Daugavpils Travel Guide
City City in Daugavpils, Latvia
Daugavpils centers on a 19th-century fortress and the Mark Rothko Art Centre; travelers explore multiethnic neighbourhoods, Orthodox and Catholic domes, street murals and train links deeper into Latgale.
Why Visit Daugavpils? #
Daugavpils draws interest for its massive 19th-century fortress, multicultural neighborhoods and a surprising art scene anchored by the Mark Rothko Art Centre. Walk the citadel, explore Latgalian ceramics and Orthodox churches, then try regional specialties like grey peas with bacon at family diners. Borderland history and lively cultural festivals reflect Russian, Polish and Latvian influences, offering a different side of Latvia beyond Riga.
Who's Daugavpils For?
Daugavpils has green parks, a restored fortress with museums and family-friendly cultural events. Wide public spaces and the city’s pedestrian areas make it practical for family outings.
Historic streets, the romantic setting of the Daugava riverfront and small galleries like the Mark Rothko Art Centre suit relaxed city breaks. Quiet cafés offer low-cost date options.
Good rail links and budget guesthouses make Daugavpils a sensible stop on eastern Latvian routes. The fortress and local markets reward short stays for low-cost travellers.
The Daugava river corridor and nearby lakes provide simple outdoor activities - fishing, boating and nature walks are easy to arrange from town as day trips.
Top Things to Do in Daugavpils
All Attractions ›
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- Daugavpils Fortress (Cietoksnis) - Massive 19th-century fortress complex enclosing museums, galleries, bastions, and leafy promenades.
- Mark Rothko Art Centre - Museum dedicated to Daugavpils-born painter with rotating contemporary exhibitions and archives.
- Daugavpils Central Market (Centrāltirgus) - Bustling market offering local produce, Latgalian specialties, and vivid everyday life glimpses.
- Daugavpils Theatre (Daugavpils teātris) - Local theatre staging Latvian and Russian productions in an atmospheric, historic building.
- Stropu Lake (Stropu ezers) - Forested lake north of the city with swimming, walking trails, and picnic spots.
- Dinaburg Bastion Galleries - Small galleries and creative studios tucked into fortress bastions, popular with local artists.
- Daugavpils Central Market (Centrāltirgus) - Bustling market offering local produce, Latgalian specialties, and everyday-life glimpses.
- Daugavpils Theatre (Daugavpils teātris) - Local theatre staging Latvian and Russian productions in an atmospheric, historic building.
- Aglona Basilica (Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) - 18th-century Catholic basilica and major pilgrimage site set amid quiet countryside.
- Krāslava Palace (Krāslavas pils) - Baroque palace with an aristocratic park and exhibits on local history and art.
- Rāzna National Park (Lake Rāzna) - Latgale's largest lake, offering hiking, birdwatching, and peaceful beaches about an hour away.
- Rēzekne Castle Ruins (Rēzeknes pilsdrupas) - Medieval castle mound with panoramic views and a compact, culturally active town nearby.
Where to Go in Daugavpils #
Daugavpils Fortress
The fortress area is the cultural and historical core of Daugavpils, with museums, exhibitions and broad green spaces. The Rothko Art Centre is a standout and brings contemporary art into the historic setting. It’s great for museum-goers and photographers.
Top Spots
- Daugavpils Fortress - an extensive 19th-century fortress complex with museums and parks.
- Mark Rothko Art Centre - major cultural centre celebrating the artist born here.
- Fortress Park - green areas and walking paths inside the complex.
Old Town
Daugavpils’ Old Town mixes everyday commerce with religious architecture and neighbourhood cafés. The area is unpretentious and useful as a base for exploring the fortress and sampling regional food at markets and small restaurants.
Top Spots
- Streets of Rīgas and Vienības - central streets with shops and cafés.
- Local markets - places to see everyday life and pick up regional foods.
- Orthodox churches - visible architectural highlights in the centre.
Suburban & Riverside
The riverside and suburban zones offer calm parks, walking routes and local leisure facilities. They’re best if you want green space or an easy pace between visits to the fortress and city centre, and they provide straightforward, affordable accommodation options.
Top Spots
- Daugava riverbank - pleasant walks and scenic viewpoints.
- Local parks - green spaces for families and cyclists.
- Community centres - occasional cultural events and workshops.
Plan Your Visit to Daugavpils #
Best Time to Visit Daugavpils #
Best time to visit Daugavpils is late spring through summer (May-August) when days are long, temperatures are mild, and outdoor events and riverfront life are at their peak. Winters are cold and snowy, while spring and autumn are cool and changeable - quieter but charming.
Best Time to Visit Daugavpils #
Daugavpils's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (651 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Daugavpils
Daugavpils is reachable by a small local airport (Daugavpils International Airport, DGP) but most international visitors arrive via Riga International Airport (RIX) and continue by intercity bus or train. The city's main rail and coach hubs are Daugavpils Railway Station (Daugavpils stacija) and Daugavpils Autoosta.
Daugavpils International Airport (DGP): Daugavpils has a small local airport at Lociki (DGP) with very limited scheduled services and mostly charter/seasonal flights. From the airport to Daugavpils city centre the usual options are a taxi (around 10-20 minutes, typically ~€10-20) or a pre-booked transfer; there is no frequent public airport shuttle.
Riga International Airport (RIX): For most international arrivals you’ll use Riga Airport (RIX). From RIX you first travel to Riga city (bus 22 or taxi) and then continue to Daugavpils by intercity bus or train. Intercity buses (operators such as Lux Express and Ecolines) take about 3.5-4 hours and typically cost around €7-15; trains from Riga Central Station to Daugavpils take roughly 3.5-4.5 hours with fares commonly in the €6-12 range. Transfers between RIX and Riga Central Station via public bus or taxi take about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Train: Daugavpils Railway Station (Daugavpils stacija) is the city’s main rail hub. Trains to/from Riga and other Latvian cities are operated on the national passenger network (Pasažieru vilciens / Latvijas dzelzceļš services on long-distance routes); journeys to Riga take about 3.5-4.5 hours and tickets generally cost in the €6-12 range depending on class and advance booking.
Bus: Daugavpils Autoosta (the main bus station) is served by national and international coach operators including Lux Express and Ecolines. Buses to Riga and Vilnius take roughly 3.5-4 hours; typical one-way fares are around €7-15 when booked in advance, with onboard Wi‑Fi and luggage space on express services. Local regional buses link smaller towns in Latgale from the same station with lower fares and more frequent stops.
How to Get Around Daugavpils
Daugavpils is compact; for sightseeing the centre is easiest on foot while local buses and taxis handle longer or off‑peak trips. For travel beyond the city, intercity coaches and trains to Riga and Vilnius are the most practical options - coaches are faster and more frequent, trains are roomier and scenic.
- City buses (≈0.50-1.00 EUR) - A municipal bus network links the suburbs, railway station and main sights. Services are the most economical way to get around outside the compact centre; routes can be infrequent evenings and weekends so check timetables in advance. Tickets are bought from the driver or via regional ticketing apps where available.
- Intercity buses (Lux Express, Ecolines) (7-15 EUR) - Comfortable coaches connect Daugavpils with Riga, Vilnius and other regional destinations; departures are concentrated at Daugavpils Autoosta. Buses are fast and easy to book online in advance (sometimes cheaper), and they generally offer Wi‑Fi and luggage holds - good choice for day trips or cross-border travel.
- Trains (Pasažieru vilciens / Latvijas dzelzceļš) (6-12 EUR) - The rail option arrives at Daugavpils stacija and serves routes to Riga and regional towns. Trains are slower than express coaches on some routes but offer roomy seats and a scenic run across Latgale; check the national timetable for seasonal variations and book ahead for best fares.
- Taxis & ride-hailing (Bolt and locals) (≈3-20 EUR) - Taxis and app-based services like Bolt operate in Daugavpils for short trips, airport transfers and late-night travel when public transport is scarce. Always confirm the fare or use the app price estimate; expect short in-city rides to cost only a few euros while longer transfers (for example to the airport) are pricier.
- Bicycles & rentals (≈5-15 EUR/day) - Daugavpils is compact enough to cycle in and some guesthouses and local shops rent bikes by the day. Cycling is a pleasant way to explore parks and riverfront areas; note that dedicated bike-share systems are limited, so check availability with your accommodation or local rental kiosks.
- Walking - The city centre and many museums, parks and the fortress area are best experienced on foot - distances are short and streets are easy to navigate. Walking gives the most flexible way to explore neighbourhoods, discover cafes and see the city's architectural and cultural highlights up close.
Where to Stay in Daugavpils #
- Daugavpils Hostel - Basic lodgings near transport links
- Guesthouse Daugavpils - Economical rooms and friendly hosts
- Hotel Daugavpils (mid-range) - Comfortable rooms and good breakfast
- Hotel Livadia - Central location and reliable service
- Boutique Hotel Daugavpils - Upscale interiors, attentive staff
- Luxury Riverside Hotel - High-end rooms with river views
- Hotel Livadia - Central and easy for sightseeing
- Mid-Range Hotel Daugavpils - Walkable to main attractions
- Family Apartments Daugavpils - Spacious units with kitchenettes
- Hotel Livadia - Family rooms and central access
- Hotel Livadia - Stable internet and quiet rooms
- Long-Stay Apartments Daugavpils - Kitchen and dedicated work area
Where to Eat in Daugavpils #
Daugavpils is a working-city with a food scene you experience more than admire: market stalls, Soviet-era canteens and a handful of cozy cafés. The city’s palate sits between Latvian and Russian traditions - think smoked and pickled fish, dense rye breads and warming stews that feel built for long winters. If you’re hungry, head to the central market and Rīgas iela to sample fish, dairy and bakery stalls, then settle into a neighbourhood café for open-faced sandwiches or home-style pelmeni. Don’t expect a lot of flashy restaurants; this is a place to enjoy honest, filling regional cooking.
- Daugavpils Central Market (Centrāltirgus) - Hearty smoked fish, rye breads, local dairy sellers.
- Old Town cafeterias on Rīgas iela - Home-style Latvian stews and potato dishes.
- Traditional Russian-Latvian canteens - Pelmeni, borscht and sauerkraut classics.
- Cafés along Rīgas iela - Casual coffee, sandwiches and European bistro plates.
- Ethnic takeaways near the train station - Quick kebabs and Eastern European fast options.
- Pizza and sushi spots - Local chains and independents for late-night cravings.
- Market vegetable stalls - Fresh produce for DIY salads and picnic fare.
- Local cafés - Open-faced rye sandwiches and seasonal soups.
- Bakery kiosks - Pastries, cheese pies and vegetarian bakery choices.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Daugavpils's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Daugavpils #
Daugavpils has a steady, local nightlife centered on the city centre and cultural venues like the Mark Rothko Art Centre. The Daugavpils Fortress and nearby squares occasionally host evening events; most nightlife is bar-based and low-key. You’ll find friendly neighbourhood pubs and occasional club nights - ideal if you prefer quieter, less touristy evenings. Standard late-night safety precautions apply.
Best Bets
- Daugavpils Fortress area - Historic complex with cultural events and evening gatherings.
- Mark Rothko Art Centre - Cultural exhibitions and special evening events occasionally.
- Rīgas iela and central streets - Where most bars and cafés cluster at night.
- Old Town bar scene - Small pubs with local crowds and casual atmospheres.
- Weekend club nights - Local DJs and party nights concentrated on weekends.
- Civic and cultural evening events - Theatre, concerts and festivals add nightlife variety.
Shopping in Daugavpils #
Daugavpils is a practical city for shopping with markets, small malls and interesting cultural stores tied to its museums. The Mark Rothko Art Centre (nearby) has design items and catalogues; city markets sell regional produce and household goods. Expect straightforward prices and helpful vendors in markets - small‑scale bargaining at stalls is normal.
Best Bets
- Mark Rothko Art Centre shop - Museum shop with art books, prints and curated design items.
- Daugavpils Central Market - Large market offering produce, fish and local pantry items.
- Rīgas iela and pedestrian areas - High‑street shops, small boutiques and daily necessities.
- Second‑hand and antique stores - Retro furniture and collectors' items around the city centre.
- Local craft and souvenir shops - Latgalian ceramics, textiles and regional handcrafted goods.
- Small shopping centres - Convenient one‑stop stores for clothing and household items.
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