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

Should you visit Riga or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Riga or Limerick? 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 off-the-beaten-path, charming, and unique 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.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Limerick?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Limerick is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Riga is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Riga or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Riga is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Riga is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Riga or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Limerick?

Riga is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Riga or Limerick Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Limerick.

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.

Limerick is a family-friendly city. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Riga or Limerick Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Limerick 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.

Limerick is a good city for couples to visit. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Riga or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Riga or Limerick Better for Students?

Riga is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Riga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Riga can get you to most places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Riga or Limerick a more walkable city?

Riga is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Riga?

How long in Riga or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

The beautiful city of Riga offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Riga or Limerick?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Riga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. 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 Limerick?

Riga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The historic city of Limerick 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Limerick?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Limerick. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Limerick. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Limerick. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Limerick. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Limerick. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Riga