A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Berlin for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cesis or Berlin?

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 Berlin 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Cesis and Berlin: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cesis or Berlin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Berlin than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Berlin

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Berlin

Berlin 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 Berlin. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Berlin

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

Berlin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin Better for Music?

Cesis
Berlin

Berlin is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cesis is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Cesis is not a live music destination.


Is Cesis or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Berlin

Cesis is adequate for its old town. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Berlin Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Berlin

Cesis is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Berlin?

Cesis
Berlin

Berlin is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cesis or Berlin Better for Families?

Cesis
Berlin

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

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin Better for Couples?

Cesis
Berlin

Both Cesis and Berlin 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.

Berlin is a good town for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Cesis or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Berlin

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Cesis or Berlin Better for Students?

Cesis
Berlin

Berlin is renowned for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Berlin is a very popular city for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Cesis
Berlin

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

Berlin has a great public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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 Berlin a more walkable city?

Cesis
Berlin

Cesis and Berlin 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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable town. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.


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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Berlin?

Both Cesis and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cesis or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Cesis or Berlin?

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.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A weekend in Cesis or Berlin?

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.

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

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.

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


A week in Cesis or Berlin?

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.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Berlin 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 Berlin is €137. 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 Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Berlin 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Berlin 128
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Berlin? 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 Berlin


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: Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Berlin 18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    1.40
  • Bahn Ticket
    3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City in Business Car: $133
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $141
  • Arrival Transfer from Berlin Train Station to Berlin by Sedan: $72
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $112
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $63
  • Berlin Airport Arrival Transfer to Potsdam Hotels: $173
  • Berlin Airporttransfer, Driver, Chauffeur, Limousinenservice: $107
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Car: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin 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
    Berlin 52
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

Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    5.00
  • Turkish Sandwich
    2.00
  • Currywurst
    2.00
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    9.00
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    60
  • Mauer Park (2)
    11
  • Coffees at Impala
    7.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $34
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $63
  • Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $70
  • Evening Food Tour by Bike: $70
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Digital hybrid Photobook: $0.53
  • Berlin Walking Tour: $2.62
  • Berlin Alternative Street Art Tour: $2.62
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Berlin": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Center of Power": $3.20
  • Third Reich and Holocaust Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Berlin: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.74
  • Museum Island Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.74
  • Berlin tour - Free offer - in Italian: $3.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Berlin 16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
  • VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
  • brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $24
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
  • Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $26
  • The Showgirls of Burlesque: $46
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
  • Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $214
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $250
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $255
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Cesis or Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Berlin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cesis is cooler than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Berlin. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In the autumn, Cesis is cooler than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Berlin. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Berlin 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Berlin. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Berlin. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Berlin. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Berlin -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the spring for the activities around the city.

Cesis is much colder than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Cesis

Cesis Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)