population: 27.5 million

extension: 60.43 square kilometers

Museums

Great! There are several museums you can visit in Jelgava, Latvia. Some of the most popular ones include:

1. Jelgava History and Art Museum - This museum showcases the history and culture of Jelgava and its surrounding regions.

2. Pasta Island Museum - This museum is located on an island in the river Lielupe and displays the history of pasta making and its significance to the region.

3. Jelgava Palace Museum - This museum is located inside the Jelgava Palace, which was once the residence of the Dukes of Courland. It features exhibits on the palace's history and architecture.

If you want to visit similar types of museums near Jelgava, you could consider visiting the Latvian National Museum of Art or the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, both of which are located in Riga, the capital city of Latvia.

Food

Latvian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with many traditional dishes that are popular among locals. When in Jelgava, you may want to try some of these typical Latvian dishes:

1. Grey peas with bacon - This dish consists of boiled grey peas served with crispy fried bacon and often accompanied by dark bread.

2. Rupjmaize - This is a traditional dark rye bread that is dense and slightly sweet.

3. Pīrāgi - These are small, savory pastries filled with bacon and onions or other ingredients such as mushrooms or cheese.

4. Kartupeļu pankūkas - These are potato pancakes made with grated potatoes, onions, and flour, and typically served with sour cream or lingonberry jam.

5. Skābeņu zupa - This is a cold soup made from buttermilk, beets, cucumbers, and dill, and is often served as a refreshing summer dish.

6. Ķimeņu siers - This is a type of caraway cheese that is commonly eaten as a snack or used as a topping for bread.

These dishes can be found in many restaurants and cafes throughout Jelgava and Latvia, and are a great way to sample the local cuisine.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals in Jelgava, Latvia enjoy:

1. Visit the Jelgava Open-Air Museum - This outdoor museum showcases traditional Latvian village life and is a great place to learn about the local culture.

2. Explore the parks and green spaces - Jelgava has several beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Duke's Garden and the Palace Park, where you can go for a walk, have a picnic or simply relax.

3. Attend cultural events and festivals - Jelgava hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Jelgava City Festival, the International Ice Sculpture Festival, and the Jelgava Jazz Festival.

4. Go horse riding - Horse riding is a popular activity in Jelgava, with several stables offering lessons and guided tours.

5. Try local cuisine - Latvian cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, such as bacon buns, smoked fish, and potato pancakes. Check out local restaurants and cafes to try these dishes and other regional specialties.