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

Should you visit Riga or Sydney?

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

Should I visit Riga or Sydney? 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 fun, high energy, and off-the-beaten-path city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Riga attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Riga travel costs.

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Sydney travel costs.

Riga and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Sydney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Riga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Riga is known for its historical sights. Sydney is more touristy than Riga and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Both Riga and Sydney 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.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are fantastic in both Riga and Sydney.

Riga is a world class 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.

Sydney is a must-see party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few good snorkeling spots. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Riga is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for Hiking?

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

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney More Beautiful?

Riga and Sydney are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Riga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sydney is a very family-friendly destination. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney 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.

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Sydney are fantastic 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 Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Riga or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney 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 Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Riga or Sydney a more walkable city?

Riga and Sydney both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Riga?

How long in Riga or Sydney?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Riga 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 Sydney.

One day in Riga or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sydney is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Sydney?

Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sydney is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This 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 Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Riga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sydney is a diverse city where you can fill many days. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Sydney is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Riga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Riga or Sydney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Sydney. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Sydneyin January. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Sydney. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Riga can be very cold during winter. Riga is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Sydneyin October. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Riga