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

Should you visit Riga or Kiel?

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

Should I visit Riga or Kiel? 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. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Kiel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Kiel. Riga is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Riga is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Kiel is more touristy than Riga and is known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. Also, Riga is famous for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Riga is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Riga or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Riga or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a popular place for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Riga is well known for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Kiel?

Riga is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Riga or Kiel Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Kiel.

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.

Kiel is a family-friendly city. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Riga or Kiel Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Kiel make for a notable 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Riga or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Riga or Kiel Better for Students?

Riga is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Riga is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Riga or Kiel a more walkable city?

Riga is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Riga?

How long in Riga or Kiel?

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

Families should spend more time in Riga than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Kiel 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 Kiel?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kiel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Kiel?

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.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Kiel. 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 Kiel?

The fun 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.

The off-the-beaten-path city of Kiel 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Kiel?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Kiel. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Riga is around the same temperature as Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Kiel. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Kiel. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Riga is cooler than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Kiel. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Riga is cooler than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Riga