Things To Do
in Jelgava
Jelgava is a compact city on the Lielupe River, about 40 kilometers southwest of Riga. It carries a rich duchal heritage as the former seat of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, and preserves a graceful old-town core. Today it blends historic architecture with leafy parks, a university presence, and a calm, walkable city vibe.
The surrounding Zemgale countryside adds nature escapes just a short ride away.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll around Jelgava Castle, an impressive baroque structure that sits majestically by the river. As you explore the castle grounds, take in the beautiful gardens and the surrounding park. Don't forget to visit the nearby library for a glimpse into its rich history.
After lunch at a local café, head to the nearby Jelgava Nature Park for a scenic walk or bike ride. This expansive green space offers stunning views and a variety of trails to explore. Finish the afternoon by visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Courland, where you can learn more about the region's history.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Latvian restaurant, sampling local delicacies. After your meal, take a relaxing walk along the riverbank to enjoy the sunset views over the water. Conclude your day with a visit to a lively pub for some live music and a taste of local craft beers.
Begin your day with a visit to the Jelgava History and Art Museum to delve into the local culture and artistic heritage. The museum offers intriguing exhibitions that showcase the evolution of Jelgava throughout the years. Take your time to appreciate the art pieces and artifacts on display.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro, then make your way to the majestic Holy Trinity Church, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views from the tower. Participate in an afternoon guided tour to gain insight into the church's storied past. Take time to explore the surrounding area, which is filled with charming streets and quaint shops.
For dinner, treat yourself to a fusion of Latvian cuisine and international flavors at a cozy restaurant. As the night falls, consider attending a concert or cultural performance at the local theater. End the evening with a peaceful walk through the lit city streets, admiring the architecture as the city turns to night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee in city center | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer in a bar | $2-4 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (1 km) | $2-3 |
| 🎟️Cinema ticket | $8-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with easy access to sights
- Rich duchal history and well-preserved architecture
- Scenic riverfront and generous green spaces
- Strong university presence adds energy and cultural events
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some attractions operate seasonally or with reduced hours
- English proficiency may vary in smaller establishments
- "Sveiki" - Hello
- "Paldies" - Thank you
- "Lūdzu" - Please
- "Vai jūs runājat angliski?" - Do you speak English?
- "Cik tas maksā?" - How much is this?
- "Kur ir tualete?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Palīdziet, lūdzu" - Help, please
Places to Visit in Jelgava
Visit one of these nice places.
Baroque-era palace facade and formal gardens provide classic architectural photography with reflectively calm grounds.
A cluster of historic brick structures around the central square offers atmospheric, timeless cityscape shots.
A scenic riverside walk with sunset views, bridges, and gentle water reflections ideal for iPhone and mirrorless photography.
Night or dawn shots along the bridge yield dramatic silhouette and water reflections.
Food in Jelgava
Jelgava Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Latvian staple: dried grey peas cooked until creamy, served with fried pork or speck. Look for it in casual Latvian eateries.
Must-Try!
A distinctive rye bread pastry filled with curd cheese and raisins; a sweet-salty treat often found in bakeries and cafés.
Potato pancakes, typically served with sour cream or dill—popular comfort food in Jelgava’s family-run restaurants.
Dense, dark rye bread central to Latvian meals; enjoy it fresh in cafés or with toppings at local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering dairy, vegetables, berries, and homemade goods; great for sampling seasonal produce and watching daily life unfold.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common when meeting someone new; address people with polite forms and last names unless invited to use first names.
Polite conversation is valued; avoid overly loud voices in public spaces and keep personal questions respectful.
If invited to a home, bringing a small token (flowers, chocolate) is a courteous gesture.
Safety
Tipping in Jelgava
Ensure a smooth experience
In Latvia, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service is good, a tip of 5–10% in restaurants is common; check if a service charge is already included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with comfortable temperatures; mosquitoes can be present near water and in parks; expect outdoor events and open markets.
Mild to cool weather with colorful foliage; great for city walks and photography, with harvest markets starting up.
Cold temperatures with potential snow; shorter daylight hours; indoor museums and cafés provide cozy shelter.
Milder days with rain showers; budding trees and gardens open up good walking and outdoor photography opportunities.
Jelgava at Night
Hiking in Jelgava
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic river-adjacent paths with easy to moderate terrain for a relaxed day hike.
Forest and lakes trails within a short drive from Jelgava; suitable for day hikes and birdwatching.
Gentle garden paths near the university; seasonal blooms provide color-rich photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Jelgava by plane.
Latvia’s main international gateway located about 40–50 km north of Jelgava; accessible by road and rail.
Smaller regional airport on Latvia’s west coast; longer drive to Jelgava but an option for some routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, shaping local language, culture, and traditions.
A significant minority with historical ties to the region.
LLU students and staff contribute to the city’s energy and cultural life.
Includes Ukrainians, Belarusians, and others living in Jelgava.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Latvia with local clubs and youth programs; matches and training are common in regional towns.
Widely played at amateur and community levels; local clubs offer weekend games and youth leagues.
Seasonal activity with indoor rinks and local teams during winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jelgava.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Jelgava eateries offer vegetarian options such as vegetable soups, mushroom dishes, and salads. When in doubt, ask for vegetable sides or dishes featuring dairy and eggs, and consider visiting bakeries for cheese pastries and rye bread-based meals.