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

Should you visit Riga or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Riga or Dublin? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Riga. Dublin is bigger than Riga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its music, while Riga is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Riga and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Riga and Dublin.

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 Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Riga or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are fantastic in both Riga and Dublin.

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.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Is Riga or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Riga and Dublin.

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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Dublin?

Both Riga and Dublin are very good 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Riga or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Riga or Dublin Better for Students?

Riga is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Riga is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

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

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

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Riga or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Riga?

How long in Riga or Dublin?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Dublin. 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 Dublin?

Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Dublin. 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 Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Riga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The friendly city of Dublin offers shopping and museums. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Dublin. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is around the same temperature as Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Dublin. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Dublin. 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. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Dublin. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Riga