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

Should you visit Riga or Amalfi?

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

Should I visit Riga or Amalfi? 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 unique, historical, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Riga and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Riga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Riga is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Riga and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi 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 Amalfi?

Riga is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Riga. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Riga or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Riga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Amalfi has a few good snorkeling spots. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

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

Amalfi is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Riga and Amalfi.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Amalfi?

Riga is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Riga is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Amalfi.

Riga is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Amalfi is a family-friendly city. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Riga. 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Riga or Amalfi Better for Students?

Riga is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Riga. 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Riga is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi 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 around easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Riga or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Riga?

How long in Riga or Amalfi?

Both Riga and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Riga than Amalfi 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 Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Amalfi. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Amalfi?

Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Amalfi. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Riga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming town of Amalfi. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Amalfi?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Amalfi, 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 Amalfi?

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 Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Amalfi. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Riga is cooler than Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Riga is much colder than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Riga