A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Cesis or Baden-Baden?

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 Baden-Baden 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 traditional, quaint, and small town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Cesis and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Baden-Baden than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Baden-Baden is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cesis is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Baden-Baden is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Also, Baden-Baden is famous for The Thermal Baths. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

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

Baden-Baden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Baden-Baden

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

Many restaurants in Baden-Baden have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

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 Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a spa town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Baden-Baden has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

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 Baden-Baden Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

Cesis is a moderate town for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Cesis. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.


Is Cesis or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

Both Cesis and Baden-Baden are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cesis. 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.

Baden-Baden offers some nice hiking trails. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

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

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

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

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

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 Cesis or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Baden-Baden frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

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

Is Cesis or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

Cesis is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

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

Cesis
Baden-Baden

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

Public transit is generally limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run 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 Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Cesis
Baden-Baden

Cesis and Baden-Baden both are notable 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.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Baden-Baden?

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

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

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


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

One day in Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Baden-Baden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. 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 Baden-Baden?

Because Cesis is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Since Cesis is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Baden-Baden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden is €154. 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 Baden-Baden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Baden-Baden 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Baden-Baden 174
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Baden-Baden? 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 Baden-Baden


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: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Baden-Baden 33

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden 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
    Baden-Baden 41
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
    Baden-Baden 34

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Baden-Baden 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Baden-Baden, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Baden-Baden?

Baden-Baden has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Baden-Baden, 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 Baden-Baden?

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 Baden-Baden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Baden-Baden. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cesis is cooler than Baden-Baden in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baden-Baden. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Baden-Baden. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Baden-Baden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Baden-Baden. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

Both Baden-Baden and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baden-Baden. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the spring for the natural beauty.

Cesis is much colder than Baden-Baden in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Baden-Baden. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Cesis

Cesis Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)