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

Should you visit Riga or Baltimore?

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

Should I visit Riga or Baltimore? 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 vibrant, fun, and high energy 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Baltimore?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Baltimore. Riga is bigger than Baltimore, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is more touristy than Riga and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. Also, Riga is famous for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Riga and Baltimore.

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 Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Both Riga and Baltimore offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Riga or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Riga just to party. 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 Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Riga or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Riga is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Baltimore?

Both Riga and Baltimore are great 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Riga or Baltimore Better for Families?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Baltimore make for a notable place to visit.

Riga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Riga or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Riga or Baltimore Better for Students?

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

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Both Riga and Baltimore offer great public transit options.

Riga has some very good public transit options. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Riga or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Riga and Baltimore both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Riga?

How long in Riga or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Baltimore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Baltimore. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Baltimore?

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.

The vibrant city of Baltimore offers nightlife and food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Baltimore?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Baltimore. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is cooler than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Baltimore. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Baltimore. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Baltimore in the Winter?

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

Baltimore can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city.

Riga is much colder than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Riga