From the monumental Dome Square to the iconic House of the Black Heads, the Old Town of Riga is a timeless place where to capture your best travel pictures in a unique environment.

Welcome to Riga

If Tallinn is the stunning, fairy tale city in Estonia, the Latvian capital of Riga should be considered its pumping heart.

Strategically located in the middle of the Baltic States, Riga combines medieval heritage with surreal Art Nouveau architecture, delivering urban landscapes which are one of a kind.

Traveling to Latvia? Learn more about my vacation photoshoots in Old Riga here.

best places to shoot in Riga

1. Freedom Square

This important square in the Old Town of Riga hosts the most important celebrations in town, featuring two emblematic sights not to miss out:

The Freedom Monument stands as a memorial to the fallen soldiers who fought during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919. Funded entirely by donations from the citizens, the monument was unveiled in 1935 as the main symbol of Latvia’s sovereignty.

On the other side, the iconic Laima Clock welcomes travelers from all over the world, while keeping track of time both for locals and visitors alike.

*In the picture: night photoshoot for a solo traveler in Riga.

Couple photoshoot by the Latvian National Opera — © Uri Foto

2. Latvian National Opera

Riga’s majestic opera house is another great example of the golden period that transformed the city into the beautiful state capital that is today.

Built in a gorgeous neoclassical style, the Latvian National Opera sits near Riga’s canal as one of the city’s finest buildings.

The beautiful statue of a Fountain Nymph presides the majestic gardens in front, offering one of the best scenic locations where to capture unique travel memories.

*In the picture: couple photohsoot during Latvia’s colourful summer.

Couple photoshoot in Old Riga — © Uri Foto

3. The Noisy Street

One of the most charming spots in the Old Town, this cobblestone street stretches along the city wall and the iconic Swedish Gate, symbol of Riga’s power under Sweden’s imperial rule.

Featuring some of the best medieval heritage in town, this street was named after the loud warnings from the city guards to beware the citizens about immediate enemy attacks.

The place has a special atmosphere at night, when the old lanterns light up along the red-brick wall. Ideal to take creative pictures with your beloved ones.

*In the picture: couple photoshoot in Riga Old Town.

Single photoshoot in Riga Bastion Hill — © Uri Foto

4. Park of the Bastion Hill

This beautiful park near Freedom Square is the result of an architectonical project to expand the historical centre of Riga.

Built in a romantic Parisian style of the late 19th century, the Bastion Hill expands along the former area of the historical city and fortification walls, featuring iconic sights like the golden statue of a pony and a little bridge with padlocks on the sides.

An artificial 30m hill offers splendid views over the Old Town and the city centre. Don’t miss out!

*In the picture: solo traveler photoshoot in the Park of the Bastion Hill.

Couple photoshoot in Swedish Gate Riga — © Uri Foto

5. Swedish Gate

Standing as the only fortified entrance to access Riga’s historical city, the Swedish Gate was erected as the symbol of Sweden’s rule over the city in the 17th century.

Built in the middle of the defensive wall, it connects the charming Noisy street with the Jacob’s Barracks, nowadays renovated to house some of the best restaurants in the Old Town.

A popular place among tourists and locals, it’s a perfect location to take amazing postcard pictures to keep as the best memories from your trip to Riga!

*In the picture: couple photoshoot by the Swedish Gate.

Couple photoshoot by the Three Brothers in Riga — © Uri Foto

6. Three Brothers

The oldest medieval dwelling houses that are left in Old Riga can be seen 10 steps away from the Cathedral Square (Doma Laukums).

According to a local legend, the so-called Three Brothers had been built by three men from the same family, and establishing at each of the three houses a family of their own.

Dating back to the 15th and early 17th century, the Three Brothers now houses the State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection and the Latvian Museum of Architecture.

*In the picture: night photoshoot beside the Three Brothers.

Family photoshoot in Cathedral Square of Riga — © Uri Foto

7. Dome Square

Dating back to the 13th century, Riga’s Dome Cathedral features an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque and Art Noveau elements that delight all visitors.

Sitting in the middle of a huge cobbled square, this majestic and iconic cathedral is the most important religious temple built in Latvia and the whole of the Baltic States.

A classic meeting point and home to the yearly Christmas Market, the Dome Square is a busy area full of cafés and restaurants that attracts both locals and travelers alike.

*In the picture: family photoshoot at the Dome Square.

Couple photoshoot near House of Black Heads in Riga — © Uri Foto

8. House of the Black Heads

Featuring an ensemble of baroque statues and ornamental details all over its busy facade, the House of the Black Heads is a landmark of the best Art Nouveau in town.

Dating back from the 14th century, this architectonical gem in the heart of Old Riga was rebuilt from scratch after the II World War and restored in 1999.

With the Riga Tourism Office right at its feet, the building is an important venue that houses some of the most prestigious events in the city, as well as a symbol of Riga’s cultural life.

*In the picture: couple photoshoot besides the House of the Black Heads.

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 back in the 13th century, St. Peter’s Church has been nicknamed the “Riga’s Phoenix” by locals through its long history.

Surviving lighting strikes, bombings and countless fires, its structure has been renovated and expanded many times until the current stage we can see today, which features a unique viewing point from where you can enjoy great vistas from Old Riga.

*In the picture: solo traveler photoshoot near St. Peter’s Church.

final words

Riga has a fresh, modern and cosmopolitan vibe that invites you to stroll around its compact yet sophisticated Old Town.

As a local photographer in Latvia, I will be glad to show you its most emblematic sights while capturing memorable pictures of your visit.

If you’d like to have a holiday photoshoot in Old Riga please contact me here.

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Travel & lifestyle photography

My Favorite Photo Spots in Riga