In 60 seconds
Stretching 33 kilometres along the pine-clad shores of the Gulf of Riga, Jūrmala ('Seaside') is the Baltic states' most celebrated coastal resort. Just thirty minutes by commuter train from central Riga, Jūrmala offers an extraordinary fusion of natural seaside splendour and whimsical 19th-century architecture: over four thousand historic wooden summer cottages (vasarnīcas) adorned with intricate carved lace trim, stained-glass verandas and whimsical fairy-tale corner towers nestle beneath towering Scots pines. Bounded on one side by the wide quartz sand beach and on the other by the tranquil Lielupe river, Jūrmala pairs refreshing sea bathing with grand historic mineral spas, summer classical concerts at Dzintari Concert Hall, and leisurely seafood lunches along pedestrianised Jomas street.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You are travelling in deep winter looking for warm swimming; Jūrmala's Baltic waters are bracing and best enjoyed June to August.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Jūrmala fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Expansive Blue Flag beach composed of fine white quartz sand and low coastal pine dunes
Kick off your shoes to walk miles along the soft quartz shoreline as the Baltic sun sets over the Gulf of Riga.
Over 4,000 protected 19th- and early 20th-century wooden summer cottages featuring gingerbread lace carving
Wander the shaded streets of Jūras and Ikšķiles iela to admire storybook towers, stained-glass porches and filigree woodwork.
Famous 1936 covered open-air concert venue renowned for international classical music and jazz festivals
Attend an evening symphony performance under the open pine-forest canopy with acoustic sea breezes blowing through the hall.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Bustling central restaurant on pedestrian Jomas iela with spacious terrace and European-Baltic menu
Generous portions of fried Baltic herring, smoked ribs and summer cocktails on Jūrmala's liveliest people-watching corner.
Acclaimed beachfront fine dining perched directly on the beach dunes in Bulduri
Fresh charcoal-grilled Baltic cod, oyster platters and fine Champagne enjoyed with toes practically in the dune sand.
Beloved local bakery in Majori known for fresh berry tarts, eclairs and Italian roast coffee
Pick up flaky buttery croissants and cloudberry tartlets for an afternoon picnic in the coastal pine park.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Heart of the resort surrounding pedestrian Jomas iela, train station and main beach
The most convenient base, putting the train station, shops, dining and beach within a five-minute stroll.
Prestigious residential pine-forest quarter filled with luxury villas, spa hotels and the concert hall
Quieter and greener than Majori, ideal for luxury boutique hotel stays and romantic escapes.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
The first sea-bathing establishments open in Dubulti as Baltic nobility and Tsarist officers discover the coast.
The opening of the Riga-Tukums railway triggers a building boom of thousands of wooden summer villas.
Dzintari Concert Hall is erected, establishing Jūrmala as a leading northern European musical summer venue.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Protected coastal nature reserve featuring 300-year-old pine trees on an 18-metre sand dune where Lielupe meets the sea
Walk wooden forest boardwalks through primeval coastal pine woods where the Lielupe river quietly joins the Baltic.
