population: 0.036 million

extension: 55.44 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Ventspils and want to visit museums, a great place to start would be the Ventspils Museum, which is located in the city center. The museum features exhibits on local history, art, and culture.

Another nearby option is the Seaside Open-Air Museum, which is located about 10 kilometers outside of Ventspils. This museum showcases traditional Latvian fishing villages and includes exhibits on fishing techniques, boat-building, and more.

If you're interested in art museums specifically, the Juris Dalins Ventspils Museum of Art is also worth a visit. It features works by Latvian and international artists, as well as exhibits on the history of Latvian art.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Ventspils, Latvia, according to local people, include:

1. Sklandrausis - a sweet, traditional Latvian pastry made with rye flour and filled with mashed carrots or potatoes, as well as sweetened cottage cheese.

2. Rupjmaize - a dark, dense rye bread that is a staple in Latvian cuisine.

3. Piragi - small, savory pastries filled with bacon and onions, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

4. Cold beet soup (Aukstā zupa) - A refreshing soup made with cold beets, cucumbers, eggs, and sour cream.

5. Smoked fish - Baltic Sea fish such as eel, salmon, and herring are smoked and widely consumed throughout Latvia, often served with boiled potatoes.

6. Gray peas with bacon (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi) - A hearty dish of boiled gray peas topped with crispy bacon, often served with black bread and onion sauce.

7. Latvian beer - Latvia is known for its many types of beer, including light lagers, dark stouts, and fruity wheat beers. Some popular local brands include Aldaris and Tervetes.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals in Ventspils enjoy:

1. Beach activities: Ventspils is known for its beautiful beaches, so swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and kite-surfing are popular activities among locals.

2. Biking: Ventspils has a well-developed bike path network, which makes it easy to explore the city and its surroundings by bike. You can rent a bike at several locations around the city.

3. Parks and gardens: The city has several parks and gardens that locals love to visit, including the Ostas Street Promenade, Ventspils Park, and Rose Square Garden. These areas are perfect for picnics, outdoor games, and relaxation.

4. Water sports: In addition to kite-surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular water sports in Ventspils. You can rent equipment and take lessons at the Ventspils Olympic Center.

5. Cultural events: Ventspils has a rich cultural scene, with regular concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year. Check the local calendar of events to see what's happening during your visit.