Which city is cheaper, Lisbon or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Lisbon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town
Jump to 
Should you visit Riga or Lisbon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Lisbon? 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 fun, high energy, and off-the-beaten-path 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 food, shopping, and museums.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.
Riga and Lisbon: Pros and Cons
Riga
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Lisbon
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
How is Riga different from Lisbon?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lisbon and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Riga
Lisbon
Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Riga and Lisbon.
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.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Food?
Riga
Lisbon
Both Riga and Lisbon offer a number of unique 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.
Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?
Riga
Lisbon
Evening events are similar in both Riga and Lisbon.
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.
Lisbon is a must-see party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?
Riga
Lisbon
It's fun to wander around the old towns in both Riga and Lisbon.
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.
Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Shopping?
Riga
Lisbon
Both Riga and Lisbon are good 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 people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Families?
Riga
Lisbon
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Lisbon.
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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Couples?
Riga
Lisbon
With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Lisbon 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.
Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Riga
Lisbon
Both Riga and Lisbon are popular 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 Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Students?
Riga
Lisbon
Riga and Lisbon are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.
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.
Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.
Is Riga or Lisbon Better for Public Transit?
Riga
Lisbon
Both Riga and Lisbon offer public transit options.
Riga has some very good public transit options. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lisbon can take you anywhere. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.
Is Riga or Lisbon a more walkable city?
Riga
Lisbon
Riga and Lisbon both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Riga is a very walkable city. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored on foot.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.
Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Riga?
How long in Riga or Lisbon?
Both Riga and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Riga.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Lisbon is 3-7 days.
-
How many days in Riga or Lisbon? Ideal Length of StayRiga 2-4Lisbon 3-7
One day in Riga or Lisbon?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. 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 one day exploring.
Lisbon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.
A weekend in Riga or Lisbon?
Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Lisbon 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 Lisbon?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Lisbon is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Lisbon?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Riga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Lisbon is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €82Lisbon €105
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €82, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is €105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Lisbon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €42Lisbon €47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €84Lisbon €94
Compare Hotels in Riga and Lisbon
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Lisbon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Riga Hotel Prices and Lisbon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €12Lisbon €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Transfer service Riga airport: $37
- Transfer from Riga to Tallinn: $283
- Taxi Transfer: $42
- Riga to Vilnius transfer with Sightseeing: $347
- Riga to Tallinn transfer with Sightseeing: $335
- Riga Tank Ride - 2 Hours - Guided with Return Transfers: $1,192
- Riga Return Airport Transfer: $66
- Riga Party Bus Airport Transfer: $382
- Riga Limo Airport Transfer: $133
- Riga International Airport RIX Luxury Van Private Departure Transfer: $54
- Riga International Airport RIX Luxury Van Private Arrival Transfer: $54
- Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $51
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
-
Taxi Ride€6.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lisbon Shared Transfer: To or From the Airport: $9.58
- Lisbon Shared Transfer: To or From the Airport: $11
- Lisbon Private Transfer to Airport: $11
- Lisbon Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $11
- Lisbon Airport Shared Arrival Transfer: $11
- Lisbon Private Transfer: To or From the Airport: $11
- Private Transfer To or From Lisbon Airport: $11
- Shared Transfer Between Airport and City Hotels: $11
- From Freeport Shopping Experience with Transfers: $11
- Lisbon Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Lisbon Shared Departure Transfer to Airport, Train or Port: $11
- Lisbon Shared Arrival Transfer from Airport, Train or Port: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Lisbon?
Prices for flights to both Lisbon and Riga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayRiga €26Lisbon €34
Typical Food prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Private Guided Virtual Food Tour of Riga: $12
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $34
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $102
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $102
Typical Food prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Coffee€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
- Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
- Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
- 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
- The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
- Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
- Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
- Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
- Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
- Lisbon Food Tour: $62
- Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €17Lisbon €19
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- "Best of Riga" 6-hour Private Car & Walking Tour: $373
- 2 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale: $267
- 2 Day Gauja National Park Tour: $199
- 2 Day Kurzeme Winery Tour: $224
- ATV-QUAD rent and guided tours: $48
- All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda: $248
- Alternative Riga Photoshoot Tour: $49
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.00
- Art Nouveau Small Group Walking Tour of Riga: $193
- Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $57
- Beer Bike Experience: $45
- Best of Riga Walking Tour: $231
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Lisbon Downtown Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.24
- Lisbon Historical Walking Tour: $3.11
- Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $3.99
- Contemporary Park of Nations Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
- The Soul of Alfama Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap Lisbon: $5.99
- Museu Coleção Berardo Admission Ticket: $6.22
- Skip the Line: Pilar 7 Bridge Experience Admission Ticket: $6.22
- Street Art Virtual Tour in Lisbon: $6.22
- Lisboa Story Centre: 1-Day Admission Ticket: $7.41
- Lisboa Story Centre Admission Ticket: $8.09
- Capuchos Convent Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.71
- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Admission Ticket: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €16Lisbon €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $37
- Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $47
- Riga Public Pub Crawl: $60
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $64
- Riga Brewery Tour: $83
- Riga Brewery Tour: $83
- Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $83
- Riga Wine Tasting Session: $115
- Gauja National Park Tour: Castles and Wine Tasting: $149
- Culinary, Historic and Wine Tour to Sigulda and Cesis: $224
- Exclusive Latvian Wine Tasting In Riga: $380
- 1.5-Hour Latvian Wine Tasting Experience: $476
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
- 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
- Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
- Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
- Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
- Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
- Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
- Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
- Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
- Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
- Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
- Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Riga.
When is the best time to visit Riga or Lisbon?
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 Lisbon in the Summer?
Both Lisbon and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.
In the summer, Riga is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July are around 17°C (63°F), and Lisbon is about 23°C (73°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Lisbon 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Riga or Lisbon in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Lisbon. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Riga is generally much colder than Lisbon. Temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Lisbon stays around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Lisbon 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Riga or Lisbon in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Lisbon. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Lisbon in the winter. The temperature in Riga is usually -5°C (23°F) in January, and Lisbon stays around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Lisbon. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Lisbon. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Lisbon 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Riga or Lisbon in the Spring?
Both Lisbon and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lisbon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April are around 5°C (42°F), and Lisbon is about 16°C (60°F).
In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Lisbon 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Lisbon and Riga
| Riga | Lisbon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Related Articles for Riga
Related Articles for Lisbon
Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.More City Comparisons
Athens vs. RigaAthens vs. Lisbon
Riga vs. Moscow
Riga vs. Tallinn
Riga vs. Vilnius
Riga vs. Minsk
Riga vs. Helsinki
Riga vs. Bucharest
Riga vs. Istanbul
Riga vs. Warsaw
Riga vs. Copenhagen
Riga vs. London
Riga vs. Zurich
Riga vs. Lucerne
Riga vs. Interlaken
Riga vs. Geneva
Riga vs. Bern
Riga vs. Stockholm
Riga vs. Porto
Riga vs. Amsterdam
Riga vs. Vienna
Riga vs. Salzburg
Riga vs. Innsbruck
Riga vs. Brussels
Riga vs. Munich
Riga vs. Hamburg
Riga vs. Berlin
Riga vs. Dublin
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.