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

Should you visit Riga or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Riga or Kotor? 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 vibrant, fun, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Riga and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Kotor are popular destinations, Riga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Riga is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Kotor is more touristy than Riga and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Riga just to party. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Kotor?

Riga is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Riga is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Kotor.

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Riga or Kotor Better for Students?

Riga is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Riga can move around easily with public transportation. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Riga or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Riga?

How long in Riga or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Riga or Kotor. In our opinion, Kotor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kotor than Riga. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Kotor?

Riga is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Riga. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Kotor, we can see that Riga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Kotor?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Kotor. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Kotor. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Riga is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Kotor in the Winter?

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

Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Kotor. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Riga