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

Should you visit Riga or Florence?

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

Should I visit Riga or Florence? 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. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Florence: 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
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife


How is Riga different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Riga or Florence Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Riga
Florence

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

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.


Is Riga or Florence Better for Food?

Riga
Florence

Both Riga and Florence 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.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Riga or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Riga
Florence

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Riga or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Riga
Florence

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

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.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is Riga or Florence Better for Shopping?

Riga
Florence

Both Riga and Florence 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.


Is Riga or Florence Better for Families?

Riga
Florence

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Florence.

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.

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Riga or Florence Better for Couples?

Riga
Florence

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

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga
Florence

Both Riga and Florence 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 Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Is Riga or Florence Better for Students?

Riga
Florence

Riga and Florence are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.


Is Riga or Florence Better for Public Transit?

Riga
Florence

Both Riga and Florence offer public transit options.

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

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Riga or Florence a more walkable city?

Riga
Florence

Riga and Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Riga?

How long in Riga or Florence?

Both Riga and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than Riga.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Florence is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Riga or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Riga 2-4 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Riga or Florence?

The beautiful city of Riga offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. 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 Florence?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Riga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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 Florence?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the iconic destination of Florence. 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 Florence?

Riga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Which city is cheaper, Florence 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 Florence is €155. 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 Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Florence 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Florence 176
Compare Hotels in Riga and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Florence? 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 Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Florence 22

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 Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • Florence Hotel to Airport: Shared Departure Transfer (max 8 people): $21
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Florence Hotels to Florence Airport: $26
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer from Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Florence Train Station: $33
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Florence City to Amerigo Vespucci Airport: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Florence Peretola Airport FLR to Florence City: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer from Florence City to Florence Peretola Airport FLR: $35
  • Private Business Transfer from Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $36
  • Private Business Transfer from Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Florence to Florence Airport (FLR): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
    Florence 36
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 Florence

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $40
  • Vegetarian pasta cooking class and dinner in Florence: $54
  • Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience: $60
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
  • Handmade Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Dinner: $62
  • Handmade Tagliatelle cooking class in Florence: $72
  • Pizza Dinner and Opera Arias Concert: $74
  • Food Tour in 3-Hour Walking Tour: $76
  • 4-Course Cooking Experience in Florence: $78
  • Tuscan Cooking Course with Dinner: $78
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Florence 30

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 - Ä€raiÅ¡i, CÄ“sis, LÄ«gatne, 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 Florence

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


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

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

  • Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • - Leonardo Interactive Museum® Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Florence Highlights Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
  • Reserved Entry Ticket to the Boboli Gardens: $14
  • Florence Duomo Reserved Time Entrance Tickets: $14
  • Florence Animal Art Treasure Hunt Family Tour: $17
  • Skip the Line: Medici Chapels Ticket: $19
  • Skip the Line: Florence Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo's David Ticket: $24
  • Virtual Tour - Wine in Tuscany - History, art and curiosities... How to appreciate it: $25
  • Accademia Gallery Fast-Track Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: Palazzo Vecchio Museum Ticket with Tower & Battlement Access: $26
  • Medici-Themed Bike Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 19
    Florence 18

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

Typical Alcohol prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • 60-Minute Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Chianti: Authentic Wine Tasting Experience from Florence: $52
  • Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $62
  • Florence Sunset Wine Tour: $64
  • Pienza and Montepulciano Full-Day Wine Tour: $79
  • From Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip: $87
  • From Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany: $90
  • Florence in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • From Tuscany by E-Bike with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $147
  • Private Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti (6 h) + Lunch & Wine tasting: $174
  • Just a Taste but What a Taste - Half Day Wine Tour in Tuscany (Private Tour): $180
  • Florence Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch in a Vintage Fiat 500: $187


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


When is the best time to visit Riga or Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Florence. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is cooler than Florence in the summer. The temperature in Riga is usually 17°C (63°F) in July, and Florence stays around 25°C (77°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Riga or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October are around 7°C (45°F), and Florence is about 16°C (61°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Florence. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Riga or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Florence 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 Florence. Temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Florence stays around 7°C (45°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Riga or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Florence. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Florence in the spring. The temperature in Riga is usually 5°C (42°F) in April, and Florence stays around 14°C (57°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Florence. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Florence and Riga

Riga Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)


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Riga vs. Florence Travel Comparison

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