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

Should you visit Riga or Nice?

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

Should I visit Riga or Nice? 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 charming, unique, and historical 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Riga and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Nice. Riga is bigger than Nice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Riga is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Riga and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. 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 Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Riga. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are terrific in both Riga and Nice.

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.

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Is Riga or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is notable for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Nice Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Riga and Nice.

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Nice?

Both Riga and Nice are excellent 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Riga or Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Nice.

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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Riga or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice 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.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Riga or Nice Better for Students?

Riga is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Riga and Nice offer excellent public transit options.

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

The public transit in Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Is Riga or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Riga?

How long in Riga or Nice?

In either Riga or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Riga. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

Riga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Nice is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Riga. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nice?

The high energy city of Riga 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.

The chic seaside destination of Nice 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Nice?

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

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Riga is cooler than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Nice. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Nice. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Nice. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Nice. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Riga is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Riga