Usually you don’t hear people talking a lot about Helsinki. Due to its head-on modernization, people visiting Europe expecting to experience European medieval roots may be disappointed when they arrive in Helsinki. But if you brush that expectation aside, you are in for quite a quirky amazing time. ??? Since I learned some basic stuff about Helsinki and Finland itself at university, I knew it will be quite different than those european cities that I’ve visited before. I really enjoyed this trip and I’m still very glad to AirBaltic for making this journey possible! ❤ The city is likewise famous for stunning architecture, but while Helsinki is an ideal destination for architecture enthusiasts, it will also appeal to travelers in search of a thriving nightlife scene and world-class entertainment venues.

Find out more about all the must-see sights below, and don’t forget to save the map as well with your most favourite places of Helsinki! ??

List of sights of Helsinki

• Aleksanterinkatu
• Allas Sea Pool
• Amos Rex
• Ateneum (Finnish National Museum of Art)
• Central Park (Keskuspuisto)
• Esplanade Park
• Finlandia Hall
• Helsinki Cathedral
• Helsinki Railway Station
• Huvilakatu
• Market Square
• Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiasma)
• Senate Square
• Seurasaari
• Sibelius Monument and Park
• Suomen Kansallisteatteri (Finnish National Theatre)
• Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
• Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
• The National Library of Finland
• Uspenski Cathedral

Aleksanterinkatu

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool is a garden-like oasis in the heart of Helsinki with a large pool area and magnificent saunas. In addition to swimming, bathing in the saunas and good food, Allas Sea Pool offers many options for wellness.
The outdoor pool offers a great view of the city’s harbour area so it is pretty obvious why so many tourist recommend this place. ??

Allas is open all year round, providing unique experiences and recreational activities for townies and travelers. The marine spa has three saunas, two warm water pools and one sea water pool, to which the water is pumped from nearby streams and filtered clean. In addition to these, an outdoor gym, restaurant & café -services, guided wellness- and sports lessons and culture events are on offer.

Amos Rex

Ateneum (Finnish National Museum of Art)

Ateneum Art Museum houses the largest collections of art in Finland with more than 20,000 works of art. It has paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings from the 1750s to the work of artists who began their career in the 1950s. Ateneum Art Museum is part of the Finnish National Gallery. The collections are on public display on the first and the second floor of the museum. Temporary exhibitions are on display in the exhibition halls on the third floor. Ateneum also organizes various workshops, guided tours, lectures, dance, theatre and music performances as well as an interdisciplinary art programme.

Central Park (Keskuspuisto)

Esplanade Park

Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall is a unique centre for domestic and international conferences, concerts and other events. It is a popular architectural sight in Helsinki and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city. Finlandia Hall is one of the most iconic buildings designed by world-renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, and was planned from the ground up for visitors and a wide range of events. If not attending an event, the building can be visited by attending a guided tour open to public

Helsinki Cathedral

The Cathedral, by Carl Ludvig Engel, rising on the northern side of the Senate Square is the stage of national and academic festive services and one of the most popular tourist sights. ? The church is part of Helsinki’s Empire era centre and a landmark for those arriving by sea. It has become the symbol of the whole of Helsinki. Earlier called St. Nicholas Church and Great Cathedral, the current main church of the Helsinki Diocese was completed in 1852. Sculptures of the twelve apostles guard the city from the roof of the church. 

Thanks to the many option of food trucks, cafes and small bars it’s possible to relax here and watch everyone go about their business quite happily with the odd tram passing by every so often making it that much more atmospheric. ☕☀️?? The time we spent here was one of the main highlight of our stay in Helsinki just to reflect back on my travells and ponder life without disturbance. ❤️ Experience the mesmeric Helsinki Cathedral whenever you pass through Finland, you won’t be disappointed. ???

Helsinki Railway Station

Huvilakatu

Market Square

Located at the South Harbour, the Market Square is Helsinki’s most international and famous market. There are heated café tents where you are able to have a hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. There’s a ferry connection to Suomenlinna island and in summer it is possible to catch a ferry to Korkeasaari Zoo or to Porvoo. ???⛴️ The Stone of the Empress’, in the middle of the square, is the oldest public memorial in Helsinki.

Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiasma)

Senate Square

The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840): Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. A statue of Alexander II (1894) stands in the middle of the Senate Square. Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland’s most famous and photographed building. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the southeast corner of the square.

Seurasaari

Sibelius Monument and Park

The world famous composer Jean Sibelius’ (1865-1957) monument by Eila Hiltunen is located at the Sibelius park. It was unveiled 7 September 1967. The Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes, is made of welded steel with over 600 pipes and with the bust of the composer on one side. The monument is one of Helsinki’s most popular statues and one of the most well-known tourist attractions.

Suomen Kansallisteatteri (Finnish National Theatre)

The Finnish National Theatre, established in 1872, is located on the northern side of the Helsinki Railway Station. The Finnish National Theatre is the oldest Finnish speaking professional theatre in Finland. Firstly it was known as the Finnish Theatre until 1902, when it was renamed the Finnish National Theatre.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

Excavated directly into solid rock, the Temppeliaukio church is situated in the heart of Helsinki, at the end of Fredrikinkatu. Because of its special architecture, the church, completed in 1969, is one of the main attractions in Helsinki. The church hall is covered with a dome, lined with copper and supported on the rock walls by reinforced concrete beams. The interior walls are of rugged rock and rubble wall. Before noon, the light spreads from the row of windows surrounding the roof periphery to the altar wall, where an ice-age crevice serves as the altarpiece. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts.

The National Library of Finland

The National Library of Finland is not just a library but also a cultural destination where exhibitions take place. The Library’s main building is designed by architect C.L. Engel 1836 and was built in 1840-45. The main building of the National Library of Finland is one of the most renowned landmarks of the early 19th century Empire architecture.

Uspenski Cathedral

Map of all the sights listed above

The post Travel guide for Helsinki, Finland appeared first on Lepsik Norbert Photography.

My tirp to Madrid was truly magical – we had enough time to visit everything without any rush. We even had a whole day when we did nothing else, just sitting in a park, drinking, talking and enjoying life (of course it was before the pandemic hit Europe). For a journey like this I would highly recommend to stay between 5-8 days – and if you might see everything you wanted to, you still have a little time for yourself, or to visit another city close to the Spanish capital.
Without further introduction, you can find all the sights and places that I would recommend. At the end of the article I’ll attach a map as well which can be a great guide for you as all of this places are saved there as well.
I had a great luck with the weather there: perfect sunrises and mesmerizing sunsets – there are many photos here that I still adore, hope you’ll like them too.

List of sights of Madrid

• Almudena Cathedral
• Atocha Train Station
• Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
• Calle De Cava Baja
• Cuatro Torres
• Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop
• El Rastro
• Fuente de Cibeles and Palacio de Cibeles
• Goya Frescoes at Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
• Gran Via
• KIO Towers
• ME Madrid Reina Victoria
• Metropolis Building
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation – Plaza De La Provencia
• Monumento a Alfonso XII
• Museums to visit
• Plaza de Jacinto Benavente
• Plaza de la Villa
• Plaza de Oriente
• Plaza Dos de Mayo
• Plaza España
• Plaza Mayor
• Puerta de Alcalá
• Puerta del Sol: The Heart of the City
• Real Jardín Botánico
• Real Madrid’s Stadium
• Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace
• Sabatini Gardens
• Teatro Real
• Temple of Debod
• The Golden Triangle of Art

Almudena Cathedral

One of my favourite building is this church, which is actually the biggest one in Madrid, situated next to Palacio Real, the royal palace. The church has a north-south orientation, which is remarkable, considering most Christian churches have an east-west orientation layout. The reason why the cathedral was constructed this way is to integrate seamlessly with the Royal Palace. While admission to the cathedral is free, donations are suggested. The museum costs six euros to enter, and tourists can’t visit the church during religious ceremonies or church services.

Atocha-Train-Station

Basilica de San Francisco el Grande

This neoclassical style monumental basilica, close to the popular La Latina quarter, stands out for its artistic wealth that it houses inside, with canvases by Goya or Zurbarán, as well as its impressive dome, the largest in Spain and the fourth in Europe, behind Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon, both in Rome, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, in Florence.

Calle De Cava Baja

La Cava Baja is one of the most lively and beautiful streets in all of Madrid. It boasts an innately cheerful atmosphere. This charming street is where many of the best traditional and popular tapas bars and restaurants are located, a veritable one-stop shop, ideal for enjoying some of the best local flavours and excellent wines.
The La Latina area, just down from Plaza Mayor, is located right in the heart of Madrid only a few minutes from Palacio, Sol and Lavapiés. It has its own metro station and several bus stops with excellent connections to the rest of the city. Cava Baja is flanked by a series of intensely colourful buildings which represent quintessentially Madrileño architecture and is also home to several popular street markets.

Cuatro Torres

Cuatro Torres or Four Towers Business Area is a business in Madrid, on the former Ciudad Deportiva of Real Madrid. The area contains the tallest skyscrapers in Spain, and some of the highest in the European Union. For those who like modern architecture and minimalistic shots, this is definitely a place to visit. There are many locations in the center of the city as well, from where you can spot these towers, and with a great equipment, you can capture some fabulous shots easily

Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop

El Rastro

This lively open-air market is over 400 years old with stands that sell everyday objects as well as unique and curious items.

The Rastro Market is located along the street La Ribera de Curtidores and its adjacent lanes. Ribera de Curtidores is a steep hill with hundreds of stands selling extremely varied objects, from kitchen utensils, clothes, furniture, accessories, jewellery and comic books.
Although it can get very crowded, it is a great place to go for a stroll and get some unique Spanish souvenirs on any sunny Sunday morning or bank holiday. I highly suggest having some tasty tapas in any one of the many bars and restaurants in La Latina once you are tired of visiting El Rastro.

Fuente de Cibeles and Palacio de Cibeles

These sights are definitely my favourites in Madrid! Cibeles Palace formally known as Palacio de Comunicaciones is a complex composed of two buildings with white facades and is located in one of the historical centres of Madrid, Spain. Formerly the city’s main post office and telegraph and telephone headquarters, it is now occupied by Madrid City Council, serving as the city hall, and the public cultural centre CentroCentro.


PHOTO TIP: Even though this building offers great perspectives every time of the day, I highly recommend to go there in the morning, before sunrise for som cliché photos! There’ll be almost no people, less traffic, which allows you to create some truly magnificent, postcard-like photos.

Goya Frescoes at Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida

With its sober appearance, the San Antonio de la Florida Chapel is a contrast to the grandiose pictorial ensemble that Goya painted at the end of the 18th Century. In creating this masterpiece of Spanish art, the artist from Aragón knew that he was decorating one of the most popular temples of Madrid, famous for its celebration each June 13th. In spite of being one of the best neoclassic examples in Madrid, it is the frescos by Goya that makes San Antonio chapel a place to visit in Madrid, as well as being the place where the artist has been laid to rest since 1919. Goya decorated the dome with frescos representing the Saint’s trance before the people of Lisbon.

Gran Via

KIO Towers

The two Kio Towers are one of the most famous elements of the Madrid skyline. These two buildings have been officially named “The Door to Europe,” as they can easily be noticed for their location: the heart of Plaza de Castilla, their height: 377 feet high; and their architecture: They are two leaning towers, symmetrical with the La Castellana axis, forming a type of futuristic door defying the laws of gravity.

ME Madrid Reina Victoria

Metropolis Building

Located on the corner of Calle Alcalá and Gran Vía, this emblematic building, one of the symbols of the area, was designed in 1905 by the French architects, Jules and Raymond Février to house the La Unión and Fénix insurance company, although the final work was carried out by Luis Esteve from Spain.
The Metrópolis Building is one of the main icons of the Gran Vía, featuring in thousands of tourist snapshots who photograph the view of this avenue from Plaza de Cibeles. Built on the site of the “casa del ataúd” (tomb house), so called by locals because of its narrow frontage, it was constructed between 1907 and 1910 as the first stretch of the Gran Vía was being created, and it was officially opened on 25 January 1911.
This sumptuous construction presides over the beginning of the Gran Vía with its neo-renaissance façade of Corinthian columns and a slate dome with golden incrustations, on which a statue of Victoria rises, which used to be a Phoenix, symbol of the insurance company that initially occupied the building.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation – Plaza De La Provencia

Plaza De La Provincia is sandwiched between a couple of streets, Plaza de la Provincia and Calle de Gerona. It is so small that you can probably walk past it without realising it’s a plaza. However there are shops around, cafes and the like, as well as a lovely fountain with a statue in its centre. The architecture of the surrounding buildings is quite interesting and merits a short stop if you are passing by.

Monumento a Alfonso XII

Museums to visit

I’d say that I’m not really a museum visitor person. I’d rather be in the streets, spending  a whole day just to create a perfect photo. However if you like visiting museums, these are the ones that everybody would recommend to you.

• Centro de Arte de Reina Sofía: Contemporary Art Museum
• Lázaro Galdiano Museum
• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: Fine Arts Museum
• National Archaeological Museum
• Prado Museum

Plaza de Jacinto Benavente

Plaza de la Villa

Plaza de la Villa is one of Madrid’s best-preserved historical monuments. It is located in the historical zone, next to the Puerta del Sol Gate, and up until not long ago, you could find there the site of the capital City Council. It was one of the main medieval centers of Madrid, since three streets start there, corresponding to the original city design: Codo, Cordón and Madrid. In its outskirts are the main façades of three buildings with high historical-artistic value, built in different centuries.

Plaza de Oriente

The beautiful Plaza de Oriente can be found in Madrid’s historic centre, surrounded by two of Madrid’s most important buildings; the Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre. The Plaza de Oriente is an agreeable and tranquil environment, ideal to take a walk through as you get to know one of the oldest and most surprising parts of Madrid. Its central location and points of great historical interest mean it is a sight which should not be missing from any itinerary.

Plaza Dos de Mayo

The lively Plaza del Dos de Mayo is undoubtedly the heart of the Malasaña neighborhood. Its name refers to the uprisings of May 2nd 1808, when the town of Madrid rebelled against Napoleon’s invading troops. The central monument of Daoiz and Velarde is a tribute to two of the heroes of this historic event.
Filled with bars and cafés with outdoor terraces, it is filled with young people and families at midday, lunch time and dinner time (there are swings for the little ones), especially at the weekend when it also tends to hold craftwork and design markets. Many streets converge here with a marked alternative environment, with different fashion stores including the work of young designers and vintage clothes, as well as pop-rock bars and varied restaurants.

Plaza España

Plaza Mayor

This portico lined square is situated at the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the old part of the city and one of the capital’s most charming districts.
Before Madrid became a capital city, with its wide avenues and boulevards, its footprint consisted of narrow streets, alleys and passageways, which today take us back to the times of swashbuckling swordsmen and medieval rogues.
The Plaza Mayor dates back to the 15th century where it was originally called the “Plaza del Arrabal” and was used as the main market of the town.

Puerta de Alcalá

Erected in 1778 by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, this triumphal gate was once the main entrance to the city. It was commissioned by King Charles III – over time nicknamed the Best Mayor of Madrid -, who was unimpressed by the gate that welcomed him when he first arrived in 1759. It is situated next to El Retiro Park in the centre of Plaza de la Independencia, a junction for three of the city’s most well-known streets: Calle de Alcalá, the city’s longest road, Calle de Alfonso XII, which leads to Atocha train station, and Calle de Serrano, Madrid’s most glamorous thoroughfare.

Puerta del Sol

This bustling square located bang in the centre of Madrid is one of the city’s most famous sites. With its semi-circular shape, it is a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets such as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá and Preciados, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain.
Originally the site of one of the city’s gates, Puerta del Sol should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Sitting atop the Casa de Correos building, the current headquarters of the Madrid regional government, you’ll find the famous clock that all eyes turn to on the last day of the year. For over a century now tradition has it that people across the country usher in the New Year by eating 12 lucky grapes to the twelve chimes of midnight struck by this clock.
A stone slab on the pavement in front of the main entrance to the Casa de Correos marks Spain’s Kilometre 0, the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. Across the square, at the beginning of Calle Alcalá, Madrid’s longest street, you’ll find the famous Oso y Madroño. The official symbol of the city, the statue of a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree is a popular meeting spot for Madrileños.

Real Jardín Botánico

Real Madrid’s Stadium

Real Madrid is one of our city’s three professional football teams, together with Atlético de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Holder of multiple European and international titles, the club opens its doors 363 days a year for football and sports fans to explore its historic stadium, an absolute must on your trip to Madrid.

Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace

Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. In it you’ll find all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree.
In addition to its role as one of the city’s green lungs, it is also a popular spot among Madrileños who like to go there for a stroll, to do some sport, visit an exhibition or take the kids to a puppet show. The park is home to a large artificial lake, where you can rent a rowing boat, and to the Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace which are both currently used as exhibition halls by the Reina Sofía Museum. The latter is a beautiful glass pavilion built in 1887 to house exotic plants for an exhibition on the Philippines. It is one the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in Spain.

The Glass Palace in the Retiro Park is one of the finest examples of iron architecture in Madrid. The metal and glass structure was built in 1887 for the Philippines Exhibition of that year.
Designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, the project was inspired by Paxton’s Crystal Palace. It was originally planned as a gigantic greenhouse to contain tropical plants but today it is used for exhibitions.

Sabatini Gardens

These Classical-style gardens were built in the 1930s on the site of the former stables. Located in front of the north façade of the Royal Palace, the gardens, whose construction began during the Second Republic, were completed after the Civil War.

Although they look spectacular at any time of the day, at dusk they are truly magnificent, as it is one of the best sites in Madrid from which to watch the sunset. From the large rectangular pond in the centre of the garden, surrounded by fountains, trees, and white marble sculptures, the visitor can contemplate how the yellow and red tones alter the colouring of the gray stones of the Palace, and watch the sunset from the perspective of the Casa de Campo.

Teatro Real

Located in one of the most important historical quarters of Madrid, the Teatro Real is at the hub of the Spanish capital’s most ambitious 19th-century town planning project: next to the Austrias district and facing the Royal Palace.
The building of the Teatro Real as we see it today, is the result of several renovations over the last 150 years. Since it was opened in 1850 the building has been remodelled several times, used for different purposes and occasionally closed. The present building was completely restored and remodelled in 1997 with one of the most advanced and innovative stages in Europe.

Temple of Debod

The Golden Triangle of Art

Art lovers have their particular Bermuda Triangle in Madrid, the known as Golden Triangle is a set of the most representative museums in Madrid: Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Reina Sofía. It’s an easy walk along this leafy avenue, with an approximately 20-minute total walk time between all three landmarks of the Golden Triangle. Alternatively, you can take public transport to each landmark, and save your legs for wandering the gallery halls. 😉

Map of all the sights listed above

The post Top-rated Attractions of Madrid, Spain appeared first on Lepsik Norbert Photography.

My personal experience

Riga was always a destination which has been on my bucketlist with the other Baltic capitals as well. As I became an ambassador for the latvian airline AirBaltic, for me all roads lead to Riga. I’ve had the chance to visit this city many times almost in every season, so there was always something new to discover.
AirBaltic is probably the best option to get to Riga, thanks to its great coverage of destinations around Europe. Flying with new Airbus 220-300 airplanes is a great experience, even for those who are not used to travel with planes that often. The aircrafts have a luxury leather seats and plenty of leg space, even on economy which is definetely a huge advantage for me, as I’m almost two meters tall so it can be hard to squize myself into those seats on other airlines. Air Baltic has the greenest commercial aircraft in the world, as it is the first aircraft to have a transparent declaration of the life-cycle environmental impact, helping to reduce CO2 and NOX emissions by 20% and 50% respectively. People say that the most important thing during travelling is the destination itself, but flying with AirBaltic is an experience which is hard to forget.
Riga has a lot to offer to you and I tried to collect all of those places that I think are a must see during your trip to Riga. If you want to save some of these spots, this map can be helpful to you as well! 😉

What to see in Riga

• Art Nouveau buildings
• Bastejkalns Park
• Central Market
• Chiesa Ortodox Colorata
• Daugava River
• Freedom Monument
• House of the Blackheads
• Kalnciems neighborhood
• Kronvalda Park
• Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation deck
• Latvian National Opera and Ballet
• Latvian National Theatre
• Līvu laukums
• National Library of Latvia
• Nativity Cathedral
• Our Lady of Sorrows Church
• Powder Tower
• Riga Aviation Museum
• Riga Cathedral
• Riga Tower Counter Sculpture
• St. Gertrude Old Church
• St. Jacob Catholic Cathedral of Riga
• St. Peter’s Church
• The Cat House
• Three Brothers
• Stone Bridge, Riga
• Vanšu Bridge
• Vermanes garden

Art Nouveau Buildings

The Art Nouveau architecture in Riga makes up roughly one third of all the buildings in the centre area of Riga, making the city with the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world! You can easily ask why are there so many in the Latvian capital? The answer is actually quite simple. When art nouveau was at the height of its popularity, Riga just happened to be at the zenith of an unprecedented financial boom. Built during a period of rapid economic growth, most of Riga’s Art Nouveau buildings date from between 1904 and 1914. The style is most commonly represented in multi-storey apartment buildings close to the Old Town area, so it is easily accessable for any tourist who are just wondering around the city. Most of these amazing buildings can be seen along the Elizabetes and Alberta Streets, and the Strēlnieku Street in the Embassy district. I’ve always spent a lot of time exploring these streets and simply gaped at the amazing façades. One of the best tip that I can give to you when you’re walking around Riga’s historic centre is to always look up!

Bastejkalns Park

This park is located on the eastern edge of the Old Town. Dividing the Old Town from the Central District with the Freedom Monument in the middle, Bastejkalns Park itself is divided by the winding City (Pilsetas) Canal, giving the perfect conditions to chill and rest for a little while discovering the city. Besides benches to bask in the sun and picturesque bridges over the canal, the park contains memorials to those who died there in Latvia’s struggle for freedom in 1991 during the times of the USSR collapse.
I’ve almost always stopped at this place with some fresh fruits or bakery products with myself, just to get away a bit from the center of Riga as it can be a bit crowded sometimes.

Central Market

Daugava River

There’s no chance of missing the river Daugava if you’re visiting Riga. It’s enormous and its dark waters cleave the city in two, as they run parallel with the Old Town on the East bank towards to the Gulf of Riga. Not only does the waterfront path along the Daugava River offer great panoramic view, but it also passes by some of the top landmarks of the city, such as the Riga Castle, the National Library of Latvia, and the pointed TV Tower. The nicest part, with stone pavers, decorative railings, and steps to the waterfront is between Vanšu Bridge and A8 Bridge on the east bank. The Daugava has been a major artery of Rigan life from times of old, providing water for drinking and sanitation, a mode of transportation, and more recently three hydroelectric dams – with another controversial one planned.

Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument is an architectural representation of the idea of freedom — the large-scale sculptures, arranged on several levels, depict significant events and personalities in the Latvian history. The Monument is located very close to Old Town. The monument was funded entirely by donations from residents and constructed as a memorial to those who fell in Latvia’s struggle for independence. At the top of the monument’s obelisk is the nine-meter symbol of freedom – a young woman holding three stars above her head, which symbolize the three historic provinces of Latvia, and national unity.

House of the Blackheads

The House of the Blackheads – also known as Melngalvju nams – is one of the city’s most known building situated in the Old Town. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners in Riga. Major works were done in the early 17th century, adding most of the Mannerist ornamentation.

A number of projects were worked out in post-war years to rebuild the House of the Blackheads (as it was bombed during World War II.) and later archaeological excavations were carried out at the site. The job got under way in 1995, and since 1999, Riga again takes pride in the reborn edifice which has become brilliant testimony of Rigans’ affection and craftsmanship. The prophecy that was once written on the building’s doors: “If I am destined to ruination, I will be rebuilt by you!” has come true! 🙂
I advise to visit this place not just at daytime, but at the evening as well, because its lighting settings are perfect for some great photography.

Kalnciems neighborhood

Kalnciems Street Quarter, with its beautifully-restored wooden buildings, is not only an area pleasing to the eye, but a lively arts and entertainment enclave, where you can taste-test and buy a large selection of locally-produced goodies. The market also has a wide range of interesting local arts and crafts

Kronvalda Park

Another centrally located park, Kronvalda is the second richest public park in Riga. The park was named after the participant of the Neo-Latvian movement, Atis Kronvalds. The park’s reconstruction started in 1930 when new plants were introduced and the alleys were redesigned. In 1938, Kronvalda was expanded with a piece of land attached from the other side of the canal and a pedestrian bridge built to connect the two banks.It includes around 104 foreign tree and bush species and a huge, stunning fountain, which offers a show of lights and colors at night.
Nowadays, the park is a home to the largest willow tree in Latvia, as well as the largest cork tree and the largest beech tree with dark red leaves in Riga. Among other attractions and facilities it has a playground, a café, an underground parking lot and roller skating tracks. During summer, there are also boats and water bicycles available for rent.

Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation deck

The 107-metre building that is the Latvian Academy of Sciences, is considered the first high-rise in Latvia. It has been prominent fixture of the Riga cityscape since the 1950s. The Academy of Sciences is one of the most notable examples of the so-called Socialist Realism in Latvia. The building was originally meant to become the Kolkhoz Workers’ Building, or a hotel and dormitory for collective farm workers who come to Riga – but it was never used for the purpose.

The building is decorated with several hammer and sickle symbols as well as Latvian folk ornaments and motifs. The spire was originally decorated with a wreath and a five pointed star, which was removed after Latvia regained independence in 1991.
Residents of Riga used to call the buildings “Stalin’s birthday cake”, “Stalin’s baroque” and suchlike.

Nowdays tourists can enter the building from where the panorama of the city is truly magnificent! A lift will take you to the 15th floor, from there you will have to walk up the stairs to reach the 17th floor. You can stay at the observation deck as long as you wish, observing the hustle and bustle of Riga Central Market and the magnificent building of Latvia’s National Library on the other bank of the river. You will also probably spend some time looking at the rooftops and church steeples of the Old Town, the bustling life of the Central Market, and the unhurried flow of the Daugava River

Latvian National Opera and Ballet

Located between the Old Town and Bastejkalns Park, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet is a really easily accessable sight for every tourist. Attending to one of the productions at the Opera, you can really expect a top-class classical opera, modern opera and ballet performances and many original Latvian productions. 
The building itself has a really nice setting for photographers, who are really into blue-hour photography.

Latvian National Theatre

This theatre is located on the north of Old Town, next to Pilsetas Canals. It’s a short walking distance from the center, and from other main attractions. The building was built in the Eclectic style and it is an architectural and artistic monument. I could not get a ticket to see the interior, but it is definetely a really beautiful building with important history. The building is not large although it has much subtle details which truly comes alive with the lighting settings at night. The Latvian National Theatre provides shows for all spectators in accordance with its main task – a wide range of repertory and prices. 

Līvu laukums

Līvu laukums (or Līvu Square) is probably one of my favourite place in Riga, that I would recommend to anybody, who’s about to visit this city.
Līvu Square is situated between Zirgu, Meistaru and Kaļķu iela. It was “built by” the World War II, when several buildings were destroyed, creating an empty spot. In 1950 a square named Philharmonic Square was set up here bringing new features to the city’s architecture. Līvu Square is also surrounded by the Small Guild, Cat House, and Riga Russian Drama Theatre.

In the summertime, the square offers a great variety of outdoor cafes and restaurants and beautiful flower-beds which are designed like waves to remind of the lost river after whom Riga was once named. In wintertime, this Old Town square offers a skating rink. This is the place in Riga that never sleeps as there’s always something to find or do here!

National Library of Latvia

As you cross the Stone bridge from Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, looms an extraordinary culturally and really easily recognizable building, the National Library, also known as the Castle of Light.
The new library building houses a modern information centre and ample space for cultural and social events, offering one and all multi-themed reading rooms and access to rare books and audio/video recordings besides the usual printed matter.

Entering the library is also possible for tourists as well, as the library has already become active in organizing various exhibits. We spent more than a half day inside of the building, as there were some many rooms, with different theme of exhibits. Many of them was related to the history of Latvia and the growth of Riga, but there were some where you had the chance to learn more about the natural enviroment of Latvia, and also a great exhibiton of historical books which date back to centuries ago. We could also see what currency Latvia used before changing it to euros.

Nativity Cathedral

The Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Riga, which has survived the Soviet-era, even though its function was a bit different as it used to be: during those years, the cathedral functioned as a planetarium and restaurant, but once again has become a sacral building, where Orthodox church services take place on a regular basis.

Our Lady of Sorrows Church

The white and blue Our Lady of Sorrows Church was the first stone church built in Riga after the Reformation had reached Livonia in 1785 (a historic region once encompassing present-day Latvia and Estonia). From 1858 to 1860, the church was rebuilt according to design of Riga architect Johann Felsko – the presbytery was located in the SW wing, with a new sacristy being added and the facade being changed into the Pseudo-Roman style. Only the white and blue colours still remind one of its Classicism past.
As the church is situated at the edge of the Old Town, it is quite easy to create postcard-like photos of it, since there are usually not so many people there.

Riga Aviation Museum

As many tourists enter or leave Riga from the airport, this sight is pretty convinient for everybody. The Aviation Museum is filled with old Russian fighter jets, supersonic bombers and helicopters right next to Riga International Airport (RIX), so if you can check it out right before you take off. It has an impressive display of military jets, plus you get a chance to have a look into some real old-school aircrafts and appreciate the growth of aviation.

Riga Cathedral

Riga Cathedral formally The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, is the Evangelical Lutheran cathedral which is one of the oldest sacred buildings of the medieval period in Latvia and also the Baltics.
The roosters sitting on the spires of Riga Old City churches are one of the symbols of Riga. Yet the rooster of Riga Cathedral is not just a symbol, it also serves as a weathercock, always facing the wind. The sculpture, weighing 86 kilograms, is about 0.5 meters tall and about 1.3 meters wide.


Located at Doma laukums, this building is in the very middle of Riga Old Town where you can choose among a great number of cafés, restaurants or pubs, enjoying the view of the lovely Old Town.

St. Gertrude Old Church

Old St. Gertrude’s Church is one of those rare churches in Riga which is not located in the Old Town. Back to the medieval ages, the church was at the very border of the city – after it there were only small huts, meadows, forests and roads. Today, Old St. Gertrude’s Church belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and concerts are also held here.
Photo tip: if you want some photos from Riga which is a bit different from those that you can see over and over I highly recommend this place, as the church is in the middle of a roundabout which is in the middle of Ģertrūdes iela. This street is not so busy, so it is really easy to create portrait photos here – just in case, be careful from the traffic 😉

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is located in Old Town Riga near Town Hall Square and the House of the Blackheads. It dates back to 1209 (although it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times), and is one of the oldest monuments of medieval architecture in the Baltic States, dominating the cityscape as the tallest spire in Riga.

This church in the heart of the city is a really lovely addition to the rest of Riga’s beautiful architecture palette. The tower of the church offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city, however it comes with a cost to go to the tower, but trust me, it is truly worth it! Everything always looks better during magic hours of the day, so I would advise to visit this place in the morning, or during the sunset. If you’re planning to visit Riga in the winter season, you can capture some great photos during the early opening hours as well. Visiting the church right before sunset is probably the best way to get the best light for photos and you can also shoot some great shots about the blue hour as well.  

The Cat House

As walking around the Old Town you might see many souvenir shops all the way along. If you’ve been to Riga you may noticed that all these shops are filled with magnets and other souvenirs representing a black cat in any form.
Whilst sightseeing in Riga you may come across The Cat House. Sometimes called Black Cat House or Riga Cat House, this building has become the unofficial symbol of Riga. The house itself dates from 1909 (architect: Friedrich Scheffel) and is a mixture of styles, most notably its medieval twin turrets, on which the cats are perched, and its elaborate Art Nouveau portal surrounding the main entrance. It stands on Livu Square in the centre of Old Riga opposite the Great Guild hall.

Stories regarding the origin of the two black cats centre on the building owner’s relationship with the members of the Great Guild, and the Riga Town Council. One legend suggests that he was denied entrance to the guild and in disgust had two scared cats with arched backs placed on his house, posteriors pointed towards the offending guild. The cats were only turned around when he finally gained admittance. Another suggests that he had problems getting permission to build the house from the town council, and the cats’ bottoms pointed in their direction until a court order led to their reversal.

Nowadays the two black cats point nowhere in particular, but are constantly posing for the passing snap-happy tourists. They have become a symbol of the city of Riga, due to the popularity of the legend, but also possibly due to most Latvians’ love of cats, and the number of cats you can see when walking the streets of Riga.

Three Brothers

The Three Brothers are the oldest medieval dwelling houses in Riga. In the medieval times, Maza Pils Street was located in the outskirts of Riga and craftsmen lived there.
The first brother, which was built in the late 15th century features impressive Gothic and Dutch influences. It was originally used as one large room; a bustling little hub for manufacturing, trade, and everyday life.
The middle brother is a pleasant shade of mellow yellow and arguably the architecturally grandest and most eye-catching one, was built in the mid-17th century. It, too, features Dutch influences thanks to the city’s trade relationship with the Netherlands.
The third brother was built in the second half of the 17th century and had small apartments on each floor. The youngest building is the narrowest and the smallest one of the three brothers. It has a very interesting facade element – a mask, which, according to the owners of the building, protected its inhabitants from evil spirits.

Stone Bridge

Built in Stalin’s style, a bridge that crosses the Daugava river, constructed during 2 years and opened in 1957 (named as October Bridge), the Stone Bridge in Riga is the only crossing point for the city’s tram system, as well as a great bridge to cross the river on foot and enjoy the view on both banks.

Vanšu Bridge

The Vanšu Bridge in Riga is a cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Daugava river in Riga, the capital of Latvia. Until 1991 it was so called “Gorky Bridge”. 595 meters in length, it is one of five bridges crossing the Daugava in Riga and passes over Ķīpsala island. It was built during the Soviet period and opened to public use on 21 July 1981. It is one of the important bridge for means of transport!

My travel buddies’ experience

Dominika

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Riga, thanks to my friend, Norbi, and airBaltic. I will always be thankful for this experience, it was an amazing time! Riga is a beautiful city, and it has a unique athmosphere with its beautiful characteristique buildings and nice places to visit. It was my first time in Norhern Europe, but I’m sure it wasn’t the last!

Luca

When Norbi contacted me if I would like to travel to Riga with AirBaltic I said yes without any hesitation. I was really excited even before the departure since I’ve never been to any of the Baltic countries. After our arrival to Riga I was immediately captivated as we started to discover the city. We didn’t really have to use public transportation that often, as everything was in walking distance. We had enough time to visit all the sights of the city, and we also had time to just wonder around the streets and parks. Also In addition, our trip was especially enjoyable by the fact that the temperature of the capital was quite cool, thanks to its location even in summer. In a word, Riga with its atmosphere and beautiful buildings is a perfect destination for those who want a little peaceful relaxation.

Some tips for your trip to Riga

• Transportation is always a great choice, specially from/to the airport. Just take bus line 22 which is a great option with many stops next to the Old Town
• Communication won’t be a huge problem, as most of the Latvian people can speak english or russian – or both 😉
• For a great variety of restaurant, check out liveRiga’s site and I’m sure you will find something that will grab your attention!

Map with all the listed sights

The post The best places in Riga appeared first on Lepsik Norbert Photography.

When you think about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) probably the first city that comes to your mind is Dubai. However the capital city, Abu Dhabi is just as glamorous as Dubai and whether your final destination is Abu Dhabi or not, the city definitely worth a visit!

MY EXPERIENCE OF ABU DHABI

I had the chance to spend almost a week in this wonderful city, thanks to AirBaltic. Personally I’ve never travelled somewhere outside of Europe, so this trip to the United Arab Emirates was really special in many ways. It was enthralling to learn about a new culture and experience the everyday life there. As soon as our flight arrived to Abu Dhabi and we managed to get out from the airport we couldn’t really feel much of a difference. Maybe it is because of the features that every airport has nowadays. But after we left the airport with the shuttle bus, the real side of the city’s started to open in front of our eyes.

I guess there’s no need to mention that the whole city was quite different than the „standard” European scheme. Our only connection was the English language which is widely spreaded there, and almost everybody can speak that language, and all of the signs and informations are also shown in English everywhere. The city center’s full of high-rise residential buildings which are only fragmented by wide motorways. Finding a big supermarket was a real adventure as most of these stores are usually located at the ground floor of a building, and they mostly had a very limited option in all kinds of products. Also not to forget mentioning, none of these stores are selling any alcoholic beverages because of the strict Islamic laws. The variety of products were also quite distinct than I’m used to. Please keep it in mind that wearing T-shirts with no sleeves, or shorts are not recommended anywhere in the city.

The public transportation system was also surprising. Even though this city is the capital of UAE with nearly one and half million citizens, Abu Dhabi has no metro system. The easiest way of getting around is by public transportation, taxi or Uber (if you’re wallet can handle it). Walking around the city is not as possible as in Europe would be, since all of the sights and main attractions are quite far away from each other.
The buses are divided into two parts. Males are not allowed to get on the bus from the first door, and they are not allowed either to sit in the front part of the vehicle as it is only for women and children. I was travelling there with Dominika and I’m sure she could also tell some stories about this system there.

Abu Dhabi is rich in its culture and it has many places that are all should be on your bucket list.

PLACES TO SEE IN ABU DHABI

• AL MARINA
• CORNICHE BEACH
• DESERT TRIPS
• EMIRATES PALACE
• ETIHAD TOWERS
• LOUVRE ABU DHABI
• MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK
• OASIS OF DIGNITY
• QASR AL WATAN/ UAE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
• SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
• THE GATE TOWERS
• YAS ISLAND/YAS MARINA

AL MARINA

Al Marina is an island between Corniche Beach and the Etihad Towers. One of Abu Dhabi’s biggest mall can be found here (The Marina Mall), surrounded with many great programs there. Visitors can choose between various activities such as boat rentals, helicopter tours or enjoying the view from the Marina Eye, which is an observation wheel on water.
One of the landmarks of the island is the Fairmont Marina Hotel, which is usually compared architecturally to Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm. I advise to visit this area around sunset, so that you can enjoy the great view of the skyline of Abu Dhabi during the blue hour.

CORNICHE BEACH

If you’ve spent enough time visiting all the sights around the city, I can highly recommend this beach to just chill, and enjoy the great waves of the Persian Gulf. The beach is easily accessible with all kind of transportation and there’s all kind of service that you might need during your stay at the beach. Please keep it in mind that Corniche Beach is divided into separate parts, so locals and tourists must have to enter at the right place (because of Islamic rules).

DESERT TRIPS

There are many companies offering different packages for tourists, giving you a chance to visit the sand dunes around the city. The packages offer different activities, but pickup and live English tour guide is always included. Our tour to the desert was in the morning, so the pick-up and drop off at our hotel was absolutely a great option. Transportation is always hold by a 4×4 Land Cruiser, or similar 4WD vehicle. Firstly, we visited a camel farm, where we could feed the animals and have a little insight of the everyday life of the farmers there. After that we had a great ride along the sand dunes. The drivers have to go through strict trainings to be a licensed driver for these conditions. Adrenalin was above the rooftop as our driver started to drive (especially because it was his first drive after successfully getting the license)! It was an experiencing and exhilarating dune bashing adventure, where you could feel the thrill as the captain maneuvers the vehicle through the sand dunes. After this great drive we could make some picture in the desert and we also visited a small village there, where we could have a short camel ride as well. All together I can highly advise to book a trip like this and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

EMIRATES PALACE

Emirates Palace is a luxurious five star hotel located close to the Etihad Towers. The lobby area and the main lounge is open for everybody. The dome above the lobby area is really wonderful, just as all the details of the building. Breath-taking architecture, both inside and outside, sitting conveniently close to the newly-built Presidential Palace. Teatime at the Emerald Palace is a beautiful experience not to be missed. Costly, but worth the experience. Taking time to stroll the history-rich interiors and corridors is very educational and awe-inspiring thanks to the modern guides all around the building. Before the main entrance you can wonder of the skyline of the city.

ETIHAD TOWERS

In front of the Emirates Palace, the Etihad Towers are located, which is a complex of buildings with five towers. Set in the most desirable and exclusive beachside at Al Ras Al Akhdar district of Abu Dhabi, it is also located close to Corniche beach, Etihad Towers is designed, inside and out, to give guests who live, work, shop, dine and stay the most memorable and enriching of experiences. Among a few attraction, these buildings are one of the most recognizable landmark of the city. I advise to visit this place both daytime and night, as it can offer many great photo opportunities any time.

LOUVRE ABU DHABI

Yes, you saw it right: just as the french Louvre Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum, located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. It is approximately 24,000 square metres with 8,000 square metres of galleries, making it the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula. The origin of the name came from the fact that the establishment of the museum was approved by the French Parliament. The museum is designed as a „seemingly floating dome structure” as its web-patterned dome allowing the sun to filter through. The overall effect is meant to represent the rays of sunlight passing through palm tree leaves in an oasis. If you want to discover more about the culture, this might be the best place for that.

MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK

One of the best ways to experience nature between the sand dunes in Abu Dhabi is to visit the Mangrove National Park. Filled with a great variety of animals, the park teems with wildlife and is also a popular tourist attraction. The Mangrove National Park is a hub for tourists who prefer activities that bring them closer to nature. The best way to experience the mangroves is to take advantage of the many tour operators nearby – you can easily book online, just as for the desert trips. The lush concentration of mangrove trees and the water surrounding is a hotspot for bird watchers, kayakers, paddle-boarders and other visitors looking for a bit of adventure.

OASIS OF DIGNITY

As a photographer, one of my favourite place to visit was the Oasis of Dignity which is located in front of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. My best advice for all of you, who visit this place is to try getting there around sunset for the best lighting conditions. From the begining of the sunset, through blue hour and nighttime, this place has a lot of undiscovered perspectives, which can help you to create unforgetable photos.
Wahat Al Karama or the Oasis of Dignity (in english) is a war memorial and monument located across Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to commemorate all Emiratis who are killed in the line of duty. The memorial was unveiled on the United Arab Emirates Commemoration Day on 30 November 2016. The memorial is composed of three structures: the leaning pillars, the pavilion of honor, and the memorial plaza. The names of all Emirati soldiers who are killed in duty are inscribed in the pavilion of honor.
At the middle of the monument, a great surface of water can be find, which gave me the perfect possibility for a stunning reflection shot!

QASR AL WATAN / UAE RESIDENTIAL PALACE

Qasr Al Watan is a cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi where you can discover the legacy of knowledge and tradition that have shaped the journey of the nation, boosting cultural understanding of the United Arab Emirates. It’s much more than a traditional palace as it is an exquisitely crafted tribute to the Arabian heritage.

SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE

This sight is probably to most famous landmark of the city, as visitors can have a day trip here from even Dubai. This is the largest mosque in the country and it is the key place of worship for daily prayers, Friday gathering and Eid prayers. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi was probably the most amazing place I’ve visited in the city. The whole journey was unbeliveable, but specially this building, with its shining details and enormous heights. There is no shortage of mosques in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi alone has approximately 1,500 places of worship for Islamic devotees to attend. However, there is one mosque that stands out when compared to the rest. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the eight largest in the world and is impressive not only for its size but for its architecture. With marble walls, intricate stone work and crystal chandeliers, this mosque truly is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Visiting this building is free, however online ticket booking is required. Please keep it in mind as well, that the building is not always open beacuse of the Islamic religion. Also strict rules are given to you before entering the place.

THE GATE TOWERS

Part of the Shams residential development on Al Reem Island, Gate Towers is one of the largest and most eye-catching developments in Abu Dhabi. The Gate Towers consist of a series of towers that act as pillars beneath a curving lintel. This renders the effect of a monumental portal that defines the threshold to the Shams Abu Dhabi district, a newly-created land mass formed as an extension of the Central Business District on exposed tidal sands within a fringe of mangroves at approximately five to seven meters above sea level. The area is gradually developing at a high density and growing in prominence. This mixed-use residential project has a total of 3,533 luxury residential apartments in three towers of 66 stories, connected at their top with a two-level sky-bridge structure, which contains 21 large luxury penthouses.

YAS ISLAND/YAS MARINA

This island is home to many theme parks in the city, such as the Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and the Yas Waterworld. It is a popular leisure island and one of the top tourism projects in Abu Dhabi. Yas Island holds the Yas Marina Circuit, which has hosted the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This Island offers a lot to tourists making it possible to spend a few days only on the island. With a great variety of hotels and other services, this place deserves more than just a visit.

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