Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 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 Riga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Riga travel costs.
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. See Berlin travel costs.
You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Riga. Berlin is bigger than Riga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums and attractions, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Riga is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.
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.
Berlin 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 Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. 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, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.
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.
Both Riga and Berlin offer a number of very good 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. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.
Evening events are fantastic 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.
Berlin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.
Riga is not a live music destination.
Riga is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin 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.
Berlin does not have a historic old town.
Berlin is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
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.
Riga is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.
The beauty of Riga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.
Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.
Berlin 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.
Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
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.
With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Berlin 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.
Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.
Both Riga and Berlin are fantastic 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.
Berlin is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Many students frequent 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.
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.
Berlin is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Berlin has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.
The public transit in Riga can get you to most places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.
Riga is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.
Riga is a very walkable city. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.
Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.
For even more information, also check out Is Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.
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 in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.
Families should spend more time in Berlin than Riga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Berlin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Berlin than Riga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Berlin that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Riga 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 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.
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.
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 creative 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Berlin is €175. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Berlin in more detail.
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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.
Berlin has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Berlin, 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.
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.
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 daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates 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.
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 average around 7°C (45°F), and Berlin averages at 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.
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. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Berlin fluctuates 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.
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 daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates 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.
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) |