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

Should you visit Riga or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit Riga or Frankfurt? 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. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Riga and Frankfurt are both popular with visitors, Frankfurt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Frankfurt is more popular for its big city activities, while Riga is known for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Frankfurt is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

The Old Town Center

How is Riga different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

Both Riga and Frankfurt offer a number of great 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.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Riga or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Riga or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Frankfurt?

Both Riga and Frankfurt are great 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 Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Riga or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Frankfurt make for a good place to visit.

Riga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Riga or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Riga, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Is Riga or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Riga is very popular with students. 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.

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

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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

Is Riga or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Riga and Frankfurt both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Riga?

How long in Riga or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Frankfurt. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

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

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.

Frankfurt is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path 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.

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Frankfurt?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic big city of Frankfurt. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Frankfurt?

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 dynamic city of Frankfurt offers nightlife and food. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Frankfurt?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Frankfurt. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Frankfurt. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Riga