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

Should you visit Cesis or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Cesis and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Cesis and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Queenstown is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cesis or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is renowned for winter skiing. However, Cesis is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Cesis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cesis or Queenstown?

Queenstown is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Queenstown offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Queenstown is renowned for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a moderate town for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Cesis is a good place to visit the old town. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Queenstown?

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

Queenstown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Cesis or Queenstown Better for Families?

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

Queenstown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Queenstown 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 Queenstown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels 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 Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Queenstown?

Both Cesis and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Queenstown?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cesis, one day is sufficent for most.

In Queenstown, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this bustling destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Queenstown?

Cesis, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a fun place to experience. In Queenstown, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Queenstown?

Cesis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Queenstown, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Queenstown?

Cesis has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Queenstown, 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.