Things To Do
in Jēkabpils
Jēkabpils sits on the Daugava River in southeastern Latvia, offering a compact historic town center and scenic countryside. The town preserves medieval and early modern heritage around a riverfront fortress and charming wooden houses. Visitors enjoy walkable streets, local museums, and easy access to nature trails just outside the town.
It is a relaxed base for exploring eastern Latvia, with seasonal events and warm local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Jēkabpils and settle into your accommodation. After freshening up, start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, enjoying Latvian pastries. Stroll through the quaint streets, admiring the blend of historical and modern architecture.
Head to Jēkabpils' central market, where you can experience local culture through fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Latvian foods. Spend some time at the Museum of History, which showcases the region's rich past. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Lielā iela, a vibrant area filled with shops and eateries.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Daugava River, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Dine at a cozy restaurant serving authentic Latvian cuisine, trying dishes like grey peas with speck. Wrap up your night with a local beer or kvass at a pub, mingling with friendly locals.
Begin your day with a visit to the Jēkabpils Church of St. John, noted for its beautiful architecture and serene interior. Enjoy a quiet moment in prayer or reflection, embracing the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, grab a coffee at a nearby café and people-watch.
Explore the Jēkabpils Art Gallery, which houses contemporary Latvian artwork along with rotating exhibitions. Engage in a creative workshop if available, allowing you to express your own artistic side. Later, wander to the Jēkabpils Port, where the views of the Daugava can be breathtaking.
Attend a performance at the Jēkabpils City Theatre, experiencing the local arts scene firsthand. Whether it's a play or a musical performance, the cast often showcases regional talent. End your night with dessert from a charming bakery, savoring traditional treats.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Hotel/hostel per night | $35-70 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $2-5 |
| 🧺Groceries for a day | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable town center
- Beautiful river scenery and historic sites
- Good value for money and easy day trips to nearby nature
- Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger cities
- Smaller selection of major tourist attractions
- "Sveiki" - Hello
- "Paldies" - Thank you
- "Lūdzu" - Please
- "Cik tas maksā?" - How much is this?
- "Kur ir tualete?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Jēkabpils
Visit one of these nice places.
Long riverside views with the town’s silhouette; especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
Historic fortress remains by the river offering dramatic angles and seasonal events.
Architectural textures, lamplit evenings, and occasional markets provide varied photo opportunities.
Wooden houses and era-specific facades create authentic Latvian townscape shots.
Food in Jēkabpils
Jēkabpils Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Latvian dish of grey peas with crispy bacon, typically served with rye bread.
Must-Try!
Savory bacon-filled pastries that are popular in bakeries and markets across Latvia.
Smoked fish (often from local waters) served with creamy mashed potatoes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering seasonal produce, dairy, bread, smoked fish, and other regional goods—great for sampling fresh ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite hello is 'Sveiki' (informal) or 'Labdien' (good day). Handshakes are common in formal contexts.
Directness is appreciated; modest dressing is typical for public spaces, especially religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Jēkabpils
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service is not automatically included.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in shops and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming trees; bring a light jacket and be prepared for showers. Trails begin to dry out, great for walking and cycling.
Warm days with long daylight hours; outdoor festivals and riverfront activities are common. Stay hydrated and use sun protection during peak hours.
Autumn colors along the Daugava create picturesque scenes; temperatures cool and variable. Forest trails can be muddy after rain.
Cold and possibly snowy; daylight is shorter, so plan outdoor activities for daylight hours. The riverfront may be quiet but atmospheric in the frost.
Jēkabpils at Night
Hiking in Jēkabpils
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested loop with moderate elevation, ideal for a few hours of hiking and wildlife watching.
Riverside path offering scenic overlooks and opportunities for photography.
Airports
How to reach Jēkabpils by plane.
Latvia’s main international gateway; about 140-170 km from Jēkabpils with rail and bus connections.
Smaller coastal airport; further away but available for some routes and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group in the town and country; culturally central to local life.
A significant minority in the region, contributing to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across Latvia; local clubs and school teams are common in the region.
Popular during winter with local rinks and friendly leagues.
A staple sport at community and youth levels; local teams often host matches on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jēkabpils.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Opt for vegetable stews, mushroom dishes, seasonal salads, and grain-based meals; communicate clearly with staff to adapt dishes.
Choose plant-based soups, salads, baked potatoes, and dairy-free spreads; many places can accommodate with advance notice.