RigavsTallinn
Can't decide between Riga and Tallinn? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Riga
Riga is the largest Baltic capital, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for having the world's finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings. This vibrant city offers a medieval old town, excellent craft beer scene, and compelling Soviet history alongside its architectural treasures.
Known for
Tallinn
Tallinn has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and ancient city walls. This Baltic gem blends medieval charm with cutting-edge digital innovation and vibrant nightlife.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Riga offers Old Town (Vecrīga), Art Nouveau District, House of the Blackheads
Tallinn offers Old Town (Vanalinn), Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Food & Dining
Riga is famous for its local dining scene
Tallinn is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Riga offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Tallinn offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to September, December (Christmas)
May to September, December (Christmas markets)
Weather
Summer: 21°C, Winter: -3°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: -4°C
Top Attractions in Riga
- 1Old Town (Vecrīga)
- 2Art Nouveau District
- 3House of the Blackheads
- 4Central Market
- 5Latvian National Opera
- 6Soviet History Tours
Top Attractions in Tallinn
- 1Old Town (Vanalinn)
- 2Toompea Castle
- 3Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- 4Town Hall Square
- 5Telliskivi Creative City
- 6KGB Museum
Riga is Popular With
Tallinn is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Riga
- 1
Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck
The viewing platform on the 17th floor of this Stalinist-era 'wedding cake' skyscraper.
- 2
Maskavas Forštate (Moscow Suburb)
A historically Jewish and Russian neighborhood southeast of the Old Town, now a rapidly changing area of street art and alternative culture.
Hidden Gems in Tallinn
- 1
Linnahall
A massive, crumbling concrete concert hall and former Soviet venue built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, located on the harbor.
- 2
St. Bridget's Convent Ruins (Pirita klooster)
The picturesque ruins of a 15th-century convent located in the peaceful Pirita district by the river.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Riga
Vecrīga (Old Town)
The historic heart of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage site of winding cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and charming squares.
Centrs (Art Nouveau District)
Located just northeast of the Old Town, this is the world's epicenter of Art Nouveau architecture.
Top Areas in Tallinn
Vanalinn (Old Town)
The historic heart of Tallinn, divided into the upper town (Toompea) and lower town, enclosed by nearly intact medieval walls.
Kalamaja
A formerly working-class wooden house district now reborn as Tallinn's trendiest neighborhood.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Riga
Budget in Tallinn
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Riga
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Tallinn
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Tallinn
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Our Verdict
Both Riga and Tallinn are incredible destinations. Riga excels in Art Nouveau and medieval old town, while Tallinn stands out for medieval old town and e-Estonia.
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