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

Should you visit Riga or Verona?

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

Should I visit Riga or Verona? 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

Verona is a romantic, cultural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Riga and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Verona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Verona. Riga is bigger than Verona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Verona is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Riga is well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. Also, Riga is famous for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Riga and Verona.

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 Verona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

Both Riga and Verona offer a number of high quality 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.

Verona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Riga or Verona Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Riga or Verona Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Riga and Verona.

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 Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Verona?

Riga is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Riga is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Riga or Verona Better for Families?

Riga is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Riga offers lots of family activities. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Riga or Verona Better for Couples?

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

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Riga is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Riga or Verona Better for Students?

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

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.

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

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

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Riga or Verona a more walkable city?

Riga and Verona both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Riga?

How long in Riga or Verona?

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Verona 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 Verona?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Verona. 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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.

The beautiful city of Verona 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Verona?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Verona. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Verona this time of year.

Riga is cooler than Verona in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Verona. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Verona in the Autumn?

Both Verona and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Verona for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Verona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Verona averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Verona. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Verona in the Winter?

Both Verona and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Verona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Verona can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Verona. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Verona. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Verona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Verona. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Verona for the natural beauty during these months.

Riga is much colder than Verona in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Verona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Verona. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Verona and Riga