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

Should you visit Riga or Glasgow?

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

Should I visit Riga or Glasgow? 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 high energy, off-the-beaten-path, and charming 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Glasgow?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Riga. While Riga is larger than Glasgow, Glasgow has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glasgow is more popular for its music, while Riga is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Glasgow is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Riga and Glasgow.

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 Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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

Riga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are fantastic in both Riga and Glasgow.

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.

Glasgow is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Glasgow Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Riga is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Riga to see the historical old town. 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 Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Glasgow?

Riga is great for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Glasgow.

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.

Glasgow is a family-friendly city. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Riga or Glasgow Better for Students?

Riga and Glasgow are both very 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.

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Both Riga and Glasgow offer very good public transit options.

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

The public transit in Glasgow can get you to most places easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Riga or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Riga and Glasgow both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Riga?

How long in Riga or Glasgow?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Riga than Glasgow. 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow?

In Riga, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow?

In Riga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Riga has to offer.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow?

Riga is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Riga. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The friendly city of Glasgow offers shopping and museums. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Glasgow?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Riga is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow 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 Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. Riga is much colder than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Glasgow in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Riga is cooler than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

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

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Riga