Latvian National Opera (Latvijas Nacionala Opera un Balets)

Nestled between the Old Town and Bastejkalna Park, the Latvian National Opera is an easy inclusion when sightseeing around Riga. Thanks to its neoclassical architecture, the Latvian National Opera is a common stop on sightseeing tours around Riga, particularly architecture tours. To see inside the building, you’ll need to attend a performance or book a place on a public or private backstage tour, during which you'll see its decor and learn about the technical side of its productions.

• Children under the age of seven are only allowed at special family-friendly performances, and not at matinee or evening performances. Some performances at the Latvian National Opera are not recommended for young children.

• Operas are generally performed in their original language, with Latvian and English subtitles provided.

• There are dedicated seat spots for patrons using wheelchairs; it is recommended that you contact the ticket office at least two days in advance to secure them.

• Book your ticket in advance so that you can select your seat.

• The box office at the opera is closed on Mondays.

The easiest way to get to the Latvian National Opera is to take the 5, 7, or 11 tram to the Nacionālā opera tram stop directly outside the building. However, if you’re coming from within the historical center of the city, walking there is also pretty easy and shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes. There’s a lack of nearby parking, so expect a bit of a walk if you drive to the opera.

If you just want to see the opera house from the outside, visit in the late afternoon or early evening when the light is most favorable. Performances are held most evenings during the week and there are often afternoon matinees on the weekend. Public backstage tours typically only take place once a month, so it’s best to check the calendar; the timing of private tours is more flexible.

You’re never far from music in Riga, with concerts and music festivals regularly filling up the city’s events calendars. To catch the latest gigs in the city, look to the Palladium Riga, a venue set inside a former cinema. As for music festivals, the largest is the Latvian Song and Dance Festival which fills the Mežaparks bandstand, while the Positivus Festival on Lucavsala island appeals to the younger crowd.