A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Lagos for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Riga or Lagos?

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

Should I visit Riga or Lagos? 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. 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Riga and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Lagos are popular destinations, Riga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Riga is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Riga and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. 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 Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Riga. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Riga and Lagos offer a number of superb 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.

Lagos has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Lagos?

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

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Lagos are amazing destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Riga or Lagos Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Riga. 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Riga is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Riga or Lagos a more walkable city?

Riga is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Riga?

How long in Riga or Lagos?

In either Riga or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

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

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

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

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Lagos. 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Lagos?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. This resort town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Riga or Lagos?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming 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.

The scenic resort town of Lagos offers nightlife and food. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Lagos, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Lagos?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Lagos. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Lagos. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Lagos. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Lagos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Lagos in the Winter?

Both Lagos and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Lagos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Lagos. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Riga