Travelling around Latvia: the best cities for a day trip or weekend getaway

Liepāja is a city in western Latvia located on the Baltic Sea coast. It is more than 220 kilometres from Riga and can be reached by plane in approximately 40 minutes. You can purchase a ticket for Riga Liepaja flights online in 15 minutes.

The city is an excellent destination for Riga residents. Its main attraction is the Cathedral—a Gothic church built in the 13th century. The Liepāja Museum, with its extensive collection of art and artefacts, is also worth visiting. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. A ticket costs €5 for adults, €3 for children, and €12 for families. Other interesting places to visit in Liepāja include Liepāja Lake, Karosta Prison, the Northern Forts and Liepāja Beach.

Liepāja’s location on the Baltic Sea coast offers a variety of sporting activities, such as beach volleyball, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The city has several sports facilities, including the Liepāja Olympic Centre, which regularly hosts various sporting events and competitions.

Liepāja is known for its festivals and cultural events. Every July, the International Organ Music Festival takes place, featuring award-winning performers from around the world. The festival is held at Liepāja Cathedral; ticket prices range from €5 to €15 for adults, while discounts are available for children and families.

Ventspils

Ventspils is the sixth-largest city in Latvia, located in northwestern Latvia, approximately 190 km from Riga. It is a good destination for a weekend or day trip for residents of Riga. One of the main attractions in Ventspils is the medieval castle, which dates back to the 13th century. It now houses a museum presenting the history of the city and region. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. An adult ticket costs €3. Children under seven enter free of charge. A ticket for students or seniors costs €1.50. A family ticket for two adults and two children can be purchased for €7. Another interesting place to visit is Lake Ovīši, Ventspils Seaside Park and the Mediterranean Park.

Ventspils is a popular destination for water-sports enthusiasts, including sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The city has several beaches and marinas that cater to water-sports enthusiasts.

Most water-sports rental services and schools operate from May to September. However, the Ventspils Sailing Club is a centre for sailing activities and hosts many international sailing events throughout the year. When the weather is suitable for water activities, tourists and residents can rent a small sailing boat or windsurfing equipment. Prices start at €20 per hour.

The city is known for its music and cultural festivals. For example, the Ventspils International Film Festival offers an opportunity to discover new and independent films from around the world. It takes place at various locations in Ventspils, including open-air screenings in the market square in July or August. The festival presents a variety of international films—feature films, documentaries, short films and animation. In addition to film screenings, the festival also organises talks and question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers, seminars and other events. Ticket prices start at €2 for individual screenings.

Kuldīga

Kuldīga is a city in western Latvia, 150 kilometres from Riga. It can be reached by plane, bus or car. One of its attractions is Ventas Rumba—a spectacular waterfall on the Venta River. The Kuldīga District Museum is also a must-visit destination for learning about the city’s history and culture. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Ticket prices start at €1.50 for children and €3 for adults; a family ticket costs €6. The city’s residents are also proud of the 17th-century architecture in the Old Town. It is recommended to visit the Brick Bridge, Pāvilosta Beach and the Riežupe Sand Caves.

Kuldīga offers ample opportunities for active outdoor recreation, including hiking, cycling and boating on the Venta River. The city also has a modern sports centre where visitors can play basketball, volleyball and badminton.

Several cultural events take place in Kuldīga throughout the year. For example, the International Ceramics Symposium is held every August. It features seminars and exhibitions by renowned ceramicists from around the world. The symposium takes place at various locations throughout the city. Ticket prices depend on the event you wish to attend. Another event recommended for tourists is the Kuldīga Music Festival. Concerts by local and international musicians are held every July. Admission prices range from €5 to €15.

Alūksne

Alūksne is a town in northeastern Latvia, more than 220 kilometres from Riga. It can be reached by plane on a short flight to Valmiera, which is approximately an hour’s drive away by car. The main attraction is Alūksne Castle, built in the 17th century. It now houses a local history museum. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Adult tickets cost more than €2.50, while children’s tickets cost €1.25. A family with two children can purchase a family ticket for €5. During the summer months, Lake Alūksne is also a popular destination for swimming, fishing and boating. Other places to visit in Alūksne include Alūksne Lighthouse Lake, the Vējiņi Museum and the Pededze River Valley.

Alūksne offers ample opportunities for active outdoor recreation. Tourists and residents can hike through the beautiful forests along the Pededze River, cycle along the many bike routes in the area, and explore the local lakes and rivers by kayak or canoe. Visitors can play basketball, volleyball and badminton at the modern Alūksne Sports Centre.

Several cultural events take place in Alūksne. The Alūksne Summer Festival is held in July and features local and international musicians. The festival takes place at various venues throughout the city, and ticket prices depend on the event. Another recommended event is the Alūksne Art Festival, held in August. It is free and open to all visitors.