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

Should you visit Riga or Saaremaa?

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

Should I visit Riga or Saaremaa? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a traditional, quiet, and calm island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Riga and Saaremaa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Saaremaa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Saaremaa are both popular with visitors, Riga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Riga is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches and small town charm. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Riga different from Saaremaa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Riga can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Riga and Saaremaa offer a number of very good 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.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Riga or Saaremaa Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Riga or Saaremaa Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a popular place for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Saaremaa Better for its Old Town?

Riga is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Saaremaa?

Riga is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Riga or Saaremaa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Saaremaa.

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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly city. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Riga or Saaremaa Better for Couples?

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

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a good city to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Riga or Saaremaa Better for Students?

Riga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Riga is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Riga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Riga or Saaremaa a more walkable city?

Riga is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Saaremaa is not a walkable city. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Saaremaa or Riga?

How long in Riga or Saaremaa?

It's fun to spend time in either Riga or Saaremaa. In our opinion, Riga has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Riga than Saaremaa. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Riga than Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa?

The beautiful city of Riga offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 Saaremaa?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Riga or Saaremaa?

Riga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Because Saaremaa 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Saaremaa, we can see that Riga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Saaremaa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Saaremaa?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Saaremaa. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Saaremaa in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Saaremaa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Saaremaa. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Saaremaa in the Autumn?

Both Saaremaa and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Saaremaa. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Saaremaa fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Saaremaa. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Saaremaa in the Winter?

Both Saaremaa and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the cuisine.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. Riga is much colder than Saaremaa in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Saaremaa fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Saaremaa. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Saaremaa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Saaremaa. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. In the spring, Riga is much warmer than Saaremaa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 4°C (38°F).

In April, Riga usually receives more rain than Saaremaa. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saaremaa and Riga