Which place is cheaper, Lisbon or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 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 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Riga. While Riga is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.
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.
Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class 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.
Lisbon 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, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.
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.
Evening events are first-rate 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. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.
Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.
Riga is not a live music destination.
Lisbon is a popular place for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.
Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.
Riga is not a beach destination.
Lisbon 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 Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. 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.
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.
Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.
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.
Lisbon is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.
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.
Lisbon is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.
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.
Both Riga and Lisbon are first-rate 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. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.
Riga and Lisbon are both high quality 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.
Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Lisbon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.
The public transit in Riga can get you to most places easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.
Lisbon 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 Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.
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 Lisbon Worth Visiting?.
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 in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.
Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Riga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Riga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Riga 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 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.
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.
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 stunning 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy 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 picturesque 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is €131. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Lisbon in more detail.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Lisbon Expensive?.
Riga has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Lisbon, 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.
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.
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 beaches, 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 average around 17°C (63°F), and Lisbon averages at 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.
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. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Lisbon fluctuates 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.
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 daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Lisbon fluctuates 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.
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 beaches, 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 average around 5°C (42°F), and Lisbon averages at 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.
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) |