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

Should you visit Riga or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit Riga or Birmingham? 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 unique, historical, and vibrant 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Riga and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Birmingham?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Riga than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Riga, Riga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Riga is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. 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 Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is notable for its theatre productions. However, Riga is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Riga is not a theatre destination.

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

Riga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Riga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Birmingham has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

Riga is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Birmingham?

Both Riga and Birmingham 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 Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for Families?

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham Better for Couples?

Birmingham is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Riga or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

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.

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

Riga is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Riga can move around easily with public transportation. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Riga or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Riga and Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Riga?

How long in Riga or Birmingham?

In either Riga or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Riga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Riga or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Riga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Birmingham?

Riga, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Birmingham. 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 Birmingham?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The fun-filled city of Birmingham offers food 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 Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

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 Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Birmingham. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Birmingham. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Riga is much colder than Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Birmingham. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Birmingham. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Riga