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

Should you visit Riga or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Riga or Dusseldorf? 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 historical, vibrant, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural 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 Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than Dusseldorf. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is more touristy than Riga and is known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Riga. 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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Both Riga and Dusseldorf offer a number of superb 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.

Dusseldorf has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Riga or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Riga is very popular for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Riga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Riga or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Dusseldorf?

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

Riga is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Riga or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

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

Dusseldorf is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Riga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Riga or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Riga. 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.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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

Is Riga or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Riga and Dusseldorf both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Dusseldorf is a very walkable destination. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Riga?

How long in Riga or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the high energy 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 Dusseldorf. 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 Dusseldorf?

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.

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Dusseldorf. 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 Dusseldorf?

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 historic city of Dusseldorf 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 Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Dusseldorf?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Dusseldorf, 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 Dusseldorf?

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 Dusseldorf in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Dusseldorf. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Dusseldorf. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dusseldorf. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Riga