DaugavpilsNeighbourhoods of Daugavpils
Daugavpils Fortress
Historic fortress quarter with museums and parks, ideal for museum-goers and photographers.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Souvenirs Stays: Mixed
- Daugavpils Fortress: 19th-century fortress complex with museums and broad parkland.
- Mark Rothko Art Centre: Contemporary art centre celebrating Mark Rothko, who was born here.
- Fortress Park: Expansive green areas and walking paths within the fortress complex.
Old Town
Unpretentious central area with shops and cafés, good base for exploring the fortress.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Local pubs Shopping: Markets Stays: Budget
- Streets of Rīgas and Vienības: Bustling central streets lined with shops and cafés.
- Local markets: Everyday markets to see local life and buy regional foods.
- Orthodox churches: Prominent Orthodox churches offering notable religious architecture.
Suburban & Riverside
Calm riverside and suburbs with parks and walks, good for affordable, relaxed stays.
Dining: Picnic Nightlife: None Shopping: Limited Stays: Mixed
- Daugava riverbank: Pleasant riverbank walks with scenic viewpoints over the Daugava.
- Local parks: Green parks offering space for families and cyclists.
- Community centres: Community centres hosting occasional cultural events and workshops.
Daugavpils at a Glance
Costs: Budget: ~$50 USD/day - very affordable for food, transport and budget hotels.
Safety: Mostly safe; be neighbourhood-aware - generally safe, though some neighbourhoods less polished; stay in central areas.
Best Time: Best time: May-September - late spring to early autumn for fortress tours and city walks.
Daugavpils is a multicultural city on the Daugava River with a rich Latgalian and Russian heritage and an imposing 19th‑century fortress. Travelers come for the fortress, the Mark Rothko Art Centre, architectural diversity and lively markets.
Getting around: Daugavpils central area is walkable; city buses depart from the central station, regional trains link to Riga, and taxis or minibuses serve suburbs.
Infrastructure & convenience: Shops like Rimi and Maxima and markets cluster downtown near Rīgas and Viestura streets; public services work well though English may be limited.
Local tips: Daugavpils is multilingual-Russian and Latvian commonly used; respect Orthodox and Catholic worship customs, and explore local Latgalian craft traditions scene.
Dining: Try Latgalian hearty fare: grey peas, smoked meats, potato pancakes and pīrāgi; eateries near the fortress and Rothko Art Centre offer rustic menus.
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?
Families
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.
Couples
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.
Backpackers
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.
Nature Buffs
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.
Plan Your Visit to Daugavpils
Best Things to Do in Daugavpils
Religious Site
Ss. Boris and Gleb Cathedral, Daugavpils
Orthodox cathedral in Daugavpils with distinctive domes
Lake
Lake Rychy
Transboundary lake in eastern Latvia and Belarus
Castle
Dinaburga Castle
Medieval Latvian castle ruins overlooking the Daugava
Lake
Lake Svente
Latvian freshwater lake in Augšdaugava municipality
Daugavpils Bucket List
Don't Miss
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.
Hidden Gems
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.
Day Trips
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.
Nearby Cities #
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.
Winter
Cold, snowy and atmospheric; many attractions are quieter, some services reduced. Good for winter photography, frozen river walks and budget travel if you pack proper winter gear.
Spring & Autumn
Cool, changeable weather with budding parks in spring and colorful trees in autumn; expect rainier days, fewer tourists, and pleasant city walks between showers.
Summer
Warm, bright and lively - best for outdoor concerts, riverbanks, cycling and exploring nearby castles; occasional heatwaves, but generally comfortable and full of cultural events.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -2° | -10° | 40 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -2° | -10° | 32 mm | overcast | 98% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 4° | -4° | 37 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 1° - 11° | 4° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Very Good | 6° - 19° | 13° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.0h |
| June | Very Good | 10° - 22° | 16° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 17.1h |
| July | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 18° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.6h |
| August | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.8h |
| September | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 67 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 4° | 53 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 3° | -3° | 51 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | -6° - -1° | -8° | 49 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
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
Budget
City Centre - $20-55/night
Budget guesthouses and hostels near the station and city centre provide cheap, practical stays for exploring the fortress and museums.
Daugavpils Hostel - Basic lodgings near transport links
Guesthouse Daugavpils - Economical rooms and friendly hosts
Mid-Range
Near Fortress - $50-120/night
Mid-range hotels offer comfortable rooms, breakfasts, and central positions for visiting the Old Fortress, museums, and riverside walks.
Hotel Daugavpils (mid-range) - Comfortable rooms and good breakfast
Hotel Livadia - Central location and reliable service
Luxury
Riverside - $120-230/night
Limited luxury choices; boutique properties and the best riverside hotels provide higher standards, stylish rooms, and better dining options.
Boutique Hotel Daugavpils - Upscale interiors, attentive staff
Luxury Riverside Hotel - High-end rooms with river views
Best for First-Timers
City Centre/Fortress - $50-140/night
Stay near the Old Fortress or central boulevards for easy walking to museums, theatres, and parks. Public transport links are straightforward.
Hotel Livadia - Central and easy for sightseeing
Mid-Range Hotel Daugavpils - Walkable to main attractions
Best for Families
Near Parks - $60-160/night
Family apartments and hotels with larger rooms are convenient for visiting parks and fortress grounds. Easy transport for day trips outside the city.
Family Apartments Daugavpils - Spacious units with kitchenettes
Hotel Livadia - Family rooms and central access
Best for Digital Nomads
Riverside - $50-140/night
Choose hotels or apartments with dependable Wi‑Fi and a desk. Quiet neighbourhoods by the river provide pleasant places to work between visits.
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.
Local Food
Daugavpils food leans Latvian and Russian - think smoked fish, rye bread, pelmeni and simple stews served in market stalls and canteens.
- 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.
International Food
You won’t find many haute international options, but pizzas, kebabs and simple European bistro fare cover cravings across town.
- 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.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian options are straightforward: market produce, cafés serving rye-bread open sandwiches, soups and bakery-made snacks.
- 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.