A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Riga and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Riga than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Riga is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Riga and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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.

Is the Food Better in Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Riga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Riga is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Riga is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Riga. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Riga is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Riga is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Riga has some very good public transit options. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Riga and Mont-Saint-Michel both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Riga?

How long in Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Riga than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Riga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the fun city of Riga, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The religious island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 9280 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Mont-Saint-Michel. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mont-Saint-Michel. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

Riga is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Riga