Experiences

Kino Cēsis, located within the Concert Hall “Cēsis,” is the city's only cinema, showcasing a diverse selection of films, including European and art house cinema, while also serving as an intimate venue for private screenings and small-scale cultural events.

The Nordic Nature Medicine Museum offers a journey into the world of healing plants, their history, benefits, and aromatic extracts through interactive exhibits.

Cēsis Castle Park, a beloved retreat in all seasons, enchants visitors with its swans, scenic landscapes, and rich history dating back to 1812, featuring promenades, grand limestone stairs, and a picturesque pond with the iconic “Fisherman with a Catfish” fountain.

At “Maizes māja,” guests are warmly welcomed to experience the art of baking traditional bread, pies, and pastries in an authentic bread oven, explore the journey of grain to loaf, embrace Latvian traditions, and enjoy heartfelt moments in a beautifully maintained countryside farmstead just 10 km from Cēsis.

May Park, originally known as Alekša Park, was established in the 19th century, featuring romantic ruins, historic linden trees planted by Kaspars Veidenbaums, a striking sculpture by Kārlis Jansons, a graceful pair of black swans symbolizing the city's charm, and a vibrant children's area with attractions for all ages.

Warm and welcoming rooftop setting above Cēsis, perfect for everything from romantic dinners to festive celebrations, offering by delicious cocktails and a diverse menu that promises a memorable culinary journey.

“Svētavots” offers an opportunity to explore its enchanting natural park, witness the pristine spring, hear its legendary story, and partake in an ancient ritual for a truly memorable experience.

Built from sturdy dolomite stones, this church echoes the Gothic elegance of the historic St. Catherine’s Church, with its congregation hall enriched by the artistic vision of Estonian national art pioneer Johann Köler, inviting visitors to admire its exterior or experience its atmosphere during a service.

Visiting the art space “MALA” immerses you in a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere where creative energy and community spirit blend with fresh, ever-changing vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Just 7 km from Cēsis, Rakši Camel Park is home to over 200 animals. The park offers camel rides, llama walks, donkey carriage rides, lemur feeding, and more, while visitors can also enjoy unique treats like camel milk ice cream and Moroccan tagine at Camel Cafe.

In the Middle Ages, the city had five gates, one of which, the Rauna Gate, stood at the beginning of present-day Rīgas Street in the 14th–15th centuries, marking the start of trade routes to Pskov and Trikāta.

The skiing and biathlon center “Cēsis” offers trails with artificial and natural snow for beginners and experienced athletes, winding through a scenic coniferous forest with challenging elevations, lighting for nighttime skiing, and a licensed shooting range for B and C category rifles at distances of 10, 25, and 50 meters.

The Cēsis Museum, housed in the New Castle since 1925, offers a captivating exhibition showcasing the town’s historical significance in Latvia, while its tower provides breathtaking views of Cēsis and its ancient castle ruins.

Since its opening, the Concert Hall “Cēsis” first-floor Art Gallery has hosted free exhibitions showcasing works by Latvian and international painters, textile artists, photographers, and sculptors.

Cēsis Castle, with its 800-year history, stands as one of Latvia’s most remarkable medieval ruins, once the mightiest fortress in Livonia, and now a well-preserved testament to centuries of battles, architectural transformations, and medieval life.

“Simple Concept” is a pop-up store in Cēsis Old Town, showcasing home decor, accessories, jewelry, souvenirs, and gifts crafted by Latvian designers, artists, and artisans.

A family-owned concept store specializing in handmade clothing, accessories, and leather bags – all in black.

At “Jāņoga,“ local product quality meets family warmth in a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

“Studio Pizza” delights locals and visitors in Cēsis with over 30 varieties of delicious pizzas, served in a cozy and unique atmosphere near the heart of the Old Town.

The Global Center for Latvian Art (PLMC) preserves and highlights the artistic legacy of Latvian exiles post-WWII while promoting contemporary diaspora artists, enriching global awareness of their creative contributions.

At Karlīne, you can find wonderful gifts, great green smoothies and freshly squeezed juices, as well as delicious homemade products, handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, and cosmetics.

The Concert Hall “Cēsis” is a vibrant hub where music, art, and history intertwine, offering an inspiring space for audiences to experience a diverse program of symphonic, jazz, opera, theater, and visual arts in an acoustically rich setting.

“Žagarkalns” offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiing ability, a top-class ski school, and a full-service ski centre, and the surrounding area offers scenic walks along the Cīrulīši nature trails or Belgian waffles and warm drinks in the café.

In this cozy take-away bakery “Cēsu Maize,” you can savor naturally leavened bread made with organic flour, learn about the baking process and ingredients, and pick up tips to bake your own loaf at home.

The Eduards Veidenbaums Memorial Museum “Kalāči” offers visitors a glimpse into the poet's life and legacy through historical buildings, exhibitions, and annual cultural events, all set in the scenic surroundings where he lived and wrote.

St. John’s Church in Cēsis is one of Latvia’s oldest and grandest sacred sites, offering a tower climb with panoramic city views and historical exhibits.

Housed in a former manor stable and carriage house, the Cēsis Exhibition Hall showcases diverse art exhibitions and offers an exceptional setting for both classical and contemporary music performances, thanks to its outstanding acoustics.

Cēsis City Stadium is a modern, multifunctional sports complex offering access to various sports activities (tennis courts, outdoor gym, basketball courts, etc.).

The vibrant red cliffs in Gauja National Park captivate with their dramatic natural formations, bubbling springs, and a scenic trail dotted with fairy tale-inspired art.

Cīrulīšu Nature Trails, located on the outskirts of Cēsis, offer scenic forest walks along the Gauja River, featuring well-marked routes of varying lengths, breathtaking natural sights, and a 22-meter-high observation tower, all accessible year-round for free.

Niniera Lake, located just 3 km from Cēsis in the neutral zone of Gauja National Park, is surrounded by a scenic pine forest and offers diverse shorelines, from sandy beaches to marshy banks, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, skiing, and running, with well-equipped picnic areas and a designated swimming spot.

Žagarkalns bike rental offers bicycles for adults and children from the age of 10, with around 10 different cycling routes available, ranging from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging trails for experienced riders.

The Space Exploration Center offers a unique three-story interactive experience that brings space research, astronaut life, and advanced space technologies to life, making STEM learning thrilling for all ages.

Established in 2007, “FonoKlubs” is one of Latvia's longest-running bars and music venues, featuring a bar upstairs, a live stage downstairs, and a summer terrace, hosting a diverse range of events from rock concerts to stand-up shows, while also organizing notable festivals like “Fonofest” and “Fono Cēsis.”

“Zaļa Zāle” is a vibrant seasonal escape that combines delicious beef burgers, fine wines, rich espresso and craft beer with vinyl rhythms and lively music nights.

During the guided tour of the Concert Hall “Cēsis,” visitors can explore its historical and modern aspects, uncover intriguing stories like the hidden champagne bottles, touch bison leather, and even hear about the venue’s resident ghost, all while gaining exclusive access to artist spaces and enjoying a stunning rooftop view of Cēsis.

A cozy atmosphere and delicious, freshly made sushi – “UMAMI SUSHI,” a family-run business born from a love for sushi, offers a warm and welcoming dining experience for every sushi enthusiast.

At “KEST,” ancient traditions merge with global flavors in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, offering a slightly offbeat twist on classic dishes for an unforgettable culinary experience.