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

Should you visit Cesis or Bamberg?

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 Bamberg 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a scenic, storybook, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Cesis and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cesis or Bamberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bamberg. Although Cesis and Bamberg are popular destinations, Bamberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bamberg is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Bamberg is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. It is also well known for the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Bamberg

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

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Bamberg

Bamberg is a town with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bamberg. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

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 Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Bamberg

Bamberg is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Bamberg is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around 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 Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Bamberg

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

The old town of Bamberg is one of the most recognized in the world. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

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 Bamberg Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Bamberg

Cesis is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bamberg is not a hiking destination.

Cesis has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Bamberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Bamberg?

Cesis
Bamberg

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

Bamberg offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Bamberg Better for Families?

Cesis
Bamberg

Both Cesis and Bamberg 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.

Bamberg offers lots of family activities. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.


Is Cesis or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Cesis
Bamberg

Bamberg is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bamberg is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

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 Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Bamberg

Cesis and Bamberg 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 Bamberg. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Cesis
Bamberg

Bamberg 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 Bamberg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

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 Bamberg a more walkable city?

Cesis
Bamberg

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

Getting around Bamberg on foot is easy. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Bamberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Bamberg?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Cesis or Bamberg?

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 Bamberg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Bamberg?

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 Bamberg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bamberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Bamberg?

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 scenic destination of Bamberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bamberg 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 Bamberg is €127. 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 Bamberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Bamberg 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Bamberg 150
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Bamberg

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Bamberg? 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 Bamberg


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: Bamberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Bamberg 14

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Bamberg?

Prices for flights to both Bamberg 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
    Bamberg 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
    Bamberg 17

Tours and Activities in Bamberg

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

  • Historical Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Bayreuth Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided tour - World Heritage Fascination: $14
  • Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Altenburg Burg Tour: $14
  • Guided Beer History Tour with Optional Tasting: $16
  • Guided Tour of the Gardeners' District: $17
  • 1-Hour Theatrical Humor Tour with Costumed Guide: $19
  • Immersive Medieval Tour: $19
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided Historical Culinary Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Bamberg 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bamberg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bamberg:

  • Historical City Tour in German with Brewery Visit: $17
  • Beer & Brewery Tour - 2 Hour: $37


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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Bamberg?

Bamberg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Bamberg, 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 Bamberg?

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 Bamberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Bamberg. 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 Bamberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cesis is generally cooler than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Bamberg 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Bamberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Bamberg. 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bamberg this time of year.

Cesis is cooler than Bamberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Bamberg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in October than Bamberg. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Bamberg 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Bamberg in the Winter?

Both Bamberg 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 Bamberg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bamberg. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Bamberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Bamberg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Bamberg. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Bamberg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Bamberg in the Spring?

Both Bamberg 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 Bamberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Bamberg. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Cesis

Cesis Bamberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)