A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Riga or Gdansk?

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

Should I visit Riga or Gdansk? 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.

Where Should I go: Riga or Gdansk?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is €51. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Gdansk 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Gdansk 50
Compare Hotels in Riga and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Gdansk? 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 Gdansk


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 Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Gdansk 7.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $90
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $150
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $342
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $459
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $427
  • From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $230
  • From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $182
  • Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $80
  • Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $38
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $54
  • Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
  • Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Elblag: $15
  • Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ostróda: $23
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Gdynia Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Gdynia Cruise Port to Gdansk Airport (GDN): $28
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdansk city: $33
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk city to Gdansk (GDN) Airport: $33
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Gdansk HTL-APT (GDN): $34
  • From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
  • Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
  • Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $37
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdynia City: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk 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 33
    Gdansk 19
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.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Unique Food Tour: $52
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $96
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
  • Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
  • Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $138
  • Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
  • Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $152

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Gdansk 7.62

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.49
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
  • Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gdańsk: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Gdańsk: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Discover Gdansk! - €5 Walking Tour: $5.46
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • Gdańsk: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Gdansk Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Individual Sightseeing Tour with Audio Guide: $7.43
  • Gdańsk: Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Gorgeous Gdansk Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Gdańsk : Catamaran River Cruise (group): $17
  • Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Gdansk 4.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
  • Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $96
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $523
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,320

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Gdansk, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Gdansk.

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


Which is Bigger, Riga or Gdansk?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Gdansk. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

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 Gdansk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Gdansk. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Gdansk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Gdansk averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Riga or Gdansk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Gdansk. 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.

In October, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Gdansk. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Riga or Gdansk in the Winter?

Both Gdansk and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Gdansk can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. Riga is much colder than Gdansk in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In January, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gdansk. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Riga or Gdansk in the Spring?

Both Gdansk and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Riga is cooler than Gdansk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Gdansk averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Riga

Riga Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)