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

Should you visit Riga or Copenhagen?

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

Should I visit Riga or Copenhagen? 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 charming, unique, and historical 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a relaxed, beautiful, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Copenhagen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than Riga. Copenhagen is bigger than Riga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Copenhagen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Riga or Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are terrific in both Riga and Copenhagen.

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.

Copenhagen is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Is Riga or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Riga and Copenhagen.

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 Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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.

Is Riga or Copenhagen Better for Families?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Copenhagen is a very family-friendly destination. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Copenhagen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Riga is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Is Riga or Copenhagen Better for Students?

Riga and Copenhagen are both excellent 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.

Copenhagen is very popular with students. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Riga or Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Riga?

How long in Riga or Copenhagen?

In either Riga or Copenhagen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

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

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

One day in Riga or Copenhagen?

With museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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 Copenhagen?

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.

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Copenhagen. 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 Copenhagen?

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 friendly city of Copenhagen offers nightlife and food. 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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

Both Copenhagen and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Riga is around the same temperature as Copenhagen in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Copenhagen. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Copenhagen. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Copenhagen. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Copenhagen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Copenhagen. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Copenhagen. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Copenhagen in the Spring?

Both Copenhagen and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Riga is cooler than Copenhagen in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Riga