A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Cesis for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Athens or Cesis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Cesis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Athens travel costs.

Cesis

Cesis is a small, authentic, and natural town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Athens and Cesis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Cesis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Cesis are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis is known for its hiking and small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Cesis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Cesis?

Athens is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Cesis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Cesis?

Athens is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Athens offers some nice shopping areas. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Cesis More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of good scenery and beauty in both Athens and Cesis.

Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Families?

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Couples?

Athens and Cesis both good destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Cesis is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cesis 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 Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Cesis is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Cesis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is well known for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens can get you to some places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Athens or Cesis a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable city. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Cesis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cesis or Athens?

How long in Athens or Cesis?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Cesis to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Cesis because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cesis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Cesis 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Cesis?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Cesis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cesis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Cesis?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. 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.

A week in Athens or Cesis?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Cesis, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Cesis?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Cesis, 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 Athens or Cesis?

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 Athens or Cesis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Cesis. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Cesis. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Cesis fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Cesis. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cesis in the Autumn?

Both Cesis and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cesis this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Cesis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cesis fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Cesis. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Cesis in the Winter?

Both Cesis and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cesis for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cesis. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Cesis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Cesis averages at about -5°C (23°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Cesis. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cesis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Cesis. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cesis in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Cesis. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Cesis fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Cesis. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cesis and Athens