This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

This statue is dedicated to the animal cosmonauts that perished during space flight experiments.

This enigmatic artifact remained buried in a churchyard for years.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

A preserved oak tree about 3,500 years old found in Riga, Latvia.

Latvia's symbolic mountain-shaped national library is home to millions of cultural tomes.

A black cat protests the City Guild in Riga's Old Town.

3,000 market stands in five former Zeppelin hangars.

The oldest housing complex in Riga is a mini timeline of architectural trends.

Flamboyant architecture from the turn of 20th century.

A series of concentric circles represented a bold new experiment in socialist urban planning, and it notoriously difficult to get around.

This striking memorial is one of Estonia’s most controversial Soviet leftovers.

This former medieval prison now unlocks Estonia’s rich photographic history.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

For hundreds of years, participants in this Japanese festival have been making babies cry to ward off demons.

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

"There's nothing there," and other lies the KGB told us.

A secluded art gallery hidden within the cellars beneath Tallinn’s medieval monastery.

This medieval Estonian tower provides access to a series of tunnels that have been home to soldiers, punks, and fine art.