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

Should you visit Riga or Oxford?

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

Should I visit Riga or Oxford? 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 historical, vibrant, and fun 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than Oxford. 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 big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is more touristy than Riga and is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. 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 Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Riga is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Riga or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Riga is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Riga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Riga or Oxford Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Oxford?

Riga is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Riga. 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Riga or Oxford Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Oxford.

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.

Oxford is a family-friendly city. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Riga or Oxford Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Riga or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Riga is very popular with students. 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.

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

Riga is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Riga. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Riga or Oxford a more walkable city?

Riga and Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable destination. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Riga?

How long in Riga or Oxford?

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

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

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

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.

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Oxford?

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.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique 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.

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Oxford?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Oxford. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Oxford in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Oxford. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Riga is much colder than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oxford. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Oxford. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Oxford. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Oxford in the Spring?

Both Oxford and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Oxford. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Riga