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

Should you visit Cesis or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cesis and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Cesis and Frankfurt are both popular with visitors, Frankfurt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Frankfurt is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Frankfurt is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Cesis different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Frankfurt

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Frankfurt

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a city with good options for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

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 Frankfurt Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Frankfurt

Cesis is very good for its hiking trails. However, Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Frankfurt?

Cesis
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Cesis
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Cesis
Frankfurt

Both Cesis and Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a good town for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Cesis or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt Better for Students?

Cesis
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt is a very popular city for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Cesis is not popular with students.


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

Cesis
Frankfurt

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

Frankfurt has a great public transit system. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Cesis
Frankfurt

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Frankfurt?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Cesis or Frankfurt?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cesis has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Frankfurt?

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Frankfurt. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is €120. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Frankfurt 25

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by business car: $54
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Vehicle: $63
  • Arrival Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Van: $76
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Departure Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Van: $81
  • Departure Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Car: $69
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $142
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 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

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Frankfurt 36

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.81
  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.49
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Frankfurt 30

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748


When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Frankfurt, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cesis is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cesis or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cesis is generally cooler than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cesis or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. Cesis is much colder than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Frankfurt. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Frankfurt. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Cesis

Cesis Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)