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

Should you visit Riga or Belfast?

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

Should I visit Riga or Belfast? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable 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 and shopping.

Riga and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Belfast is more touristy than Riga and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Riga can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Riga is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Riga makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Riga or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Riga or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Riga to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Belfast?

Riga is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Riga is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Riga or Belfast Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Belfast.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Riga or Belfast Better for Couples?

Riga is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Riga is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Riga or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Riga or Belfast Better for Students?

Riga is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Riga is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Riga. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Riga or Belfast a more walkable city?

Riga is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Riga?

How long in Riga or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Belfast. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

Families should spend more time in Riga than Belfast. 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 Riga than Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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 Belfast?

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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. 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 Belfast?

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.

The authentic city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Belfast?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Belfast. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Riga is cooler than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Belfast. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Belfast. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Belfast. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

In April, Riga is generally cooler than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Riga