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

Should you visit Cesis or Bologna?

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 Bologna 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 natural, traditional, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical 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 Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna. Although Cesis and Bologna are both popular with visitors, Bologna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bologna is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is known for its hiking and small town charm. Bologna is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

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 Bologna Better for Nightlife?

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

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

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 Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

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 Bologna Better for Hiking?

Cesis is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Bologna?

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

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Bologna are good 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.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is Cesis or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Cesis and Bologna are good 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.

Bologna is a good town for couples to visit. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Cesis or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

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 Bologna Better for Students?

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

Bologna is a very popular city for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Bologna is a city 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 Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

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 Bologna a more walkable city?

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

Bologna is a very walkable city. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

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 Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Bologna?

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 Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna. 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 Bologna?

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.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bologna?

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 historical destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Bologna, 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Bologna. Many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cesis is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives more rain than Bologna. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cesis is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. Cesis is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

Typical Weather for Bologna and Cesis