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

Europe / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Riga or Munich?

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

Should I visit Riga or Munich? 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 high energy, off-the-beaten-path, and charming 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Munich: 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
Munich
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


How is Riga different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Munich and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Riga
Munich

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

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 Munich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.


Is Riga or Munich Better for Food?

Riga
Munich

Both Riga and Munich 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.

Munich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Riga
Munich

Evening events are similar in both Riga and Munich.

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.

Munich is a must-see party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Shopping?

Riga
Munich

Both Riga and Munich 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 Munich specifically to go shopping. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Families?

Riga
Munich

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Munich.

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 Munich. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.


Is Riga or Munich Better for Couples?

Riga
Munich

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Munich 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.

Munich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga
Munich

Both Riga and Munich 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 Munich, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Students?

Riga
Munich

Riga and Munich 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.

Students come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Is Riga or Munich Better for Public Transit?

Riga
Munich

Both Riga and Munich 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 Munich can take you anywhere. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.


Is Riga or Munich a more walkable city?

Riga
Munich

Riga and Munich 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.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Riga?

How long in Riga or Munich?

In either Riga or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Munich than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Munich is 2-5 days.


  • How many days in Riga or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Riga 2-4 
    Munich 2-5

One day in Riga or Munich?

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.

Munich is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Munich?

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.

Munich 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 Munich?

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.

Munich is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Munich?

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.

The multicultural city of Munich offers shopping 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.

Which city is cheaper, Munich or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €82, while the average daily cost in Munich is €116. 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 Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga €42
    Munich €69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga €84
    Munich €138
Compare Hotels in Riga and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Munich? 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.

Hotels in Riga


Hotels in Munich


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 Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga €12
    Munich €15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Airport transfer & private driver services: $25
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $46
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Sedan Car: $26
  • English Speaking Private Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport: $25
  • English Speaking Private Departure Transfer to Riga Airport: $37
  • English Speaking Private Minibus Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport: $49
  • Mercedes-Benz Viano Van Transfer from Riga to Vilnius/Talinn/Any Baltic Country: $425
  • PanCars CITY RACE + airport/hotel transfer: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Riga to Riga International Airport (RIX): $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City Center: $19
  • Private Departure Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport (RIX): $19

Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    €2.30
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    €5.20
  • City transport day ticket
    €11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Ultra - Munich Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Munich Airport MUC: $9.41
  • Airport Transfer by Bus: $12
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Munich to Munich Airport (MUC): $47
  • Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Van Transfer: $47
  • Graz: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $53
  • Private Business Transfer from Munich City Center to Munich Airport (MUC): $60
  • Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Train Station in Business Car: $65
  • Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Central Station in Luxury Van: $71
  • Private Departure Transfer: Munich City Center to MUC Munich Airport: $76
  • Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from the City Center: $81
  • Private Departure Transfer from Munich City Hotels to Munich Airport MUC: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich 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 day
    Riga €26
    Munich €22
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 Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    €5.00
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    €1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich: $40
  • 3-Hour Food Tour Through Haidhausen: $44
  • Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga €17
    Munich €23

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.00
  • Riga's Architecture: An art nouveau history audio tour: $5.00
  • Riga Art Nouveau walking tour: $8.71
  • Classic Car Museum Tour: $9.95
  • Riga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat: $16
  • Gastronomic tour with professional chef: $19
  • The Best Of Riga Walking Tour: $22
  • Daily Riga Bike Tour: $22
  • The Best Of Riga Walking Tour: $23
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour - Regular Walking tours: $25

Typical Entertainment prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    €4.00
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    €9.00
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    €14
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    €24

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.64
  • Old Town Walking Tour in Spanish: $16
  • CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
  • SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket: $18
  • Day Ticket to Sea Life: $21
  • Nymphenburg Palace/Munich Residenz Guided Tour: $21
  • Crypts, Roof Terraces, & Hidden Things Walking Tour: $21
  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
  • Spooky Theatrical Performances and Old Town Tour: $32
  • Munich Card (Group) with public transport: Save at attractions & tours!: $33
  • Mysterious Old Town Theatrical Tour: $33
  • City Tour & FC Bayern Munich Soccer Arena Tour: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga €16
    Munich €29

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

Typical Alcohol prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    €12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $28

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Munich, we can see that Munich 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich than you might in Riga.


When is the best time to visit Riga or Munich?

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 Munich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Munich. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July are around 17°C (63°F), and Munich is about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Munich. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Riga or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Munich. Many visitors come to Riga in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Munich. Temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Munich stays around 11°C (52°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Munich. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Riga or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Munich can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. Riga is much colder than Munich in the winter. The temperature in Riga is usually -5°C (23°F) in January, and Munich stays around -1°C (31°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Munich. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Riga or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April are around 5°C (42°F), and Munich is about 11°C (53°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Munich. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Riga

Riga Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)


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.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Athens vs. Riga
Athens vs. Munich
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. Lisbon
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. Hamburg
Riga vs. Berlin
Riga vs. Dublin
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Riga vs. Munich Travel Comparison

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.