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

Should you visit Riga or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Riga or Budapest? 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 off-the-beaten-path, charming, and unique 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.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Riga and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Riga. Budapest is bigger than Riga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its big city activities, while Riga is more popular for its food and nightlife. Budapest is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Riga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Riga has a huge number of terrific 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Riga or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Riga is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Riga is a must-see 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Riga or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Riga and Budapest.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Budapest?

Both Riga and Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Riga or Budapest Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Budapest.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Riga or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Budapest are world-class 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 Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Is Riga or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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 Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest 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.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Riga can get you to most places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Is Riga or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Riga?

How long in Riga or Budapest?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Riga or Budapest?

The beautiful city of Riga offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Budapest is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Budapest?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Riga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Budapest?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest is a artistic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budapest?

Riga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The bustling city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

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

Riga is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest 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 Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Budapest. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest 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 Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Budapest in the Spring?

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

Riga is much colder than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Riga