Latvian National Opera
Spend an unforgettable evening at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, one of Riga's most elegant landmarks. Affectionately known as the "White House" of Riga, this stately neoclassical building was originally built in 1863 as the Riga German Theatre by architect Ludwig Bohnstedt. It sits on the bank of the Riga Canal, just steps from the Freedom Monument, making it easy to combine with an evening stroll through the city centre.
Riga's love for music runs deep: Mozart operas were staged here in the 1780s and 1790s, just a few years after their premieres in Vienna, and Richard Wagner himself worked in Riga's earlier city theatre for a few years. Today, the stage regularly comes alive with classical operas and ballets, modern works and original Latvian productions. You'll attend the performance scheduled on the evening of your visit, so whether it turns out to be a grand opera or a graceful ballet, part of the charm is the surprise. Either way, this optional excursion is a wonderful way to experience Riga's cultural heart during your guided tour.