Riga and Tallinn are often compared for a stag weekend – both have medieval Old Towns, both use the euro and they are only about four hours apart by coach. Here is how they differ for a group.
Riga vs Tallinn at a glance
~4 h
by coach between the two cities
592k
people in Riga (Tallinn: 457k)
2×
more air passengers in Riga than in Tallinn
1997
both Old Towns became UNESCO sites
€
both cities use the euro
How they compare
✈️ Getting there
Riga Airport handled about 7.1 million passengers in 2025 – roughly twice Tallinn – and is airBaltic’s main hub.
🏙️ Size
Riga is the bigger city, with about 590,000 people against Tallinn’s 460,000 – more bars and more choice for a big group.
🍺 Prices
Crowd-sourced data puts a pint at about €5 in Riga and €6 in Tallinn, with Tallinn about 15% more expensive overall (Numbeo, indicative).
🏰 Old Town
Tallinn has a compact walled town on and below Toompea hill. Riga mixes medieval streets with Europe’s densest collection of Art Nouveau buildings.
🎯 Stag activities
Riga has the wider stag menu – shooting, bobsleigh, beer bike, beer baths and more, most within easy reach of the centre.
Combining Riga and Tallinn
Friday
Riga
Fly into Riga, dinner in the Old Town and the first night out.
Saturday
Riga
Activities by day and the main night out in Riga.
Sunday
Tallinn (optional)
Coach to Tallinn – about four hours – for a walk around the Old Town, and fly home from there.
Riga stag favourites
FAQ
Is Riga or Tallinn better for a stag do?
For most groups Riga: more flights, a bigger nightlife scene, slightly lower prices and more stag activities. Tallinn suits groups who want a smaller, quieter Old Town.
How far is Tallinn from Riga?
Around 280 km. Coaches run frequently and take about four hours.
Are prices similar?
Close, but Tallinn is a little more expensive – crowd-sourced data puts it about 15% higher overall.
Can we visit both on one weekend?
Yes, but the coach takes about four hours each way. For a two-night stag do it is easier to stay in Riga.
