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

Should you visit Riga or The Hague?

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

Should I visit Riga or The Hague? 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. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Riga and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or The Hague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than The Hague. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Riga is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while The Hague attracts visitors for its music and big city activities. 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. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Riga different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Riga and The Hague 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.

The Hague has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

The people in The Hague know how to have a good time. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for Music?

The Hague is notable for its live music scene. However, Riga is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or The Hague?

Both Riga and The Hague 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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or The Hague.

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.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and The Hague make for a nice 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.

The Hague is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Riga or The Hague Better for Students?

The Hague 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 The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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

Both Riga and The Hague offer great public transit options.

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

The public transit in The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Riga or The Hague a more walkable city?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Riga?

How long in Riga or The Hague?

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

Families should spend more time in Riga than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Riga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The Hague is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or The Hague?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The Hague is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 The Hague?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Riga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the diverse big city of The Hague. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or The Hague?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The international city of The Hague offers nightlife and live music. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or The Hague?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of The Hague. When comparing the sizes of Riga and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally around the same temperature as The Hague. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as The Hague. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and The Hague. 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 The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Riga is cooler than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than The Hague. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as The Hague. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The Hague can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than The Hague. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city.

In April, Riga is generally cooler than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than The Hague. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for The Hague and Riga