Jūrmala is a Latvian resort city on the Gulf of Riga, just west of the capital, Riga. It’s known for wooden, art nouveau seaside villas, Soviet-era sanatoriums and long, sandy Jūrmala Beach. Near the beach are the Dzintari Concert Hall complex, dating from the 1930s, and Dzintari Forest Park. On the banks of winding Lielupe River, the Jūrmala City Museum tells the history of the city through thousands of objects
Sandy Beaches: Over 30 km of white sand beaches, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and long walks
Pine Forests & Fresh Air: A tranquil, clean-air environment perfect for relaxation
Historic Wooden Architecture: 19th- and early 20th-century wooden villas with intricate carvings
Spa Culture: Known for wellness centers and mineral-rich mud treatments
Mild Climate: Cooler than inland Latvia in summer, making it a refreshing retreat.
By Train:
Take the train from Riga Central Station (Rīga Centrālā stacija) to Majori Station (central Jūrmala)
Duration: ~30–40 minutes
Trains run frequently (every 30–60 minutes)
Cost: ~€1.50–€2 each way
By Car:
~30-minute drive via A10 highway
Note: A small entry fee (~€2) applies for vehicles entering Jūrmala in summer months.
Majori Beach – The most central and popular beach, with beachside cafes and volleyball courts
Dzintari Forest Park – Elevated walking trails, a viewing tower, and play areas
Jomas Street – The main pedestrian street, lined with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants
Jūrmala City Museum – Explore the town’s history, including spa culture and architecture
Kemeri National Park – Nearby nature park with bog trails, birdwatching, and mineral springs
Dzintari Concert Hall – Hosts classical and pop music events during summer.
Enjoy a spa day at Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA or Hotel Jurmala Spa
Walk or bike through pine trails and coastal paths
Visit the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk for sunrise or sunset views
Try smoked fish from local vendors or seaside cafes.
Luxury: Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA (beachfront with top-tier wellness services)
Mid-range: Hotel Jurmala Spa – Excellent spa and location.
Jūrmala’s cuisine blends Latvian traditions with fresh Baltic seafood and modern European influences:
Smoked fish – Especially smoked eel, flounder, and sprats, often sold fresh at roadside stands or cafes
Rye bread – Served with herring, butter, or as a base for appetizers
Cold beet soup (aukstā zupa) – Refreshing and popular in the summer
Wild mushrooms and berries – Often foraged locally and featured in seasonal dishes
Latvian pancakes – Both savory (with bacon or mushrooms) and sweet (with berries or jam)
36. Line Grill Restaurant – Elegant seaside spot with fresh seafood and fine wines
Orizzonte – Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with beach views
Lighthouse Jūrmala – Modern European menu, nice atmosphere for dinner
House of Light (Gaismas nams) – Cozy spot serving traditional Latvian dishes
Kompots – Casual cafe with homemade pies, soups, and family-friendly meals.
Soviet-era resort town: Once a vacation hotspot for elites, Jūrmala still carries that nostalgic charm through its architecture and spa culture
Wellness & Nature: The town emphasizes peaceful living, fresh air, and spa rituals — many visitors come to rejuvenate
Art & Music:
Home to Dzintari Concert Hall, where jazz, classical, and pop concerts are held, especially in summer
Hosts Jūrmala Festival, an annual event featuring renowned Baltic and international performers
Wooden Art Nouveau villas: Walking through Jūrmala is like strolling through an open-air architectural museum
Eco-conscious living: Locals appreciate nature, clean living, and wellness practices like forest walks, sea swimming, and saunas
Casual dress is fine, but beachwear is reserved for the beach
Respect for nature is important – don’t litter, and follow marked trails in forests and bogs
Locals value calm, quiet spaces (especially in nature zones and spas)
Many people speak Latvian and Russian, and English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.