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

Should you visit Riga or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Riga or Sorrento? 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 charming, unique, and historical 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Riga and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Riga and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Riga attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Sorrento is more touristy than Riga and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Riga. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Riga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Riga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is notable for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Riga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Sorrento?

Both Riga and Sorrento are excellent 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 Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Sorrento are terrific 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 Sorrento, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

Is Riga or Sorrento Better for Students?

Riga is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Riga. 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Both Riga and Sorrento offer excellent public transit options.

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

The public transit in Sorrento can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Riga or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Riga and Sorrento both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Riga?

How long in Riga or Sorrento?

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

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

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

One day in Riga or Sorrento?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Sorrento. This small city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the relaxing small city of Sorrento. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Sorrento?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

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

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Sorrento. 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 Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Riga is much colder than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento 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 shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento 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 Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Riga