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

Should you visit Riga or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Riga or Zadar? 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. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Riga and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Riga than Zadar. Riga is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Riga is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Riga is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. Also, Riga is famous for Riga St. Peter's Church. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Riga different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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 Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

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

Both Riga and Zadar 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.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Zadar?

Riga is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Zadar.

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.

Zadar is a family-friendly city. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

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 Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Riga or Zadar Better for Students?

Riga and Zadar are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Zadar is very popular with students. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

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

Riga is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Riga or Zadar a more walkable city?

Riga and Zadar 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.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Riga?

How long in Riga or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

In Riga, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zadar. 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 Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Zadar is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Zadar?

Riga is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Riga. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal destination of Zadar. This town 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 Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the unique destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The vibrant town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. 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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Zadar, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Zadar.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Zadar?

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

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Zadar. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Zadar. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar 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 Zadar. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Zadar. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Riga is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Riga