Latvians are known for their musical talents and the best place to experience this is at The Latvian National Opera which is world-renowned for its vibrant new interpretations of old classics, as well as for embracing more contemporary operas and ballets. Many of their soloist singers and dancers have spread the name of Latvian opera globally (www. opera.lv).
The New Riga Theatre (www.jrt.lv) provides the city with a strong dose of contemporary dramatics. The plays are energetic and often controversial but always compelling.
As well as being fantastic vocalists, Latvians are also known for being talented artists. You may be boggled by the number of galleries in such a small area, but for a quick history of Latvian art, up until 1945, The Latvian State Museum of Art (www.vmm.lv) is the place to go. The Latvian Photography Museum (www. vip.latnet.lv/museums/photos) plays host to sets of remarkable photographs, some from as early as 1839, a trip here is a refreshing break from the, sometimes dreary, museum atmosphere.
However, a must see museum is the Occupation Museum of Latvia (www.karamuzejs.lv) if only for the bizarre Soviet-era building which is its home. A must for an insight into the tragic history of Latvia and the struggles of the Baltic states.
As all the main attractions are packed into the area of Old Town, they can easily be covered on foot. Walking through Old Town is also the best way to spot the many statues, parks and churches that make up this somewhat topsy-turvy part of Riga. You will not be able to miss the Freedom Monument and you will kick yourself if you miss the mind bogglingly beautiful art nouveau buildings on Alberta and Elizabetes iela.
Excursions
A good starting place to plan your itinerary would be to visit the tourist information centre at 6 Ratslaukums in the Old Town, (Tel: 703 7900). It can also arrange a sightseeing tour for the pressed of time, which includes a bus ride around the city and/or an informative guided walkabout around the Old Town. It runs 365 days a year.
For an authentic glimpse of ye olde Latvia, a trip to the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum is highly recommended. It has over 100 hectares filled with farmsteads, windmills, taverns, craftsmen and the like. Admission is just 1 lat. Take bus No 1 from the corner of Merkeles and Terbatas. It’s the ultimate showcase of Latvian heritage.
If the weather’s good go visit the glorious coastal resort of Jurmala, along with all the other lucky Rigans. It’s just 20 kms from Riga, and is easy to get to by car, train or bus. It was the place to be back in the time of the U.S.S.R. Contact the Jurmala Tourism Bureau at www. jurmalatour.lv The picturesque town of Sigulda is also worth a day trip. Situated some 50 kms from Riga, the so-called “Switzerland of Latvia” boasts some stunning natural landscapes, a 13th century castle, a sculpture park, a bobsleigh track, sandstone grottoes and lots more besides.
Three hours from Riga, lies Bauska, quietly playing host to one of the most breathtaking homes in all Latvia, The Rundale Palace, designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli (www.rpm.apollo.lv). For only 1.50 lats you can spend the day marvelling at the hand-crafted sculptures and delicately painted ceilings and walls.