When planning your move, don’t forget to gear up for Latvia’s ever-changing weather! Here’s what you can expect each season in Riga:
Riga is a vibrant capital city brimming with history and a lively entertainment scene and has something for every student, whether you’re into history, art, or nightlight.
Outdoor adventures
Wander through the heart of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its enchanting cobblestone streets, mediaeval architecture, and iconic landmarks like Riga Castle, St. Peter’s Church, and the House of the Blackheads. The city has one of the world’s most extensive collections of Art Nouveau buildings, especially in the “Quiet Centre” neighbourhood, where streets like Alberta and Elizabetes are adorned with ornate facades.
Take a breather and enjoy the city’s green spaces at parks like Bastejkalns, Kronvalda, and Mežaparks. In the summer, Mežaparks comes alive with concerts and cultural events in its open-air amphitheatre.
Museums and Galleries
Looking for a fun and educational day out? Riga boasts a diverse array of museums and galleries, including the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of Occupation of Latvia, the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, the Latvian War Museum, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, the National History Museum, and the Riga Porcelain Museum.
Every May, typically on the third Saturday of the month, Riga hosts the Night of Museums. During this special event, cultural institutions across the city open their doors to the public, offering free or discounted admission. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in creative workshops, concerts, theatrical performances, and more alongside regular exhibitions.
Concerts and Stage Performances
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet housed in an exquisite neoclassical building, showcases opera, ballet, and classical music performances all year round. Other venues like the Great Guild Hall (Lielā ģilde), The Small Guild Hall (Mazā ģilde), and Hanzas Perons also host various concerts and cultural events.
Arena Riga is the largest indoor stage hall and hosts not only major concerts but also ice hockey games.
Theatre is an especially beloved form of culture in Latvia, and theatres in Riga exhibit a variety of professional plays that have earned recognition both nationally and internationally, alongside amateur productions. While most shows are performed in Latvia, some are also available in Russian and English. The most popular venues in Riga include the Latvian National Theatre, Daile Theatre, and the New Riga Theatre.
The Riga Public Transport system operates with e-tickets (e-talons in Latvian) which are electronic tickets that you must register for each trip, regardless of ticket type, upon boarding. As an RTU student, you are eligible for a 50% discount on monthly tickets which you must acquire your personalised student e-ticket for.
To receive a personalised student e-ticket, visit any Riga Public Transportation Client Service Centre (locations can be found HERE) and bring along your:
Full-time students must reapply for the student discount once per semester by visiting any Riga Public Transportation Client Service Centre and providing a new study Reference letter and your passport.
For exploring Latvia beyond the capital city, aside from renting or driving your car, you can travel by bus or train.
You can also purchase tickets directly from the driver on buses or ticket conductors on trains. While card payments are usually accepted, we recommend having enough cash just in case.