A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Riga or Cesky Krumlov?

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

Should I visit Riga or Cesky Krumlov? 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.

Where Should I go: Riga or Cesky Krumlov?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Riga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is €58. 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 Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Cesky Krumlov 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Cesky Krumlov 70
Compare Hotels in Riga and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Cesky Krumlov


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 Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Cesky Krumlov 2.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $267
  • Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $138
  • Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $108
  • Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $131
  • Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $52
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $52
  • Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
  • Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
  • Riga Airport Transfer: $33
  • Riga - Tallin: Transfer and Tour through beautiful landmarks: $487

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

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

  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $122
  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov 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 33
    Cesky Krumlov 20
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.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Unique Food Tour: $52
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $96
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
  • Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
  • Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $138
  • Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
  • Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $152

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Cesky Krumlov 6.12

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • The best of Bauska walking tour: $75
  • 1 Day Riga Sightseeing Red Bus Grand Tour: $27
  • 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $41
  • 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $86
  • 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $82
  • ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $142
  • Beer Bike Experience : $36
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour: $181
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems: $66
  • City:canal:tour: $21
  • Crafted Cocktails: A Masterclass Experience: $80
  • Daily Bike Tour in Riga with Professional Guide: $44

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Český Krumlov Free Tour: $20
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • 2,5h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
  • Český Krumlov Private Walking Tour: $85
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Český Krumlov 20th century tour: $85
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $93
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $95
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Walking private guided tour in Cesky Krumlov with local certified guide: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Cesky Krumlov 3.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
  • Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $96
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $523
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,320


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

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


Which is Bigger, Riga or Cesky Krumlov?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in July than Cesky Krumlov. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Riga or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Cesky Krumlov. 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.

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

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Cesky Krumlov. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Riga or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Cesky Krumlov. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Cesky Krumlov can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Cesky Krumlov. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Riga or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Riga

Riga Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)