Cool beach to spend your summer holidays! It has a perfect infrastructure, nice sand, warm water. For us, it's the nicest beach in Europe.

Long straight beach with white sand. Easy on the feet. The water is shallow so very suitable for kids. Coffee shops and others along the shore. I traveled there in Autumn.

I love it 🇪🇪💙 so pure and crystal clear water, soft sand and large beach. There is also nice bar and very best big sweet drinks /smoothies and great music and children were dancing also friday night .

It's not quite summer, but -18°c in deep winter! There is a lot to see on Pärnu beach, the bay is frozen, people are walking and enjoying the sunset!

Long, clean beach. Was completely empty in September. The water is very shallow: after 20m, my ankle was not completely under water. Probably a good thing if you want a photo of you walking on the water.

Nice beach, the sand is clean. there are plenty of parking spots available around, There is also a restaurant along the beach, kids activities to play with, beach volleyball or soccer infrastructures are available.

One of the best beaches I've ever been at the baltic sea. Even in summertime not too crowded. Not to compare with beaches at the German Ostsee. This in Pärnu ist classes above.

Crossing by land route from Lithuania into the Russian exclave Kaliningrad (Königsberg) this former Prussian border gate in the East of the German Empire ("Reichsgrenze") is an outstanding piece of historic heritage. Before 1945 one had to cross eastwards in order to get into Russia. Since 1991, the collapse of the Soviet Union, travelers have to cross westwards in order to visit Russia

Nice bridge, I like to pass it quick, but sometimes have to wait till Russian border guard 💂 make their work. Once spent 8 hours in the car on the bridge. FFS.

The bridge over Nemunas river, border between EU and abroad, connecting Lithuania to Russia, with interesting towers on the Russian side.

There's a border Russia-Lithuania. So you have to stay for 5 hours to cross the border

nice bridge gates but next not so nice

Nice border with a beautiful scenery!

Very nice place on the lake

The museum is not big, very compact. The exhibits tell how and where cocoa beans grow, the biology of plants, the history of chocolate and the factory itself. At the entrance you have a tasty ticket - a small chocolate bar. You answer questions when you get acquainted with the museum exposition and at the exit you receive a chocolate prize. The children, and then we, enjoyed watching a film about the chocolate factory. The museum offers workshops and tastings. The museum staff is deeply in love with chocolate and is happy to share their love and warmth with us. What is created not only for profit lives a long and beautiful life. In the shop on the 1st floor we bought a sweet gift for a visit, a bar of pink chocolate for ourselves to enjoy and sets of small chocolates. And in the coffee shop across the street we tried chocolate, "according to the recipe" of American Indians. No sugar, also spices and almost the standard of bitterness. And our son - milk with marshmallow.

Chocolate museum that does a lot more than I expected. I love the fact that you receive a questionnaire that you need to fill out in order to win a prize. I did! This is a great idea as it involves you in the exploration process. The museum itself is just a single floor with history and general information about chocolate. On the first floor there is a cafe and a shop for you to enjoy their products.

Very interesting! Rūta is a popular brand of chocolate in Lithuania with a very interesting and longstanding history. When visiting the museum you get a card with questions to answer, kind of like a treasure hunt, with chocolates (of course) as a reward if you do well. The history of the brand is very interesting and the presentation of it is very well done. We learned a lot! Of course there is a souvenir shop where they sell a wide variety of Rūta chocolates, including the new Ruby chocolate, which is pinkish in color but not fruit flavoured as the colour might lead you to believe. We highly recommend visiting! 🍫❤️

Amazing factory. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by the indulging smell of fresh cocoa! The gift shop is much cheaper than in the stores. The staff were friendly and all gave warm greeting. The coffee shop had delicious cakes and coffees. Would highly recommend!

Nice chocolate museum with a great history. We actually bought the Ruta chodolate before, not knowing the origins.

Great museum, shop and cafe, 3 in 1 place. The museum is not large, but quite affordable and really educates you, and also there is quiz given by staff (you receive reward in the end) which makes you learn and search for information. The chocolate itself is very good, I did not expect it to be that good and prices in the shop are very affordable. Also do not miss hot chocolate in the Cafe, the taste is superb and very rich.

Can't really say how was Rutos Chocolate Museum. Very eagerly we approached the museum with kids after 6pm, only to be told that we can't enter the museum anymore. And quote - "it's not interesting to kids anyway". Museum hours online as well as on the actual museum door lists closing time 7pm. So very big disappointment. Museum exists, but they're not expecting anyone to visit it. In fact, they turn down visitors when someone tries to visit. 😂 It would be funny if our kids weren't so disappointed. Oh well. One star for a museum that exists but doesn't expect visitors.

An interesting and peculiar place where it seems that there is nothing, but there is a lot there. We also left our crosses there among the others as a memory. A popular place and the crowd kept coming, but it didn't interfere at all. In the souvenir shop, we were served by a lovely and nice young woman. It was an exciting and memorable visit.

The hill of crosses is a hill covered with over 250,000 crosses of every shape, size, and constitution. Today our group of 10 explored the collection of wood, metal, fabric and more crosses, rosaries and religious symbols. Several people brought more crosses, some purchased from the gift store near the information center, again in metal, wood and in various sizes. Several large crosses still stand but a few have fallen due to exposture to the elements. Crosses, rosaries, and special intention prayers from all over the world unite. Everyone seems to agree that house once stood here and was burnt by the Russians in 17th century. People began putting crosses here in mid 19th century either to praise God or to honor those killed in mid century uprisings against Tsarist Russia. In. 1961, Russians burned wood crosses and melted down metal ones. But the Hill of Crosses survives today with people bringing more crosses for praise, petition, remembrance. Some crosses bear words asking for world peace This is a peaceful, powerful stop for people of all faiths or with no Faith. The walk through the crosses can be steep and muddy and the view can be appreciated from any vantage point. At the parking entrance, a 5 minute walk, a open air gift shop offers amber jewelry, all types of small crosses, postcards and magnets. A smaller indoor gift store offers a selection of amber and jade items. The restroom costs Euro 1.

Such a unique pilgrimage spot. Visited as part of a guided tour. Incredible to see the amount of crosses everywhere, from the more modest crafted with two sticks, to the most elegantly sculpted.

The folk legend is that the hill started because of a man with sick daughter, had a vision of Christ asking him to place a cross at this place. His daughter got better and word got around and people started putting crosses at the same place. After WW2, USSR was controlling the country and didn't allow religious beliefs. Didn't help that the crosses were placed for people who were killed in the uprising against USSR. The place was destroyed a few times but the resilience of Lithuanians continued to put back the crosses. This place became a pilgrimage in accordance to St James after Pope John Paul II visited the place. Watch the pics for his quote about Hill of crosses.

It may not be the most convenient option if you are traveling alone due to its distance, but it proved to be a pleasant stop on my journey to Riga. The area is quite breezy. There are a few souvenir shops located near the parking area, and a paid toilet is available at the information center, where card payments are accepted.

A very religious and unique place. Soviet communist hordes bulldozed it in the 1970s, but crosses kept coming back. Quite an experience .. 🤔 We were taken there by a very friendly taxi driver from Siauliai train station.

The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania is an excellent and deeply moving place, visited by countless people with faith and devotion. The sight of thousands of crosses creates a powerful spiritual atmosphere. It would be wonderful to see more services and facilities develop in the area to support visitors and enhance the overall experience.

A very cool place for a walk with the kids. Lots of interesting and cute things to see, including a village built for dwarves and an observation tower. Walk the park or catch a handy train that regularly drives between five stops. The park is clean, well laid out and looks amazing. If you want children to have fun exploring outdoors, I can think of few better places in Latvia.

Huge park with scenic views, castles and hiking trails. Check that the wooden castle is open before arrival if you're planning on going there. Even if not going there are many reasons to visit and enjoy the beautiful nature surrounds the trails. Don't miss climbing the hill, unforgettable view! E.G. the way to arrive the park recommended as well 👌

Amazing!!! Especially if you know the story on which the park is based ( you can buy book in centre in 3 languages). Great for family's with kids, but there's a lot of walking. You need 1 whole day or even 2 if wanting to explore everything.

What a brilliant place to visit. It’s massive - we rented bikes from just outside the entrance, which were 15 Euro for a full day. We wouldn’t have been able to see nearly as much of the park without it. Dwarf village then dwarf city a good order to start. Fantastic playground, and in between we stopped at the lake for a swim as a hot August day. A full day type of place, and was a day well spent and would highly recommend!

Loved it!!! One of the best nature parks in Latvia for sure. It's big too, so easily few hours go by trying to explore it. I recommend walking it and then taking the little train around. They also rent bikes and little trailers you can use to pull the little ones on that might not be able to walk the distance.

This is a great place for younger children. My teenager and pre-teen also had lots of fun. A great walk in nature with lots of little guys and dwarf homes to play in. A nice park in one of the sections. Lots of different activities to do. We spent the whole day there. I would take a small backpack so you can carry your lunch with you but the cafes inside were reasonably priced. Our kids asked to return next summer to see what has been added. I didn’t find the petting zoo worth the cost. Most of the animals we sick and ill looking.

Amazing park , lots of walking but it's worth it ,amazing nature, visit first time but definitely will be back , parks offer lots of fun and adventure specially for kids. So if you visiting Latvia definitely must add it to you list ;)

Little museum consentrated on different aspects of history- history of St.Trinity church, History of Jelgava and more. Museum exhibits are interactive and they have thought about children aswell accessability. Tower has elevator to move up and down. You still have to open the door to get into exhibition room and use glass staircase to get to city viewing area just under the glass roof. This may be an issue for some people. On top floor you can enjoy Jelgava city views through glass roof. Interesting place to visit. Not too time consuming unless you go through absolutely everything. Then it can take hours. Lady in the ticket office while I visited was really friendly and helpful.

The crown jewel of the city. The tower has the best city views, the story of this important Latvian city, an excellent example of a romantic cafe (the best cafe ever for my very well travelled friend) with outstanding food and service, fun interactive galleries (try wedding clothes or period jewellery!), and paintings by Latvian artists.

Not much to see there! The digital expositions are just ok. The view of the city at the top is not any great as the metal structure and the glasses disturb the view. Pictures are not worth up there, as you can see in one of my pics. Just the outside view of the tower is interesting.

The Jelgava St. Trinity Church Tower is a charming historical site with a lot of character. Climbing to the top rewards you with fantastic panoramic views of Jelgava and the surrounding area. The tower is well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and helpful, sharing interesting details about the church’s history. It can be a bit crowded during peak hours, but the experience is worth it for both the views and the insight into local history. A lovely spot for visitors exploring Jelgava!

I didn't expect this place to be so interesting! There are only 4 floors of thd tower open but each floor has a room with something interesting to find out. There is a floor dedicated to the city history, the church and Jelgava fashion. The 9th floor is a cosy place made of glass where you can seat and enjoy the view of the city. The 8th floor is the restaurant. The entrance fee for adults is 2.50€. There is WC and the elevator. Do spend some time in each room: it's worth it, especially the fashion room. They show a short video about fashion changing through the years. Recommended for visiting 💯%

Beautifully renovated tower. On the top you can oversee the whole city through the glass roof. On some levels exhibitions. While on the level with clocks you will find great restaurant. During lunch hours you can try simple, but very interesting lunch offers. In the evenings you can have nice dinner. Tasty choices for vegetarians. Interior fabulous.

Nice view on the observation deck of the tower on the 9th floor. Only $1 euro per person to take elevator up. We took the stairs down to visit the gallery and had lunch on the 8th floor. Beautiful decor and relaxing atmosphere. The frog legs, snails & mussels were all yummy.

Perhaps the jewel of Latvia. The palace is in really good condition, thanks to everyone's hard work. The gardens are certainly kept in immaculate condition. Most of the rooms are open to visitors, including the bedrooms and bathrooms of the Duke and Duchess — definitely worth a visit. It's usually not very crowded on weekdays. You can use an audio guide.

Beautiful, rich collection, friendly staff, almost no tourists in November yet highly operational. Interesting to see powder rooms and toilet closets. Impressive collection of “ household” peaces. Wonderful cafe switch beautiful service. Food served in aristocratic dish-ware. The clock outside is restarted with beautiful music playing at each hour with the sound stretching through whole yard yard. Very happy with our visit.

The Baltic Versailles! Amidst the vast fields and meadows of Zemgale (Semgallen) stands the most beautiful baroque palace in the Baltic States: the Rundāles Pils (Rundāle Palace). The palace was commissioned by Ernst Johann Biron, the lover of Tsarina Anna Ivanova who bestowed him the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. The famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed and built a palace inspired by Versailles. Since the Duke was exiled to Siberia by his political enemies in 1740, the construction of the palace took place in two phases. During the first phase (1736-40) the palace itself was built, and during the second phase (1765-68) the furnishing of 138 rooms and halls was completed. During the Latvian War of Independence in 1919, the palace was badly damaged. In 1933, the palace was restored/rebuilt when a school was established. After the Rundāle Palace Museum was founded in 1972, a thorough and long-term restoration was immediately started, which was only completed in 2015. Thanks to this restoration, the palace once again radiates its 18th century grandeur, which visitors can admire in 40 rooms and halls. In addition to the magnificent interior, the French gardens are certainly worth a visit. So all in all, Rundāle Palace is a destination that should not be missed on your itinerary!

Amazing place! Worth the drive from Riga. We enjoyed it very much! Unfortunately rainy weather stopped us from going to their beautiful gardens. A lot of visitors even on weekday.

Really glad we decided to drive and visit Rundāle Palace. If you had a car - don't skip this easy day trip from Riga. The gardens are beautiful - and it's aways interesting to see intricate buildings preserved. Impressive! We spent about 2.5 hours here in total. We visited on a Wednesday and bought tickets when we got there.

The Rundale Palace in Latvia was built in the 18th century. Though originally built as a palace it was used for various purposes including a school. In 1972 the palace and the surrounding gardens was established as a museum. It has 40 rooms exhibiting furniture, decorative pieces, paintings including painted ceilings. Very impressive from outside and inside, one of the most well preserved palaces in the world. The French garden adds to the charm of the palace. Ticket can be purchased together for the palace and the garden. We visited it on a "Tour and Transfer" from Riga To Vilnius. Highly recommend it.

The Palace of amazing beauty 🤩🥰 with a large French park nearby. The beginning of the palace dates back to the 16th century, although Rundale Manor is mentioned from the 15th century. To walk the main paths in the garden, inside the palace - will be about 6.2 km, and if you explore all the passages of the garden it will be more of km. 🙃 and you should dedicate at least 3.5 hours (you can run around faster, but it is better to walk slower 🙃). The price for an adult to visit all the places is 23 €, but you can also visit the garden and palace for 17 €, but then you will not enter one of the palace "wing" with another exposition. If you have already arrived at the place and have an opportunity - it is definitely worth visiting all possible places.

Perhaps the jewel of Latvia. The palace is in really good condition, thanks to everyone's hard work. The gardens are certainly kept in immaculate condition. Most of the rooms are open to visitors, including the bedrooms and bathrooms of the Duke and Duchess — definitely worth a visit. It's usually not very crowded on weekdays. You can use an audio guide.

Beautiful, rich collection, friendly staff, almost no tourists in November yet highly operational. Interesting to see powder rooms and toilet closets. Impressive collection of “ household” peaces. Wonderful cafe switch beautiful service. Food served in aristocratic dish-ware. The clock outside is restarted with beautiful music playing at each hour with the sound stretching through whole yard yard. Very happy with our visit.

The Baltic Versailles! Amidst the vast fields and meadows of Zemgale (Semgallen) stands the most beautiful baroque palace in the Baltic States: the Rundāles Pils (Rundāle Palace). The palace was commissioned by Ernst Johann Biron, the lover of Tsarina Anna Ivanova who bestowed him the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. The famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed and built a palace inspired by Versailles. Since the Duke was exiled to Siberia by his political enemies in 1740, the construction of the palace took place in two phases. During the first phase (1736-40) the palace itself was built, and during the second phase (1765-68) the furnishing of 138 rooms and halls was completed. During the Latvian War of Independence in 1919, the palace was badly damaged. In 1933, the palace was restored/rebuilt when a school was established. After the Rundāle Palace Museum was founded in 1972, a thorough and long-term restoration was immediately started, which was only completed in 2015. Thanks to this restoration, the palace once again radiates its 18th century grandeur, which visitors can admire in 40 rooms and halls. In addition to the magnificent interior, the French gardens are certainly worth a visit. So all in all, Rundāle Palace is a destination that should not be missed on your itinerary!

Amazing place! Worth the drive from Riga. We enjoyed it very much! Unfortunately rainy weather stopped us from going to their beautiful gardens. A lot of visitors even on weekday.

Really glad we decided to drive and visit Rundāle Palace. If you had a car - don't skip this easy day trip from Riga. The gardens are beautiful - and it's aways interesting to see intricate buildings preserved. Impressive! We spent about 2.5 hours here in total. We visited on a Wednesday and bought tickets when we got there.

The Rundale Palace in Latvia was built in the 18th century. Though originally built as a palace it was used for various purposes including a school. In 1972 the palace and the surrounding gardens was established as a museum. It has 40 rooms exhibiting furniture, decorative pieces, paintings including painted ceilings. Very impressive from outside and inside, one of the most well preserved palaces in the world. The French garden adds to the charm of the palace. Ticket can be purchased together for the palace and the garden. We visited it on a "Tour and Transfer" from Riga To Vilnius. Highly recommend it.

The Palace of amazing beauty 🤩🥰 with a large French park nearby. The beginning of the palace dates back to the 16th century, although Rundale Manor is mentioned from the 15th century. To walk the main paths in the garden, inside the palace - will be about 6.2 km, and if you explore all the passages of the garden it will be more of km. 🙃 and you should dedicate at least 3.5 hours (you can run around faster, but it is better to walk slower 🙃). The price for an adult to visit all the places is 23 €, but you can also visit the garden and palace for 17 €, but then you will not enter one of the palace "wing" with another exposition. If you have already arrived at the place and have an opportunity - it is definitely worth visiting all possible places.

Amazing place! Beautiful wooden boardwalks through the bog, a scenic tower with stunning views, fresh air and peaceful silence. Especially magical at sunrise. Easy to reach from Riga. In summer, bring mosquito spray. A perfect spot to experience Latvia’s nature. Highly recommend!

This is for us the most beautiful place in all Latvia. Such a peaceful walk full of birds singing and spectacular nature. I could walk here for hours and not get tired of it.

Beautiful and peaceful. An hour long walk through beautiful forest and bog. To parents with small kids - the path is too narrow to walk with a stroller, leave it in the car.

A great place for a day trip from Riga or a peaceful stop along the way, offering a pleasant walk in beautiful nature. The paths are well-kept, with benches available here and there to rest, and a viewing tower to take in the surroundings.

Excellent walking trails. €3/hr parking is very expensive thou. Make sure you bring some insect repellents ☝️

This is one of those places that i was told is “all over instagram and you have to go”. Its quite a nice walk through the forest and then along the planks of wood that just keep you above the boggy water. Eventually you will reach a viewing platform where the view was amazing. Why i have rated this 4 stars is due to the public toilets. There are 4 portable style toilets at the parking and one not too much further into the forest. These toilets were a disgrace. The smell and cleanliness of these were disgusting and ruined the overall experience. Pointer….. go to the toilet before going

Amazing nature. A wide, peaceful area with unorthodox vegetation, worth visiting.

This really old castle is located by the former main road and river. It's a very well restored location. There is still work to do but they are very far. It's more that worth to visit it. To the top of the tower is 85 steps one way. We enjoyed it very much.

Far from where tourists go but the place has a big history that's well explained. Most signs are strictly in Latvian though, some are translated into English. Be prepared to go up and down some steep stairs.

An interesting and heavily restored castle. History of the owners of the castle and their furniture, dress and military. Nice climb up the tower which gives great views of the town €4.50 for seniors

Passed Bauska for so many years 😬 and only now visited the castle - it was definitely worth it 🤩. A relatively small but beautiful castle, which was built in the middle of the 15th century by the Livonian Order in this place to strengthen its influence in Zemgale. Currently, the castle has been partially restored, other surviving parts have been preserved, and a museum is open. To get around the nearby territory and inside - it was about 3.7 km.

Must to visit place, a beautiful castle located in memorising landscape. Perfect place for Instagram photos, don't miss the largde bauska photo frame in the river side. Highly recommended place to spend time.

Another beautifully restored castle with well though out presentations offering glimpse into the life of germanborn in Baltics during the fellowship centuries.

We chose not to go inside and wanted to see the castle from the outside; we were on a tour and had 45 min at this stop. It is peaceful and quite beautiful. May 2025

Good exhibition if you want to learn about the history of latvia during the 2nd world war and the period after until the 1990s. Would recommend the audio guide and if you are interested in reading more about the exhibits to plan in around two hours.

Be sure to allow time in your visit to Riga to tour this museum. Ideally visit when you can take the guided tour with a staff member. we did and it added so much more context to the visit. I would allow two hours if possible. Great bathrooms and lockers to make your visit even easier. no café but nearby there are many places to grab a cup of coffee afterwards and process what you’ve learned.

Dramatic museum about Latvia's traumatic recent history under the Soviet and Nazi occupations during the second world war and up to 1991. Lots to read and there are some dramatic films and exhibits. Makes you want to celebrate Latvia's independence with them by the end and wave a Latvian flag! There are lockers for bags but no cafe (there are restaurants nearby).

A super interesting collection detailing the Soviet Occupation of Latvia and the struggle of the people to reestablish their sovereign state. We did an English tour that was pretty rushed. We went back through the entire museum. It is laid out in chronological order and there is a "path" to follow. There's a cute teddy bear character that might keep kids interested with a few interactive displays. There are adult interactives also. The museum tells the tale of brave resistance fighters and you leave with a sense of the great national pride that Latvians have today, as they should !

An incredibly powerful museum with a very important story to tell. A good mix of modern interactive displays and more traditional museology exhibits that will help you understand the struggle of Latvia against several neighbours and the horrible impact of recent history, yet, their ability to persevere. A very enlightening experience for anyone.

I started learning about the history of Latvia on a free walking tour so decided to go into this museum. This was the best museum I’ve ever been to in my life, it has so much history and knowledge and I loved learning so much new things, it’s made me fall in love with Riga and Latvia even more, I recommend this amazing museum to anyone and everyone

I very much enjoyed the tour of the museum of occupation. I took a guided tour that was excellent as it manage to convey feeling and perspectives related to this difficult time of history. I also visited the KGB museum but f2la the occupation museum provided me with more fact and information. I highly, highly recommend taking a guided tour as it really help with the understanding.

Plac Ratuszowy, also known as Town Hall Square, is a historic cobbled market square in Riga, Latvia, dating back to the 13th century. Although it was destroyed during World War II, the square has been meticulously reconstructed, showcasing beautiful Hanseatic architecture and monuments.  The square is home to notable landmarks such as the House of the Blackheads, a stunning building that dates back to the 14th century, and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which offers insights into Latvia’s 20th-century history under Soviet and Nazi occupations.

The heart of Riga and a must-see stop. Home of the amazing House of the Black Heads and also outdoor cafes to enjoy the view and people watching. Seek out a small sculpture that commemorates the world's first decorated Christmas tree in 1510. Men from the House of the Black Heads decorated one with roses, danced around it, then set it on fire!

Just great we really loved Rigas and would have to be the cleanest city we have visited. Just wandering around the old town and parks is really worth the journey there and don't forget the market it was fantastic.

Parking in the center costs 5€ per hour, the next hour costs 8€. Throughout the city, 1 hour of parking is 1€. The food is delicious, prices are like in most European cities ( pasta 10,90€, Hamburger 12€). We are lunching on the main square. Big city, beautiful and interesting.

So many beautiful buildings around to see! Lovely Church! Love to walk around and explore! Such a beautiful city!

Nice place for a photo opportunity, house of the black heads is a one of the iconic architecture in Riga

Beautiful square with nice dutch renaissance style buildings.

Beautiful church right in the heart of Riga’s Old Town. St. Peter’s Church is an impressively restored building, with restoration work still ongoing. A highlight is the elevator ride up the tower – the elevator may feel a little shaky, but it takes you safely to the top. From there you get a fantastic view over Riga and the Old Town. Definitely a worthwhile stop on a city walk.

Really beautiful church, well worth stopping by even if not religious. The building is stunning & the architecture is immense. You can pay extra to go up in the tower, which is an incredible experience. You get panoramic views of the whole city, including the river. It's a bit scary at first as the lift opens directly out onto the tower, but definitely power through!

St. Peter’s Church in Tallinn is one of those places where history, architecture, and atmosphere all come together beautifully ⛪✨. The church itself has a calm, almost timeless feel to it—like it’s been quietly watching the city change for centuries. The high ceilings and intricate details make you feel both small and amazed, the kind of place where you whisper automatically even if no one tells you to. What I loved most was how it blends solemnity with charm. It’s not just about bricks and stained glass; it’s about stories, traditions, and that sense of being part of something much larger than yourself. And of course, like every good historic church in Europe, it also gives you that gentle reminder that your photography skills will never do it justice. 📸😂 Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just need a quiet escape from the bustle of Tallinn, St. Peter’s Church is worth stepping inside. It’s a place that makes you pause, reflect, and maybe even wish your own ceiling at home was a little more “cathedral-like.”

St. Peter’s Church in the heart of Riga’s Old Town offers an unforgettable experience, the soaring 13th-century tower provides panoramic views over the red-rooftops, the Daugava River and the modern city skyline. Inside, the blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture is impressive, and the history that echoes in the walls makes it more than just a photo-stop. A must-see when in Riga.

An absolute must-visit in Riga! ⛪✨ The towering architecture of St. Peter’s Church is breathtaking up close — truly one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The interiors are peaceful and filled with history, and for a small fee you can take the elevator up to the observation deck 🌆⬆️ which surprised me with stunning panoramic views of the whole city — rooftops, river, bridges, everything! 😍 The atmosphere around the church is vibrant, full of cafés and street life, making it the perfect stop during a walk through Old Town 🚶‍♂️💛. Definitely worth the visit if you want to experience Riga from its most beautiful angle! 📸✨

9EUR to visit the church and do up to the tower via 3 flights of stairs and an elevator. As soon as you step out of the elevator you are on the viewing platform which can be very windy but views are beautiful especially with nice weather. Church itself is nice and peaceful.

St. Peter’s Church is one of Riga’s must-see landmarks, especially because of its stunning viewing tower. After taking the lift up, you’re rewarded with a panoramic view over the entire city.

If you like great food at a reasonable price, the central market is waiting for you. SO MUCH FOOD! Everything was fresh and was as alluring to the nose as it was to the palate. So much variety, you will hardly know where to start. It's even fun if you're not hungry... just walk around and take it all in. Definitely recommend!

The best open market I’ve ever visited. Traditional meeting the modern in a wonderful mix. Vegetables, fruits, nuts fish, poultry, beef, clothes and lot of other things. I will be back.

I visited Riga Central Market, and it was such a vibrant experience. The market is huge and full of life you can find just about everything here, from fresh flowers and local foods to meats, cheeses, spices, and handmade goods. It’s a great place to discover authentic Latvian flavors and everyday life. The market is set inside historic old Zeppelin hangars, which gives it a unique and impressive atmosphere. Each pavilion specializes in different products, making it easy to explore and sample a wide variety of items. I especially enjoyed seeing the fresh produce stands and traditional Latvian treats. It’s not just a place to shop—it’s also a cultural experience, perfect for walking around, tasting, and soaking in the local vibe. Prices are fair, and you’ll find both locals and tourists enjoying the market. If you’re visiting Riga, this is definitely a must-see. 📍 Location: Nēģu iela 7, Riga, Latvia

Nice and quick lunch spot in the gastronomy market they have different restaurants where you can have local food and buy local cheeses and souvenirs. A nice quick stop in the city. Haven’t take any picture of the dumplings but they were very good.

Great place to sample the local food. There are plenty of fruit and veg stalls, flower stalls and clothing stalls as well as a food market inside. They sell all the traditional dishes for extremely reasonable prices so a great way to eat like the locals. It’s a vibrant, buzzing area that’s definitely worth a visit.

Really big market with so much variety. There are different halls dedicated to different types of goods (the meat hall, the fish hall, etc). There's a hall that has eateries, and there are other retain shops throughout. Outside there are fresh fruits and vegetables as well as flowers. Definitely a must visit location for anyone visiting Riga.

A very unique market where each of the four large hangars offers something different, with wonderful caviar, meat, and fish products for sale, and outside, a marketplace and florists. I really liked it.

The Freedom Monument in Riga stands proudly at the heart of the city, symbolizing Latvia’s independence and the spirit of its people. Just steps away, you’ll find the charming Bastejkalns Park, the elegant Opera House, and the bustling Old Town, each offering its own unique charm. A visit to Riga would not be complete without pausing at this monument and exploring the vibrant landmarks that surround it.

Freedom Monument – Riga We visited the Freedom Monument last Sunday on a cold, drizzling day, which somehow made the atmosphere even more powerful. Standing tall in the heart of Riga, the monument is a striking symbol of Latvia’s independence and resilience. Built in 1935, it honours those who gave their lives during the Latvian War of Independence, and remarkably, it survived both Soviet and Nazi occupations as a quiet but steadfast reminder of national pride. Even in the grey weather, the monument and the surrounding area felt peaceful and dignified. The eternal flame and the changing of the guards add a special sense of respect and history. Definitely worth stopping by—whether for the history, the symbolism, or just to take in one of Riga’s most meaningful landmarks.

A Powerful Symbol of Latvia’s Spirit The Freedom Monument is one of the most important and iconic landmarks in Riga. Standing tall and proud in the heart of the city, it’s a powerful tribute to Latvia’s independence and resilience. The sculpture is striking, and the surrounding area — especially with the canal and Bastejkalna Park nearby — makes it a beautiful spot to visit, reflect, and take photos. I’ve passed by many times but haven’t yet had the chance to attend one of the ceremonial guard changes or national events here — hoping to catch one in the future. Even without stepping closer, the atmosphere around the monument feels respectful and meaningful. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand Latvia’s history and national pride.

The Freedom Monument (Brīvības piemineklis) is a must-see in Riga, symbolizing Latvia’s independence and national pride. It's beautifully located in the city center and perfect for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset. Changing of the guard happens hourly—don’t miss it! Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through Bastejkalna Park or stop by the nearby Old Town. Benches nearby offer a great rest spot. Ideal for history lovers and first-time visitors!

Spectacular monument in the heart of Riga. The Riga sign and Laima clock is also located here. Large space to wander around.

Visiting the Freedom Monument in Rīga was a truly moving experience. Standing tall in the heart of the city, it’s more than just a striking piece of architecture—it radiates the spirit of Latvia’s independence and resilience. The figure of Liberty holding three gilded stars is a powerful symbol of unity and hope. A must-see when in Rīga

The Freedom Monument in Riga is a must-visit! A beautiful and meaningful landmark that represents Latvian independence and pride. The area around it is also lovely, with a peaceful park nearby that's perfect for a stroll or just relaxing. A great spot to take in some history and enjoy the city’s charm.

Access gravel road is not the best and you have to pay parking, but the area is kept nice with good views.

Very nice place with many wooden paths. We experienced a beautiful sunset at this place. If you come with a car there is a paid parking lot: 2€ per one hour.

Not crowded and nearly perfectly clean. There's not much space for any big beach activities, but it's fantastic if you're looking for a nice, peaceful time.

beautiful scenery of the river Inčupe flowing into the sea, the path is well maintained and offers panoramic views of the area.

This beach is an absolute slice of heaven, a true paradise! The unbelievably vast expanse of the softest, whitest sand imaginable invites you to completely relax and soak up the warm, radiant sun. The water is crystal clear, sparkling with a stunning turquoise color, perfect for all sorts of water activities, from swimming and surfing to snorkeling and simply floating and enjoying the view. The beach is exceptionally well-maintained and offers a wide range of first-class facilities, including spotless, modern restrooms, refreshing outdoor showers, and an extensive selection of restaurants and shops that cater to every need and desire. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with something for everyone, whether you're a family seeking fun, a solo traveler looking for peace, or a group of friends wanting to create lasting memories. The natural beauty of the beach, combined with its outstanding amenities and the welcoming vibe, makes it an unforgettable destination, an experience you'll treasure long after you've left! It's a truly exceptional place!

Public beach, not crowded, but there are no toilets. Overall, the beach is clean and well-maintained, but there are only a few small spots that offer shade. Therefore, if you want shade during the day, bring a sun umbrella with you.

Another amazing beach walk. You are walking along the beach on the wooden path with the option to come down to the actual beach. There's a children's playground. The view is spectacular.

A great medieval castle. We bought a family ticket for only 5€ and it was definitely worth it! The castle is a nice showcase of medieval gothic architecture. You can access two towers and one of the walls, from which there is a nice view of the town and surrounding nature. Around the castles you can find information checkpoints, which offer insight into the castles history from its founding by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1207 to the most recent renovation. There is a lot of places where you can just sit and soak up the atmosphere. Staff is friendly.

This place is a must visit when in Latvia/ Riga! Easy to visit with a 1hr train ride. The walk from the train station is beautiful and much scenery to see along the way. The castles themselves are legit. Kid and family friendly. Feels as if you traveled back in time 🙏🏽

We had a day trip and were presently surprised at how near the castles were to the train station, 10 minutes walk. You get value for money here as there are 2 castles on the same site ,the old and the new. They have some lovely independent shops on site selling local ,and handmade products, do try the Hot Raw Cacao .

North of Sigulda, on a small rocky plateau that rises some 70 metres above the Gauja River valley, stands the impressive ruins of the Livonian Order Castle. The castle was built in 1207 by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, the knightly order that was founded to bring about the conversion of the Latvians, Livonians and Estonians (by means of a crusade). These Brothers of the Sword were not the most obedient knights, as they regularly clashed with Bishop Albert of Riga (whose castle -Turaida Castle- can be seen on the other side of the Gauja River). The order was dissolved by the Pope in 1237, after only 35 years, and was incorporated into the Teutonic Order in the form of a separate branch, the Livonian Order. Since 1432 Sigulda Castle was the residence of the Land Marshal of the Livonian Order, the second highest officer of the order. In the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries, war and destruction alternate with peace and reconstruction, until the castle is finally no longer restored and from the early 19th century it is cherished as a romantic ruin (albeit with some reinforcements and adjustments). The 20th and 21st centuries are mainly characterized by historical and archaeological research, and renovations to protect the ruin from decay. The Sigulda Medieval Castle is therefore an interesting and beautiful ruin that you should definitely visit!

Worthy a stop if you are in the neighborhood, otherwise not worthy the trip. The new castle is a modern residence, the old one partially scenic ruins used (as it was the case today) for event and cocnerts

Great place to visit, also had cafe and ice-cream shop. Multiple little units for clothing, jewellery, leather, woodwork and pottery. Was great to look at options and at a wide range of prices.

Lovely quiet new and old castles in beautiful grounds. Lots of shops and handicrafts, some that people can try.

Large, old and sad. Gutman Cave is the largest cave in the Baltic States, not quite in depth (18.8 metres), but in entrance (12 metres wide and 10 metres high). The cave was formed at the end of the last ice age, when meltwater eroded its way through the sandstone some 10,000 years ago. Gutman Cave is one of Latvia's oldest tourist attractions, with inscriptions dating back to the 17th century. It is still a popular tourist destination, so it can get busy at times. It is also the location of the sad end of the Rose of Turaida. For hikers, the cave (and the entire area) is a great destination or stopover.

We visited Gutman’s Cave in the evening, and it turned out to be a great decision. There were no other tourists around, which made the experience feel calm and almost magical. We had read that the place can get very crowded during the day, so going later allowed us to enjoy it at our own pace without the usual hustle. The cave itself is interesting to see — not particularly large, but it's steeped in history and legend, which adds a special charm. The walls are covered in old inscriptions and carvings, some of which date back centuries. It’s worth spending a little time reading about the stories and myths associated with the cave before you visit. The area around the cave is part of a beautiful park with many well-marked walking trails. It's a great place for a peaceful walk in nature, and there's plenty to explore. The surrounding forest and riverside paths make it ideal for a longer hike or just a relaxed stroll. Parking near the cave (200 meter) costs €2.50, but when we went, the office was closed and the barriers were open, so we didn't have to pay. This might not always be the case. All in all, Gutman’s Cave is definitely worth a visit, especially in the evening if you want to avoid the crowds.

Took the cable car and walked down. Wish we'd taken full day to walk and discover all the wood area before reaching the cave. It was a really sad story about the cave but what a magnificent place

It who was an interesting place, it's only a small cave with a lot of inscriptions, Dennis was a walk around the park it was not worth the one hour drive.

We hiked to the largest cave in Latvia to enjoy the natural formation. Sadly, several people have chosen to carve their initials or names in the stone to detract from the natural beauty. These engravings become part of the cave’s history now Worth the stop on a hike.

Cool cave and very accessible from road without any ascent or climbing. I walked here from train station, takes about 20-25 minutes with the highest staircase I've ever seen. Not far from the castle.

Large cave with lots of myth and history. Well kept park and many walking trails around.

A truly peaceful and picturesque place. The castle itself is modest, but the surrounding gardens are stunning — beautifully designed with thoughtful planting and a perfect harmony of colors and textures. Walking here feels like stepping into a living painting, a real moment of serenity. Huge compliments to whoever created and maintains this landscape!

We visited in November. Turaida castle is really worth visiting. When you arrive to a parking lot, there are plenty of spots to park. You can pay for it in the museum which is like a minute away and you don't have to go back to put it in your car, just take it with yourself, it costs 2€. The ticket for the castle was just 6€ which is honestly not much, we saw many castles in different countries which where not that worth as this one and were more expensive. Except of the castle you can visit many other places and building here, like the church, the souvenir shop or the jewelry shop which offers plenty of beautiful hand made jewelries. Turaida castle itself is right now in reconstruction but was really beautiful. You can go inside every door which you can find, meaning that you can see plenty of expositions with stuff found during excavations, see some photographies, old armors, go up in the tower to see the whole castle and it's surroundings. The whole place is quite wast so you can spend there hours walking around, enjoying the atmosphere.

Beautiful castle with stunning views from the tower. Plenty areas to explore, many old building with a person in each building to explain more details, great information too. There are parks and pathways to explore. Easy access to toilets. And we were luck as there was live music concert on the stage next to castle.

Our group of 11 travelers from 5 countries journeyed to the castle complex Today. The guided tour from the entrance through the church as the guide told the story of Rosa de Turaida fave full delta to the castle. The small museum shows the reconstruction of the castle that allows visitors to climb 139 steps to the top for a va race point of the complex and the greenery

One of the most beautiful castle in Europe. If you want to see nice castle with beautiful park, i recommended Turaida. Look at my photos of environs. Very nice :)

Nice castle to visit plenty of info and amazing view. The exhibition carries on in all the other buildings around the park (church, little houses…) - make sure to save enough time to visit the whole park and all these different exhibitions, it’s a lot to take in but it’s worth it.

In case you're planning to visit Turaidas Castle for the first time DO NOT follow your google maps. Instead take the parking spot on the 'mountain' (if you're driving a car) and cross the street to get tickets in the Museum entrance. You can pay by parking at the Museum register (same place where you can get tickets). Also the cost for tickets change twice a year — once in Autumn and once in a Spring.

One of the beautiful place in Latvia. You can walk, you can bike, you can hike, attractions etc, good food.

A very nice place to visit. It has a diverse list if places to visit: castles, valleys, rivers, caves, bridges, etc. I have visited all regions in Lithuania and I didn't expect such nice scenaries anywhere in Baltic countries. From the castle tower you can see only trees around for multiple kilometers. There is an interesting industrial village as well (Ligatne). I recommend to visit this national park.

Calm nature. Deep forest. Some little cabins can be booked though. Cars pass through the park

Nature surrounded by pine trees and with the nice River Gauja running through it. One takes the train from Riga Central Station to Cēsis, which itself is very charming with the old ruins there set in a lovely setting. There are also many buses per day, more than trains. Maybe train up and bus back, or vice versa. I did a quick 3hr walk from the town to the river, but tracks are very poorly marked. I ended up walking along an old overgrown logging or access trail, coming out accidentally onto the back of someone's property. The boundary to this property was, on one side, marked by a fence with evil looking signs saying , 'entry forbidden', in Latvian and Russian. The meaning was rather clear in any event. Was happy to leave that particular spot. I think if one takes a bit more time and finds the best trail, it's nice to do, but nothing special.

A stunning national park. I hope to have a chance to visit it in different seasons.

i visited here on a day-trip from Riga. It's 2.80 by bus and about 90 minute journey. The main highlights are Turaida castle, the hiking trails and I particularly recommend Paradise Hill.

Great place for a day long walk with some lovely bits of nature and history all around. Trail is easy to follow.

Cool beach to spend your summer holidays! It has a perfect infrastructure, nice sand, warm water. For us, it's the nicest beach in Europe.

Long straight beach with white sand. Easy on the feet. The water is shallow so very suitable for kids. Coffee shops and others along the shore. I traveled there in Autumn.

I love it 🇪🇪💙 so pure and crystal clear water, soft sand and large beach. There is also nice bar and very best big sweet drinks /smoothies and great music and children were dancing also friday night .

It's not quite summer, but -18°c in deep winter! There is a lot to see on Pärnu beach, the bay is frozen, people are walking and enjoying the sunset!

Long, clean beach. Was completely empty in September. The water is very shallow: after 20m, my ankle was not completely under water. Probably a good thing if you want a photo of you walking on the water.

Nice beach, the sand is clean. there are plenty of parking spots available around, There is also a restaurant along the beach, kids activities to play with, beach volleyball or soccer infrastructures are available.

One of the best beaches I've ever been at the baltic sea. Even in summertime not too crowded. Not to compare with beaches at the German Ostsee. This in Pärnu ist classes above.

Very nice hotel in an excellent location. The beach is close by. The general appearance of the hotel is modern. We had a room with a balcony with a great sea view. Our beds and air conditioning were ok. The spa with a good selection of different slides was a nice experience. The customer service was good. The breakfast did not fully meet expectations due to the limited selection of warm meat dishes. Usually just small sausages and fried bacon. The shower in our hotel room was a big disappointment because of too weak water pressure. However, the overall rating is very good.

There has definitely been a downgrade with this spa hotel. They don’t clean the rooms during your stay, even if you stay for the whole weekend. Generally the cleanness could be better! Spa area is little bit outdated, I didn’t see anyone cleaning the area during the stay. There is one bar but there is only one worker and often the bar is even empty and you have to wait for a long time for someone to come. Also - our baby got awful rash from the pools. Next day we saw that the pool in sauna area was closed.. maybe there was something in the water then. Breakfast wasn’t very good either. I wouldn’t visit it anymore, I think there are better spas in Pärnu!

Spa Hotel Tervise Paradiis is an excellent destination for both relaxation and family fun. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and offer beautiful views of the sea, making it a truly peaceful place to unwind. The breakfast buffet is good, with a wide variety of options to suit all tastes. The water park is a major highlight, especially for kids and families. It features four exciting slides and several fun activities, making it easy to spend hours there. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and stress-free. One thing to be aware of: the water park uses a high amount of chlorine. If you have any sensitivities, allergies, or skin issues, it might be something to keep in mind. I experienced a bit of a reaction myself, so just a heads-up for others in a similar situation. Aside from that, everything was fantastic. Would definitely recommend this hotel for a family vacation or a calm seaside escape.

I really enjoyed the hotel. We had a rainy week during our stay at Parnu so the water park was extra useful. The kid really liked it. The small indoor play room was also great for the kid. The room was clean. The food in the hotel isn't very tasty. Not in the buffet or the restaurant.

Nice rooms. Waterpark beside hotel is excellent. Hotel spa treatments were nice and good. Basic breakfeast. Terrible buffet dinner, price was 26e! Neptun grill was also good and fast food.

Visited spa - took sauna package with spa. Uselessly spent extra 15€. Saunas were full, small, impossible to use. Spa/water centre was full as well, with poor hygiene- floors were never mopped, dirty. Do not remove shoes! Be careful in the pools -tiles are extra slippery. For the price that we paid and gas money from LV it was not worth it.

Convenient for families, beach front, fun waterpark, not very clean or fancy, too expensive for what it offers. I liked: 1. Big rooms, family rooms (2 connected rooms) are great for families. Big balconies. Clean, modern rooms. 2. Waterpark is very fun for kids and adults. My 4 yo loved the slides and the baby pool. 3. Location on the beach, near the bog. But a 25 min walk to the old town. 4. Big parking (but not free) 5. Dinner buffet was good quality, although not many options. But it included soft drinks and coffee. Would not get the half board option again, but it's good for families with kids, for convenience. Didn't like: 1. Cleanliness is lacking significantly. Didn't see any staff cleaning anything during our stay. It gets very dirty and messy by the evening. Aquapark is run down, old and rusty. Needs a renovation. 2. Aqua bar - just one person is serving, cashing, preparing the food. Big ques, not efficient. 3. All AquaPark feels understaffed. Nobody supervising slides. Nobody cleaning. It's a no man's world. 4. Hotel communal areas need a serious renovation, it feels like an old communist hotel. 5. Average breakfast. 6. For the huge price paid I expected a sea view room, but got rooms looking over pipes and ventilations. Very disappointing. Also very noisy at night. 7. Weird dinner hours 17-19. Inconvenient for my family. 8. Sauna world is a joke. It's very small and crowded, only has 5 saunas, a small pool and an onsen. Would not pay again, you can use saunas in locker area. Also cleaning lady came to close saunas at 21 00!! 9. Everything opens at 11, very inconvenient, especially on a rainy/cold day and closes at 21 30, although it says everywhere and on their site that closing hour is 22 00.

We visited a small alpaca farm that had just a few animals, but it was still a pleasant experience. The alpacas were friendly and gentle, and it was nice to see them up close. While the farm is quite small and doesn’t have many animals, it makes for a quick, relaxing stop if you enjoy nature and want to meet these calm creatures.

Definitely recommended! Alpacas are so cute and friendly. You can also buy food (carrot) and feed them. The area itself is not too big, which was good for us and is good if you’re with kids. We were two adults and we enjoyed the time spent either alpacas. Very nice farm.

Such a wonderful place with many animals (sheep, alpacas, llamas, goats..). You can buy carrots and feed them. The staff were really nice and they told us more about the animals.

Very nice place to visit while in Pärnu County. Friendly staff and over 200 animals there. Llamas, Alpacas, sheep, rabbits, chicken, Ask questions and very helpful workers there will tell you awesome storys 😊😊😊 100% worth the visit if you love animals. I do!

Good number of Animals- sheep, rabbits, Lama on the fields. Would recommend to keep food options such as sandwiches, salad and fruits in cafeteria for visitors:)

Such a cute place to go to. It’s just a short walk around the farm. Children love this, would recommend.

The staff were very friendly and told us many interesting things about the animals. The animals were sociable, had big pastures and looked very well kept. It seems they take very hood care of their animals!🦙

There truly are a lot of gates in old town and out of all of them this is the best one. There are also some nice flower shops right outside the gate. I also suggest going to the park next to the gate like an upper level of the gate viewing area for some better photos and less crowds. It’s rare that the better photo spot also has less people

Ein schöner mittelalterlicher gut erhaltener Ort! Man braucht kein Ticket für den Eintritt in Tallinn Altstadt, noch um die Stadttore zu erkunden. Die zwei Türme sind ein märchenhafter Eingang mit einigen Blumengeschäften bei dem Markt vor Ort welche sich für Bilder anbieten ebenfalls kann man dort Souvenirs einkaufen! Grundsätzlich ist es sehr fotogen und viele Leute schauen es sich täglich an. Toll dort vorbeizuschauen und es zu erkunden kann es sehr empfehlen! (Translated by Google) A beautiful medieval well-preserved place! You don't need a ticket to enter Tallinn Old Town or to explore the city gates. The two towers are a fairytale entrance with some flower shops at the local market which are great for taking pictures and you can also buy souvenirs there! Basically, it is very photogenic and many people look at it every day. Great to stop by and explore, highly recommend!

Beauty historical landmark from the medieval era of Estonian.

The Viru Gate in Tallinn is a captivating entry point to the city's charming Old Town. The well-preserved medieval gates offers one a glimpse into Tallinn's rich history and serve as a picturesque backdrop for exploring the cobblestone streets and historic landmarks beyond. Whether admiring them from afar or passing through to explore the Old Town, the Viru Gate is a must-visit destination you can’t miss when in Talinn

Enterance gate of the old town is called the Viru gaye. This gate is having a beautiful ancient architecture. There is a beautiful flower market located at the entrance of the gate which adds up to the beauty of the place.

I loved this and I had a great time here. As soon as you see this gate you can’t get lost because it leads to every other tourist attraction such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompia Castle plus the Town Hall.

Up the street you will find the main square, town hall and some restaurants. Nothing spectacular but very cute!

Nestled at the entrance of Tallinn’s enchanting Old Town, Viru Gate (Viru värav in Estonian) is a striking portal that ushers you into a world where medieval charm meets vibrant modernity. This iconic structure, often the starting point for exploring Tallinn’s historic heart, promises more than meets the eye for those who take the time to delve beyond its impressive facade. Historical Background Built in the 14th century as part of Tallinn’s formidable city defenses, Viru Gate originally featured a more extensive structure, including walls and additional towers, which were part of the city’s protective system. Over time, much of these fortifications were dismantled as the city expanded, leaving the gate as a historical remnant. The two round towers that stand today are remnants of what was once a more complex entrance to the city, serving as a reminder of Tallinn’s medieval past. Unique Features and Hidden Gems 1. Medieval Tower Secrets The gate’s twin towers are more than just picturesque landmarks; they house narrow, winding staircases that are often overlooked. While not always open to the public, during special events or guided tours, you might get a chance to explore these hidden stairs. If accessible, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of medieval Tallinn and provide a unique vantage point for viewing the surrounding area. 2. Floral Market At the base of Viru Gate, you’ll find a bustling flower market that brings a burst of color and life to the stone structure. This market is not just a delightful photo opportunity but also a testament to the gate’s role as a gateway to everyday local life. The flowers here are fresh and vibrant, often changing with the seasons, and browsing the stalls offers an intimate experience of Tallinn’s local charm. 3. The Secret Passageways Just beyond Viru Gate, tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the Old Town, are several less-trafficked alleys and courtyards. These passageways, some of which are remnants of old defensive routes, offer a quieter, more intimate exploration of the city’s medieval architecture. Look for the small plaques and signs that tell stories of past residents and historical events. 4. Nighttime Enchantment Viru Gate takes on a magical quality after dusk. The gate and its surroundings are beautifully illuminated, casting a warm glow that accentuates the medieval architecture against the night sky. Visiting after dark allows you to experience a different atmosphere, less crowded and more serene, with the added charm of the gate’s dramatic lighting. Tips for Visiting • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy the gate in a quieter setting. • Exploration: Take time to walk through the small alleys just beyond the gate for a more authentic Old Town experience. • Photography: Capture the gate’s charm both during the day and at night to appreciate its full character. • Local Interactions: Engage with the flower sellers at the market for a bit of local interaction and perhaps pick up some Estonian blooms.

We trekked directly to this spot because I knew that the sun would be on it, early AM. It is a fantastic photo location, which also has half a dozen fabulous flower shops right outside.

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative tour from Mart, whose dry sense of humour, personal experience and bank of knowledge made it a good all-round experience. I considered it good value for money but be prepared to digest information at a fast pace as Mart speaks quite quickly! He answered all my questions in between stops, which I was very thankful for. A great way to spend an hour and learn more about a very interesting time in Estonia. Would recommend.

Very interesting tour, a little on the expensive side, but I didn't mind paying for it. The tour guide is great, very knowledgable, you visit a couple of secret rooms on the floor that didn't exist and you also get to use both balconies facing in opposite directions to get a good view of the city. I don't think it said in the booking that the meeting place is the left side of the hotel lobby, there's a desk with the google map marker and the word "here"

Our guide was excellent…. Very interesting and sincere. She shared her personal experiences in the Soviet Union in Tallinn, which made the experience much more meaningful. I wish that more of the hotel had been preserved for the tour.

This was my second time visiting the museum for the guided tour and it was a really great experience. Our guide Pasha was really good at explaining and making it a fun and interesting tour with the use of dry wit and humour to make the stories come to life. You need to book your tour in advance and they get filled up fast since it's only for small groups so if you want to go make sure you book your tickets early! Keep in mind that the museum is only available with the tour at their specific times but it is really worth it even for Repeated visits!

Quite cool, eye opening and interesting to learn about the KGB and the tech they used. 20€ seems a bit on the higher side in my opinion, the guide was great though and shared a lot of interesting facets

Honestly speaking, I’ve expected to see a bit more artefacts and equipment, but the museum is basically only two rooms on the rooftop of Hotel Viru. However, our guide Rene is an absolute legend with a lot of insight and knowledge about the history of this place, and how the KGB operated back then. Him alone was worth the price of admission. Fun way to spend an hour in Tallinn.

Interesting experience, though a bit pricey for a 1 hour tour. Totally low-tech - the value is in being in the actual KGB spaces, hearing the stories, seeing the artifacts and photos up close. Bonus excellent views! The guide was informative, with a very dry sense of humour. Small tour group, so booking in advance is recommended.

A beautiful park in the city center, accessible by tram No. 1. A place to enjoy the scenic views, relax, enjoy the beauty of nature, and gain peace of mind.

Beautiful park and easily reachable with public transportation. It has really nice walkable paths and hosts several museums. It's a must for a several days itinerary in Tallinn. With gloomy weather this park gives Irish/Scottish vibes.

Nice park with well maintained gardens behind the palace art museum. Lots of museums scattered through the park as well! There was a cafe and a few (pay-to-use) bathrooms as well.

Very nice and spacious park area with both Kadriorg castle and the presidential residence. Ran into the president himself by chance. Great place for a run

**"Kadriorg Palace and its gardens are an absolute gem in Tallinn. The palace itself is stunning – a beautiful example of baroque architecture, with elegant halls and ornate details that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Inside, the art collection is well-curated and offers a great glimpse into Estonia’s cultural heritage. The gardens are just as impressive. Perfectly landscaped, with colorful flower beds, fountains, and tree-lined paths, they are a peaceful escape from the city bustle. I visited in summer, and everything was in full bloom – it felt like walking through a living painting. Even if you’re not into art, a stroll through the gardens alone is worth the visit. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, enjoy a coffee in the nearby café, and simply soak in the beauty. Definitely a must-see when in Tallinn

A must when visiting Tallinn which in turn is a lovely city in a forward looking small country of Estonia. Its people has suffered from Russians for centuries yet they do not give up. The park is beautiful, and the city wall of the old city, are the two of the sights with rich histories.

This is a beautiful scenic park in Tallinn with manicured gardens and ample green spaces. I highly recommend visiting!

If you want a nice overview of Estonian art, definitely worth visiting. Additionally the building/architecture is incredible. Surprised not to see more visitors here. Staff was friendly and respectful.

Superb galleries with so much beautiful art. We could have stayed much longer. This place has an incredible collection and very well presented - we learnt a lot about Estonia from the descriptions too.

Must visit if you are in Tallinn and enjoy art. The building is amazing and the collection is very comprehensive. A great way to understand Estonian history through the different artistic eras.

The Estonian Art Museum is located in an extremely interesting building in the middle of a beautiful park. Its art exhibition is split among 3 levels with level 5 currently being in renovations. Level 3 hosts incredible and stunning art pieces including the heads of multiple known people and their voice in a choir. Level 4 also hosted nice paintings however the last part of the exhibition was utterly horrifying. It included absolutely disgraceful, disgusting and unsettling displays of humans running around naked. As well as other terrifying displays which make you feel sick (black liquid coming out of a mouth of a human etc). It was gore and uncomfortable for a normal human being. I been to many modern art displays before and nothing ever compared to what I have seen there. I do not recommend bring children to the last part as it will leave them with scars for life.

It is big, beautiful. The art from old times is especially beautiful. You can put Your stuff/backbag in the free compartment boxes and then have free hands to enjoy art.

Totally loved this museum. The architecture, the art and the Estonian history were all very interesting and super impressive

A wonderful gallery, with the most eclectic collection of art you could imagine. Very well curated. I stayed all day.

Be aware!!! For €19 per person you get a lift to 21st floor - where you can buy other “experiences” like silly pictures or VR whilst sitting on the chair. There apparently is some history exhibitions but it was unfortunately closed on the day of our visit and nobody bothered to tell us beforehand. Still full price ticket. They are showing “art” of a lunatic and you can buy an espresso for €3.50 at 22 floor. So for €19 you are taking a lift to see dirty carpet, dirty toilets and not working floor windows (except 1) - absolutely pathetic. Now I know why they do not accept ICOM cards - they would have to be ashamed for what they are actually selling. Absolute SCAM - as those places are everywhere in the world free - when you are having a restaurant or cafe in the top where you can spend your money ((

Very big disappointment! So many things are wrong about this place. When you buy a single full admission ticket online it’s 18 euros, same ticket on the spot will be 19 - cashier didn’t give heads up about it while selling the tickets. There’s almost no exhibition, really just several photos and fun facts, all looked old and used, and seemed that designed for children, not adults. There’s a small exhibition on the 2nd floor, also auditorium, then on the floor 21 there’s 360 degrees observation spot (not impressive, same old and used) and on the floor 22 - restaurant and small part of the open terrace where you can walk behind the wire fence. Overall, really overpriced place, and I cannot understand why do many positive reviews… We do not recommend it!

Really enjoyed our visit here! Definitely worth taking the time to see, especially if you make sure it's on a clear day. Wonderful 360 views of the entire city and great educational areas about the tower.

The TV Tower offered good views and a simple layout for exploring the upper levels. The outlook across the city was impressive and worth the trip, but the experience itself felt limited. Beyond the observation deck, there was not much in terms of interaction or engaging features, and it could easily be developed further to make it more memorable. Staff were polite and efficient, and the tower was well maintained, though the overall visit felt short. It was worth seeing once for the view, yet the tower itself could make more of its space and history to improve the experience.

The Tallinn TV Tower is a very interesting and modern place to visit. The highlight is the edge walk — you can even take photos sitting on the edge, which is such a unique experience! Our guide Annika made the tour really fun with her great explanations about Tallinn. Definitely worth it!

The Skywalk at Tallinn TV Tower is an unforgettable experience! Walking along the edge, 160 metres up, was both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking—especially with the wind, but the views are absolutely spectacular. Sitting on the edge and dangling your feet over the ground is something I’ll never forget. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the views from inside, check out interactive displays, or try the VR flying experience. The staff were friendly, the gift shop was reasonably priced, there’s plenty of parking, and the panoramic views over the botanic gardens and the view to Tallinn and beyond are amazing.

Got a combined family ticket for botanical gardens and tv tower - 39 euro. Not expensive and nice way to spend a relaxed afternoon

We parked via West side car park. Free both here and on East side (although that has a restaurant and better toilets). Very easy to go and look over the waterfall and quite spectacular. You can go frown to stand underneath and swim too via good stairs from the west side. You may be able wade across top but also possible to walk upstream to a nearby (250m) bridge and walk across. Could do with more picnic tables

This was a wonderfully stop on our little roadtrip. There is a nice, free parking area before an easy walk to the falls. There are also additional trails to continue walking on, and by the river, which we did not have time to explore.

Worth the drive. It’s a wide impressive waterfall. Car park is around 200m from the fall. You can walk right to the edge. I travelled there in autumn and saw a fantastic sunset (4:30pm) with golden maple leaves.

Jägala Waterfall is a stunning natural spot that’s well worth a visit. A set of steps leads you down to the base, where you can wade into the cool, refreshing water and feel the mist on your skin. On warmer days, you might even spot adventurous swimmers enjoying a dip — though caution is advised, as the rocks can be slippery. Water shoes make exploring more comfortable. If you have the time, pack a picnic and relax by the river, soaking in the peaceful beauty of the surrounding nature.

Jägala Waterfall, just 25 km from Tallinn, is Estonia’s widest natural waterfall. Dropping 8 meters and stretching up to 70 meters, it’s especially powerful in spring and magical in winter when it freezes into stunning ice formations. Easy to access and surrounded by limestone cliffs and fossils, it’s a beautiful spot for a quick nature escape, though it can be slippery in winter.

Amazing Waterfall Near Tallinn! 💦🌿 Jägala Waterfall is a stunning natural spot — wide, powerful, and beautiful in every season. There’s convenient parking nearby, and the area is easy to explore on foot. A must-visit if you’re in northern Estonia! 🚗📸

Tranquil and beautiful waterfall not too far from Tallinn. Even on a cold, rainy day there was something magical about it. On one side there is a cafeterie where you can chill and listen to the sound of water moving.

Visited the manore together with a Ukrainian guide who gave us a nice excursion into the life and world of three renowned architects and their families who lived there. Now the museum is open only in the part of Saarinen premises. The entrance fee into the museum is 10-15 euros. The territory around is wonderful. There is a open air cafe open from June there. Definitely worth visiting.

Great place to visit in the summer! Interesting unique interior, nice surroundings- garden and a small beach down the hill, interesting history of the place. Definitely worth coming here at least once! Free entrance with the museum card. Better come by bike because the car parking is usually full

Very nice mansion complex and museum for a day tour near Helsinki. Though I do not have much knowledge of architecture, I still managed to enjoy the well-designed studio home and the amazing view. ”Work is the key to creative growth of the mind.” Btw, it is covered by the Museum Card.

A marvelous place that brings visitors serenity. We strolled through the forest and alongside the lake whole afternoon, enjoying summer sunshine to the fullest. - The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday during summertime.

In a city full of neoclassic, minimalistic and functional design, this building still stands out as one of the best examples of Finnish architecture. The view over the lake is glorious at almost any time of the year. It is well maintained and organized.

Lake, garden, museum and sunset just enjoy the serene clam atmosphere. From Helsinki eleventh hour decision to watch sunset on longest day of the year 21/6/2023. Good experience.

I love, love, love the buildings. I could imagine living there. Beautiful place with many lovely designs from the times when people still crafted things by hand.