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

Should you visit Riga or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Riga or Oslo? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean 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 food, museums, and nightlife.

Riga and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Oslo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than Oslo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Riga is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its big city activities. Oslo is more touristy than Riga and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Oslo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Riga is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Riga makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Riga or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Riga or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Riga is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Riga to see the historical old town. 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Oslo?

Riga is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Riga is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Riga or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oslo is a very family-friendly destination. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Oslo make for a nice 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.

Oslo is a good city for couples to visit. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Riga or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Riga or Oslo Better for Students?

Riga and Oslo are both very 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.

Oslo is very popular with students. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Oslo is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Oslo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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

Is Riga or Oslo a more walkable city?

Riga and Oslo 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.

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Riga?

How long in Riga or Oslo?

In either Riga or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Riga than Oslo. 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 Oslo 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Oslo?

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.

Oslo 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo is a green 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 Oslo?

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 green city of Oslo offers museums and nightlife. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Oslo?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Riga is around the same temperature as Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Oslo. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Riga is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Oslo. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Oslo. 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 Oslo this time of year.

In April, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Oslo. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Riga