Riga Instagram Spots – 12 Best Photo Worthy Sights
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a dream destination for photographers and travel enthusiasts. From charming medieval streets to stunning Art Nouveau buildings, Riga offers countless Instagram-worthy spots. So if you’re planning your next trip and want to discover the best Riga Instagram spots, this post will guide you through the top 12 must-visit locations – and more.
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Why Riga is a Perfect Destination for Instagram Lovers
Riga is an enchanting blend of old and new. It’s a place where medieval history meets modern creativity, making it a fantastic backdrop for travel photographers like us. And with noticeably fewer tourists than some European capitals, I found the quieter streets perfect for capturing those ideal Riga Instagram shots.
The city’s compact size and flat terrain also makes it easy to explore. I was able to walk between most of the best Riga Instagram spots with ease. So whether you’re into grand cathedrals, quirky statues, or cosy cafés, Riga offers plenty to inspire your social feed.
Another reason Riga stands out is its seasonal charm. Visit during winter to snap snowy rooftops, in December for its festive Christmas market or during summer for long golden sunsets. But whatever the season, Riga’s Instagrammable photo opportunities really are endless.
Top 12 Riga Instagram Spots and Photography Tips
I’ve given details here of 12 of what I considered to be the best Riga Instagram spots. But there are just so many! I’ve listed more further down this post too.
Let’s dive right in!
Riga Instagram Spots 1: House of the Blackheads
This stunning Gothic-style building in Old Town is Riga’s most photographed landmark and number one on our Riga Instagram spots route. Its ornate façade and intricate details are a dream for architecture lovers. I absolutely loved the hints of blue amongst the red brickwork.
Fact: Originally built in 1334, it served as a guild house for unmarried merchants and foreign traders, and its lavish façade was destroyed during WWII but meticulously rebuilt in the 1990s.
Cost: Free to photograph outside; interior tickets cost €6 ($6.50/£5.25), and can be bought online in advance.
Photography Tip: Shoot early in the morning to avoid crowds, and stand further back than the fountain to get the full building in shot, like I did. Or you could also capture the building with reflections from nearby puddles after rain fall.
Riga Instagram Spots 2: Smallest Street in Riga
Rozena iela, the city’s smallest street, is a hidden Riga Instagram spots gem. Its narrow passageway lined with colourful walls and medieval-style banners creates a perfect frame for creative shots.
Fact: Measuring just over a meter wide, this street is so narrow that people can touch both walls simultaneously while walking through it.
Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to highlight the street’s cosy charm. Or take some fun shots of you standing in the narrowest part.
Riga Instagram Spots 3: DOM Restorans
Located in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, this picture-postcard building is famous for its colourful exterior. And as such, Instagrammers flock to it for that perfect pose. This was one of my favourite photo spots of our trip.
Fact: DOM Restorans offers panoramic views of the Riga Cathedral (Dome Cathedral), famous for housing one of the world’s largest pipe organs.
Photography Tip: Buy a fridge magnet from a souvenir shop and hold it up in front of the buildings, or stand further down the street directly opposite to capture those leading lines. Unsurprisingly, my outfit was planned in advance and it wasn’t accidental that my blue coat blended perfectly with the colour of the building in these shots!
Riga Instagram Spots 4: Three Brothers
These three historic houses tell the story of Riga’s architectural evolution. Their quirky designs and interesting doors make them perfect for photos.
The building is also home to the Latvian Museum of Architecture.
Fact: These are the oldest surviving residential buildings in Riga, dating from the 15th, 17th, and 18th centuries. And legend says they were built by three men from the same family.
Photography Tip: Shoot during golden hour to capture warm light on the facades. Again, you may need to be patient if tour groups or other visitors are passing by. Also, you’ll need to use a wide angle, as I did, to capture all three buildings together, or take a panoramic shot. Otherwise, have some fun with close ups!
Riga Instagram Spots 5: Swedish Gate
Next on our Riga Instagram spots tour, the Swedish Gate archway and surrounding cobblestone streets feel like stepping back in time.
Fact: Built in 1698, it is the only remaining gate from Riga’s old city walls. And it is said that a legend surrounds the gate: a maiden once lived above it and fell in love with a Swedish soldier.
Photography Tip: Frame your subject in the archway to lead the viewer’s eye through your photo. Although you may need to be patient, as guided tour groups frequently obstruct a direct view of the gate. Or join a tour yourself for a historical guide through the old town area.
Bonus Tip: Just a couple of streets away, check out the junction of Trokšņu iela with Jēkaba iela for another colourful photo opportunity.
Riga Instagram Spots 6: Coat of Arms of Latvian Municipalities
This colourful display of Latvian Coat of Arms is a unique photo spot near Riga Castle. I just loved the pop of colours against the blue sky.
Fact: Found in Riga Town Hall Square, the Coat of Arms showcases unique symbols of Latvian regions. Interestingly, each one represents cultural and historical elements specific to their locality.
Photography Tip: Focus on the bold colours to make your Instagram pop.
Bonus Tip: The Powder Tower opposite also makes for a great photo!
Riga Instagram Spots 7: Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Golden domes and intricate details make this Orthodox cathedral a striking subject.
Fact: This is largest Orthodox church in the Baltics. It was also once used as a planetarium during Soviet occupation before being restored to its original purpose.
Cost: Free to enter, and absolutely worth a quick peek inside!
Photography Tip: Stand at a distance to include the domes against the sky, or step back and zoom in to capture the domes larger as a backdrop to your subject. Or use the bird box art installation situated close by to add interest to your shot. I couldn’t resist snapping a pic with those pastel colours!
Riga Instagram Spots 8: Laima Clock
The Laima Clock is an iconic meeting spot and a great subject for minimalistic shots, day or night.
Fact: Installed in 1924, the Laima Clock symbolises Riga’s famous Laima Chocolate Factory – a beloved brand in Latvia since 1870.
Photography Tip: Capture the clock with blurred motion of people walking past. You’ll need a tripod and an app that can capture a longer exposure to pull this off well.
Riga Instagram Spots 9: Freedom Monument
This symbol of Latvia’s independence is a must-see on your Riga Instagram spots tour. Its height and location make it photogenic from all angles.
Fact: Erected in 1935, the Freedom Monument stands 42 meters tall. It is crowned by a statue of Liberty holding three stars, symbolising Latvia’s three historical regions.
Photography Tip: Photograph it from a low angle to emphasise its grandeur, or zoom into to capture the statue in all her glory.
Riga Instagram Spots 10: Colonel Restorans
A chic café with stylish interiors, Colonel Restorans offers photogenic food and décor. However, as you can clearly see, its brightly/coloured exterior is also particularly Instagram-worthy!
Fact: Situated in a restored historical building, it’s known for blending traditional Latvian flavors with international cuisine, often featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Photography Tip: Take a seat opposite and capture the colours as your backdrop.
Riga Instagram Spots 11: St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church is another Old Town highlight and an absolute must-visit in Riga for its breathtaking views.
A short climb leads to a lift that elevates you straight to the top of the tower. Obviously I was overjoyed by the unobstructed 360 degree views up there. And the golden hour light hitting the city’s beautiful buildings did not disappoint!
Just take care if it’s windy, and secure your phone/camera and any headwear (I say this because I nearly lost my ear muffs more than once!).
Fact: In the church grounds you’ll find the Town Musicians of Bremen statue, gifted by Germany in 1990. Rubbing the donkey’s nose is said to bring good luck!
Cost: Tower tickets cost €9 ($9.80/£7.80). Simply pay at the entrance.
Photography Tip: Hold your camera up high to capture your subject against the backdrop of Riga’s rooftops.
Riga Instagram Spots 12: Holy Trinity Church
This lesser-known spot, and final stop on our Riga Instagram spots tour, is just a short taxi ride away and is a sight to behold. Its bold pink-coloured walls make the most stunning backdrop for any Instagram-worthy shot.
Although this is number 12 on the list, it was certainly one of my favourites. You’ll feel like you’ve walked onto the set of a Barbie movie!
Fact: Located in Pardaugava, Holy Trinity Church is notable for being one of the oldest wooden churches in Riga, dating back to the 17th century, and surviving numerous fires and reconstructions.
Photography Tip: Capture the church framed by surrounding greenery in summer, or against a crisp blue sky – if you can! However, you’ll need to hold your phone on its side and take a panoramic shot if you want to fit a subject and the full height of the building in the same shot.
Other Photo-Worthy Riga Instagram Spots
These locations are also worth exploring for their potential for perfect photo opportunities:
- National Library of Latvia: Modern architecture with bold lines. While you can’t see out from the inside, you’ll barely notice due to the stunning modern interior.
- Riga Art Nouveau Center: This building, and the one next door, offer stunning details for close-up photography. The museum is also well worth visiting for taking photos in its beautiful spiral staircase. Try to go when it’s daylight light to capture the colours, as we visited after dusk and it wasn’t the same.
- Riga Central Market: A lively spot for street and food photos. Explore the stalls or grab a bite to eat from the street food vendors. Alternatively, join a food tour to sample the best Riga has to offer!
- Cat House: Famous for its feline statues. You’ll need to look up to spot them!
- Our Lady of Sorrows Church: Simple yet elegant, this pretty white building stands out as you approach and makes for a pretty picture.
- Riga Cathedral and Dome Square: Iconic cityscape shots can be captured here. It’s also the location of Riga’s Christmas Market stalls in December.
- Latvian Academy of Sciences: With its New York-style architecture, this building offers epic views from the rooftop. Or combine your visit with a Riga Market guided tour.
- Riga Castle: A historic riverside landmark well worthy of a photo or two.
- Black Magic: A medieval apothecary- themed bar serving chocolates and cocktails featuring Riga Black liquor. We stopped here for an afternoon treat, and really enjoyed it. The truffles are delicious and there are so many to choose from! And be sure to visit in the evening to enter its secret bar.
Riga Instagram Spots At Night
With fewer daylight hours in winter, it’s good to know which sights are worth visiting after dark. Sadly, nightfall hides Riga’s colourful exteriors, but there are plenty of other photo opportunities to be found.
I visited in November when sunset was around 4pm. So I had plenty of time to explore the city’s illuminations.
These were my top 5 favourites after dark, and they’re all close by:
- Riga Clock Tower
- Laima Clock
- Freedom Tower
- Illuminated art installations close to the Latvian National Opera
- The Linden Tree Alley at Brīvības Bulvāris
Seasonal Events
Riga is magical in December, thanks to its Christmas market. Located in Dome Square just in front of the cathedral, expect twinkling lights, mulled wine, and festive vibes. Sadly our visit fell just a few days before it opened, but it looked like it was going to be fabulous.
Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor exploration, with long daylight hours. While in winter, you’ll be against the clock and limited to as little as six hours of daylight so plan your tour of Riga Instagram spots accordingly.
Riga Travel Tips
Riga has a population of around 600,000, making it easy to navigate without feeling crowded. Unsurprisingly, as a capital city, it is well served by buses and trams, while Bolt taxis are convenient and surprisingly affordable. Riga is fairly compact and flat, so it’s really easy to tour on foot.
How to Get to Riga
There are plenty of budget airline flights to Riga (RIX) from the UK and other European cities, with prices starting from as £37/€44.
Ryanair runs regular flights from airports including London Stanstead, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Nottingham and Edinburgh, while Air Baltic operates from London Gatwick.
Check Skyscanner to find the best flights from near you.
How to Get from Riga Airport to the City Centre
Riga Airport is just 10 km (6 miles) from the city centre and easy to reach:
- Bus: Route 22 takes 30 minutes and costs €1.15 ($1.25/£1). You can pay the driver as you board. It’s €1.81 that way, but I found this much easier than using the ticket machine as it would not accept any of our UK debit cards.
- Taxi: Costs €15–20 ($16–21/£13–17), taking 20 minutes.
- Bolt: Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are surprisingly affordable and will likely work out slightly cheaper than taxis.
Guided Tours
There are so many guided tours and experiences available to enjoy in Riga, and these are a great way to discover hidden gems and meet other travellers if you’re flying solo.
From Riga, you can also visit Lithuania or Estonia with ease. There are multiple Flix Bus options, or you can take a guided tour like this one I took to the Hill of Crosses and Jelgava in Lithuania . You can read more about that in this post:
Hill of Crosses Tour From Riga: A Charming Day Trip You’ll Love
If you’re spending a few days in Riga, a Hill of Crosses tour from Riga is the perfect cross-border adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.
Budget-Friendly Hotels for Travel Photographers
Although Riga can be done in a full day if you’re efficient. But I’d recommend at least a night or two to really make the most of your time there. Especially in the winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight to discover those Riga Instagram spots and top sights.
I’ve handpicked these Riga hotels based on location, cost and, of course, being photo-worthy!
- Hotel Avalon
• Great views of Old Town
• Rooms from €70 ($75/£60) per night - Rixwell Konventa Seta Design Hotel
• Charming design in a historic building
• Rooms from €55 ($59/£47) - Wellton Riga Hotel & Spa
• Sleek modern interiors with rooftop views
• Rooms from €65 ($70/£55)
Conclusion: Why Riga is an Instagrammer’s Paradise
Riga is a compact city bursting with visual inspiration. From medieval landmarks to colourful streets, it’s a treasure trove of photogenic and Instagram spots. There is literally another photo-worthy view at every turn!
With its seasonal charm, affordable prices, and rich history, Riga is the perfect destination for Instagram enthusiasts.
Pack your camera and discover all the amazing Riga Instagram spots waiting to be captured!
Bonus Content: A FREE downloadable Google Maps route of Riga Instagram spots
I’ve taken all of the Riga Instagram spots and sights mentioned here and plotted them on Google Maps to save you time to spend enjoying your trip.
Download your copy for free by joining my mailing list below, and plan your most efficient route of the city without missing a single photo spot!
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Beautiful post! I’m thinking of going to the Christmas Market next week so this will be helpful
That’s so exciting! We saw them setting it up and it looked like it was going to be really nice. Have a wonderful trip! 😃