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

Should you visit Riga or Amsterdam?

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

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

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Amsterdam as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Riga and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Amsterdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Riga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amsterdam is better known for its music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Riga is more popular for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Riga and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Riga and Amsterdam.

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.

Many visitors head to Amsterdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Riga is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Riga. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Riga or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are fantastic in both Riga and Amsterdam.

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.

Amsterdam is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Is Riga or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Riga and Amsterdam.

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 Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Amsterdam?

Both Riga and Amsterdam are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Riga or Amsterdam More Beautiful?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Amsterdam as well. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

With stunning beauty, Riga attracts visitors from all around. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Is Riga or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Riga is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Riga. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Riga or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique 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 Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Amsterdam are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Is Riga or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Riga is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Amsterdam has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Riga or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored 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 Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Riga?

How long in Riga or Amsterdam?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Riga 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Riga or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Riga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. 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 Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Riga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Amsterdam is a laid-back big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Amsterdam?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Amsterdam is a scenic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Amsterdam?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In July, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Riga in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Riga is cooler than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Riga