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

Should you visit Riga or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Riga or Nagano? 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 off-the-beaten-path, charming, and unique 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano

Nagano is a alpine, scenic, and historic 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 skiing.

Riga and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Nagano?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Riga. While Riga is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, resorts, and hiking, while Riga is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is notable for snow skiing. However, Riga is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Riga is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Riga or Nagano?

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

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 Nagano specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Both Riga and Nagano offer a number of excellent 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.

Nagano has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Riga is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Riga is a must-see 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.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a popular place for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Nagano?

Riga is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Riga is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano 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.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Nagano make for a notable 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Riga is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Riga or Nagano Better for Students?

Riga is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Riga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Riga can get you around easily. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Riga or Nagano a more walkable city?

Riga is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Riga?

How long in Riga or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Nagano. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Nagano. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

Families should spend more time in Nagano than Riga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nagano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Riga than Nagano. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Riga that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Nagano?

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.

Nagano is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Nagano. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 historic city of Nagano offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Nagano, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Nagano is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Nagano.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Nagano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Nagano?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Nagano. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Riga is cooler than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Riga usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Nagano. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Nagano. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Riga is much colder than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Nagano. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Riga