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

Should you visit Riga or Naples?

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

Should I visit Riga or Naples? 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. 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.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Riga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Riga is known for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Naples is more touristy than Riga and is known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Naples 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 Naples?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Riga and Naples.

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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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.

Is Riga or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Riga or Naples Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Riga and Naples.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Naples?

Both Riga and Naples are very 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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Riga or Naples Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Naples.

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.

Naples is a family-friendly city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Riga or Naples Better for Couples?

Naples is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a very popular city to visit 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.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Riga or Naples Better for Students?

Riga is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Riga is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Both Riga and Naples offer very good public transit options.

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

The public transit in Naples can get you to most places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Riga or Naples a more walkable city?

Riga and Naples both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Riga?

How long in Riga or Naples?

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

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

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

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

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.

Naples 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. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Naples?

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.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Naples?

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 museums and nightlife around the fascinating big city of Naples. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Naples?

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.

The authentic city of Naples offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Naples. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Naples. 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 Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Naples. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples 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 Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Riga can be very cold during winter. Riga is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Naples. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples 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 Naples this time of year.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Riga