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

Should you visit Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

Should I visit Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne? 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 unique, historical, and vibrant 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga than Newcastle upon Tyne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Newcastle upon Tyne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Is the Food Better in Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne offer a number of great 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Riga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne are great 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Riga, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Students?

Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne are both great 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne offer great public transit options.

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

The public transit in Newcastle upon Tyne can get you to most places easily. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Is Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne or Riga?

How long in Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Riga than Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Riga, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

A weekend in Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people visit Riga for a weekend. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Riga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

The beautiful destination of Riga offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Riga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

The vibrant port city of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne in the Summer?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in July than Newcastle upon Tyne. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Newcastle upon Tyne. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Newcastle upon Tyne. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Newcastle upon Tyne. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Newcastle upon Tyne. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Spring?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Riga is cooler than Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle upon Tyne and Riga