Latvia’s cities offer visitors a variety of activities, with outdoor pursuits and exploration of the scenic surroundings being among the top activities. While the capital, Riga, is probably Latvia’s main attraction, there are a number of other picturesque cities that are small in size and still retain some of their Baltic heritage mixed with Soviet era remnants. Latvia has a 494kms long white, sandy Baltic Sea coastline and water features highly at many of the country’s top destinations, with rivers, lakes and beaches complementing manmade attractions.

Riga
Legend has it that once every 100 years, the Devil pokes out his head from the waters of the Daugava River and asks if Riga is ready. If he hears ‘yes’, when the city celebrates its anniversary, it is destined to sink into the river Daugava. This is why the construction of Riga must never stop and the city has to become prettier all the time.

Tukums
The city of Tukums is positioned on the border of two regions. It sits where the hilly area of Kurzeme begins and the plains of Zemgale end. Its insignia, three slim fir-trees on a green hill, meaningfully shows the charming, rolling landscape around the town. Tukums grew on the banks of the Slocene River. Historical streets with architectural monuments date back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The town’s oldest building is the Livonian Order Castle Tower. Housing an exposition of Tukum’s history, the tower leaves a memorable impression of the town. Trips around Kurzeme region, the western part of Latvia, usually begin from here.

Kuldiga
Kuldiga is regarded as one of Latvia’s most beautiful provincial towns. It has managed to protect the traditional wooden architecture, dodging the many wars and fires. The city offers visitors a true picture of a Latvian town of the 16^th and 17^th centuries, with its medieval ambiance and appeal. The famous Duke Jacob of Courland, the most affluent duke of the 17^th century, was born here. Visitors can also see the house where the Swedish King Charles XII lived. The impressive waterfall Ventas Rumba is the widest in Europe (249m). Near Kuldiga, travellers can visit the Riezupe labyrinth of manmade sandstone.

Daugavpils
Daugavpils has had many names throughout its history and is the second largest city in Latvia. Separate parts of the city combined to form present day Daugavpils. The 19th century buildings have remained in the centre between the Daugava River and the railway station. The city has its own theatre, the Daugavpils Musical and Drama Theatre, which is located in Unity House in the city centre. The northeast part of the city, Stropi, is a popular recreational area located near the Big Stropu Lake.

Aizkraukle
Situated on the banks of the Daugava River, Aizkraukle is one of Latvia’s newest towns. Its construction began in 1960 with the construction of the Plavinas HES (hydroelectric station) and the erection of a tent village. However, it only got its name rather recently, in 1990. The characteristics of Aizkraukle architecture are those of the 1960s and ‘70s. There is the Aizkraukle History and Art Museum and two well-known tourist pathways surrounded by apple orchards leading to the old castle-mound, Kalna Ziedu (Mountain's Blooms) glen and a romantic brook. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Aizkraukle town and the beautiful banks of the Daugava by taking a boat ride, which stops not far from the museum.

Cesis
Cesis district is located in the very middle of Vidzeme, one of Latvia’s historic regions. One part of it is to be found in the Gauja National Park, the other part in the historical region of Piebalga. Cesis is one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Latvia. It attracts visitors with its cultural life and ample possibilities for active recreation. In 2006, Cesis celebrates its 800^th anniversary. Hiking or bike tours along winding roads, silent forest tracks and riverbanks provide an opportunity to visit places which cannot be reached by car. Tours on horseback can be exciting and unforgettable. The picturesque sandstone cliffs on the banks of the Gauja, the Brasla and the Amata greet boating tourists.

Sigulda
Pamper yourself at the Sigulda health resort, about 53kms from Riga. Located on the scenic banks of the River Gauja, the town was established in the 13^th century and attractions here include the ruins of the castle and local caves. In the national park that is nearby, a visit to Turaida Castle (13^th century) and its museum is worthwhile as is a trip to the sculpture park, where Latvian folk poetry has been captured in stone. There is good downhill skiing in winter and Sigulda is a popular boating spot in summer.

Kuldiga Waterfall
Enjoy a picnic besides Latvia’s highest waterfall at Kuldiga, which is located on the banks of the River Venta.

Beaches
Majori and Bulduri beaches in Jurmala have been awarded with blue flags (a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good sanitary and safety facilities at the beach). Majori Beach is a wonderful place with a nice pedestrian walkway lined with small souvenir shops, ice-cream and sidewalk cafés. The area abounds with wide beaches, dunes and elegant cottages near piny woods.

Jurmala
Take a holiday in the Jurmala region, which abounds with fresh pine forest-scented air, sun and endless sandy beaches, and appeals to all age groups. Drivers entering Jurmala need to purchase a special ticket; the fee is used to sponsor ecological programmes in the area. The area is connected by road and the commuter railway, which takes about 15 minutes from Riga.

Take a Railway Trip
Take a journey along the 33kms long Gulbene to Aluksne railway, the last narrow gauge railway in general use in Latvia.

Sleep in a Prison
Get a unique prisoner's experience at Karosta Prison in the city of Liepaja, a picturesque harbour city on the western coast of Latvia. Stay overnight in the Karosta guardhouse lodging (two beds in one room). This is a unique opportunity to stay overnight, sleeping on real prisoners' benches and mattresses. It is good to know that there is only cold water in the Karosta Prison and that the bathrooms here are in real Soviet prison toilet style. For those that seek the ultimate self-discovery through an adventure, a night show is offered, where you can play the role of prisoner during harsh prison night conditions.