Comparison · Riga vs Tallinn · Latvia / Estonia
Riga vs Tallinn
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Riga for Art Nouveau architecture and Old Riga; choose Tallinn for Medieval Old Town and Town Hall Square. Riga is generally less expensive, and the two are about 279 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 279 km
- Less expensive
- Riga
- Best time for Riga
- May–September
- Best time for Tallinn
- May–September
Side by side
| Riga | Tallinn | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Latvia | Estonia |
| Known for | Art Nouveau architecture, Old Riga and House of the Blackheads | Medieval Old Town, Town Hall Square and City walls and towers |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$190 | $130–$220 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -1°C (30°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Jūrmala (Majori and Dzintari) | Pirita beach |
| Airports | RIX | TLL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Riga for…
Art Nouveau architecture and Old Riga. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states, set on the Daugava river a few kilometres from the Gulf of Riga. Its UNESCO-listed centre has two faces: the medieval Old Riga of church spires, guild houses and the rebuilt House of the Blackheads, and a 19th-…
Choose Tallinn for…
Medieval Old Town and Town Hall Square. Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most complete medieval Hanseatic towns in Europe: a Lower Town of merchants' houses, guild halls and Town Hall Square inside nearly 2 km of walls, below the hilltop Toompea with its castle and cathedrals. Beyond…
Top sights compared
| # | Riga | Tallinn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Riga walk | Town Hall Square and Tallinn Town Hall |
| 2 | House of the Blackheads | Lower Town streets and St Catherine's Passage |
| 3 | St Peter's Church | Toompea hill and viewing platforms |
| 4 | Riga Cathedral | Alexander Nevsky Cathedral |
| 5 | Three Brothers | St Olaf's Church |
Food compared
| Riga | Tallinn |
|---|---|
| Dark rye bread | Black rye bread |
| Grey peas with bacon | Sprat sandwich |
| Riga Black Balsam | Blood sausage |
| Sklandrausis | Potato and barley mash |
Which is cheaper?
Riga is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$190 per person there, against $130–$220 in Tallinn (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Riga on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Riga and Tallinn are about 279 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Riga and 3 in Tallinn.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Riga or Tallinn cheaper?
Riga is usually less expensive: about $110–$190 a day mid-range against $130–$220 (estimates).
+Is Riga or Tallinn better for a first trip?
Pick Riga for Art Nouveau architecture and Old Riga, or Tallinn for Medieval Old Town and Town Hall Square.
+How far is Riga from Tallinn?
About 279 km in a straight line.