Things To Do
in Ventspils
Ventspils is a picturesque coastal town located in western Latvia on the Baltic Sea. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and historic port, Ventspils is a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing seaside getaway. The town is also home to various cultural attractions, including the Livonian Order Castle and the Seaside Open-Air Museum.
With a charming old town area filled with colorful buildings and quaint cafes, Ventspils offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
- "Sveiki" - Hello
- "Paldies" - Thank you
- "Lūdzu" - Please
- "Atvaino" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Uz redzēšanos" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the Ventspils Beach. Enjoy the sea breeze and explore the sandy shore while watching the waves.
Visit the Ventspils Castle, a historical gem where you can learn about the city’s rich heritage. Don't forget to check out the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.
Wind down with dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Latvian cuisine. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as you watch the sunset by the sea.
Begin your day at the Ventspils Art House, where you can admire contemporary and local artworks. The colorful exhibits will surely inspire you.
Head to the Ventspils Water Park for some fun-filled splashes. It's a great way to relax and enjoy various water activities.
Dine at a cozy café in the city center to taste some delicious pastries. Consider visiting a local event or performance for an authentic cultural experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic location as a port city on the Baltic Sea, facilitating trade and transport.
- Rich cultural heritage with various museums, festivals, and historical sites.
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and parks.
- Developed infrastructure with modern amenities for residents and visitors.
- Strong community spirit with active local events and organizations.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors, leading to potential outmigration.
- Harsh winters and limited sunlight during winter months.
- Smaller population can result in fewer entertainment and dining options.
- Economy heavily reliant on port activities, making it vulnerable to global market changes.
- Occasional political and economic challenges facing the region.
Best Activities in Ventspils
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports at Ventspils Beach.
Explore the city and countryside on a bicycle tour, with various routes available.
Experience the thrill of windsurfing and kitesurfing at the Ventspils Wave Resort.
Take leisurely strolls or hikes in the surrounding nature parks and forests, such as the Ventspils Parks and Recreation Area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ventspils with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ventspils
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the picturesque Ventspils beach. Great for capturing beautiful sunsets and seaside scenes.
Provides panoramic views of the coastline and the harbor. It's a perfect spot for capturing scenic shots of the sea and surrounding landscapes.
Features traditional fishing village buildings and boats against the backdrop of the sea, making it an ideal location for capturing authentic coastal scenes and historical architecture.
Food in Ventspils
Ventspils Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Latvian dessert made of rye dough and filled with sweetened carrot and potato mash, flavored with spices. Try it at Kafija Ventspilī or Kūkas Kūtiņš.
Must-Try!
Locally cured herring served with cottage cheese, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Recommended at Osta Cafe and Vineta.
Latvian version of filled buns, commonly stuffed with bacon and onion. Sample this dish at Kafija Ventspilī or Veldzes Naminš.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ventspils better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering locally sourced produce, smoked fish, and a variety of Latvian snacks. Don't miss the food stalls near the market for street food options like grilled sausages and traditional pastries.
Along the promenade, you'll find an array of street food vendors offering freshly prepared seafood snacks, grilled meats, and local pastries. Look out for smoked fish sandwiches and crispy potato pancakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ventspils, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close or touching others without permission.
When meeting someone in Ventspils, it is customary to greet them with a firm handshake and make eye contact. This is a sign of respect in Latvian culture.
Being on time is highly valued in Ventspils, so it's important to make an effort to be punctual for meetings and social events.
Safety
Tipping in Ventspils
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ventspils, Latvia, tipping at restaurants, cafes, and bars is generally non-mandatory. However, leaving a small tip (around 5-10% of the bill) for good service is appreciated.
In Ventspils, Latvia, cash is widely accepted for small transactions, but credit and debit cards are commonly used for larger purchases. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular, and most establishments, including shops and restaurants, accept major international credit cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Ventspils, Latvia is a great time to visit as the weather starts to warm up, the flowers are in bloom, and the city comes alive with outdoor events and festivals.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Ventspils, Latvia, with long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities such as beach-going, cycling, and enjoying the many parks and green spaces in the city.
Autumn in Ventspils, Latvia brings cooler temperatures and the changing colors of the trees, making it a picturesque time to visit. It's also a great time to experience local harvest festivals and seasonal cuisine.
Winter in Ventspils, Latvia can be cold, but it's a magical time to visit for those who enjoy winter sports such as ice skating, cross-country skiing, and even the possibility of seeing the city covered in a blanket of snow.
Ventspils at Night
Hiking in Ventspils
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park located about 30 km from Ventspils, offering various hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, coastal areas, and marshes.
Located approximately 40 km from Ventspils, this area features scenic coastal trails with stunning views of the Baltic Sea, ideal for hiking and nature exploration.
About 50 km away, this park offers a variety of hiking paths amidst picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and opportunities for birdwatching.
Around 50 km from Ventspils, this spot is at the convergence of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, with trails that provide breathtaking ocean views and unique coastal ecosystems.
Located about 60 km south of Ventspils, these trails provide a mix of forest and shoreline hiking, perfect for those looking to explore Latvia’s natural beauty.
Aiports
How to reach Ventspils by plane.
The largest airport in Latvia, located approximately 180 kilometers south of Ventspils. It serves as the main hub for international flights in and out of the country.
Located in Estonia, roughly 300 kilometers north of Ventspils, Tallinn Airport is the largest airport in Estonia and offers numerous international connections.
Situated about 180 kilometers west of Ventspils in Lithuania, Palanga Airport serves both domestic and international flights, primarily during the summer season.
Located approximately 220 kilometers south of Ventspils in Lithuania, Kaunas Airport provides a variety of international flights along with the nearby Kaunas city.
The main international airport in Lithuania, located about 300 kilometers south of Ventspils, Vilnius Airport connects Latvia to various global destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Ventspils, representing the majority of the population, with cultural and linguistic heritage tied to Latvia.
A significant minority in Ventspils, often maintaining their cultural traditions and language.
A smaller demographic group, primarily concentrated in urban areas, often sharing cultural ties with the Russian community.
Another minority group in Ventspils, with recent increases due to migration patterns from Ukraine.
Includes various other ethnic groups and nationalities, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Ventspils, with a local team competing in the Latvian top league.
Basketball enjoys a strong following in Ventspils, with local clubs and youth programs promoting the sport.
Ice hockey has a significant fan base in Ventspils, with local teams participating in various leagues.
Athletics is popular in Ventspils, with various events and competitions held throughout the year.
With its coastal location, beach volleyball is a favored sport during the summer months in Ventspils.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ventspils.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries in Ventspils are accommodating to vegetarians, with options like vegetable stews, fresh salads, and locally sourced dairy products.
While vegan-specific venues are limited, many restaurants offer vegan-friendly dishes such as soups, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable options at selected restaurants and cafes, with some places offering gluten-free bread and pasta alternatives.