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

Is there more to do in Riga or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Riga and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Riga is known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Riga or Dubrovnik?

Plenty of people visit the high quality 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 the Food Better in Riga or Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Resorts?

Dubrovnik is notable for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a moderate coastal town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a popular place for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Dubrovnik can be explored in its historical center. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Dubrovnik?

Riga is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

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.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Riga or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very kid-friendly coastal town. 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.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik 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.

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?

Both Riga and Dubrovnik are first-rate 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 Students?

Riga is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Riga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

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

Dubrovnik has a few 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?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

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. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Riga 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 Dubrovnik.

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 high energy 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 off-the-beaten-path 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 coastal 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 coastal 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Dubrovnik?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Dubrovnik, 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 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 average around 17°C (63°F), and Dubrovnik averages at 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.

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. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates 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.

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 daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates 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.

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 average around 5°C (42°F), and Dubrovnik averages at 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.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Riga