A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Melbourne for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cesis or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Cesis is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Melbourne travel costs.

Cesis and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Melbourne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Melbourne is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Melbourne

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Melbourne

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Melbourne

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

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Cesis
Melbourne

Melbourne is well known for the beach. However, Cesis is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Cesis is not a beach destination.


Is Cesis or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Melbourne

Cesis is a decent place to visit for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Cesis. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Melbourne

Cesis is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Melbourne?

Cesis
Melbourne

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

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cesis or Melbourne More Beautiful?

Cesis
Melbourne

Cesis is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cesis is a beautiful place to visit, too. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cesis or Melbourne Better for Families?

Cesis
Melbourne

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

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Cesis
Melbourne

Both Cesis and Melbourne are notable 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.

Melbourne is a good town for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.


Is Cesis or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Melbourne

Cesis and Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Cesis or Melbourne Better for Students?

Cesis
Melbourne

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

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Cesis
Melbourne

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

Cesis
Melbourne

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Melbourne?

In either Cesis or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cesis or Melbourne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    Melbourne 2-5

One day in Cesis or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Melbourne?

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 friendly big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Cesis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €138, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is €168. 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 Melbourne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Melbourne 103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Melbourne 206
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Melbourne

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne


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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Melbourne 17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    9.02
  • Tram Ride
    2.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

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

  • Airport Transfers & Day Tours in a Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Van: $128
  • Airport to City Private Transfers : $128
  • Avalon Airport Transfers: $168
  • Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $178
  • CBD to Melbourne Airport Private Transfer - 11 traveler's: $129
  • Express Bus Transfer to or from Melbourne City Center: $19
  • From Mt. Buller Sightseeing Day Trip Transfers: $92
  • Luxury Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD : $85
  • Luxury Private Airport Transfer Melbourne: $104
  • MEL Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD Private Van Hire: $201
  • MEL Airport to CBD Private transfers 4 or more: $33
  • Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport: Shared Transfer to Melbourne: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Melbourne?

Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 71
    Melbourne 45
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 Melbourne

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


  • Coffee
    2.26
  • Pizza
    3.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $49
  • Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $51
  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $53
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
  • Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $81
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
  • Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour: $93
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Melbourne 24

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.81
  • Melbourne (St Kilda) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Melbourne City Centre Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Melbourne Vampire Quest: Self-Guided Gothic Adventure: $7.20
  • Melbourne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.89
  • Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.89
  • Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.89
  • Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Upside Down House Photo Experience in Australia: $13
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Melbourne 14

Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    4.37

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Christmas Bar Crawl: $15
  • Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours): $19
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $24
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
  • MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $26
  • Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
  • Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc: $87
  • New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
  • Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $114
  • Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $115
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch & Gin/Beer Option: $128


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Cesis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cesis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesis 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Cesis.

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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cesis has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Cesis or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Melbourne. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cesis is cooler than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cesis can be very cold during winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Melbournein July. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Melbourne. The spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Cesis is much colder than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Melbournein October. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Cesis

Cesis Melbourne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)