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

Should you visit Cesis or The Hague?

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 The Hague 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 natural, traditional, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

The Hague

The Hague is a bustling, diverse, and global 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 food, shopping, and nightlife. See The Hague travel costs.

Cesis and The Hague: 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 for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • 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 The Hague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague. Although Cesis and The Hague are popular destinations, The Hague has more sights and attractions for tourists. The Hague is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also well known for The Peace Palace.

How is Cesis different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cesis
The Hague

The Hague 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 The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
The Hague

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

The Hague is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague Better for Music?

Cesis
The Hague

The Hague is well known for its live music scene. However, Cesis is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Cesis is not a live music destination.

Is Cesis or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
The Hague

Cesis is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.


Is Cesis or The Hague Better for Hiking?

Cesis
The Hague

Cesis is very good for its hiking trails. However, The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cesis. 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.

The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or The Hague?

Cesis
The Hague

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

The Hague is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or The Hague More Beautiful?

Cesis
The Hague

Cesis is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cesis or The Hague Better for Families?

Cesis
The Hague

Both Cesis and The Hague are nice 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.

The Hague offers lots of family activities. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is Cesis or The Hague Better for Couples?

Cesis
The Hague

Both Cesis and The Hague are nice 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.

The Hague is a good town for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Cesis or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
The Hague

Cesis and The Hague are nice 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 The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.


Is Cesis or The Hague Better for Students?

Cesis
The Hague

The Hague is renowned for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

The Hague is a very popular city for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Cesis
The Hague

The Hague 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 The Hague can get you to some places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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 The Hague a more walkable city?

Cesis
The Hague

Cesis and The Hague both are nice 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.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable town. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.


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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cesis and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hague than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in Cesis or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Cesis or The Hague?

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 The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague. 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 The Hague?

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.

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Cesis or The Hague?

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 live music and food around the global big city of The Hague. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague 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 The Hague is €218. 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 The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Cesis and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or The Hague? 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 The Hague


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: Cesis Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    The Hague 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Amsterdam: Train + tram transferring to/from Scheveningen: $22
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.56
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $36
  • Premium Electric transfer from Delft to Schiphol Airport: $173
  • Premium electric Transfer from The Hague to Schiphol Airport: $176
  • Private Direct Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $182
  • Private Tour of Delft and Gouda including Transfer: $259
  • Private Transfer From The Hague Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $173
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam Airport to The Hague (Den Haag): $120
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Arnhem: $288
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Utrecht: $166
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Vlissingen: $288

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague 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
    The Hague 95
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

  • The Hague Food Tour: $69
  • Small-Group Food Tour Scheveningen Beachside in The Hague: $76
  • Private Indian Cooking Experience in Netherlands: $88
  • The Hague Street Food Tour 7 Stops with Flavors and Stories: $100
  • The Hague Walking Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Delft Food Tour: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    The Hague 34

Tours and Activities in The Hague

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

  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $2.35
  • The Hague 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.52
  • Delft 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.53
  • The Hague Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
  • Hague: The Heart of Old Town Exploration Game and Tour: $6.34
  • The Hague Self Guided Walking Tour Landmarks with Audio and Quiz: $6.58
  • Power, Politics and Protests in The Hague Self Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Courtyard Walking Tour: $9.31
  • City Walking Tour: $9.31
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center: $9.99
  • Delft's Local Bites and Stories: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Dahlia Tour in Voorhout: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    The Hague 30

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks and Entrance: $41
  • The Hague Pub Crawl: Play, Explore, Enjoy!: $279


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and The Hague, we can see that The Hague 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague 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 The Hague Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as The Hague. Many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cesis is generally around the same temperature as The Hague. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as The Hague. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cesis or The Hague in the Autumn?

Both The Hague and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

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

In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than The Hague. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cesis or The Hague in the Winter?

Both The Hague and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hague in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than The Hague. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cesis or The Hague in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and The Hague. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city.

In April, Cesis is generally cooler than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than The Hague. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Cesis

Cesis The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)