Things To Do
in Rēzekne
Rēzekne is a friendly eastern Latvia town that blends Latgalian heritage with a green, lake-dotted landscape. Nestled in the Latgale region, the city serves as a cultural gateway to the area’s wooden churches, museums, and markets. Visitors can wander cobblestone streets, admire hilltop views, and explore lakes and forests just outside the city center.
Rich in tradition and evolving with modern cafes and galleries, Rēzekne offers a relaxed pace for discovery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a warm Latvian breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh rye bread and honey. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, admiring pastel facades and quaint courtyards. Pop into artisan shops to pick up handcrafted souvenirs and local ceramics.
Wander through the Latgale Regional Museum to learn about the area’s complex history and cultural tapestry. Climb to the top of the Livonian Order Castle tower for panoramic views over the city and surrounding landscapes. Pause for a cup of locally roasted coffee in a hidden courtyard bistro.
Dine at a traditional tavern serving hearty stews and black bread, accompanied by homemade kvass. Attend an outdoor concert or street performance in the main square as lanterns cast a warm glow. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the Rēzekne River embankment under starlight.
Begin at the Castle Ruins Park where ancient stone walls rise steeply from the forest floor. Follow forest trails winding through birch and pine to uncover hidden chapels and memorials. Breathe in crisp morning air as you gaze over the city skyline framed by rolling hills.
Descend into the underground passages of the Visshev Dairy building to explore wartime bunkers and exhibitions. Enjoy a picnic lunch of smoked fish and fresh vegetables by the historic tower base. Photograph the interplay of light and shadow across mossy ramparts as clouds drift overhead.
Return to town for a candlelit dinner at a riverside restaurant overlooking the Rēzekne River. Savor traditional fish dishes prepared with herbs foraged from nearby meadows. End your evening with a gentle boat ride under lantern-lit bridges along the waterfront.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🧀Milk, bread, eggs (weekly groceries) | $6-12 |
| 🚆One-way local transport ticket | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $60-110 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cultural richness and Latgalian heritage
- Great nature and nearby lakes
- Smaller nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Limited English in some spots
- "Sveiki" - Hello (plural)
- "Paldies" - Thank you
- "Lūdzu" - Please
- "Cik maksā?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kur ir tualete?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Rēzekne
Visit one of these nice places.
An elevated viewpoint offering panoramas of the city and surrounding green hills.
Ancient stone ruins set among trees, a dramatic backdrop for atmospheric photos.
Architectural mix of traditional and modern styles; good for architectural photography along the front façade.
Food in Rēzekne
Rēzekne Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional rye dough pastries filled with fried bacon and onions, common in bakeries and markets.
Must-Try!
Fresh rye bread served with creamy local butter; a staple at meals.
Rustic soups and dumplings featuring potatoes and vegetables typical of the region.
A sweet Latvian pastry made with currants and a crisp crust; great with tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with fresh produce, smoked fish, rye bread and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite handshake; greet people with a friendly 'Sveiki' or 'Labdien' (good day) in Latvian.
Latvian is the official language; Latgalian is common in Latgale; making an effort with basics is appreciated.
Politeness and modesty are valued; avoid loud conversations in quiet places.
Safety
Tipping in Rēzekne
Ensure a smooth experience
In Latvia, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in sit-down restaurants if service is not included.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; cash euros are also accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greenery; variable showers make outerwear essential; great for park strolls and early blooms.
Warm days and long evenings; outdoor markets and lake trips are popular.
Colorful forests and harvest events; cooler days means layering.
Cold and often snowy; festive lights and quiet streets create intimate winter photography opportunities.
Rēzekne at Night
Hiking in Rēzekne
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trail networks around Lake Rāzna with forest and lakeside scenery.
Forest paths along the Aiviekste River with gentle to moderate terrain.
Airports
How to reach Rēzekne by plane.
Latvia’s main international gateway; connect to Rēzekne by train or bus.
Estonia's international airport; alternative gateway with connections via rail or bus via the Baltic states.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Latgalian language and culture are prominent in this region, alongside standard Latvian culture.
A historical presence in Latgale, with many bilingual residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport nationwide with local clubs and events.
Winter sport common in Latgale’s snowy months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rēzekne.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in most eateries; look for mushroom dishes, potatoes, beets, salads and seasonal vegetables. If unsure, ask for a meat-free version of a traditional dish.