A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cesis or Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary 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.

Where Should I go: Cesis or Karlovy Vary?

Cesis

Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary 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.

In July, Cesis is generally cooler than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Cesis is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Karlovy Vary. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary 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.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Cesis