A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Should I visit Riga or Acapulco de Juarez? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Riga

Riga is a fun, high energy, and off-the-beaten-path 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known, vibrant, and built-up city. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Riga and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Acapulco de Juarez are about the same size, Riga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Riga is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Acapulco de Juarez is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Riga and is known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Riga is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Riga offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Riga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Riga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are first-rate in both Riga and Acapulco de Juarez.

Riga is a world class party destination. 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Riga is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very kid-friendly city. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

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 Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Students?

Riga is a great destination for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Riga is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Riga is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Riga can get you to most places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Is Riga or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Riga is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Riga?

How long in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Riga or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Riga than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Riga. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Riga is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Riga. Most people visit for the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Riga has to offer.

Acapulco de Juarez is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Five days in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Riga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Acapulco de Juarez. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The vibrant city of Acapulco de Juarez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Acapulco de Juarez is in North America, 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Acapulco de Juarez, 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 Riga or Acapulco de Juarez?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Riga or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Acapulco de Juarez. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In the summer, Riga is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Acapulco de Juarez. 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. Also, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Acapulco de Juarez. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in April than Acapulco de Juarez. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Riga