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

Should you visit Riga or Seoul?

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

Should I visit Riga or Seoul? 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. 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.

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Seoul?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Riga. Seoul is bigger than Riga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Riga is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Seoul is more touristy than Riga and is known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Riga or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

Riga is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Is Riga or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Seoul K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or Seoul Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Riga. 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.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Seoul?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

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.

Is Riga or Seoul Better for Families?

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

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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 Seoul Better for Couples?

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

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

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 Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Riga or Seoul Better for Students?

Riga and Seoul are both great 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.

Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

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

Seoul 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.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

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

Is Riga or Seoul a more walkable city?

Riga and Seoul both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Seoul is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Riga?

How long in Riga or Seoul?

Both Riga and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

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

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

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

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Seoul 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 Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Seoul 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 Seoul?

Riga is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Riga. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Seoul 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 Seoul?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Seoul is a cultural 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Seoul, 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. Even though Riga is in Europe and Seoul is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Seoul, 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 Seoul?

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 Seoul in the Summer?

Both Seoul and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is much colder than Seoul in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Seoul. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Seoul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Seoul averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Seoul in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Seoul. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Seoul. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Seoul. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.

Riga is much colder than Seoul in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seoul and Riga