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

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Should you visit Riga or Rome?

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

Should I visit Riga or Rome? 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 fun, high energy, and off-the-beaten-path 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.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Rome: Pros and Cons

Riga
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Rome
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


How is Riga different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Riga or Rome Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Riga
Rome

Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Riga and Rome.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.


Is Riga or Rome Better for Food?

Riga
Rome

Both Riga and Rome offer a number of unique 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.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Riga or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Riga
Rome

Evening events are similar in both Riga and Rome.

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.

Rome is a must-see party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Is Riga or Rome Better for Shopping?

Riga
Rome

Both Riga and Rome are 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 people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Riga or Rome Better for Families?

Riga
Rome

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Rome.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.


Is Riga or Rome Better for Couples?

Riga
Rome

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Rome 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.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Riga or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga
Rome

Both Riga and Rome are popular destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Is Riga or Rome Better for Students?

Riga
Rome

Riga and Rome are both 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.

Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Is Riga or Rome Better for Public Transit?

Riga
Rome

Both Riga and Rome offer public transit options.

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Rome can take you anywhere. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.


Is Riga or Rome a more walkable city?

Riga
Rome

Riga and Rome both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Riga?

How long in Riga or Rome?

Both Riga and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than Riga.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Rome is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Riga or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Riga 2-4 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Riga or Rome?

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.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome is a fun place to experience. 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 Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical 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.

Rome is a bustling 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 Rome?

The charming 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.

Rome is a bustling city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Which city is cheaper, Rome or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €103, while the average daily cost in Rome is €170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga €53
    Rome €89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga €106
    Rome €178
Compare Hotels in Riga and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Rome? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Riga


Hotels in Rome


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Riga Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga €15
    Rome €21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Airport transfer & private driver services: $25
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $46
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Sedan Car: $26
  • English Speaking Private Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport: $25
  • English Speaking Private Departure Transfer to Riga Airport: $37
  • English Speaking Private Minibus Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport: $49
  • Mercedes-Benz Viano Van Transfer from Riga to Vilnius/Talinn/Any Baltic Country: $425
  • PanCars CITY RACE + airport/hotel transfer: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Riga to Riga International Airport (RIX): $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City Center: $19
  • Private Departure Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport (RIX): $19

Typical Local Transportation prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    €2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    €15
  • Taxi to Airport
    €45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    €10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Ciampino Airport – Rome Termini Direct Bus Transfer: $6.43
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Rome City Centre to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Rome Private Airport Transfer from city centre to Fiumicino airport FCO: $9.41
  • Rome Hotel to Airports: Shared Departure Transfer (max 8 people): $19
  • Luxury transfer from hotel in Rome to the Civitavecchia Port: $20
  • Airport transfer from hotel in Rome: $20
  • Shuttle Arrival Transfer from Rome Ciampino Airport to Rome City Center: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Rome Hotels to Ciampino Airport: $24
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Ciampino Airport to Rome Hotels: $24
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Rome Hotels to Fiumicino Airport: $24
  • Rome - Castel Romano Outlet / Private Van Transfer: $29
  • Private Arrival Van Transfer: Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) to Hotel: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome and Riga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Riga €32
    Rome €47
Typical Food prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    €5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.

  • Private Guided Virtual Food Tour of Riga: $12
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $34
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $102

Typical Food prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    €14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    €2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    €4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    €2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    €32
  • Cheese and bread
    €10
  • Espresso
    €2.00
  • Dinner
    €58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Tours from Home: Pizza Cooking Class with Italian Chefs: $15
  • Interactive Cooking Experiences with Renowned Chefs All Over the World (in EST): $22
  • Live from Tagliatelle & Chicken Fricassee Online Cooking Class: $23
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Carbonara, Amatriciana, Pesto & "pasta al dente": $40
  • Private Italian dinner in Rome with a selection of local wines: $51
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Artisian Rome: $55
  • Italian Pizza Cooking Class: $59
  • 1h Pizza Crash Course with a Chef in Rome: $61
  • 1-Hour Rome Pizza Cooking Class with Dinner: $61
  • Pasta Perfection Cooking Class: $63
  • Ravioli and Meatballs Cooking Class: $64
  • Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop with Dinner: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga €21
    Rome €36

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.00
  • Riga's Architecture: An art nouveau history audio tour: $5.00
  • Riga Art Nouveau walking tour: $8.71
  • Classic Car Museum Tour: $9.95
  • Riga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat: $16
  • Gastronomic tour with professional chef: $19
  • The Best Of Riga Walking Tour: $22
  • Daily Riga Bike Tour: $22
  • The Best Of Riga Walking Tour: $23
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour - Regular Walking tours: $25

Typical Entertainment prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    €69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    €33
  • Roma Pass
    €30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    €20
  • Segway Tour
    €75

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A day as a citizen of ancient Rome - live virtual experience: $6.22
  • Ticket for Pantheon with Audioguide + City APP: $6.22
  • Pantheon Audio Guide Tour: $9.11
  • Tours from Home: Essential Rome, The Iconic Piazzas: $10
  • Tours from Home: Colosseum & Gladiators: $10
  • Ticket to Piazza Navona Undergrounds Stadium of Domitian: $11
  • Ancient Rome Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of Colosseum: The Highlights: $11
  • Experience the Past Present Future of Video Games at Vigamus - The Video Game Museum of Rome: $12
  • Palatine Hill Virtual Tour: Walk in the Footsteps of Emperors: $12
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of Vatican Museums: The Highlights: $15
  • Skip the Line Ticket: Trevi Fountain Underground: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga €19
    Rome €18

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $37
  • Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $47
  • Riga Public Pub Crawl: $60
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $64
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $83
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $83
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $115
  • Gauja National Park Tour: Castles and Wine Tasting: $149
  • Culinary, Historic and Wine Tour to Sigulda and Cesis: $224
  • Exclusive Latvian Wine Tasting In Riga: $380
  • 1.5-Hour Latvian Wine Tasting Experience: $476

Typical Alcohol prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    €6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    €6.34
  • Beer
    €10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Food and Wine Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • From Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Cellar: $95
  • Private Rome Food & Wine Tour with Aperitif on Private Roof Top Terrance: $100
  • Wine Tour Experience from Rome factory Giglio: $123
  • From Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Lunch, Diner and wine tasting in a shaby chic italian restaurant in Rome: $135
  • From Frascati 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour: $147
  • Wine Tasting in Frascati from Rome: $160
  • Frascati 3-Hour Wine Tasting PrivateTour: $183
  • Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $185
  • Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $187
  • Private 3.5-Hour Castelli Romani Wine Tasting Tour from Rome: $191

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Riga or Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Rome. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July are around 17°C (63°F), and Rome is about 25°C (77°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Rome. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Riga or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Rome. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Rome. Temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Rome stays around 17°C (63°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Riga or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is much colder than Rome in the winter. The temperature in Riga is usually -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rome stays around 8°C (47°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Rome. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Riga or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April are around 5°C (42°F), and Rome is about 14°C (57°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Riga

Riga Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)


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Riga vs. Rome Travel Comparison

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