Of the medieval buildings in Ventspils Old Town, only the Livonian Order Castle (13th century) has survived, but the ancient street network and spatial structure of the squares have remained.
Ventspils as a trading port developed rapidly during the heyday of the Duchy of Courland, so the most active construction took place in the area around the current Market Square, where several former warehouse buildings from the 17th century have survived, while the residential building at the intersection of Tirgus and Skolas streets is one of the oldest (1646) in Latvia.
Ventspils Craft House (2007) operates in a historic school building on Skolas Street, next to the Market Square.
The International House of Writers and Translators (1850) was opened in the former Town Hall (2006) on the Town Hall Square. The building has been rebuilt to accommodate the creative work and everyday needs of writers.
Nearby are the modernly reconstructed Ventspils Main Library (2006) and the Evangelical Lutheran St. Nicholas Church (1835).
Town Hall Square, Market Square and Ostas Street Promenade are popular walking spots.