Things to Do in Ventspils, Latvija

Ventspils is a charming port city on Latvia's Baltic coast, known for its pristine beaches, rich maritime heritage, and family-friendly attractions. This well-preserved medieval town has successfully transformed from an industrial port into one of Latvia's most appealing tourist destinations, offering a perfect blend of historical architecture, modern amenities, and coastal beauty. The city's compact Old Town features colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and numerous parks, while its Blue Flag beaches stretch for miles along the Baltic Sea. What sets Ventspils apart is its commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability, earning it recognition as one of the cleanest cities in Latvia. The city offers excellent museums, including the renowned Ventspils Museum and the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, alongside modern attractions like the Adventure Park and the Digital Centre. With its mild maritime climate, excellent infrastructure, and welcoming atmosphere, Ventspils serves as an ideal base for exploring Latvia's western coast while providing plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Top Things to Do in Ventspils

Beach Activities and Water Sports

Ventspils boasts some of Latvia's finest Blue Flag beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. The main beach features excellent facilities including changing rooms, cafes, and equipment rental services. Visitors can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, beach volleyball, or simply relax on the clean sandy shores while taking in stunning Baltic Sea views.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but equipment rental costs €10-25 per day depending on the activity. Visit during summer months (June-August) for warmest weather and full facility operations. Book water sports lessons in advance through local operators for better rates.

Ventspils Castle and Museum Complex

This 13th-century Livonian Order castle houses one of Latvia's most comprehensive regional museums, showcasing the area's maritime history, local culture, and archaeological findings. The castle's medieval architecture is beautifully preserved, and the museum features interactive exhibits that bring Ventspils' rich history to life. The complex also includes temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €3-5 for adults, with family discounts available. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays except in summer. Purchase combo tickets for multiple museums to save money. English audio guides available for €2 extra.

Seaside Open-Air Museum

This unique ethnographic museum showcases traditional Latvian coastal life through authentic 19th and early 20th-century buildings, including fishermen's houses, windmills, and workshops. Visitors can experience traditional crafts demonstrations, participate in seasonal festivals, and learn about the maritime heritage of the Courland region. The museum's seaside location adds to its authentic atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range from €2-4, with seasonal variations. Best visited May-September when all buildings are open and craft demonstrations are active. Check their calendar for special events and festivals which offer enhanced experiences at no extra cost.

Adventure Park and Family Activities

Ventspils Adventure Park offers thrilling treetop courses, zip lines, and climbing challenges suitable for various skill levels and ages. The park features multiple difficulty levels from beginner to expert, making it perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Safety equipment and instruction are provided, ensuring a secure yet exciting outdoor experience.

Booking Tip: Prices range from €8-15 depending on course difficulty and duration. Reservations recommended during peak season and weekends. Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Children must meet minimum height requirements for certain courses.

Historic Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Ventspils' charming medieval Old Town with its colorful merchant houses, historic churches, and well-preserved city fortifications. The compact area features beautiful examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture, quaint squares, and numerous sculptures that are part of the city's outdoor art collection. Key highlights include the Market Square, St. Nicholas Church, and the remaining city wall fragments.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps available at the tourist information center. Guided tours cost €5-10 per person and can be booked through the tourist office. Best explored during daylight hours; allow 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit.

Getting There

Ventspils is easily accessible by various transportation methods from major Latvian cities and neighboring countries. By car, it's approximately 190km from Riga (2.5 hours) via the A10 highway, with regular bus services operating multiple times daily for around €8-12. The city has a small regional airport with limited flights, but most international visitors fly into Riga International Airport and continue by bus or rental car. Train connections are available but less frequent, taking about 3-4 hours from Riga. Ferry services connect Ventspils to Germany and Sweden, making it an excellent entry point for those exploring the Baltic region by sea.

Getting Around

Ventspils is a compact city that's easily explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient local bus system with tickets costing around €0.50-1.00, connecting the city center to residential areas and the beach. Bicycle rental is popular and cost-effective at €8-12 per day, with dedicated bike paths throughout the city and along the coast. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances, while car rental services are available for those wanting to explore the surrounding Courland region. The city center is pedestrian-friendly with good signage in multiple languages.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Seaside/Beach Area

Port District

Residential Julciems

South Beach vicinity

Near Ventspils University

Food & Dining

Ventspils offers a diverse dining scene that celebrates both traditional Latvian cuisine and international flavors, with many restaurants emphasizing fresh Baltic seafood. The Old Town area features cozy cafes and restaurants serving local specialties like smoked fish, rye bread, and seasonal vegetables, while the seaside area offers casual beachfront dining with stunning sea views. Popular local dishes include grey peas with bacon, fish soup, and various preparations of Baltic herring and flounder. The city also has several international options including Italian, Asian, and contemporary European restaurants. Most restaurants are reasonably priced, with main courses ranging from €8-18, and many establishments offer excellent lunch specials and seasonal menus featuring local ingredients.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ventspils is during the summer months from June to August when temperatures range from 15-22°C (59-72°F) and all attractions and facilities are fully operational. This period offers the warmest weather for beach activities, longest daylight hours, and the most cultural events and festivals. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are also pleasant with fewer crowds and mild weather, though some seasonal attractions may have limited hours. Winter visits can be atmospheric with the possibility of snow and frozen seascapes, but many outdoor activities are weather-dependent. The city's maritime climate means weather can be changeable, so visitors should pack layers regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Visit the free Ventspils Digital Centre for interactive exhibits and free internet access - it's a hidden gem that many tourists miss

Take advantage of the free city WiFi available throughout the Old Town and beach areas to stay connected while exploring

Check out the unique cow sculptures scattered throughout the city - they're part of an ongoing public art project and make for great photo opportunities

Things to Do in Ventspils