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

Should you visit Riga or Tallinn?

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

Should I visit Riga or Tallinn? 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 high energy, off-the-beaten-path, and charming 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Tallinn: Pros and Cons

How is Riga different from Tallinn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tallinn and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

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

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 Tallinn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Food?

Both Riga and Tallinn offer a number of unique 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.

Tallinn is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Riga and Tallinn.

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.

Tallinn has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the old towns in both Riga and Tallinn.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Tallinn has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Shopping?

Both Riga and Tallinn are 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 Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Tallinn.

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.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Tallinn make for a good place to visit.

Riga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Riga and Tallinn are popular 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 Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Students?

Riga and Tallinn are both good 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.

Plenty of students visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Is Riga or Tallinn Better for Public Transit?

Both Riga and Tallinn offer public transit options.

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

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Riga or Tallinn a more walkable city?

Riga and Tallinn both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

Should I spend more time in Tallinn or Riga?

How long in Riga or Tallinn?

It's fun to spend time in either Riga or Tallinn. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Riga is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Tallinn is 2-4 days.

One day in Riga or Tallinn?

In Riga, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Tallinn. 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 Tallinn?

In Riga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Riga has to offer.

Tallinn 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 Tallinn?

Riga is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Tallinn. 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 Tallinn?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Riga. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The quaint city of Tallinn 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.

When is the best time to visit Riga or Tallinn?

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 Tallinn in the Summer?

Both Tallinn and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is around the same temperature as Tallinn in the summer. The temperature in Riga is usually 17°C (63°F) in July, and Tallinn stays around 17°C (62°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tallinn. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Tallinn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Tallinn. 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 Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is a little warmer than Tallinn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October are around 7°C (45°F), and Tallinn is about 7°C (44°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Tallinn. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Tallinn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Tallinn. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally around the same temperature as Tallinn. Temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Tallinn stays around -5°C (22°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Tallinn. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Tallinn in the Spring?

Both Tallinn and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. Riga is a little warmer than Tallinn in the spring. The temperature in Riga is usually 5°C (42°F) in April, and Tallinn stays around 4°C (39°F).

In April, Riga usually receives more rain than Tallinn. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tallinn receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tallinn and Riga