A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Riga or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Riga or Dubrovnik? 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 high energy, off-the-beaten-path, and charming 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Riga and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife


How is Riga different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dubrovnik and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Riga
Dubrovnik

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

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 Dubrovnik specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.


Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Food?

Riga
Dubrovnik

Both Riga and Dubrovnik offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

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.

Dubrovnik has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Riga
Dubrovnik

With more options to choose from, you'll find a more vibrant nightlife in Riga.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Riga
Dubrovnik

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

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.

Dubrovnik has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Shopping?

Riga
Dubrovnik

Both Riga and Dubrovnik are 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.

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.


Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Riga
Dubrovnik

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Dubrovnik.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Riga
Dubrovnik

While Riga and Dubrovnik are both popular destinations, overall Dubrovnik is considered to be a more popular choice.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga
Dubrovnik

Both Riga and Dubrovnik are popular 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 Dubrovnik, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit?

Riga
Dubrovnik

Both Riga and Dubrovnik offer public transit options.

Riga has some very good public transit options. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Dubrovnik has some public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.


Is Riga or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Riga
Dubrovnik

Riga and Dubrovnik both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dubrovnik. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Riga?

How long in Riga or Dubrovnik?

In either Riga or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Dubrovnik is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Riga or Dubrovnik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Riga 2-4 
    Dubrovnik 1-5

One day in Riga or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Riga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dubrovnik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Riga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Dubrovnik?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historic coastal town of Dubrovnik offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Riga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €103, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €95. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Riga and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Dubrovnik 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Riga Tank Ride - 2 Hours - Guided with Return Transfers: $1,192
  • Mercedes-Benz Viano Van Transfer from Riga to Vilnius/Talinn/Any Baltic Country: $425
  • Private Minivan Transfer: Riga to Tallinn: $418
  • Private Minivan transfer from Riga to Kaunas: $413
  • Riga Party Bus Airport Transfer: $382
  • Riga to Vilnius transfer with Sightseeing: $347
  • Riga to Tallinn transfer with Sightseeing: $335
  • Transfer from Riga to Tallinn: $283
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Kaunas to Riga: $215
  • Riga (Sigulda) Winter Bobsleigh "Olympic + Vuchko" Ride - Guided with Transfers: $199
  • Private transfer from Riga to Vilnius via Rundale palace and Hill of crosses: $169
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Riga or Riga airport to Tallinn: $153

Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $8.61
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Port to Cavtat: $9.41
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Dubrovnik Port to Dubrovnik, Orebic or Korcula Town Hotels: $15
  • Private Departure Transfer: Dubrovnik, Orebic or Korcula Town Hotels to Dubrovnik Port: $15
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Dubrovnik, Cavtat, Orebic and Korcula Town Hotels to Dubrovnik Airport: $19
  • Transfer Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik City: $24
  • Cruiser Taxi Private group Airport transfers in Dubrovnik: $25
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $26
  • Private transfer from city Dubrovnik to airport: $27
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Business Car: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 32
    Dubrovnik 32
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.

  • Private Guided Virtual Food Tour of Riga: $12
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $34
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102

Typical Food prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $73
  • Unique Sunset and Dinner Cruise in the Magnificent Traditional Karaka boat: $96
  • Dubrovnik Traditional Food Tour: $108
  • Old Town Food Tour: $130
  • Flavours of Dubrovnik - Food Tour: $131
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $147
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $149
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $164
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $166
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $167
  • E-Bike Tour + Farm To Table Cooking Class: $184
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour by Vidokrug: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Dubrovnik 19

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • "Best of Riga" 6-hour Private Car & Walking Tour: $373
  • 2 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale: $267
  • 2 Day Gauja National Park Tour: $199
  • 2 Day Kurzeme Winery Tour: $224
  • ATV-QUAD rent and guided tours: $48
  • All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda: $248
  • Alternative Riga Photoshoot Tour: $49
  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.00
  • Art Nouveau Small Group Walking Tour of Riga: $193
  • Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $57
  • Beer Bike Experience: $45
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour: $231

Typical Entertainment prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • Walls of Liberty: an audio tour of Dubrovnik's rich history along the city walls: $5.99
  • Gornji Ugao Tower Admission Ticket: $7.66
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Insider’s Virtual Tour of Dubrovnik: $8.71
  • Small-Group Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik: $12
  • 'Up with the Chickens' Tour: $15
  • Dubrovnik 1-Hour Discovery Walking Tour: $15
  • Discovery Dubrovnik walking tour: $15
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Dubrovnik Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • 'Up with the Chickens' or "Sunset chasing" Old Town Tour: $16
  • Dubrovnik By Night Walking Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 19
    Dubrovnik 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $37
  • Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $47
  • Riga Public Pub Crawl: $60
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $64
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $83
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $115
  • Gauja National Park Tour: Castles and Wine Tasting: $149
  • Culinary, Historic and Wine Tour to Sigulda and Cesis: $224
  • Exclusive Latvian Wine Tasting In Riga: $380
  • 1.5-Hour Latvian Wine Tasting Experience: $476

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour Dubrovnik: $44
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston- Group Tour: $60
  • Peljesac Peninsula Wine Tour from Dubrovnik: $61
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $63
  • FAMOUS LEGENDS OF PELJESAC and KORCULA with WINE TASTING: $65
  • Island of Korcula with Wine Tasting Day Trip from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Korčula tour with wine tasting from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston: $72
  • Wine Tasting Pelješac and a visit to Ston: $72
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Smiley wine tasting on peninsula Peljesac: $76
  • Smiley Hercegovina wine tour: $77


When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Dubrovnik, we can see that Riga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Riga or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Dubrovnik. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July are around 17°C (63°F), and Dubrovnik is about 25°C (77°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Riga or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Dubrovnik stays around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Riga or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The temperature in Riga is usually -5°C (23°F) in January, and Dubrovnik stays around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Riga or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April are around 5°C (42°F), and Dubrovnik is about 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Riga

Riga Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)


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Riga vs. Dubrovnik Travel Comparison

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