Entertainment

Riga is a very lively and modern city and it leaves a colorful and interesting life. Although the city gets quieter for the cold winter periods when the temperature can fall up to 15-20 degrees below zero, it gets very active when spring comes. Riga offers a rich variety of entertainment places and activities for any season.

Museums & Galleries

Since Riga has such a interesting history, the city also has several great museums. Kara Muzejs (Museum of War) has documents about Latvia's war history, especially emphasizing wars in the 19th Century. A great companion to the Museum of War is the Latvijas okupācijas muzejs (Museum of the Occupation of Latvia) which has exhibits about when Riga was under Nazi than Soviet rule. Rīgas Motormuzejs (Motor Museum) has an interesting collection of antique vehicles. Another must see is the Latvijas Etnografiskais Brivdabas Muzejs (Ethnographic Open-Air Museum), which has more than 90 historical structures showcasing Latvia life between the 16th and 19th Centuries. For art lovers, Riga is home to many galleries, including Gallery Lita Art, Riga Gallery and Latvijas Mākslinieku savienības galerijā (Artists' Union of Latvia Gallery).

Music

Whatever your music preference, you'll benefit here. There are small bars where live Jazz and Rock is played. Apart from that there are numerous night clubs, such as Nautilus Nightclub and Essential Club. There are also great festivals including Saulkrasti Jazz.

Theatre

Riga has a number of theatres the main of which is the Latvian National Opera. In the Soviet times the Soviet Union's strongest ballet school was based there. Today it is also a popular venue for a night out. It often hosts foreign singers and dancers. Many Moscow theatrical stagings are presented to Riga public there.

Ice hockey and football are considered to be national sport games. Skonto Arēna is also home to the 2006 IHF World Championship. Different football matches take place in Riga regularly. Riga has also hosted many games.