A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Wroclaw for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Riga or Wroclaw?

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

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw? 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.

Where Should I go: Riga or Wroclaw?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

Wroclaw

Wroclaw still remains mostly undiscovered to travelers. It's the largest city and capital of Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is also a historical capital of Silesia with a very rich history. The city's population is around 630,000 and there are over a million people in the metropolitan area. It's the fourth largest city in Poland and has an economy that is centered around manufacturing, banking, industry, tourism, and cultural events. The area has some unique architecture, beautiful rivers, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has witnessed much turmoil, particularly during World War II and the years following. Today it has been beautifully restored and should be considered a highlight of a trip to Poland. Now is the time to visit, because as Poland gains ground within Europe, prices are sure to rise and the crowds will discover this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Wroclaw or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Wroclaw is €31. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Wroclaw in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Wroclaw 15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Wroclaw 30
Compare Hotels in Riga and Wroclaw

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Wroclaw? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Riga


Hotels in Wroclaw


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Riga Hotel Prices and Wroclaw Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Wroclaw 5.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
  • Riga Airport Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $38
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $52
  • Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $54
  • Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
  • Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70
  • Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wroclaw

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Wroclaw:

  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw (WRO) Airport to Wroclaw city centre: $25
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw city centre to Wroclaw (WRO) Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Bielany Wroclawskie city: $32
  • Private Airport Transfer To/From the City Center: $37
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw (WRO) Airport to Trzebnica city: $45
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Kąty Wrocławskie city: $50
  • Archery Tag with Hotel Transfers: $58
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Kuraszków city: $60
  • Wrocław: Wrocław Zoo Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Wroclav (WRO) Airport to Brzeg city: $88
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw (WRO) Airport to Lubin city: $88
  • Private Transfer from Wroclaw (WRO) Airport to Rawicz city: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Wroclaw?

Prices for flights to both Wroclaw and Riga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Riga 33
    Wroclaw 10
Typical Food Prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Unique Food Tour: $52
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $96
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
  • Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
  • Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $138
  • Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
  • Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $152

Typical Food Prices in Wroclaw

Some typical examples of dining costs in Wroclaw are as follows:


  • Coffee & Sandwich
    2.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wroclaw

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Wroclaw.

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Wroclaw 5.32

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.49
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
  • Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Wroclaw

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Wroclaw are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Wrocław: Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Legends of Old Town 1 Hour Walking Tour in Wroclaw: $11
  • Old Town Sunset Cruise: $15
  • Old Town Night Cruise with Ilumination: $15
  • Old Town boat cruise: $15
  • Old Town Wrocław Walking Tour: $16
  • Wrocław: Old Town and Ostrów Tumski Walking Tour (English): $17
  • III Reich and WW2 in Wroclaw. Monday-Friday regular tour: $27
  • Wroclaw, 2-Hour Group Tour by Electric Car: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Wroclaw 5.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
  • Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $96
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $523
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,320

Typical Alcohol Prices in Wroclaw

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Wroclaw:


  • A Couple Beers
    3.02

Sample the Local Flavors in Wroclaw

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Wroclaw:

  • Wroclaw Pub Crawl : $22
  • Wroclaw Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Wroclaw, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Wroclaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wroclaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wroclaw 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Wroclaw.

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


Which is Bigger, Riga or Wroclaw?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Wroclaw. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Wroclaw, 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 Wroclaw?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Summer?

Both Wroclaw and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Wroclaw. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Wroclaw averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In July, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wroclaw. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Wroclaw 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Autumn?

Both Wroclaw and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally cooler than Wroclaw. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Wroclaw fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in October than Wroclaw. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Wroclaw 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Wroclaw. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wroclaw can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Wroclaw in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Wroclaw fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Wroclaw. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Wroclaw -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Riga or Wroclaw in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Wroclaw. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Wroclaw. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Wroclaw averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Wroclaw. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wroclaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Wroclaw 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Wroclaw and Riga

Riga Wroclaw
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 0°C (33°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)