Jūrmala Travel Guide
City City in Jūrmala, popular seaside resort
Jūrmala stretches along a long white beach with wooden villas and pine promenades; spa treatments, seafood restaurants on Jomas Street and summer concerts keep visitors coming from Riga.
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Why Visit Jūrmala? #
Long sandy beaches and a stretch of wooden Art Nouveau villas make Jūrmala Latvia’s seaside retreat for spa breaks and summer concerts. Walk Jomas Street to explore cafés and galleries, catch a performance at Dzintari Concert Hall, then savor smoked fish and cold Latvian beer by the sea. Close proximity to Riga means easy day trips, but many visitors linger for spa treatments, beach time and the pine-scented promenade.
Who's Jūrmala For?
Jūrmala’s sandy beaches, wooden villa streets in Majori and spa hotels create a classic seaside setting for romantic breaks. Sunset walks on the shoreline and spa treatments are easy to pair with boutique restaurants.
Shallow waters, wide beaches and playgrounds make Jūrmala very family-friendly in summer. Resorts in Majori and Bulduri offer child-focused facilities and easy access to Riga for day trips.
Kemeri National Park is just a short drive away, offering boardwalks, bogs and birdwatching, while the pine-lined coast and dunes provide pleasant coastal hiking and cycling options.
High-end spa hotels, beachfront suites and private villas are concentrated in Majori and Asari, where treatments, private beaches and upscale dining create a pampered seaside stay.
Top Things to Do in Jūrmala
All Attractions ›
- Majori Beach - Wide white-sand shore at Majori with lively promenade, cafés, and sea-air relaxation.
- Jomas iela (Jomas Street) - Pedestrian Jomas iela lined with shops, terraces and street performers near Majori.
- Dzintari Concert Hall - Historic wooden concert hall in Dzintari park hosting summertime performances and cultural events.
- Līvu Akvaparks - Large indoor waterpark offering slides, pools, and family-friendly attractions all year.
- Jūrmala City Museum - Small museum chronicling Jūrmala's resort history, wooden architecture, and seaside culture.
- Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk - Raised boardwalk through Ķemeri's bog; excellent for birdwatching and unique landscapes.
- Ķemeri Sulphur Spring - Historical mineral spring near Ķemeri with curative-touted waters and spa-era buildings.
- Bulduri Park - Peaceful green park with walking paths, monuments, and a quiet seaside atmosphere.
- Asari Beach - Less crowded sandy beach favored by locals for swimming and evening walks.
- Riga Old Town - Riga's medieval center: cobbled streets, Riga Cathedral, and plentiful cafés and museums.
- Sigulda (Gauja National Park) - Castle ruins, bobsleigh track, cliff-top views and riverside trails for hikers and cyclists.
- Rundāle Palace - Baroque palace with extensive gardens and guided tours, near Bauska, elegant interiors.
- Cēsis - Medieval town with a castle, charming streets and access to nearby forest trails.
Where to Go in Jūrmala #
Majori
Majori is Jūrmala’s main hub: the busiest stretch of beach, Jomas pedestrian street and plenty of cafés and shops. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want easy beach access, restaurants and a familiar seaside promenade atmosphere.
Top Spots
- Jomas Street - Majori’s pedestrian promenade with shops and cafés.
- Majori Beach - wide sandy beach near the centre.
- Majori Station - convenient rail access to Riga and local services.
Dzintari
Dzintari blends cultural life with quieter stretches of beach and pine-wood walking paths. The concert hall draws summer crowds but the surrounding park keeps the vibe more relaxed than Majori. Good choice if you like nature close to music and events.
Top Spots
- Dzintari Concert Hall - famous open-air summer performances.
- Dzintari Forest Park - shaded walks and dune-boardwalks to the sea.
- Quiet beach stretches - calmer sand away from the main promenade.
Bulduri
Bulduri is a calmer residential resort area favored by families and people seeking a quieter seaside stay. It still has cafés and beach facilities but feels more local than the busier Majori. Good for relaxed days and easy connections by train.
Top Spots
- Bulduri Beach - family-friendly sections with easy access.
- Bulduri Park - green spaces and playgrounds.
- Local markets - small stalls and neighbourhood shops.
Plan Your Visit to Jūrmala #
Best Time to Visit Jūrmala #
The best time to visit Jūrmala is late May through August when coastal temperatures are pleasant and the sandy beaches, cafes and festivals are in full swing. For quieter visits, shoulder spring offers blooming promenades and mild weather, while winter brings cold, atmospheric spa weekends.
Best Time to Visit Jūrmala #
Jūrmala's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (619 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Jūrmala
Jūrmala sits along the Gulf of Riga about 25-30 km west of Rīga and is most commonly reached via Riga International Airport (RIX) or by commuter train from Rīga Central Station. Frequent suburban trains make Jūrmala an easy day-trip from the capital; direct taxis and private transfers are useful if you have luggage or arrive late.
Riga International Airport (RIX): Riga’s main airport is the closest to Jūrmala (about 25-30 km). From RIX you can take the airport bus (route 22) or an airport shuttle into central Rīga (around 30-40 minutes, roughly €2), then transfer to a suburban train to Jūrmala; a direct taxi or private transfer from the airport to Jūrmala takes about 30-40 minutes and typically costs in the region of €25-€40 depending on supplier and luggage.
(Other airports): There are no major commercial airports in immediate proximity to Jūrmala beyond Riga International Airport; regional airports (e.g., Liepāja) are much farther away and not practical for a direct arrival.
Train: Trains from Rīga Central Station (Rīgas Centrālā stacija) run on the Torņakalns-Tukums II line and stop at Jūrmala stations such as Majori, Dubulti and Bulduri. Journey time from central Riga is typically about 25-40 minutes; commuter fares are low (roughly €1-€3 for a single trip) and services are frequent, especially in summer.
Bus: Regional buses and some city routes connect Riga and Jūrmala (and nearby Ķemeri). Travel time by bus depends on the route and traffic (generally 35-60 minutes from central Riga); expect fares in the range of about €2-€5 for regional buses. In high season there are also additional summer shuttle services between Riga and Jūrmala.
How to Get Around Jūrmala
Jūrmala is easiest to navigate by a mix of commuter train and walking: trains link the different neighbourhood stations and the seafront promenades are made for strolling. For flexibility (luggage, late arrivals or day trips along the coast) use a taxi or rented car, while bikes are a pleasant summer option.
- Elektrichka (commuter train) (€1-€3) - The commuter trains on the Torņakalns-Tukums II line are the simplest, most reliable way to move between Rīga and Jūrmala and to hop between Jūrmala's stations (Majori, Dubulti, Bulduri). Trains are frequent, cheap, and usually faster than buses in summer traffic; buy tickets at stations or via official apps and validate if required. Trains are crowded at peak times and on summer weekends, so pick an earlier or later service if possible.
- Regional & local buses (€2-€5) - Buses cover routes that trains don't reach and are a good option for getting to smaller parts of Jūrmala or nearby Ķemeri. Timetables vary by route and season; buses can be slower than trains when the coastal road is congested. Keep small change or use a local ticketing app where accepted, and check schedules in advance during the off-season.
- Taxi / Ride-hailing (Bolt, local taxis) (€3-€40) - Bolt operates in the Riga region and local taxi firms serve Jūrmala; taxis are convenient for door-to-door travel, luggage, or late arrivals. Short rides inside Jūrmala are reasonable, but fares to/from Riga or the airport can add up (expect higher rates for airport trips and during holidays). Always check the estimated fare in the app before confirming and, if using a local taxi, insist on the meter or a fixed price upfront.
- Car rental (€25-€70/day) - Renting a car gives flexibility to explore the wider Kurzeme coast and inland sights around Jūrmala, and parking is generally available though busy in summer at popular beach spots. Roads are straightforward and well signposted; factor in seasonal parking fees and potential traffic on the coastal P132 route. A car is useful if you plan multiple day trips, but unnecessary if you stay centred around the main resort areas where trains and walking suffice.
- Bicycle & e-scooter rentals (€3-€15) - Bicycles are a pleasant way to explore Jūrmala's promenade, parks and quieter streets in warmer months - many rental shops in Majori and Bulduri rent bikes by the hour or day. E-scooters may be available seasonally from providers that operate in the Riga region; availability varies by year and operator. Ride carefully on shared paths and watch for pedestrians, especially on the wooden promenades.
- Walking - Much of Jūrmala is compact and pleasant to explore on foot - the beach, wooden villa districts and main promenades are best seen at walking pace. Walking is the most enjoyable way to move between the seafront, cafés and shops in neighbourhoods like Majori and Dubulti. Wear comfortable shoes and plan for sun protection in summer.
Where to Stay in Jūrmala #
- Guest House in Jūrmala - Basic rooms near the beach
- Jūrmala Hostel - Dorms and cheap private rooms
- Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA - Comfortable spa hotel on the beach
- Hotel Jūrmala Spa - Good facilities and beach access
- Grand Poet by Semarah - Luxury spa and top-tier dining
- Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA (premium rooms) - High-end rooms, beachside comfort
- Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA - Central, right on the promenade
- Grand Poet by Semarah - Easy beach access and guided activities
- Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA - Family rooms and kids' facilities
- Family Guesthouse Jūrmala - Spacious units near playgrounds
- Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA - Stable Wi‑Fi, calm workspaces
- Grand Poet by Semarah - Work-friendly lobbies and cafes
Where to Eat in Jūrmala #
Jūrmala is Latvia’s classic Baltic seaside resort - eat along Jomas iela and the Majori promenade for fresh seafood, smoked fish and light coastal fare. The atmosphere is holiday-focused, with many cafés and wooden beach pavilions serving quick grilled dishes.
In peak season the town hums with outdoor dining; hotel restaurants provide more formal international options, while small cafés deliver vegetarian and lighter plates.
- Jomas iela (Jūrmala) - Pedestrian street full of cafés and seafood.
- Beachfront wooden pavilions - Grilled fish and casual seaside snacks.
- Majori and Bulduri promenades - Cafés serving Latvian and coastal dishes.
- Restaurants along Jomas iela - Mediterranean, European and café-style menus.
- Hotel restaurants in Majori - International menus with seaside views.
- Bulduri courtyard cafés - Casual international dishes and coffee spots.
- Cafés on Jomas iela - Salads, vegetable sides and light mains.
- Hotel brunches - Vegetarian buffet options in summer season.
- Smaller bistros in Majori - Meat-free meals and seasonal vegetables.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Jūrmala's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Jūrmala #
Jūrmala is a summer-night destination: beachfront bars, the Jomas iela promenade, and open-air concerts in Dzintari draw crowds when the weather is warm. Outside the high season it’s much quieter - many venues scale back in autumn and winter. Beachwear and summer dresses are normal during the day; for evening venues aim for smart-casual. Expect seasonal opening hours and higher prices in peak summer.
Best Bets
- Jomas iela (Jurmala promenade) - Main pedestrian street full of bars and summer terraces.
- Majori beach and promenade - Beachfront cafés, bars and summer-night gatherings.
- Dzintari Concert Hall - Open-air concerts and cultural nights during summer season.
- Bulduri area - Quieter neighbourhood with relaxed bars and local cafés.
- Lielupe beach bars - Seafront spots perfect for sunset drinks in summer.
- Seasonal festivals and beach parties - Major source of nightlife energy during summer months.
Shopping in Jūrmala #
Jūrmala is a beach resort where shopping centers on souvenir boutiques, spa products and summer fashion along its wooden‑house promenades. Jomas iela is the classic strolling street lined with souvenir stalls, art shops and cafés. Look for locally made amber pieces, seashell crafts and linen clothing; bargaining is light and mostly for market stalls.
Best Bets
- Jomas iela (Majori) - Main pedestrian strip with souvenirs, cafés and beachwear shops.
- Majori beachfront boutiques - Resort clothing, swimwear and artisanal seaside souvenirs.
- Dubulti and Bulduri shopping streets - Smaller shops and local galleries away from the busiest strip.
- Amber and jewellery shops - Locally crafted amber pieces and Baltic gemstone jewellery.
- Seasonal markets and stalls (summer) - Weekend markets selling art, foodstuffs and beach accessories.
- Local galleries and craft boutiques - Small galleries selling prints, ceramics and handmade textiles.
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