My Top Ten Favorite Spots In Riga, Latvia

Strategically placed in the middle of the Baltics region, the Latvian capital of Riga successfully combines medieval UNESCO Heritage with surreal Art Noveau architecture, turning this Baltic city into a unique place of a kind.

 

Impressive views over the Old Town can be enjoyed from the other side of river Daugava, on its passing through the city: A breath-taking panorama, where the Gothic spires raise majestically against the iconic city skyline, especially during sunset.

 

From the monumental Cathedral Square to the iconic House Of the Black Heads, the Old Town of Riga is a sophisticated yet charming unique place where to capture your best travel pictures in the Baltic States.

 

1. Freedom Square

Riga’s main central square dedicated to its struggle for independence back on 1918 features two emblematic sights worth checking out. On the upper side, the Freedom Monument stands as a prominent obelisk of 42m honoring the fallen soldiers who fought during the Latvian War of Independence. On the opposite side of the square, iconic Laima Clock welcomes travelers from all over the world to begin their sightseeing around Riga, while keeping track of time for both locals and visitors alike.

What do I love about this place?

• The symbolical relevance of the area.
• An interesting contrast of architectonical styles, very common in Riga.
• Ideal place to capture the first pictures of your vacation photoshoot.

 

2. Latvian National Opera

The majestic gardens in front of the Latvian National Opera are a great example of the sophisticated, yet charming atmosphere that defines the Old Town of Riga. Built in a neoclassical style of the early 21^st century, Latvia’s royal opera house sits near Riga’s canal as an impressive example of the city’s finest monuments. On top of that, the beautiful statue of a Fountain Nymph presides the gardens in front, featuring one of the best scenic locations to be enjoyed in central Riga.

What do I love about this place?

• Its iconic background, ideal for capturing pictures that showcases the place.
• The vivid colors of the garden flowers add a great tone to the pictures, mainly during spring time.
• The beautiful atmosphere of the place during the evening hours.

 

3. Park of the Bastion Hill

This beautiful park near the old defensive bastion was built on the late 19^th century as a part of a new urban planning to expand the historical Old Town of Riga. It features a romantic bridge in the best Parisian style and many little paths that lead to a 30m hill which offers with splendid views over the Freedom Square.

What do I love about this place?

• The romantic environment, ideal for taking beautiful couples pictures.
• The vintage look of its 19^th century urban features.
• Its chilled atmosphere allows for capturing different situations.

 

4. The Noisy street

Arguably the most authentic cobblestone street in the Old Town of Riga, the long and quiet "Noisy Street" features some of the best medieval vibe around the Latvian capital. Named after the times citizens had to protect themselves during enemy attacks, the loud noise the city guards were making along the street to announce the imminent attack couldn’t have given it a better name. The street is divided by the popular Swedish Gate, one of the last original wall gates used to enter the city during the medieval period.

What do I love about this place?

• Usually not very crowded, something important in a photoshoot location.
• Features iconic ruins from Riga’s defensive wall.
• Probably the most beautiful cobbled street in Riga.

 

5. Swedish Gate

The only entrance through Riga’s fortification system that remains today completely intact, the Swedish Gate was built as the symbol of Swedish imperial power over the city in the 17^th century. Standing right in the middle of the defensive wall, it connects the charming "Noisy Street" with the old Jacob’s Barracks, nowadays completely renovated and housing many of the tourist restaurants in the Old Town. From the inner wall, the Swedish Gate can be seen boasting one of the most iconic images of Riga’s medieval charm.

What do I love about this place?

• The natural framing the gate creates is very useful for creative portraits.
• Its fairytale atmosphere, especially on winter.
• The possibility to shoot beautiful compositions on both sides of the gate.

 

6. Three Brothers

Seems that the last medieval houses in Riga used to belong to three brothers who owned each of them in different periods of time. Though it might sound too casual, the Three Brothers housing complex in the Old Town of Riga is one of the most visited (and liked) places in town. Dating back to the 15^th and early 17^th centuries, that’s another place in Riga not to be missed, if possible, when the crowds are gone.

What do I love about this place?

• The charming vibe it preserves despite the tourists around.
• Ideal to capture different kinds of shots and artistic compositions.
• The beautiful silhouettes of the three buildings standing next to each other.

 

7. Cathedral Square

The largest cathedral in Latvia and the whole of the Baltic Countries sits on the middle of a huge cobbled square offers a great scenic location in Old Riga. Dating back to the 13^th century, Riga’s Cathedral features an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque and Art Noveau elements that delight all visitors. An iconic meeting point for locals and home to the famous Christmas Markets, Doma Laukums is a prominent symbol of Riga’s beautiful skyline.

What do I love about this place?

• A monumental, iconic perspective of Riga Old Town.
• A spacious are to capture many kinds of pictures, especially for families.
• Great lighting conditions during the whole day.

 

8. House of the Black Heads

Featuring an ensemble of little statues and ornamental details all over its busy facade, the House of the Black Heads is the landmark of iconic Riga. Dating back from the 14^th century, this architectonical gem in the heart of Riga was completely rebuilt from scratch after the II World War and restored again for the last time back in 1999. With the Riga Tourism Office right at its feet, this royal building nowadays houses a museum attraction for visitors and serves as an important venue to many prestigious events of Riga’s social life.

What do I love about this place?

• It’s a landmark of historical and cultural importance in Old Riga.
• A great iconic background where to take many pictures.
• The rich elements and color tone of the building’s facade.

 

9. St. Peter’s Church

This impressive medieval church with an iconic 124m high steeple is the tallest church in Riga and the whole of Latvia. Built in a rudimentary wooden structure, the Church of Saint Peter could also be called the “Riga’s Phoenix”: Surviving lighting strikes, bombings and countless fires throughout the history, it has been renovated and expanded many times until the stage as it looks today.

What do I love about this place?

• Its imposing bell tower is a must capture in a vacation photoshoot.
• A key distinctive landmark in the Old Town of Riga.
• It’s a great location for capturing travel portraits against the steeple.

 

10. Town Hall Square

If Old Tallinn has its majestic Raekoja Plats, Old Riga shouldn’t be less, right?Riga’s monumental Town Square (Ratslaukums) is presided by the iconic House of the Black Heads on one side and the city Town Hall on the opposite side, featuring two buildings in a single iconic location. In the centre, the statue of a Latvian soldier guarding the square with the speetle of St. Peter’s Church raising at the background features arguably the most iconic perspective in the Old Town of Riga.

What do I love about this place?

• It’s a great landmark where to finish a photoshoot.
• The location gathers many symbolical buildings and scenic elements.
• Its spacious area is great for capturing many creative pictures.

 

Final words

There is no other place in the Baltic States that can be enjoyed in so many different ways, and Riga definitely has them all: Unlike Tallinn or Vilnius, Riga’s cosmopolitan soul goes beyond its UNESCO Heritage Old Town: a vibrant city full of cultural venues, art galleries, cozy restaurants and little cafes that is a paradise for any traveler in Northern Europe.