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Awesome Instagrammable Spots in the Baltics

Jordan Campbell
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My recent father-daughter adventure to Finland and the Baltics made me realize… #IHaveThisThingWithAlleys. The Old Towns of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius are filled with them. And they all make for gorgeous Instagrammable spots in the Baltics. Not only that, they all seem to have some sort of interesting historical significance. Best of all, you have to do a little searching to find them. Which can sometimes lead you off the beaten path. I pretty much did an entire “Vilnius alley day,” determined to find these photographic little gems. I’d become obsessed. But, in flipping through my older travel photography, it became clear the obsession was always there, lurking. Today, read all about my favorite Baltics alleys, and see which other European alleys snuck into my camera over the years in a follow-up post.

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My Favorite Instagrammable Spots in the Baltics

The Narrowest Street In Vilnius, Lithuania

To the best of my recollection, this is where it all began—with the narrowest street in Vilnius, Lithuania. I knew I had to find it, but frankly, it wasn’t easy.

If you squint your eyes, you’ll see it’s about three feet wide. It has no name, dates back to the Middle Ages, and is tucked in a courtyard off what most of us would consider a real street.

Should you ever actually visit the amazingness that is Vilnius, you’ll find this fun little photo opp off Savičiaus Street in the courtyard by the Čiurlionis Memorial Museum.

This image depicts a narrow alleyway between two aged, weathered buildings with peeling paint and exposed brickwork. Overhead, tangled wires and pipes add to the sense of urban decay, while faint light at the alley's end suggests depth and mystery. Let me know if you need further edits or specific details!
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“Republic” of Užupis Information Center Alley in Vilnius

Užupis is a self-proclaimed independent republic on the Vilnia River’s far side in Vilnius. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and, during the Soviet Era, was one of the roughest. Nowadays, though, it’s a quirky, bohemian arts district, complete with its own constitution and mermaid mascot.

You’ll find this beautifully graffitied side street on your way to the Tourist Information Center. Once there, you can get your Užupis visa and passport stamped. Outside, you’ll be greeted by a feline furbie whose presence is so well-known he’s an actual landmark on the Užupis area map. (Click to view the evidence up close!)

All in all, this may have been one of my favorite Instagrammable spots on our whole Baltics trip.

This image shows a charming cobblestone street flanked by old brick and plaster buildings with red-tiled roofs, adorned with colorful decorations and artwork. The scene leads to an archway in the distance, framed by bare winter trees and string lights, adding a cozy, artistic vibe. Let me know if you’d like any additional details!
This image captures a vibrant red door featuring whimsical white illustrations and text, including "Užupio Respublika" and "Post Office," referencing the artistic micro-nation of Užupis. A sign on the brick wall reads "Magnetai ir Stebuklai" (Magnets and Wonders) and directs visitors to a curiosity room, while a chalkboard invites them to "Get your VISA here." The scene exudes a playful, creative atmosphere.
This image showcases a quirky outdoor scene featuring a white door with graffiti, including the phrase "You are a Pope," alongside a black upright piano with an open book displayed on top. An orange chair and a calm tabby cat sit on the cobblestone ground, creating a whimsical, artistic ambiance. A red sign reads "Magnetai ir Stebuklai," directing visitors to a curiosity room.
This image features a map labeled "Kūrinių Umi Kieme Išdėstymo Planas" (Layout Plan of Works in the Yard) mounted on a wall beside a window. A red arrow with the handwritten word "Meow!" points to a cat icon on the map, humorously marking its location. The list below identifies numbered points on the map, adding a playful and creative element to the scene.

Saint Catherine’s Passageway in Tallinn, Estonia

Hidden between Vene and Müürivahe Streets, just near the knit market, is Saint Catherine’s Passageway in Old Town Tallinn. The alley sits with a Dominican Monastery dating back to 1246, and while most places of worship have the tombstones in a cemetery, this one has them embedded in the walls.

Outside, the cobbled street is lined with overhead vaulting and colorful wooden doors, making for the perfect camera-ready shot.

Enjoy a stroll past the artisan workshops towards one end while you’re there.

This image captures a narrow, medieval-style alley with weathered stone walls and red and green chevron-patterned wooden doors. An arched entrance with a small sign and a decorative emblem featuring the words "Poomi Kanes" adds a rustic charm. Overhead, tiled awnings connect the buildings, contributing to the cozy and historic ambiance of the scene.

Jonas Mekas Draft in Vilnius, Lithuania

Also in Vilnius’ Užupis neighborhood is the Jonas Mekas Draft alleyway. You’ll find this guy at Užupio Gatvė 24, connecting Užupis’ main drag with the Vilnius River.

When I visited, it looked like it was up for a massive facelift. And when I say that, I mean it was pretty rickety-looking and had portions of the walkway blocked off for upcoming cafes, restaurants, and what have you. But even with that, it has a lot to offer – just take a walk, and you’ll find interesting artwork plastering its length.

Enjoy while snap, snap, snapping away!

This image features a gritty urban alley framed by crumbling walls and scaffolding, with a path leading into a vibrant, graffiti-covered corridor. The juxtaposition of decayed architecture and colorful street art creates a raw and dynamic atmosphere. Numbered signs and rustic textures contribute to the charm of this artistic, yet industrial, space.
This image showcases a dilapidated brick corner adorned with eclectic graffiti, including a striking stencil of a skeletal figure draped in robes over a vivid yellow background. Crumbling stairs lead to the area, surrounded by vibrant tags and murals, while an old window with bars displays whimsical items like a wheel and dangling objects. The scene exudes a gritty yet artistic urban vibe.

Rozena Iela in Riga, Latvia

While Jonas Mekas Draft had a grungy charm, Rozena Street in Riga, Latvia, is just the opposite.

Sitting by the Dome Cathedral in Old Town, you can find ethereal starry lights dangling at one end of the alleyway, as well as medieval-style flags overhead at the opposite end. Sit with a cup of coffee at a local café and admire the impressive mural splayed above.

Another picture-perfect Baltic alley!

This image captures a narrow cobblestone alley adorned with glowing star-shaped string lights, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. The alley is framed by aged buildings with peeling paint and industrial details like a vent pipe, leading the eye toward a softly lit backdrop. The cozy yet urban charm makes it feel both intimate and inviting.
This image showcases a lively urban street lined with colorful historic buildings and a prominent mural painted on the side of one building. The mural depicts a surreal scene of a person with a bowler hat interacting with a large abstract structure resembling a kite or sail, set against a grassy background. In the distance, a tower with a golden spire adds a picturesque touch to the cityscape.

Literatu Gatve in Vilnius, Lithuania

Literatu Gatve in Vilnius’ Old Town turned out to be right around the corner from our hotel. It’s also the featured image for this post (seen above… and below).

Another ancient alleyway tucked away in a maze of old streets, this one boasts a little repainting in fun colors. In other words, it is a small art installation for your Instagram enjoyment. Get a tattoo while you’re there, or stop at the restaurant found in the corner nook.

While this quaint city’s alleys hold a special place in my heart, there’s so much more to do in Vilnius. Future posts to come!

This image shows a narrow, artistic alley with a green building on one side and a unique wall installation on the other. The wall features an eclectic collection of mounted objects, including ceramic pieces, framed art, and relief sculptures, creating a whimsical outdoor gallery. The rustic windows of the green building add charm to the setting, making it feel like a hidden artistic corner.

Saiakang Alley in Old Town Tallinn

Behold the charming Saiakang Alley by Tallinn’s Town Hall Square. You can only see a small snapshot below, but this medieval passageway is lined with workshops and cafes and makes for a nice little break after touring the main square.

If you want to liven up your feed, these quaint, brightly-colored buildings just might do the trick!

This image depicts a quaint cobblestone courtyard with a bright red house featuring yellow shutters and a decorative gable above the entrance. The windows showcase inviting displays, with signage reading “Little House of Bright Ideas.” Ivy-covered walls and a wrought iron gate add a touch of greenery and charm to this cozy, picturesque setting.

Have Fun Exploring These Instagrammable Spots in the Baltics!

If you happen to suffer from the same alley addiction that I do, you’ll love these excellent Instagrammable spots in the Baltics.

And, if you don’t and decide to visit these gorgeous Insta-ops anyway, you’ll 100% find that you had an alley addiction just waiting to come out. Don’t worry—you’re in good company with Global Debauchery.

Curious about what to do in Riga, aside from snapping gorgeous photos for your Insta, of course? I’ve got you covered there, too.

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