Daugavpils | Latvia

Daugavpils serves as the second-largest city in Latvia and the informal capital of the Latgale region. It functions as a major industrial, educational, and cultural hub, characterized by its overwhelmingly Russian-speaking population, its unique 19th-century military fortress, and its status as a gateway to both Belarus and Lithuania.

Historical Timeline

First mentioned in 1275 as the Dinaburg Castle built by the Livonian Order. The primary event shaping its current urban form was its development as a major Russian Imperial military outpost in the 19th century. After total devastation in WWII, it was reconstructed as a massive Soviet industrial center. In 2013, the opening of the Mark Rothko Art Centre signaled a shift toward high-culture tourism and urban regeneration.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 78,000 (2026 estimate). The demographic is uniquely diverse for Latvia: approximately 54% ethnic Russian, with Latvians (20%), Poles (14%), and Belarusians (7%) forming significant minorities. Russian is the universal lingua franca of the city.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is situated on both banks of the Daugava River.

Centrs (The Center): A rigid grid of 19th-century red-brick buildings and Soviet-era structures, containing the primary shopping and nightlife.

The Fortress (Cietoksnis): A city-within-a-city on the right bank; it is the only 19th-century fortress of its type preserved without significant alterations.

Church Hill (Baznīcu kalns): An iconic neighborhood where the cathedrals of four different Christian denominations stand within sight of one another.

Jaunbūve (New Construction): A sprawling 19th-century industrial and residential district known for its red-brick architecture.

Grīva: A quiet, low-rise district on the left bank that retains a 19th-century village atmosphere.

Top City Landmarks

Daugavpils Fortress: A 150-hectare bastion-type fortress that now houses museums, residences, and the city’s most significant art galleries.

Rothko Museum (Mark Rothko Art Centre): The only place in Eastern Europe where the original works of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko-who was born here-can be viewed.

Saints Boris and Gleb Cathedral: The largest Orthodox church in Latvia, featuring ten gilded domes.

Unity House (Vienības nams): A massive 1930s modernist complex housing the city theatre, library, and concert halls.

Daugavpils Lead Shot Factory: The oldest lead shot tower in Europe (19th century) that still operates and offers industrial tours.

Latgale Zoo: A compact, high-quality zoo specializing in tropical reptiles and local conservation.

Transportation Network

Movement is managed by Daugavpils Satiksme, featuring a heritage tram system that serves as the backbone of public transit. Daugavpils is a critical railway junction on the St. Petersburg–Warsaw and Riga–Minsk routes. Trains from Riga take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Air travel is serviced by Riga International Airport (RIX) (230 km northwest) or Vilnius Airport (VNO) (170 km south).

Safety & "Red Zones"

The safety level is high. There are no "no-go zones." Standard urban awareness is required in the Jaunbūve and Station areas late at night. Due to its proximity to the Belarusian border (33 km), travelers should carry identification at all times and avoid sensitive border infrastructure.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 500–1000 Mbps. The city is entirely cashless. Cards and mobile payments are the standard. The Daugavpils City App is frequently used for local news and transit planning.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -7°C in winter to 23°C in summer. The climate is more continental than coastal Latvia, with hotter summers and colder, more stable winters. Air quality is good, though the city's industrial past leaves localized environmental legacies.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping of 10% is customary. The culture is a multi-confessional mosaic. Unlike Western Latvia, Daugavpils is heavily influenced by Eastern Slavic traditions and the specific folklore of the Latgale region. Social life revolves around the "Šmakovka" (local spirit) culture and the vibrant theatre scene.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in the Fortress area for a historic, immersive experience.

Stay in the City Center for access to dining, trams, and transit.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: 2.00 – 3.00 €

1 Standard Lunch: 6.00 – 9.00 €

1 Pint of Local Beer: 4.50 – 7.00 €

1 Tram Ticket: 0.70 – 1.00 €

Nearby Day Trips

Daugavas Loki (Daugava Bends): A nature park 20 km east featuring dramatic river meanders and observation towers.

Aglona Basilica: 50 km northeast; the center of Latvian Catholicism and a major pilgrimage site.

Krāslava: 45 km east; a picturesque town known for its wooden architecture and the "Blue Lakes" of Latgale.

Facts & Legends

Local legend says the fortress was built so strongly because it was intended to stop Napoleon's march on St. Petersburg. A verified historical fact is that Daugavpils was once the center of the global lead shot industry, and its 19th-century shot tower is the only one in the world where the lead is still dropped from a height into water to create perfect spheres.