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

Should you visit Cesis or Basel?

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 Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. 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 nightlife.

Cesis and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Basel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Basel is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Basel is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Basel is a city 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 Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Basel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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 Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel 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.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Basel?

Basel is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Basel Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel Better for Couples?

Both Cesis and Basel are notable 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.

Basel is a good town for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Cesis or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Basel are notable 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 Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Cesis or Basel Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Basel 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 Basel can get you to some places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get 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 Basel a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Basel?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Basel?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Basel?

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

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

Cesis is a fun place to experience. Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Basel. 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 Basel?

Cesis is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the museum-filled destination of Basel. 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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Basel, 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 Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

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

Cesis is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Basel. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Basel in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Basel in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Basel. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Basel in the Spring?

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

Cesis is much colder than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Cesis