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

Should you visit Cesis or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg 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 traditional, quaint, and small 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Cesis and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Salzburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although Cesis and Salzburg are both popular with visitors, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cesis is known for its hiking and small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Cesis different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Salzburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cesis is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Salzburg Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Cesis is not a live music destination.

Is Cesis or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Salzburg is one of the most recognized in the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops 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 Salzburg Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Cesis has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Salzburg?

Salzburg is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Salzburg Better for Families?

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

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salzburg is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg Better for Students?

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

Salzburg is a very popular city for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg can get you to some places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get 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 Salzburg a more walkable city?

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is a very walkable city. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Salzburg?

In either Cesis or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than Cesis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Salzburg?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this recognizable 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 Salzburg?

Cesis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cesis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Salzburg?

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Salzburg?

Cesis is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Salzburg. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Cesis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?

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 Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Salzburg. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cesis is cooler than Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Salzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Salzburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In October, Cesis is generally cooler than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in October than Salzburg. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. Cesis is much colder than Salzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Cesis