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

Should you visit Riga or Wellington?

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

Should I visit Riga or Wellington? 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Riga and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Wellington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Wellington. Riga is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Riga is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. 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 Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Both Riga and Wellington 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.

Wellington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is notable for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Wellington is considered a top beach destination. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Riga is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Wellington?

Both Riga and Wellington are high quality 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 Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very kid-friendly city. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Wellington make for a notable 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Students?

Riga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Is Riga or Wellington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Riga and Wellington offer high quality public transit options.

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

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Riga or Wellington a more walkable city?

Riga and Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Riga?

How long in Riga or Wellington?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Riga than Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Riga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Riga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wellington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wellington?

Riga, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the funky destination of Wellington. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Wellington?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The funky city of Wellington offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Wellington, we can see that Riga 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. Even though Riga is in Europe and Wellington is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Wellington?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Riga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Riga or Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

Riga is around the same temperature as Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Wellington. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

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

Should I visit Riga or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Wellington. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.

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

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin October. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Riga