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

Should you visit Cesis or Kaunas?

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 Kaunas 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 small, authentic, and natural 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a cultural, active, and young city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and food.

Cesis and Kaunas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Kaunas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kaunas. Although Cesis and Kaunas are both popular with visitors, Kaunas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kaunas is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. It is also home to The Kaunas Old Town.

How is Cesis different from Kaunas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kaunas and Cesis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Kaunas is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

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 Kaunas Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Kaunas has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

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 Kaunas Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas 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 Kaunas to see the old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

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 Kaunas Better for Hiking?

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

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Kaunas?

Kaunas is a city with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Kaunas has some nice offerings. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Kaunas Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Kaunas 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.

Kaunas offers lots of family activities. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Cesis or Kaunas Better for Couples?

Cesis is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Cesis or Kaunas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Kaunas are good 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 Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Cesis or Kaunas Better for Students?

Kaunas is a city with good options for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Kaunas is popular with students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Kaunas 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 Kaunas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both buses and trolleybuses 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 Kaunas a more walkable city?

Cesis and Kaunas both are good when exploring on foot.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Kaunas is a somewhat walkable town. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Kaunas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaunas or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Kaunas?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cesis or Kaunas to fill your time. In our opinion, Kaunas has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kaunas than Cesis. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cesis or Kaunas?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Kaunas, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. 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 Kaunas?

Cesis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Cesis or Kaunas?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Kaunas. 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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Kaunas?

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

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 Kaunas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Kaunas. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cesis is around the same temperature as Kaunas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kaunas averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kaunas. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Kaunas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Kaunas. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kaunas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cesis is generally around the same temperature as Kaunas. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Kaunas fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in October than Kaunas. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Kaunas in the Winter?

Both Kaunas and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kaunas for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Kaunas can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. Cesis is around the same temperature as Kaunas in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Kaunas fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Kaunas. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Kaunas in the Spring?

Both Kaunas and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cesis is cooler than Kaunas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Kaunas averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kaunas. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kaunas and Cesis