trip that trades cobblestones for pure adrenaline, head to Sigulda — Latvia’s adventure capital set in the heart of the stunning Gauja National Park. Here, thrill-seekers can soar above the forested valley on the famous Gauja Cable Car, gliding 40 meters high over sweeping views of castles, cliffs, and the winding river below. If you’re craving more of a rush, you can take the plunge on the Sigulda Zipline, one of the longest in Europe, where you’ll race across the valley at speeds up to 60 mph.

And for something truly unique, don’t miss the Summer Bobsleigh Track, where you can hurtle down a real Olympic course in a wheeled bobsled driven by a professional pilot. With its mix of nature, excitement, and heart-pounding fun, Gauja Valley shows that Latvia isn’t just beautiful — it’s also built for adventure.