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

Should you visit Riga or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Riga or Avignon? 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 charming, unique, and historical 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Riga and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Avignon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga than Avignon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Riga is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Avignon is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. 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 Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Riga or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon 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, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Riga is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Riga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Riga or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Avignon?

Riga is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Riga or Avignon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Avignon.

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.

Avignon is a family-friendly city. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Riga or Avignon Better for Couples?

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

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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 Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Riga or Avignon Better for Students?

Riga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Riga is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Riga or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon 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 Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Riga?

How long in Riga or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

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

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

In Riga, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Avignon?

In Riga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Riga has to offer.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

Riga is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Riga. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Because Avignon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Avignon?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Riga or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Avignon. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Avignon. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Avignon. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Avignon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. Riga is much colder than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Avignon. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Avignon. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Riga