A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Strasbourg for Nightlife, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Riga or Strasbourg?

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

Should I visit Riga or Strasbourg? 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 vibrant, fun, and high energy 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. 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.

Riga and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than Strasbourg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Riga is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its historical sights. Strasbourg is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Both Riga and Strasbourg offer a number of great 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.

Strasbourg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Riga or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Riga just to party. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Riga or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Strasbourg can be explored in its historical center. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Strasbourg?

Both Riga and Strasbourg are great 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 Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Riga or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Strasbourg.

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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly city. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Riga or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples 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 Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Riga or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Riga is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Both Riga and Strasbourg offer great public transit options.

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

The public transit in Strasbourg can get you to most places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Riga or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Riga and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable destination. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Riga?

How long in Riga or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Strasbourg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Strasbourg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Riga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. 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.

A weekend in Riga or Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Riga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. 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.

Five days in Riga or Strasbourg?

Riga, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Strasbourg. 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.

A week in Riga or Strasbourg?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The picturesque city of Strasbourg 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Strasbourg?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Strasbourg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Strasbourg. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Riga is much colder than Strasbourg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Strasbourg can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Strasbourg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Strasbourg. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Riga