Ventspils, Latvia π±π»
#902
57.390391, 21.563599
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Ventspils is a coastal city located in Latvia, known for its beautiful beaches and rich maritime history. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 31,000 residents. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR β 1.07 USD. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable and safe for consumption. |
| π Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Major mobile providers include LMT, Tele2, and Bite. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Common services include SEB, Swedbank, and Revolut. |
| π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Average prices for a studio start around β¬300 per month. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local listings. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Hostel Ventspils and guesthouses starting from β¬20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Ventspils Creative Industry Incubator, a popular coworking space with high-speed internet. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe KΕ«rorts, known for its relaxed atmosphere and good coffee. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Regular tech meetups organized by Ventspils Tech Hub. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Local expat community meets via the Facebook group 'Ventspils Expat Community'. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used for ride-hailing in Ventspils. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from Ventspils Bicycle Rental located at the city center. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Ventspils Beach, just a couple of kilometers away from the city center. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Baltic operates flights to larger cities. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Baltic for connections to major European cities. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Connected to the A10 and A11 highways. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Ventspils Train Station connects to several regional lines. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Single and monthly tickets available through the local transport network. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses connecting Ventspils to RΔ«ga and LiepΔja operate regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Ventspils Hospital, offering general and emergency services. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Svara Yoga, a local studio offering various classes. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitnesa Klubs Ventspils, equipped with modern gym facilities. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Quick Laundry Service, located in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food is a popular choice for food delivery services. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | JΔΕu siers, a traditional cheese commonly enjoyed in Latvia. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan House offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Cafe RΔmis, known for its pastries and desserts. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets near the town square provide fresh produce and local goods. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | E-commerce options include local sites such as 1a.lv and international platforms like Amazon. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery through Rimi and Maxima available online. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Promenade area features several bars and cafes. |
| π» Local Brewery | Latvijas Alus, known for its traditional brewing methods. |
| π· Wine Bars | Ventspils Wine House, offering local and international selections. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Ventspils Street Food Festival held seasonally near the beach. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Pasta & Pizza Ventspils serves a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Ventspils Castle and the iconic Ventspils Seaside Promenade. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Ventspils Museum of Local History offers insights into the city's culture. |
| π° Historical Sites | Windmill at Ventspils, a historic site showcasing local heritage. |
| π Religious Sites | St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, a significant religious landmark. |
| π Annual Events | Ventspils Beach Festival held in July, featuring music and activities. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Historical district around the Old Town, featuring architecture from the 18th century. |
| π Theater Venues | The Ventspils Cultural Center hosts various performances and events. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Ventspils Central Market offers local produce and crafts. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Summer concerts in the parks and cultural festivals throughout the year. |
| π¨ Street Art | Explore the murals along the Promenade. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Latvian Cooking Classes offer traditional cooking experiences. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Gallery 'Noass' showcases local artists' work. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Old Water Tower serves as a historical landmark. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The city's maritime and trade history is celebrated throughout various exhibits. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Ventspils Seaside Park, offering beautiful nature trails. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Kuurin National Park is a short drive away, great for hiking and nature walks. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved pathways along the coast suitable for cycling and walking. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The dune trails near the beach provide stunning sea views. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Ventspils Lighthouse area, popular for observing migratory birds. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open areas on Ventspils Beach designated for bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Available through Latvijas Pasts and international couriers like DHL. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech Store located in the central shopping district offers repairs. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Language school Baltic Lingua provides Latvian language courses for expats. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Ventspils Library is a quiet spot for studying and reading. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Ventspils Cultural Center hosts various activities and events. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Den offers a place for video gaming and tournaments. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Royal Casino located in the city center for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬72,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬60,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬96,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬78,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬120,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬96,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividend distributions. |
| π¦ Tax System | Flat tax rate for residents, benefiting startups. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31.4% for high earners. |
| π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 21%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations are in place for foreign subsidiaries. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property value. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 2% applied during property purchases. |