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

Should you visit Riga or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Riga or Zagreb? 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 Riga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Riga travel costs.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Zagreb travel costs.

Riga and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga. Although Riga and Zagreb are about the same size, Riga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. 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. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Riga different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Riga and Zagreb.

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.

Many visitors head to Zagreb specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Both Riga and Zagreb offer a number of superb 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.

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Riga or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

The nightlife in Zagreb has something for everybody. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is Riga or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Riga and Zagreb.

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 Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Zagreb?

Both Riga and Zagreb are superb 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 Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Riga or Zagreb More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Riga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Riga or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Zagreb.

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.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Riga or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Riga or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is Riga or Zagreb Better for Students?

Riga and Zagreb are both superb 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.

Zagreb is very popular with students. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Both Riga and Zagreb offer superb public transit options.

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

The public transit in Zagreb can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Riga or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Riga and Zagreb both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Riga?

How long in Riga or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Riga or Zagreb. In our opinion, Riga has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Riga than Zagreb. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Zagreb. 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.

A weekend in Riga or Zagreb?

Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. 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.

Five days in Riga or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Zagreb. 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.

A week in Riga or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Riga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Zagreb 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Zagreb?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Riga