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

Should you visit Cesis or Budapest?

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 Budapest 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. 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.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Budapest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Budapest is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Cesis and Budapest.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cesis. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Cesis or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

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

Budapest is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest Better for Hiking?

Cesis is very good for hiking. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Budapest?

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

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Budapest Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Budapest are notable 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.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Cesis or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

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

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, 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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Budapest?

In either Cesis or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Cesis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Budapest?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Budapest?

Cesis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cesis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Cesis or Budapest?

Cesis is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the historic big city of Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Budapest, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Budapest. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Budapest. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Budapest. 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 Budapest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Cesis