A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Riga for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Riga?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Riga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Riga

Riga is a vibrant, fun, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Riga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Riga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Riga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Riga is known for its historical sights. Dubai is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Riga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Riga and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Riga is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Riga is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Riga?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Riga and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Riga can be an interesting and educational experience. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Riga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Riga both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Riga makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both Dubai and Riga.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Riga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Riga?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Riga. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Families?

Dubai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Riga is a family-friendly city. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Riga are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Riga is a nice destination for couples. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Riga, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Students?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Riga is very popular with students. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Is Dubai or Riga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Riga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Riga offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Riga a more walkable city?

Riga is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Riga is a very walkable destination. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Riga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Riga or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Riga?

It's fun to spend time in either Dubai or Riga. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dubai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Riga.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Riga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubai than Riga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Riga than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Riga.

One day in Dubai or Riga?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Riga?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Riga?

Dubai is a glamorous big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Riga is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Riga. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Riga?

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Riga, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Riga is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Riga.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Riga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Riga?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Riga, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Riga?

Riga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Riga in the Summer?

Both Riga and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Riga fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Riga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Riga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

Dubai is much warmer than Riga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Riga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Riga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Riga. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Riga averages at about -5°C (23°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Riga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Riga in the Spring?

Both Riga and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Riga fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Riga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Riga and Dubai