Things To Do
in Līvāni

Līvāni is a small town in eastern Latvia, situated in Latgale near the Daugava River. It blends industrial heritage with green spaces, offering riverside walks and scenic countryside. The town has a storied glass-production legacy and a growing local culture scene, including markets, galleries, and community events.

Visitors discover a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and easy access from Riga by road or rail.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Līvāni's Rich History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Līvāni Local History Museum, where you can discover artifacts that showcase the town's past. Engage with the interactive displays that highlight the region's unique cultural heritage. Stroll through the nearby park for a refreshing morning walk amid historical monuments.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local café that serves traditional Latvian dishes, allowing you to taste the flavors of the region. Afterward, take a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque Daugava River, taking in the scenic views and tranquility. Stop by an artisan shop to purchase handmade crafts that reflect Līvāni's local artistry.

evening
:

As the sun sets, experience a traditional Latvian dinner at a popular restaurant featuring local ingredients. Attend a cultural performance, such as live folk music, to immerse yourself in the local traditions. Conclude your evening with a stroll through Līvāni's quaint streets, appreciating the charm of the town at night.

day 2
Nature Walks and Local Markets
morning
:

Begin your day by exploring the beautiful nature trails in the nearby Līvāni Nature Park, where you can enjoy the fresh air and vibrant scenery. Look out for local wildlife as you wander the paths lined with lush greenery. Capture stunning photographs of the diverse flora that thrives in this serene environment.

afternoon
:

Discover the local market, where vendors sell fresh produce and artisanal goods, giving you a taste of the community's bounty. Interact with local farmers and artisans to learn more about their crafts and products. Take some time to enjoy a light lunch at one of the market stalls for an authentic local experience.

evening
:

Unwind with a relaxing evening in a cozy café, sipping on traditional herbal teas and sampling Latvian desserts. If you're visiting during the summer, find an outdoor venue hosting local music or art events. Embrace the vibrant evening atmosphere as local residents gather to enjoy the lively ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee at a cafe$2-4
🍺Local beer or drink$2-4
🛍️Grocery item (bread, dairy)$1-3
🎬Cinema ticket$6-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to nature
  • Affordability and authentic Latgalian cuisine
  • Compact center is walkable and scenic
  • Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
  • Public transport can be less frequent than larger cities
  • Some services and attractions require short drives to nearby towns
  • "Sveiki" - Hello
  • "Paldies" - Thank you
  • "Cik tas maksā?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Kur ir tualete?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Vai jūs runājat angliski?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Lūdzu, palīdziet" - Please help

Places to Visit in Līvāni

Visit one of these nice places.

Daugava River Promenade

Open riverside paths with golden-hour reflections on the water and bridges framing the scenery.

Town Center Square & Church Spire

Historic-style squares and a tall church spire provide classic Latvian townscape shots.

Rural Countryside Outskirts

Pastoral fields, windbreaks, and traditional farmhouses offer peaceful rural imagery.

Industrial Heritage Edges

Old industrial zones and river-adjacent spaces offer textures of brick, glass, and metal set against nature.

Culinary Guide

Food in Līvāni

Latgale’s hearty, farm-to-table flavors shine in Līvāni, with a focus on potatoes, rye bread, dairy, freshwater fish, and forest berries. Local meals are often robust and satisfying, reflecting rural Latgalian cooking traditions.

Līvāni Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi

Grey peas cooked with fried bacon or cracklings, a classic Latvian dish commonly enjoyed with rye bread.

Must-Try!

Sklandraucis

Latgalian potato pastry with a curd filling and bacon fat, best sampled fresh from a bakery or cafe.

Pīrāgi

Savory Latvian pastries filled with bacon, onions, or mushrooms—popular as a breakfast or snack option.

Kartupeļu pankūkas

Potato pancakes served with sour cream or pickled vegetables; a comforting, family-friendly dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Līvānu Centrālais Tirgus

A local market offering seasonal produce, dairy, rye bread, smoked fish, and handmade goods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Latvia has a temperate climate with maritime influences. Summers are generally mild (roughly 15–22°C), winters are cold (often −5 to −15°C) with snow possible, and spring and autumn bring variable weather with rain and sun mix. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed across the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

greetings and politeness

Greet with a polite hello and a handshake. Address people with formal politeness initially; make eye contact and be respectful in conversations.

Visiting homes and churches

Modest dress is appreciated in places of worship; avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces; remove hats when appropriate.

Dining and gifting

If invited to a home, bringing a small gift is a nice gesture; mealtime conversations are relaxed but courteous.

Safety Guide

Safety

Līvāni is generally safe for visitors with typical small-town discretion. Watch for petty theft in crowded areas and keep valuables secure. Road conditions can be icy in winter; dress warmly and stay aware near the river after dark.

Tipping in Līvāni

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In cafes and restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Cash and card payments are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. ATMs are available in town centers, and mobile payments are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and lush greenery. Expect occasional mosquitoes near water; afternoons can be sunny and bright, great for outdoor dining and walking.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage and harvest markets. Pack light layers and a waterproof layer for changing weather.

Winter

Cold to very cold, with snow possible. Quiet towns, festive lights, and opportunities for cozy cafe visits and winter photography.

Spring

Mild and variable weather; blooming trees and early wildlife. Bring versatile layers for rainy days and cool evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Līvāni at Night

In Līvāni, nightlife is casual and low-key, centered around local bars, cafes with live acoustic music, and small gatherings. Late-night clubs are rare, but seasonal events, markets, and cultural nights provide opportunities to mingle with locals.

Hiking in Līvāni

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Daugava River valley trails

Accessible routes along the river offering scenic viewpoints and easy hikes.

Local forest paths

Short forest walks and beginner-friendly trails near the outskirts of Līvāni.

Airports

How to reach Līvāni by plane.

Riga International Airport (RIX)

Latvia’s main international hub, approximately a couple of hours’ drive from Līvāni depending on route and traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and very walkable, with most sights, shops, and cafes within easy reach. Borders to rural areas are short drives or bike rides, making it simple to combine walking with a bit of cycling or short bus rides.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Latvians

Predominant ethnic group in the region, with Latgalian cultural influence prominent in daily life.

Latgalian community

Distinct regional culture within Latvia, contributing language, traditions, and crafts to the area.

Russians and other minorities

Smaller but visible communities contributing to the town’s diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular at local clubs and informal leagues; games draw community spectators.

Basketball

Common in schools and community centers; casual leagues and pick-up games.

Ice hockey

Seasonal sport with local interest in winter months; occasional exhibitions and club activity.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light outside the peak commuting hours. Public buses connect Līvāni with nearby towns, and a railway line offers regional connections. Winter driving can be more challenging due to snow and ice.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Līvāni.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist in most venues; look for soups, potato dishes, dairy-based plates, and mushroom preparations. If unsure, ask for meat-free versions or sides like vegetables and bread.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Līvāni, with clinics connected to Latvia’s regional networks. For more specialized care or emergencies, head to larger regional centers (e.g., Daugavpils) or Riga. Call 112 for emergencies.

Discover Latvia

Read more in our Latvia 2025 Travel Guide.

Latvia Travel Guide