The 14 best shows in Riga

Great place! Didn't find the cafe, but found the picnic tables and signs pointing to where one probably was - might have been closed after 3pm. Very pretty, scenic, rustic. I can imagine many a mediaeval or period movie might have been filmed here

Wanted to go here ever since we booked a trip to Riga and it didn’t disappoint! Just wow. Stunning scenery, spectacular buildings and an incredible, special, peaceful place. We went on a midweek day when it was fairly quiet, and felt very lucky to experience it in such peace and quiet. Hands down the best thing we did on the trip, and would recommend to anyone. Would love a revisit on the craft weekend!

Peaceful and interesting. Beautiful nature and exhibits. You will need a couple of hours and I would recommend getting there in the morning before it gets too hot. There is a lot of walking but it is mostly flat and accessible. They also had a very welcoming cat near the gift shop.

Interesting and educational. The area was quite large with lots to see, so it took a few hours to walk through it all (and my feet were complaining towards the end). Many buildings were closed, but I didn't mind it too much since the weather was good and enough were open to get a sense of the indoors. The forest was beautiful too, and I even found some bilberries! The bus ride from near the city centre took about 40 minutes, but it was worth it.

A very nice museum of an historic Latvian village. The place looks like it was taken from a fairytale. On the entrance you get a map which takes you to visit every part of the village, in each part there is an explanation also in English. There are clean restrooms in few places and a little restaurant in the middle of the village.

One of the best experiences we had in Riga. It’s a bit outside the city, but there are busses that you can take. It’s well worth your time. Be prepared for a lot of walking. When we visited, the restaurant was not open so I recommend packing a lunch.

I really enjoyed it. The 19th and 20th century village has been preserved. You can get to know the culture of Latvia. Very well maintained. Great nature. And there's a cafe. I recommend for all families with children.

The Riga Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Latvia and the Baltic region. It was founded in 1211. The Cathedral has been rebuilt and enlarged several times over the centuries, having the architectural elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque etc. The Cathedral has one of of the world's most valuable historic organs from 19th century. There is an entrance fee to visit the Cathedral, but it's worth every penny. It's truly majestic and very beautiful inside. Don't miss the cloister and courtyard area that contain a collection of artifacts and canons too. There is an option to attend organ concerts, explore the organ balcony, and take tower tours, though we didn't do any of these. Highly recommend a visit to this

Riga Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Baltic region, located in the old town of Riga. Unfortunately, there is a fee to enter, but if you are not interested in church architecture, it may be more interesting to visit other places such as museums. Also, on some important days in Latvia, free concerts are held in the cathedral.

Visited for the piccolo concerto, I hesitated as it was not cheap for only 20min… it was worth every penny !!!! Instantly got goosebumps when the organist started hitting the keys and pedals. Such a unique experience in a beautiful cathedral.

You can't miss it! Everything about Riga Cathedral is big, bigger or biggest. It is the largest church in the Baltic States, the church is located on the largest square in the city and the organ was once the largest instrument in the world. The first church was built in 1211 by Bishop Albert van Buxhoeveden, the Romanesque altar is a reminder of this. At the end of the 14th/beginning of the 15th century the church was enlarged and given a Gothic appearance. The new, partly wooden tower that was completed in 1595 was one of the highest in the world at 140 meters. Because the tower had fallen into disrepair over the centuries (wooden structures were rotten), the Riga city council decided in 1775 to replace it with a smaller, "only" 90 meters high, Baroque copy. Despite all the destruction caused by fires and the Reformation, the interior has plenty of interesting things to offer: medieval tombstones, the pulpit from 1641, and the 6718-pipe organ. Riga Cathedral: you can't miss it, you shouldn't miss it.

Went for the organ concert at 12:00. It's a bit tricky to chose where to sit. I recommend coming around 15-20 minutes early to be zhere before tourist groups. Sit on the front benches facing the side of the cathedral. that way you can see the screen projectors on the collums at the front (they have a camera showing the organ player) and thr organ pipes in the back.

Impressive Lutheran cathedral in the centre of the old town. Lovely cloisters to walk around.

Amazing piece of architecture, was able to experience watching a live organist,, she was amazing would highly recommend visiting here.

Very nice place and I'd love those green based colour with golden inside. Opera performance, It costed 45Eur max for those ordinarily title opera performance, but we'd Lough and loved them. We are not Latvian speakers, so the caption for translation was necessary. If we knew it comes at the upper end of stage, we didn't get tickets for those first floor seats as it was a little lower level than the stage itself. Next time we are buying tickets for the seats at second floor.Ladies and gentlemen's room was at the left side of the first floor and hard to find it. As I got there, there was a long line. So those need restrooms should go right away for the brektime.

A very beautiful and, it may sound a bit strange to say, but cozy opera house. Comfortable seats, professional performers, and everything is well organized and thought through. Even during the intermissions, there were no long lines at the bar or the restrooms. Overall, a great experience!

Beautifully restored building. Very good acoustics. Small enough so that all seats are good. Both Opera and Ballet; and occasionally Orchestral concerts or musical performances.

Went to see Don Giovanni and overall, the experience was as expected. The performance itself was solid, and the atmosphere had the classic charm you’d hope for. A definite plus were the affordable ticket prices – great to see opera made more accessible. On the downside, the seating was quite cramped. The chairs were too close together, which made it a bit uncomfortable, especially for a longer performance.

I was there for La Traviata, it was beautiful. The opera house itself is gorgeous, and the performance was great. 10/10 experience, I would definitely return. I suggest buying tickets a few weeks in advance to get good seats :)

Fantastic ballet. One of the bests I have ever seen. If you pay a trip in Riga, definitely worth it to book a visit to the ballet in opera.

A beautiful building! A big stage, gold decals and such. The staff was nice and helpful and the prices were not too steep, just what you would expect from a theatre or opera house. I was a bit sad that they only offered cake and little canapés as food. I watched the Premiere of the Opera in the picture and it was just done beautifully. Very engaging, I didn’t feel bored at all and I really liked the movable wall. A very good experience there, if I ever come back to Riga I will go there again!

If you like great food at a reasonable price, the central market is waiting for you. SO MUCH FOOD! Everything was fresh and was as alluring to the nose as it was to the palate. So much variety, you will hardly know where to start. It's even fun if you're not hungry... just walk around and take it all in. Definitely recommend!

The best open market I’ve ever visited. Traditional meeting the modern in a wonderful mix. Vegetables, fruits, nuts fish, poultry, beef, clothes and lot of other things. I will be back.

I visited Riga Central Market, and it was such a vibrant experience. The market is huge and full of life you can find just about everything here, from fresh flowers and local foods to meats, cheeses, spices, and handmade goods. It’s a great place to discover authentic Latvian flavors and everyday life. The market is set inside historic old Zeppelin hangars, which gives it a unique and impressive atmosphere. Each pavilion specializes in different products, making it easy to explore and sample a wide variety of items. I especially enjoyed seeing the fresh produce stands and traditional Latvian treats. It’s not just a place to shop—it’s also a cultural experience, perfect for walking around, tasting, and soaking in the local vibe. Prices are fair, and you’ll find both locals and tourists enjoying the market. If you’re visiting Riga, this is definitely a must-see. 📍 Location: Nēģu iela 7, Riga, Latvia

Nice and quick lunch spot in the gastronomy market they have different restaurants where you can have local food and buy local cheeses and souvenirs. A nice quick stop in the city. Haven’t take any picture of the dumplings but they were very good.

Great place to sample the local food. There are plenty of fruit and veg stalls, flower stalls and clothing stalls as well as a food market inside. They sell all the traditional dishes for extremely reasonable prices so a great way to eat like the locals. It’s a vibrant, buzzing area that’s definitely worth a visit.

This place is just HUGEEEE! Lots of different departments, one for fruit, veg, others for meat, fish. cheese, deserts. All different ranges and prices depending on who you buy from. Some prices get cheaper along the way. There is a food department where you can eat lots of food again, depends where you want to eat and what you want to eat. But it is so big you’ll definitely leave with something. Clothes also. We walked here as we seen it was difficult to get parking 🅿️ There was a dumping food stall that was just … beautiful 😍 it’s hard to get a seat because in the food area lots of people are piled up.

A very wide assortment of articles on offer in the five former zeppelin hangars and at stall outside. Numerous local specialities at sensible prices. The fish names were especially confusing. Just a short walk from the train station and bus stops.

The Art Deco museum wasn’t very special. The museums in Brussels are far more impressive. There was an exhibition about Art Deco in Groningen, which felt odd without any explanation. I missed some depth instead it seemed mostly focused on mass tourism.

A great museum. Inside, there are not only rooms and objects, but also interactive displays, as well as staff dressed in the style of the time, telling stories and creating an atmosphere.

Lovely visit to look around the upper floor, well maintained. The basement floor is not as interesting in my opinion, as the ambience and decor is not as predominant and could benefit from the addition of interactive exhibits. Overall absolutely worth coming to if you are walking around the Art Nouveau neighborhood

Recommended. Don't miss the painter Janis Rozentals apartment museum on the 5th floor. The surrounding architecture on Alberta and Elisabets ieala is stunning.

I do appreciate the building and the whole street for their art nouveau heritage, but I must say the museum was rather underwhelming. The downstairs was a temporary exhibit with more information on the objects on display upstairs. I thought the rooms weren't designed particularly well, so you don't gain much by visiting the museum itself. The building is worth seeing though -- the staircase sure looks beautiful, which you can see before buying a ticket.

A stunning glimpse into early 20th-century life! The Riga Art Nouveau Centre is beautifully preserved, full of intricate detail, and offers a unique insight into the Art Nouveau period. Located in architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns’s former home, it’s like stepping into a time capsule. Don’t miss the spiral staircase!

Pleasant enough - quite interesting but small, so a disappointlingly short visit. Getting access into the property not easy, doors are locked and only a small poster advises the need to use a door code to the building. Then you have to find the door which actually gives entry to the museum. So not exactly a welcoming place to get into. Fabulous staircase - but you don't even need to pay to get into the museum to see this.

The Small Guild (Mazā Ģilde) in Riga is a historic building that was originally constructed in the late 14th century as a meeting place for local merchants and craftsmen. It served as the headquarters for the city’s guilds, specifically those of merchants, and became a center of political and cultural life in Riga. The building is known for its stunning architectural details, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, with intricate decorations both inside and out. It features impressive halls that have been used for a variety of cultural events, including concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. Today, it is a popular site for tourists interested in Riga’s rich medieval and early modern history, with a particular emphasis on the city’s merchant and craft heritage. You can explore the building as part of a guided tour to learn about its historical significance or attend one of its many cultural events 

Hey, we’re Vicky🇵🇪 and Malte🇩🇪 from the travel blog "Traveling Is Our Passion"! The Small Guild (Mazā Ģilde) is one of Riga’s most beautiful historic buildings! 🏛️ Originally built in the 14th century, it was a meeting place for merchants and craftsmen, playing a big role in the city’s history. ✨ With its stunning Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture, both inside and out, the Small Guild feels like stepping back in time. 🏰 Today, it hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, making it a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. For more details and our other top travel recommendations, check out our full blog post!

It's a cultural center where a small stage & lot of audience can watch the show either music concert, play, dance etc... it also has screens to watch movies.

I attended an event here. The hall and corridors were amazing. It is in German style. You can imagine what the old days were like.

In and of itself this building is beautiful but a little understated. However, as part of a larger scene of the whole square it fits in beautifully. That square was gorgeous and they must see if you are traveling through Riga.

The Small Guild is renowned for its elegant Gothic architecture, featuring a beautiful façade with intricate details. Today, it continues to play a cultural and historical role, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and other events.

Very beautiful place. Looks renovated with all small details that give some insights about history of Riga and place itself. Could not take eyes away from beautiful interior decorations and paintings.

Great place. Really good theatre that offers refreshment breaks with ultra fast, friendly service. Plus there are LED translator screens for English & Latvian and they always highlight their support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion of 3 or so years ago. We saw a modern and slightly abstract version of the Count of Monte Cristo. It was amazing. The stage scenery was imaginative and abstract. It worked. It was all very convincing and was well done and well acted. Great entertainment to make a really good evening out.

A hidden cultural gem in Riga, the Chekhov Drama Theatre is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Russian theatre. The performances are passionate and engaging, and while the venue is simple, it adds to the charm. A unique stop for culture lovers exploring the city.

"Hamlet" of the M. Chekhov Theater is a beautifully played piece in a modern interpretation. I recommend this place both from the point of view of the beautiful interior and from the point of view of the brilliant acting troupe.

Most popular historical Russian language real drama theatre ( not a movie theatre) in Baltic countries! Highly recommended! Some plays might be translated in English/ german by titles etc

Having been to many plays before, today was a terrible experience hence the review. First of all I go to a theatre to enjoy and experience something new and interesting, to dive into a world of literature and art’. Somehow just before the start of the Lady Macbeth, theatre started on anti Russian propaganda. Dear theatre owners, you don’t need to start performance by covering your back and saying that you don’t support war in Ukraine. No one in their right mind supports it and therefore it’s time to stop promoting it. Second of all why on earth as part of the play you are showing real images of tanks and soldiers while showing Shakespeare play?! Baffles me. Lastly, instead of buying a paper programme about the play you gave us a leaflet with “how to escape toxic and abusive relationship”. This is NOT a theatre evening I have expected whilst paying a fortune on tickets. Shocking and appalling. And portraying male character Macbeth being pregnant that is beyond insane.

Watched Doctor Aybolit in small hall upstairs. Never been there before , cosy. Kids loved it! even elder (12 and 14) enjoyed . Sayd that hated plays in primary school , every time like torture , hated pantomime but that is uncomparable , very expressive and enjoyable!

Lovely theatre for Russian speaking society.

a wonderful theater with history. the theater has gone through time changing its name, political situation, troupe, repertoire many times. you can read about it in open sources. I would like it not to be forgotten and for the theater to remain a place where you can find friends and peace. the actors are wonderful, I watched Krymov's production - it was a completely new experience. I advise everyone to go

The Latvian National Theatre is a modern theater that takes great pride in its traditions and 100 years of history. Its eclectic building is an architecture and art monument of national significance, and the place where the Latvian state was born on 18 November 1918.

It was a very beautiful experience! The seats are comfortable, and the theatre they showed was stunning, the actors did an amazing job, and you can certainly see the beauty of the theatre everywhere inside! Would love to go there again!

Excellent acting, scenery, light, sound The theater building is incredibly beautiful. It's very nice to be here

A beautiful building with a stunning facade of what appears to be a fusion of art nouveau and baroque style. No time to see inside, but on seeing the outside a revisit feels very inviting.

Beatiful building where the Latvian independence was first proclaimed on November 18th 1919

Very nice venue, price for admission is very reasonable. Staff are quite helpful even to a non latvian/Russian speaker. Highly recommend to visit

Culture ingress. Recommend the limpy cake and good bean in downstairs coffee shop too. For those culture vultures who want to be comfortably expanded.

Amazing architecture masterpiece mastered in the heart of the city and filled with the love, memories and fountain of emotions. It would be hard to imagine Rīgas Jaunais Teātris would accept something less for their home.

Very weird that renovated theartre don't have proper parking spaces

Beautifully renovated building. The performance was great. If you enjoy theater, then you will definitely enjoy their productions. The coffee and cakes were a deliciou bonus.

Latvian theater in Latvian. A brand in itself. Very popular, but I have no idea how a foreigner will feel there.

The best that the Latvian theatre world has to offer - in temporary premises, yes, and still as excellent as ever.

I had the great pleasure seeing Oblomov in JRT! Even the first act left an impression of a bit slower than should be storyline development, the second one gave a deep drama multiplied by the great play of actors. It was really a great performance in the great new JRT space.

Multipurpose building with rich and colorful history. Loft / industrial style with such an unique ambient atmosphere makes this an easy A+ choice for any event.

Very important and beautiful tourist place in Riga. Today, it is renovated and has attractions taking place inside. Such as circus performances and other concerts. Located near the origo shopping mall and Rīga train station in the city center. The building is very beautiful, and as it has just been renovated, it is more modern and more beautiful.

An admirably modern circus arena in a building with a history dating back to 1888. Redesigned with no livestock. Unique.

Great place to be! Restoration of it really gave it a second breath 🔥 It us really atmospheric and aesthetic ✨️

Oh this is such a wonderful place! If you take a good sniff you’ll still be able to smell the soviets. It is a still fckn functional abandoned circus! The architecture is incredible, and the performances provocatively unique.

A beautiful and well renovated venue with an impressive dome, the contemporary programme makes it an essential part of Riga's artistic life.

The circus has been inactive for years. And now a small creative group has transformed it into an interactive excursion through time.

Security is very rude and lack any empathy towards their patrons. You are better off going somewhere else. Nice bar/club just horrible service all around. I would recommend “Ala” instead.

Compare to others nightclubs - price per performace inside Riga old town :)

Awesome place where can drink , but music arent the best for some people

Nice place where to spend time. Lot of latvian muzic.

Great Latvian music, tho I’m a foreigner

Wonderful place to pop open a brewski with the boys.

If you wanna hear latvian music come here.

We had a great evening with beautiful live music in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Fantastic to have such a location in Riga. Thank you!

An extremely cozy and cool bar. We found it accidentally while on a weekend getaway in Riga. It is just the kind of bar that makes you feel welcome and warm. The drinks were well priced. However, we went there for live music. The bar was not very busy when we arrived and by 20h30 we were the only people there and the planned live music didn't happen. A disappointing end to the evening, but I would still recommend it if you like good music, nice drinks, and a space to relax and socialise.

One of my favorite places ever. I have seen so many different musicians, artists and acts and every single one has given me so much joy. Go visit as often as you can!!

Just fell in love with this place from a first glimpse. Kind of eclectic asimetry. True art spot great sound rich choise of alcohol astonishing design and warm hospitality. As a visitor and musician. Must in Riga for true art consumers.

We decided to attend this venue since the event was very hyped by them and the photos on their social media gave very nice impression. We couldn’t be more mistaken. The place is way smaller than what it may seem in photos. The reality is that there are just two rooms where to “dance” (they’re very small) and then they’ve re-converted the areas where the bars are into some “sitting” areas with some chairs/sofas and tables (therefore you’re sitting while ppl are on your back queuing for ordering drinks). I can just talk about the time I’ve been there, but the quality of the musicians performing didn’t justify the entrance price. The place has charm, but it lacks personality. There are plenty of “charming” old buildings. This place has potential, but overall the feeling after leaving the place is just a big “meh”. Nevertheless, both workers and Staff were incredibly nice to everyone and paid a lot of attention.

Good millions and a choice of sauce for them. Delicious sausages. The beer is delicious. There is also a selection of wines..

Nice cultural place where you can chill in the evening, there are many events and the exhibition is changing all the time. Definitely worth visiting!