When you think of the Baltic countries, a sunny beach doesn’t exactly come to mind, does it? 

While most travelers might think of the rainy skies in Tallinn or cold wind blowing through Lithuania (it’s purported to be the coldest capital in the EU!), they’re missing out on one of the biggest hidden gems in Latvia: Jurmala!

Perfect for travelers who want…

A day trip from Riga – Miles of sandy beaches – Charming picturesque streets

This sweet little seaside town, located just 30 minutes outside of Riga, was one of the most trendy summer escapes for rich and famous Soviets in the 1960s. Although many years have passed, it’s still one of the most popular destinations for travelers all over Eastern Europe – and for good reason! 

Jurmala spas are considered some of the best in Latvia, and there are plenty of resorts that cater to all budgets. The beach stretches out for kilometers; there are dozens of delicious restaurants for all types of foodies; and you can choose to do absolutely nothing (or everything) as you wish.

If you’re wondering what to do in Jurmala, where to stay, or where to eat – I’ve prepared this small but useful Jurmala travel guide for you. Let’s check it out! 

How many days do I need in Jurmala?

Depending on your schedule, you can see Jurmala in a few hours or a few days. 

If you’re in a rush, a couple of hours is good enough to get a general idea and walk around. You can also book a tour to Jurmala from Riga if you prefer to have everything planned for you. :) 

If you’re flexible, then I recommend at least one day and an overnight stay to explore the city, enjoy the beach, and relax. 

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HOW TO GET TO JURMALA 

Thanks to its location right outside of Riga, Jurmala is easy to get to. There are electrical trains (called электричка) that leave every 15 to 30 minutes from the Riga Central Station. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs about $1.50 USD for a one-way ticket. If you can, I recommend grabbing a seat near the window so that you can see the beautiful views on your way there.

Depending on where your accommodation is located, you’ll most likely exit the train at either Majori station or Dubulti station.

If you have luggage or prefer to travel at your own pace, you can order a taxi from Riga to Jurmala for around 17 to 25 EUR. 

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TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND JURMALA 

Since Jurmala is a small city (heck, I would even call it a town), it’s very easy to get around.

Walking

If you choose an accommodation in the center (more on that below), you can easily walk to most of the main tourist attractions. There are plenty of paved sidewalks and roadways. 

Busses

There are a handful of busses that go from one end of Jurmala to the other, with stops in between. The fare is about 0.50 EUR.

Taxi

For longer distances, you can get around Jurmala by taxi. When I was staying at Kurushi Hotel, which was further away from the center, I took a taxi for about 2 to 3 EUR one way. Unfortunately there is no Uber in Jurmala, but Bolt is a fantastic alternative (click here to get your first ride for free :)). 

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WHERE TO STAY IN JURMALA 

There’s no shortage of accommodations in Jurmala, especially during the high season: you’ll find hostels, hotels, resorts, spa hotels, and apartment hotels packed into this little city. 

The best ”neighborhood” to stay in Jurmala is around the center, which is the area called Majori if you look on Google Maps. Anywhere near or along the main street (Jomas iela) is ideal.

Here are some of my top picks for where to stay in Jurmala:

Jurmala Hostels & Jurmala Guest Houses

Good Mood Hostel– This was the first place I stayed at, and I’m glad that I did: It’s located right in the middle of Jomas street, so it was extremely easy to get oriented with the city and walk around. The most charming that about Good Mood hostel is that it’s a traditional summer cottage and has a super cute and colorful exterior. You can book a bed in a dormitory room (4 beds per room) or a private room. 

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Jomas 62 – *design hotel* If you have a large company and need to rent out an entire apartment, Jomas 62 is for you. There are three bedrooms (as well as a living room) with a colorful and funky design. 

Agoda || Booking.com 

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Jurmala Hotels

Kurshi Hotel & Spa– I stayed here during the second part of my trip and loved every second of it! The check-in process was smooth, the room had such a cute contemporary design, and the breakfast buffet had plenty of options. It’s located on the left half of Jurmala, but you can easily walk to the beach (5 min. walk) or into town (15 min.) 

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Boutique Hotel MaMa *boutique hotel* – One of the best hotels in Jurmala, MaMa is cozy, charming, and with an extra touch of hospitality. It’s especially perfect for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon.

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com 

Villa Joma – A comfortable bed and breakfast-style hotel, Villa Joma is like visiting your rich Latvian grandma in Jurmala. It’s perfectly situated between the main street and the beach (a quick 5-minute walk), with friendly staff and a delicious restaurant. 

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com  

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Pegasa Pils Spa Hotel – One of the oldest and most popular hotels in Jurmala, Pegasa is inside a traditional Jurmala cottage. The hotel itself is situated in the most popular area of Jurmala and is perfect for people who love to be in the center of all the action.

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Jurmala Luxury Hotels

Baltic Beach Hotel & Spa – Often noted as one of the best luxury hotels in Jurmala, Baltic Beach is literally situated next to the beach – just a quick 30-second walk and you’re already on the sand. What’s even better is that it has its own private beach (!!), spa, and suites with breathtaking sea views. 

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com 

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Hotel Jurmala Spa – A four-star hotel, Hotel Jurmala Spa is most famous for its amazing spa. The spa complex is spread across two floors and offers massages, beauty treatments, saunas, pools, and more. There’s also a lovely rooftop bar with an amazing view :) 

Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com 

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WHAT TO DO IN JURMALA 

Jurmala is a small town that packs a big punch. If you’ve spent enough time on the beach, there are plenty of other things to do — here are just a few suggestions on things to do in Jurmala.

Walk along Main Street (Jomas Street)

If there’s one street you should remember, it’s Jomas iela. This 2-kilometer street stretches across the center of Jurmala and has everything you need, from restaurants and cafes to boutiques, grocery stores, hotels, souvenir shops, and more. If you have a free hour, grab an ice cream, sit down, and enjoy a bit of people watching.

Marvel at the Colorful Summer Cottages

No matter where you look, it seems like Jurmala has an amazing collection of cute summer houses. You’ll find the most around the center (Majori) as well as the smaller side streets around the beach. 

If you’re keen on staying in a summer cottage, there are plenty of rooms available. If you really fall in love, you can even buy your own house in Jurmala! 

 

Go Statue Hunting

For such a small city, there’s an unusual amount of interesting statues scattered around Jurmala. Some of the most famous include:

• Turtle Statue (Brunurupucis)
• Fancy lady
• Jurmalas globe 
• Lāčplēsis (the bear slayer) 

Don’t forget to take a photo and tell your friends that you’re traveling to Jurmala ;) 

Learn More about the Culture of Jurmala at a Museum

Jurmala has a few quirky museums, such as the Jurmala City Museum, where you get free entrance, and the Aspazijas māja (House of Aspazija), a cute cottage that belonged to a famous Latvian writer. 

 

Dzintari Forest Park

 The Baltic countries are famous for their forests, and Jurmala is no different. Dzintari is an amazing hybrid of a forest and a park – you can walk along the pathways and get lost in nature, or bring your kid to one of the child-friendly play areas. 

Relax at the Beach

You wouldn’t think that I’ve forgotten about Jurmala’s biggest attraction, did you? After you’ve checked everything off the list, go ahead and relax at the beach – you deserve it! 

 

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WHERE TO EAT IN JURMALA

There’s no shortage of cafes and restaurants in Jurmala for every budget and taste. Thanks to its international clientele, there are dozens of different cuisines, from Uzbek to Armenian, American, and even Japanese. Here are some places that I recommend to eat in Jurmala: 

Planta Lifestyle Cafe – Located towards the end of Jomas street, Planta Lifestyle is a cafe/restaurant with a large menu and delicious drinks. I highly recommend their lemonades – and be sure to grab a seat on the summer terrace! 

ROOF Bar-B-Q – As mentioned in the name, ROOF Bar-B-Q is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Jurmala. The interior is so gorgeously decorated (imagine a chic jungle), and the view offers a romantic atmosphere. 

Zsngezur – This Armenian restaurant has some of the best service in Jurmala. It’s perfect if you love meat (check out their shashlik dishes) or desserts (the watermelon jam and cakes are delicious!) 

Il Sole – Hailed as one of the best restaurants in Jurmala, Il Sole is known for its Italian food and sweeping panoramic views. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean. 

The Local Farmer’s Market – This is probably the first time I’ve suggested going to a local farmer’s market, but don’t overlook the cute little grandmas selling fruit along Jomas street! Grab some strawberries or groundberries (called zemlyanika – Земляника) and head over to the beach.

 

Are you planning to add Jurmala to your Baltic trip? If so, I highly recommend visiting for a day or two to recharge before continuing with your trip – you’ll be glad you did!