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

Should you visit Riga or Dresden?

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

Should I visit Riga or Dresden? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga than Dresden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dresden is more touristy than Riga and is known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Dresden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

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

Riga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Riga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Riga or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

Is Riga or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Riga and Dresden.

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 Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Dresden?

Riga is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Is Riga or Dresden Better for Families?

Riga is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Riga. 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.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Riga or Dresden Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Dresden make for a good 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.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Riga or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a very popular city to visit 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.

Dresden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Is Riga or Dresden Better for Students?

Riga is a great destination for students. However, Dresden is not popular with students.

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.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Riga. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Riga or Dresden a more walkable city?

Riga and Dresden both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Dresden is a very walkable destination. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Riga?

How long in Riga or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Dresden. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

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

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

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

In Riga, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dresden. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Dresden?

In Riga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Riga has to offer.

Dresden 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 Dresden?

Riga is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Dresden. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Riga. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The architectural city of Dresden 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Dresden?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Dresden. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Dresden, 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 Dresden?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Riga or Dresden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Dresden. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Dresden. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Dresden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Dresden. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Dresden in the Winter?

Both Dresden and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Dresden. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Dresden in the Spring?

Both Dresden and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Riga