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

Should you visit Riga or Tartu?

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

Should I visit Riga or Tartu? 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 unique, historical, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife.

Riga and Tartu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Tartu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Riga different from Tartu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Riga is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Riga or Tartu Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for nightlife.

Riga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Tartu offers plenty to do in the evening. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Is Riga or Tartu Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Tartu?

Riga is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Riga or Tartu Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Tartu.

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.

Tartu is a family-friendly city. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Riga or Tartu Better for Couples?

Riga is a city with good options for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Riga or Tartu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Riga, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Riga or Tartu Better for Students?

Tartu 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 Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

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

Riga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Riga. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Tartu has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Is Riga or Tartu a more walkable city?

Riga and Tartu 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.

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

Should I spend more time in Tartu or Riga?

How long in Riga or Tartu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Riga and Tartu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Riga than in Tartu. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Tartu.

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

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

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

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Tartu?

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.

Tartu 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 Tartu?

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.

You'll find nightlife around the historical destination of Tartu. This university town 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 Tartu?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun 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.

The cultural university town of Tartu offers nightlife. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, and The Best Budget Tours to Estonia.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Tartu, we can see that Tartu 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Tartu?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Tartu, 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 Tartu?

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 Tartu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Tartu. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Tartu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Tartu averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Tartu. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Tartu in the Autumn?

Both Tartu and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally a little warmer than Tartu. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Tartu fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In October, Riga usually receives more rain than Tartu. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Tartu in the Winter?

Both Tartu and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is a little warmer than Tartu in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Tartu fluctuates around -7°C (19°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in January than Tartu. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Tartu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Tartu. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the spring, Riga is a little warmer than Tartu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Tartu averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In April, Riga usually receives more rain than Tartu. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tartu and Riga