Those interested in 'high arts' – opera and ballet, will get a real treat from a visit to the Latvian National Opera (LNO). All through the season from autumn to spring, the LNO offers performances featuring both local and foreign world-class artists. Notably, local opera stars now singing in the world's best opera houses - Inese Galante and Elīna Garanča – began their careers in the LNO. Each summer, end of June early July, the LNO holds a large-scale opera festival.
All those, who are attracted by visual arts, should visit museums and the numerous art galleries accommodated in the Old Town and the city centre. The galleries also sell quality souvenirs. Large-scale cultural events, including chamber music recitals are hosted by Sapņu fabrika, Ģertrūdes ielas teātris, Spīķeri. The Spīķeri Quarter of Creative Industries is also home to the KIM? Art space, the Dirty Deal; it is a venue for various musical events and theatricals, and accommodates other spots of artistic activities and entertainment.
Should you be given to leisurely strolls and meaningful pastimes, you will not be disappointed when visiting the quarter of wooden buildings on Kalnciema Street which becomes a venue for music events and themed markets on Thursdays and Saturadays. On other days you can have a meal in a restaurant and enjoy the wooden architecture of the neighbourhood of Pārdaugava. The Bergs Bazaar is not only a popular venue for eco-markets: it is also home to various souvenir shops, tastefully deesigned cafes and restaurants. If you are interested in wooden architecture, we definitely advise you to visit Ķīpsala offering amazing sights of the panorama of Riga. Any lover of architecture should not miss a chance to see Riga's Art Nouveau heritage, so resplendent and diverse as to create the image of Riga as an Art Nouveau capital.
If you resolve to plunge into Riga's hectic nightlife, you are welcome to the nightclubs in the Old Town and elsewhere in Riga. Should you, on the contrary, prefer a quiet ambience, a cup of tea and a book, cafes Pie Humberta (the Bergs Bazaar) and Satori will offer you peaceful moments with a large stack of books.
If after all this, you still have energy left for action-packed activities and pastimes, be sure to visit any of Riga's numerous sports centres. You can find out about those in your hotel. Those who want to test their climbing skills, are welcome to the Tarzan obstacle trail in Mežaparks. That is by no means a good place for family fun, just like the Riga Zoo, also located in Mežaparks. Besides, children will definitely enjoy the Līvu Akvaparks, the Baltic's biggest water park, located just 20 km from Riga in the direction of Jūrmala, and easily accessible by car.
Riga has lots and lots of more entertainment to offer: to find out all about it, download the brochure of Rīga+ sights to see and things to do.
