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

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Should you visit Riga or Berlin?

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

Should I visit Riga or Berlin? 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 this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Riga
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Berlin
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


How is Riga different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Riga
Berlin

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

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island.


Is Riga or Berlin Better for Food?

Riga
Berlin

Both Riga and Berlin offer a number of unique 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.

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Riga
Berlin

Evening events are similar in both Riga and Berlin.

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.

Berlin is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Shopping?

Riga
Berlin

Both Riga and Berlin are 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 people travel to Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Families?

Riga
Berlin

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Berlin.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Berlin. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.


Is Riga or Berlin Better for Couples?

Riga
Berlin

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Berlin 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.

Berlin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga
Berlin

Both Riga and Berlin are popular 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 Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Students?

Riga
Berlin

Riga and Berlin are both good 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.

Students come from all over the world to visit Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Is Riga or Berlin Better for Public Transit?

Riga
Berlin

Both Riga and Berlin offer public transit options.

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berlin can take you anywhere. There transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.


Is Riga or Berlin a more walkable city?

Riga
Berlin

Riga and Berlin both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

Berlin is a very walkable destination. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Riga?

How long in Riga or Berlin?

Both Riga and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than Riga.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Berlin is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Riga or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Riga 2-4 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Riga or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Berlin 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 Berlin?

Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Berlin 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 Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Berlin is a historic 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 Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Riga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Berlin is a artsy 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.

Which city is cheaper, Berlin or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €82, while the average daily cost in Berlin is €110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga €42
    Berlin €51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga €84
    Berlin €102
Compare Hotels in Riga and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Berlin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Riga


Hotels in Berlin


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Riga Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga €12
    Berlin €14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Riga Tank Ride - 2 Hours - Guided with Return Transfers: $1,192
  • Mercedes-Benz Viano Van Transfer from Riga to Vilnius/Talinn/Any Baltic Country: $425
  • Private Minivan Transfer: Riga to Tallinn: $418
  • Private Minivan transfer from Riga to Kaunas: $413
  • Riga Party Bus Airport Transfer: $382
  • Riga to Vilnius transfer with Sightseeing: $347
  • Riga to Tallinn transfer with Sightseeing: $335
  • Transfer from Riga to Tallinn: $283
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Kaunas to Riga: $215
  • Riga (Sigulda) Winter Bobsleigh "Olympic + Vuchko" Ride - Guided with Transfers: $199
  • Private transfer from Riga to Vilnius via Rundale palace and Hill of crosses: $169
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Riga or Riga airport to Tallinn: $153

Typical Local Transportation prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    €1.40
  • Bahn Ticket
    €3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Berlin City Center to Berlin Tegel Airport: $24
  • Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Van Transfer: $27
  • Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Arrival Private Van Transfer: $27
  • Berlin to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) - Departure Private Van Transfer: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Berlin to Schonefeld Airport (SXF): $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): $30
  • Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Berlin city (any hotel or address): $32
  • Berlin Schonefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Departure Private Van Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer from Berlin City Center to Schönefeld Airport: $36
  • Premium Transfer Accommodation in Berlin to Berlin Tegel Airport: $37
  • Premium Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Accommodation in Berlin: $37
  • Private Business Transfer from Berlin Hotel to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL): $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Riga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Riga €26
    Berlin €41
Typical Food prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    €5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.

  • Private Guided Virtual Food Tour of Riga: $12
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $34
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102

Typical Food prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    €5.00
  • Turkish Sandwich
    €2.00
  • Currywurst
    €2.00
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    €9.00
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    €60
  • Mauer Park (2)
    €11
  • Coffees at Impala
    €7.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • English Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $16
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $25
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Berlin: $40
  • Dinner Cruise – “This is the CHEF talking”: $49
  • Berlin Kreuzberg - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Mitte - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Food Tour: $55
  • Withlocals 10 Tastings: Covid-19 Regulated Private Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Dinner Cruise.: $61
  • History Bites: The Berlin History and Food Tour: $61
  • Fun Dinner and Dancing by Gaiety in Berlin: $84
  • Vegan Food Tour Experience in Berlin: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga €17
    Berlin €18

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • "Best of Riga" 6-hour Private Car & Walking Tour: $373
  • 2 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale: $267
  • 2 Day Gauja National Park Tour: $199
  • 2 Day Kurzeme Winery Tour: $224
  • ATV-QUAD rent and guided tours: $48
  • All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda: $248
  • Alternative Riga Photoshoot Tour: $49
  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.00
  • Art Nouveau Small Group Walking Tour of Riga: $193
  • Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $57
  • Beer Bike Experience: $45
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour: $231

Typical Entertainment prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    €20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Rude Bastards tour of Berlin: $1.87
  • Music of Berlin Private Tour: Communist Berlin Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Berlin Private Tour: Third Reich & the Cold War Exploration Game: $4.96
  • The Dönerkebab: Discover how it changed Germany on an audio walking tour: $5.48
  • Witches, Riots and the Cold War: A Walk Through Wedding Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • In and Around Alexanderplatz Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Berlin's Centre - Explore the city's modern history with this audio walking tour: $5.48
  • Classic Sights and Hidden Histories of Berlin's Museum Island Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Into the Heart of Berlin Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Berlin Trabi Museum: Day Ticket: $5.66
  • Self-Guided Tour of Over 100 Sights: $5.66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga €16
    Berlin €13

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $37
  • Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $47
  • Riga Public Pub Crawl: $60
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $64
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $83
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $115
  • Gauja National Park Tour: Castles and Wine Tasting: $149
  • Culinary, Historic and Wine Tour to Sigulda and Cesis: $224
  • Exclusive Latvian Wine Tasting In Riga: $380
  • 1.5-Hour Latvian Wine Tasting Experience: $476

Typical Alcohol prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Berlin Pub Crawl And Night Life Tour: $15
  • Guided Pub Crawl with Shots: $20
  • Berlin Nightlife: The Original Pub Crawl: $20
  • #1 Berlin Pub Crawl: $25
  • Sean's Wine Tasting Events: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque by Gl’Amouresque: $66
  • Welcome to Berlin tour! Sightseeing, souvenirs and visit of a German brewery: $236

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Riga or Berlin?

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Berlin. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is cooler than Berlin in the summer. The temperature in Riga is usually 17°C (63°F) in July, and Berlin stays around 19°C (66°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Riga or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is cooler than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October are around 7°C (45°F), and Berlin is about 10°C (50°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Berlin. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Berlin 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Riga or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Berlin. Temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Berlin stays around -0°C (31°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Berlin. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Berlin -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Riga or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Berlin. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Berlin in the spring. The temperature in Riga is usually 5°C (42°F) in April, and Berlin stays around 9°C (47°F).

In April, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Riga

Riga Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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Riga vs. Berlin Travel Comparison

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