A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Faro for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Riga or Faro?

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

Should I visit Riga or Faro? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Riga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Riga travel costs.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Faro travel costs.

Riga and Faro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Faro are popular destinations, Riga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Riga is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Riga is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Riga can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Riga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Resorts?

Faro is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Beaches?

Faro is a popular place for the beach. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Faro is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Riga is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Riga to see the historical old town. 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Faro?

Riga is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Riga or Faro More Beautiful?

Riga is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Riga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Families?

Riga is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Faro make for a nice 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.

Faro is a good city for couples to visit. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Faro is a good city to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Riga or Faro Better for Students?

Riga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Riga is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Riga is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Riga is fairly effecient and thorough. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Riga or Faro a more walkable city?

Riga is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Faro or Riga?

How long in Riga or Faro?

In either Riga or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than Riga because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

Families should spend more time in Riga than Faro. 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 Riga than Faro. 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 Faro 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 Faro?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Riga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Faro?

Riga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Faro 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 Faro?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Riga. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Faro?

The high energy city of Riga 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.

The busy resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Faro?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Faro, 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 Faro?

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 Faro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Faro. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.

Riga is much colder than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Faro. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Riga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Faro. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Faro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Faro. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Faro. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In April, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Faro. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Faro and Riga