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

Should you visit Riga or Flam?

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

Should I visit Riga or Flam? 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 fun, high energy, and off-the-beaten-path 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Riga and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Flam are popular destinations, Riga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Riga is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. 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 Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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

Both Riga and Flam 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.

Flam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Riga or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Riga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Riga or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great city for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Flam Better for Hiking?

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

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Flam?

Riga is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Riga or Flam Better for Families?

Flam 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.

Flam is a very kid-friendly village. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

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 Flam Better for Couples?

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

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

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 Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Riga or Flam Better for Students?

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

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Riga or Flam 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, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Riga can move around easily with public transportation. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Riga or Flam a more walkable city?

Riga and Flam 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.

Flam is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Riga?

How long in Riga or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Riga. 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.

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 Flam?

Riga 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.

Flam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Flam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Riga. 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.

Flam is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Flam?

The vibrant city of Riga 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.

Because Flam is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Flam, we can see that Flam 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 Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Flam?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 1490 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Flam, 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 Flam?

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 Flam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Flam. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Riga usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

Riga is cooler than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Flam. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Flam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Flam. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally cooler than Flam. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Flam. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Riga