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

Should you visit Riga or Linz?

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

Should I visit Riga or Linz? 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic 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 food.

Riga and Linz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Linz?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Linz. Riga is bigger than Linz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Linz is more touristy than Riga and is known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. 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 Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Riga and Linz.

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 Linz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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

Riga is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Riga or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Riga or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Riga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Linz?

Both Riga and Linz are excellent shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Is Riga or Linz Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Linz.

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.

Linz is a family-friendly city. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Riga or Linz Better for Couples?

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

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

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 Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Riga or Linz Better for Students?

Riga is a well-known place for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Riga is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Riga can get you to some places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Riga or Linz a more walkable city?

Riga and Linz both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Linz is a very walkable destination. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Linz or Riga?

How long in Riga or Linz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Linz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Linz 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 Linz.

Families should spend more time in Riga than Linz. 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.

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

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

A weekend in Riga or Linz?

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.

Linz 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 Linz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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 shopping and museums around the cultural destination of Linz. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Linz?

The vibrant 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 historic town of Linz offers museums 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 in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Linz?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Linz, 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 Linz?

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 Linz in the Summer?

Both Linz and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Riga is cooler than Linz in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Linz. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Linz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is cooler than Linz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Linz averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Linz. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Linz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Linz. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Linz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Linz in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Linz. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In January, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Linz. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Linz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Linz. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Linz for the natural beauty.

Riga is much colder than Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Linz. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Linz and Riga