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

Should you visit Riga or Saint Andrews?

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

Should I visit Riga or Saint Andrews? 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 off-the-beaten-path, charming, and unique 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Riga and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Saint Andrews?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Riga than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Riga is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Saint Andrews is more touristy than Riga and is known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. 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 Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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

Both Riga and Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Riga is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Riga is a must-see 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Saint Andrews?

Both Riga and Saint Andrews are very 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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Saint Andrews.

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.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly city. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is terrific for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Riga is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Riga or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Riga is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Riga?

How long in Riga or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Riga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Riga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint Andrews is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This university 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 Saint Andrews?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Riga. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Saint Andrews 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Saint Andrews?

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

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 Saint Andrews in the Summer?

Both Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is a little warmer than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is cooler than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Andrews. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

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

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Saint Andrews. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

Riga is cooler than Saint Andrews in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Andrews. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Riga