City break in Ventspils. Active leisure ideas for Ventspils - attractions, recreation and nightlife

Ventspils traditionally offers a wide range of interesting entertainments for its guests. Jurmalas Parks or the Seaside Park is traditionally one of the most favorite places in the city. Children are in love with this place because of its adventure park and numerous playgrounds. In summer, guests of the city and locals prefer to spend their free time at the beach that is equally suitable for trouble-free relaxation and active recreation. The beach has won many prestigious awards because of excellent ecological index. The territory of the beach includes several sports areas, special playgrounds for children, and gear rental offices.

Sports fans will enjoy a visit to the Ventspils Olympic Center. This is a large and modern complex that includes a beautiful ice skating rink, several areas for playing volleyball and basketball, tennis courts, and gymnastic areas. After an exciting day full of interesting sports competitions, guests of the center are welcome to relax in a sauna or try unusual underwater massage. There is also a tanning salon in the Olympic Center. Visitors are not required to have any gear with them as there is a rental office in the center.

Ventspils Aqua Park is the best place for families. The wonderful entertainment center is open from May until October. Several swimming pools and slides, amusements and playgrounds, special areas for children and charming cafes – both adults and children will be in love with this gorgeous aqua park. It is important to mention that a transparent wall protects the park from the cold sea breeze, so the area is always very comfortable and relax and have fun. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In order to buy memorable gifts, consider visiting the central market. Besides interesting crafts and souvenirs, it is possible to find national costumes and vintage jewelry at the market. The majority of shops and supermarkets are located in the central part of the city. Local boutiques offer stylish clothes by famous manufacturers and locally produced perfumes that are distinguished by the excellent quality. As a rule, tourists enjoy buying various herbal blends and natural cosmetics produced by local manufacturers.

Open-Air Museum of the Coast is not a museum in its traditional form. It is more like an entertainment park where exhibits are of a historical value. In the past, the region was primary focused on fishing and seafaring. Later, it was decided to bring old log houses and fishing crafts to one place and form a museum. There is also a railway in the park, and guests are welcome to make a circuit route ride and explore the park and its landmarks in a very comfortable way. The train is driven by an original German locomotive that is almost a century old. This open-air museum is equally suitable for adults and children.

Fans of authentic goods and interesting souvenirs will enjoy their visit to the House of Crafts. This is a great place to learn more about the traditional handicrafts of Kurzeme and even watch how local artisans work and make items that are immediately available for sale. The unusual shop is open in a historical wooden building that was constructed yet during the reign of the Courland Dukes. During Soviet Union period, the building was transformed into a school for boys. There are still some signs of the school past of the house such as a classroom with desks and chalk slates. Nowadays, the House of Crafts is an exhibition hall with all kinds of items for sale. Many travelers come there in order to buy beautiful ceramics and woolen items. As not all employees are fluent in English, tourists who want detailed explanations or a guided tour should call in advance.