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

Should you visit Cesis or Aalborg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Aalborg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a small, authentic, and natural town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a charming, local, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cesis and Aalborg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Cesis or Aalborg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aalborg. Although Cesis and Aalborg are popular destinations, Aalborg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aalborg is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cesis attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Aalborg is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Utzon Center. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Aalborg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cesis
Aalborg

Aalborg is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Aalborg

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Aalborg. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

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 Cesis or Aalborg Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Aalborg

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

Aalborg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

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 Cesis or Aalborg Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Aalborg

Aalborg is a town with good options for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Many people head to Aalborg to see the old town. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

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 Cesis or Aalborg Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Aalborg

Cesis is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Aalborg 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.

Aalborg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Aalborg?

Cesis
Aalborg

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

Aalborg offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Aalborg Better for Families?

Cesis
Aalborg

Both Cesis and Aalborg are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cesis. 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.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.


Is Cesis or Aalborg Better for Couples?

Cesis
Aalborg

Both Cesis and Aalborg are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

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

Aalborg is a good town for couples to visit. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Cesis or Aalborg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Aalborg

Cesis and Aalborg are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cesis is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cesis or Aalborg Better for Students?

Cesis
Aalborg

Aalborg is a town with good options for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Aalborg is popular with students. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Cesis is not popular with students.


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

Cesis
Aalborg

Aalborg is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

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 Cesis or Aalborg a more walkable city?

Cesis
Aalborg

Cesis and Aalborg both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable town. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Aalborg or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Aalborg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cesis and Aalborg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aalborg than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aalborg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg 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 Aalborg.


  • How many days in Cesis or Aalborg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    Aalborg 2-3

One day in Cesis or Aalborg?

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Aalborg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This town 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.


A weekend in Cesis or Aalborg?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cesis has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Aalborg?

Cesis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Aalborg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aalborg. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Aalborg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Since Cesis is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Aalborg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, and The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Aalborg or Cesis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €108, while the average daily cost in Aalborg is €146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cesis and Aalborg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Aalborg 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Aalborg 164
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Aalborg

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Aalborg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cesis


Hotels in Aalborg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aalborg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Aalborg 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $130
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $130
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Aalborg?

Prices for flights to both Aalborg and Cesis change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cesis 41
    Aalborg 44
Typical Food Prices in Cesis

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cesis:


  • Lunch in town for two
    6.67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Aalborg 22

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $217
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $244
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $478

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Aalborg 18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Aalborg, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. And not only is Cesis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cesis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesis 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 Aalborg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aalborg than you might in Cesis.

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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Aalborg?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Aalborg, 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 Cesis or Aalborg?

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 Cesis or Aalborg in the Summer?

Both Aalborg and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cesis is generally around the same temperature as Aalborg. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Aalborg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives more rain than Aalborg. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Aalborg in the Autumn?

Both Aalborg and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Cesis is cooler than Aalborg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Aalborg fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Aalborg. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Aalborg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Aalborg. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aalborg can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Aalborg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Aalborg averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Aalborg. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Aalborg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Aalborg. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm.

In April, Cesis is generally around the same temperature as Aalborg. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Aalborg fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in April than Aalborg. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Aalborg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Aalborg and Cesis

Cesis Aalborg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)