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

Should you visit Riga or Beijing?

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

Should I visit Riga or Beijing? 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Beijing?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Riga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Riga is known for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Riga and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing 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 Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Riga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Riga or Beijing Better for its Old Town?

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

Riga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Beijing?

Both Riga and Beijing are excellent 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 Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Riga or Beijing Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Beijing.

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.

Beijing is a family-friendly city. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Riga or Beijing Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Beijing make for a good 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.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Riga or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Riga or Beijing Better for Students?

Riga and Beijing are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

Both Riga and Beijing offer excellent public transit options.

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

The public transit in Beijing can get you to most places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Riga or Beijing a more walkable city?

Riga is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Riga?

How long in Riga or Beijing?

Both Riga and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.

Couples should spend more time in Riga than Beijing. 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 Beijing 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a fun place to experience. 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a fascinating big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a historic city where you can fill many days. 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 Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Beijing, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Beijing is in Asia, 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Beijing, 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 Beijing?

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 Beijing in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Riga is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Beijing. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Beijing. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Beijing in the Winter?

Both Beijing 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 Beijing this time of year.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is cooler than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Beijing. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Riga