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

Should you visit Cesis or Graz?

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 Graz 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 authentic, natural, and traditional 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.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cesis and Graz: 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
  • Less popular old town
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Cesis or Graz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Graz than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Graz is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cesis is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Graz is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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 Graz Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Graz

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

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Graz

Graz is renowned for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Graz

Cesis is a popular place for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

Cesis is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Graz?

Cesis
Graz

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

Graz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Graz Better for Families?

Cesis
Graz

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

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz Better for Couples?

Cesis
Graz

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

Couples visit Graz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Graz

Cesis and Graz 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 Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Cesis or Graz Better for Students?

Cesis
Graz

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

Students come from all over to stay in Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Cesis is not popular with students.


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

Cesis
Graz

Graz 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 Graz can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the 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 Graz a more walkable city?

Cesis
Graz

Graz 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 Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Graz?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Cesis or Graz?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Graz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. 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 Graz?

Cesis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Cesis is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Because Cesis is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Graz. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz 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 Graz is €112. 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 Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Graz? 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 Graz


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: Graz Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz 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
    Graz 32
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Graz 13

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Graz 16


When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Graz, we can see that Graz 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 Graz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Graz, 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 Graz?

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 Graz in the Summer?

Both Graz and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Graz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Cesis is cooler than Graz in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Graz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Graz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in July than Graz. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Graz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Graz. Many visitors come to Cesis in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Graz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Graz. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Graz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Graz. Most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Graz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Graz can be very cold. Cesis can be very cold during winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Graz. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Graz. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cesis or Graz in the Spring?

Both Graz and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

Cesis is much colder than Graz in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Cesis

Cesis Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)