Find out the best Riga photography spots, areas and opportunities in this guide! A complete overview of all that Latvia’s capital has to offer to photographers.
Riga is the capital city of Latvia, one of the three Baltic countries. From North to South: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. As the central one of the three, Riga is a common stop for those exploring the Baltic, but also a nice weekend getaway. Its old streets, post-Soviet memories, and traditional vibe make it different from its northern and southern neighbours.
In this Riga travel photography guide, you will find not only the best spots to take photos, but also areas, concepts, and tips on how to make the most of your trip to Latvia. I have also included a few day-trip photography ideas and some general questions about photographing Riga.
Let’s get started!
Riga Photography Guide: useful information
Before diving into the main photography areas, spots and opportunities in this Riga guide, these are the 4 main questions I would have liked to see answered before travelling to Latvia.
How many days are needed to photograph and visit Riga?
Riga is not a massive city. With a bit more than 600.000 inhabitants, the touristy part of the city is not that big. If you are in a rush, you could even do Riga in 2 days, 1 night, by focusing on its Old Town.
However, I do recommend a bit more time in Riga, especially if you are there for photography. Even more so if you plan to get close to the sea or do one of the day trips from the city. Three nights would allow plenty of time to photograph the city in multiple sunrises, explore the Old Town at your own pace, and even add a couple of days or half-day trips.
Where to stay to visit and photograph Riga?
If you look at any map of Riga, you will see how the Old Town is located just next to the River Daugava. My personal recommendation is to stay on the right bank of the river, either in the Old Town or near it. In my case, I stayed between the train station and the Old Town, at a short walking distance from both.
If you’ve read my Vilnius or Tallinn guides, you’ll see I recommend something similar. Everything is accessible by a short walk (around 20’), or if you prefer, you can take one of the characteristic city trams.
What is the best season to visit and photograph Riga, summer or winter?
I have been to Riga twice, once in summer and once in winter. The city is the same, but the experience is very different. During the winter months, the daylight hours are quite reduced, and of course, it gets much colder.
Summer is perfect to explore the city, its nearby parks, and take day trips. In winter, especially near Christmas, you get the markets, cold and snow. For a first-time visitor, I’d recommend summer. However, don’t skip Riga only because of the season, especially if you don’t mind cold weather. Note that some of the day trips below are either impossible or way more difficult in winter.
For photographers, both have their pros and cons. Of course, long days and sunlight are great for photos. However, this means more tourists. On the other hand, winter can mean snow, and Riga is really beautiful when it snows.
Is Riga safe?
Yes, Riga is very safe. I think it’s the one I felt the least safe in of the 3 Baltic capitals, but on a scale 1-10, I’d rank it an 8.5. The reason I feel that way about Riga’s safety is that, for me, it feels like a city that is still sad. Estonia has all the Scandinavian influence. Lithuania is closer to Germany and the “Old Europe”. Latvia’s independence from the USSR was in the 1990s, and it feels it is still coming out.
Don’t get me wrong, I love this vibe for photography. Still, I found it the “saddest” city of the three.
Riga Old Town Photography spots guide
The Old Town is where I took most photos in Riga. In fact, even those spots that are not in the Old Town are quite close to it. The best way to explore it is on foot. Be prepared, the streets are made of uneven cobblestones, so I’d suggest comfortable shoes and avoiding flip-flops or high heels. Let’s dive into what’s interesting to photograph in the Riga Old Town.
St Peter’s Church Tower
The first one is my favourite Riga viewpoint. You’ll find many churches in the Old Town, but I only list one as a photography spot. I recommend visiting them all, but if you have to choose which one to pay for, this is the one. From the top of the tower of St. Peter’s Church, you have the best view of Riga’s Old Town.
It’s a 360-degree view, from the heart of the Old Town, and you can see the whole city. On one side, the river and the new areas of Riga. On the other, the Old Town, and in the distance, the Art Nouveau area, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ,… It’s a must-see and photograph, and although it’s not free, I highly recommend it.
Even in the wintertime, it’s great to go up there. It will be windy and cold, but the snowy views of Riga are worth it.
The 3 Brothers
This is probably one of the most famous buildings in Riga. I am not a big fan of this spot, but it has to make it to the list. These are 3 characteristic houses, each a different colour and size, next to each other in the old town of Riga. Yes, they are nice, but in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn you’ll see many like them.
Maybe I am a bit critical because I wasn’t able to take a unique photo. I tried multiple things, but none satisfied me. You can see the result below.
This is a very popular spot. All tours stop there, and unless you visit it early morning, you’ll rarely have it to yourself.
Freedom Monument
When accessing the Old Town, chances are you will cross the Freedom Square, where the Freedom Monument is located. It is this massive pillar dedicated to those who died in the Latvian Independence War. What I like about this spot is the symmetry and how massive it feels. It is in the heart of the Bastejkalna Park (see below), and the lack of buildings makes it look even bigger.
House of the Blackheads
If the 3 brothers are one of the most famous buildings, it is because of the House of the Blackheads. This was a merchants’ guild, back in the 15th century, and after many restorations, it made it to our days. It’s a very unique building. Unlike the 3 brothers, I really like it, and I enjoyed taking some photos of it at sunset.
It is possible to visit its interior, but I didn’t find it really worth it when I visited it the first time (it was in winter, so a bit of warmth was appreciated).
The Swedish Gate
Riga used to be a fortified city. Not much remains from that time, but one of the few remnants from the past centuries is the Swedish Gate. Close to it, you will find a reconstruction section of the city walls (in red), but in my opinion, they lack some personality.
The Swedish Gate, though, is a small old access gate to the city, and a very picturesque one. Especially early in the morning, when the city is still sleeping, it’s possible to take good photos in this area.
Old Town streets
Until this point, I have been sharing specific photography spots. However, Riga is much more than just a few spots. The whole Old Town is full of photo opportunities. Its small alleys and cobblestone streets make for great photos, no matter the time of day.
I usually prefer sunrise or sunset, but due to the narrow alleys, it can be difficult to get great light. Thus, any time of day is a good time to take photos in Riga. Make sure to wander through its Old Town to find less-explored and photographed areas.
Bastejkalna Park
The Old Town is surrounded on one side by the Daugava River and on the other by the Bastejkalna Park. It is a fantastic spot to visit, regardless of the time of the year.
In summer, it is full of people hanging out, relaxing or doing some sports. It’s green, quiet and a great place to go for a stroll. During the winter months, the small water ponds get frozen, people disappear, and it adds to the “sad” vibe I mentioned I felt in the city.
Laima Clock
This is a very specific spot, but it’s one that I wanted to share. Between the Bastejkalna Park and the Old Town, there’s the Laima Clock. Laima is a chocolate brand, and you’ll find it all over the place. They have specific stores, but you can get their chocolates in any supermarket as well.
This clock felt like a meeting point, and it is a symbol of the city. At night (or early in the day), it is lit up, making for a different and cool photo.
Other Riga photography spots: a guide
Besides the Old Town, Riga has other photography spots worth considering. While the ones listed are not in the Old Town, they are close. I walked everywhere while in Riga, and I encourage you to do the same. Walking is the best way to explore and photograph a city, in my opinion.
Riga Central Market
I love markets. In any of my travel photography guides, I add them as a spot, and Riga is not an exception. The Riga Central Market is a set of 4 massive buildings where you can find anything from vegetables, fruits, pickled food, fish, meat,… As a photography location, it is a very interesting spot.
Besides the obvious photos inside the market, farmers and local producers also gather outside of it. It still has quite an authentic vibe, and it’s a great place to take street photos. Remember to check the market opening times. Especially the non-touristy stands can be closed on Sundays or Mondays!
Riga City Trams
One of the things that you will see everywhere in Riga (except inside the Old Town) is its trams. Trams are a popular means of transportation in the city, and they’re always a great photo opportunity. I don’t highlight a specific spot, but a specific type of tram.
You will see the old trams and the new trams. While the new trams are usually more comfortable, reliable,… The old trams are way better for photography. They are smaller and have this historical vibe that new designs don’t have. They match well with the vibe of the city and can make your photos more dynamic and unique.
Riga Art Nouveau Centre
Did you know that Riga has an Art Nouveau street? Actually, this is a shared spot: the street/district and a specific building.
Riga’s Art Nouveau street made me think of Paris the first time I visited it. Of course, it is not the same, but it resembles it a bit. This area of the city has a distinct style, and regardless of the time of the year, it feels different. Suddenly, it feels like you are in another city. This contrast is something that usually works well in photography.
However, there is one specific spot that works even better when it comes to photography. The Art Nouveau Centre is a museum located at the heart of the Art Nouveau district. In it, there is an amazing staircase that, from below, offers a great photo. The best part is that although you need to pay to get into the museum, you do not need to pay to access the building. Thus, it is a “free” photography spot.
National Library of Latvia
All European cities have some nice modern buildings. One of Riga’s most distinctive ones is its National Library. It is located at a prime location, on the other side of the Daugava River. As I mentioned before, the Old Town is next to the river, so you will most likely see it in the distance. The building itself is interesting on the inside, but what I really liked was its shape. It’s a very unique building, and one that, specifically at sunset, makes for a great photo.
Riverside
I already hinted it above, but the Daugava River is a great place to take photos. Especially at sunrise or sunset, people gather near its waters to meet, grab a drink or just walk. Even if the skies are not amazing, it’s a great way to wait for your dinner reservation while taking some photos.
Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ
The last spot I decided to include is the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ. It’s a massive Orthodox church, at a short walking distance from the old town. You will see it from the top of any viewpoint you climb to, and it’s great for photography. However, it’s not possible to take photos inside, which is a pity, as it’s really beautiful.
Similar to the Freedom Monument, it is located in a greener area, and it makes the Church look even bigger as it’s not immediately surrounded by any buildings.
Riga day trips photography spots: a guide
Latvia is much more than just its capital. In this Riga travel photography guide, I have included some one-day trips. They are great photo spots, but also a way to explore the other side of Latvia. Here are 3 one-day trips from Riga that I can personally recommend.
Kemeri Bog: nature photography in Riga
The Baltic countries are known for their bogs. Due to their geography and climate, it is common for some areas to get flooded with the seasonal rains, and small and large ponds inundate the landscape. A short train ride from Riga, there is the Kemeri Bog. A short and nice walk/hike where you can enjoy a very unique scenery. The wooden paths, surrounded by water and mud on each side, make for great photos. Oh, and the elevated viewing points are even better!
If you are into wildlife photography, it can also be a great spot, but you’d most likely need to rent a car to get there for sunrise, before all tourists arrive.
Sigulda: castles photography in Riga (Turaida)
Sigulda is a municipality located a bit more than 50km from Riga, and easily accessible by train. It was once a thermal city, where wealthy people went to relax and enjoy their summers. Nowadays, it is a great one-day trip from Riga for 2 types of people:
- Nature lovers: there are some nice hikes, rides, and even canoe day trips in the area. Oh, and there is a bobsleigh track, where you can get a first-hand bobsleigh experience!
- Castle lovers: the region is home to a couple of very interesting castles, the main one being the Turaida Castle.
The area is not very frequented by tourists. In case you don’t have a rental car, the local buses are easy to move around, and can help you reach the most distant points of interest, like the Turaida castle itself or the bobsleigh track.
Jurmala: beach photography in Riga
Finally, there is Jurmala. Riga is very close to the Baltic Sea, and its main summer city/town is Jürmala. There are many trains that connect the city of Riga with Jürmala, making it very easy to reach by public transport.
I recommend this as a day trip if you want to spend some time at the seaside, or as a half-day trip, even after walking in the Kemeri Bog, as they are in the same train line.
Despite being a prominent summer destination, it can also have its charm in winter, when the city is empty of all seasonal tourists, the beaches are empty, and the sea might even be frozen.
This concludes my Riga travel photography guide and spots. If you have questions about Riga or the Baltic Countries, feel free to schedule a 30′ free Q&A call with me on the link below. Thanks for reading!
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