A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Interlaken for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Riga or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Riga or Interlaken? 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 vibrant, fun, and high energy 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Riga travel costs.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. You'll find world class beauty in Interlaken as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Interlaken travel costs.

Riga and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Interlaken are popular destinations, Riga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Riga is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. 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 Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Interlaken and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Riga or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Riga is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Riga is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Riga or Interlaken?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Riga and Interlaken offer a number of great 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.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Riga or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Riga just to party. 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.

The people in Interlaken know how to have a good time. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.

Is Riga or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Riga or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Interlaken?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Riga or Interlaken More Beautiful?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Interlaken as well. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

With stunning beauty, Riga attracts visitors from all around. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Is Riga or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Riga or Interlaken Better for Students?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Riga is very popular with students. 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Both Riga and Interlaken offer great public transit options.

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

The public transit in Interlaken can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Riga or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Riga is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Riga?

How long in Riga or Interlaken?

In either Riga or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken 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 Interlaken.

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the unique 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 skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Interlaken?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Interlaken. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Interlaken?

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 stunning town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Interlaken?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Riga is generally cooler than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Interlaken. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Riga is much colder than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Riga or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Interlaken. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Riga