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

Should you visit Riga or Tromso?

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

Should I visit Riga or Tromso? 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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Riga and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga than Tromso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Riga is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also home to Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Both Riga and Tromso offer a number of excellent 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.

Tromso has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Riga or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Riga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Riga or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Riga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Tromso Better for Hiking?

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

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Tromso?

Riga is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Riga or Tromso Better for Families?

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

Tromso is a very kid-friendly town. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

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

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Riga or Tromso Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Riga. 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Is Riga or Tromso 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, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Riga or Tromso a more walkable city?

Riga and Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Riga?

How long in Riga or Tromso?

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

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

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

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.

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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 Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path 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.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Tromso?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Riga is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Tromso. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso 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 Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In October, Riga is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Tromso. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso 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 Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. The weather in Riga can be very cold. Riga is cooler than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Tromso in the Spring?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the spring, Riga is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Tromso. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Riga