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

Should you visit Cesis or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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 quaint, small, and authentic 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.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Cesis and Toronto: 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
  • 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 Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto. Although Cesis and Toronto are popular destinations, Toronto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Toronto is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cesis
Toronto

Toronto is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cesis
Toronto

Toronto 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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Toronto

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

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Toronto

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

Toronto does not have a historic old town.


Is Cesis or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Toronto

Cesis is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Toronto?

Cesis
Toronto

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

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Toronto More Beautiful?

Cesis
Toronto

Cesis is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cesis or Toronto Better for Families?

Cesis
Toronto

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

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto Better for Couples?

Cesis
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Toronto

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

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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 Toronto Better for Students?

Cesis
Toronto

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

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Cesis
Toronto

Toronto is renowned for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and 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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Cesis
Toronto

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Toronto?

Both Cesis and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cesis or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Cesis or Toronto?

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Toronto?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cesis has to offer.

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

Cesis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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


A week in Cesis or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Since Cesis is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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 Toronto is €219. 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 Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis €47
    Toronto €77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis €94
    Toronto €154
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Toronto? 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 Toronto


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 Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis €30
    Toronto €28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    €23
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    €14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $168
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $194
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto by Luxury SUV: $170
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $149
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Sedan Car: $149
  • Highlights of Toronto city tour with private transfers: $256
  • Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $259
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $688
  • Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $64
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): $96
  • Private Arrival Transfer - YYZ Airport to Toronto Downton Hotel & Accommodations: $256
  • Private Arrival Transfer. Pearson Airport to Kitchener/Waterloo: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
    Toronto €96
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 Toronto

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


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    €20
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    €49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

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

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $51
  • Great White North Food Tour + Distillery District & Old Town: $53
  • Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $55
  • Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $60
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $60
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $61
  • Niagara Falls Night Tour, Boat, Journey, Dinner & Tower: $62
  • Toronto Express Canadian Food Tour: 90 Min with Our Founder: $65
  • Toronto : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $68
  • 2 Hour Express Toronto Food Tour: Flavors of Kensington Market: $75
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $77
  • St Lawrence & Distillery Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis €16
    Toronto €27

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    €13
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    €31
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    €23
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    €6.38

Tours and Activities in Toronto

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

  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
  • City’s Oldest Landmarks History Walking Tour of Toronto: $4.39
  • Toronto Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.39
  • Toronto Essentials Self Guided Tour and 3 Additional City Tours: $4.39
  • Toronto Essentials Tour: Old Town & Downtown Highlights (PWYC): $4.39
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
  • Toronto Iconic Core and Landmarks Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Podcast Tour The Architecture of Toronto Ambition: $5.46
  • Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.57
  • Toronto Self-Guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $7.86
  • Toronto Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio and Quiz: $7.98
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tours: $7.98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis €17
    Toronto €20

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Amazing Bar Hunt: Take On Toronto Bar Crawl: $12
  • Astounding Bar Crawl: Take On Toronto: $15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery Winter Market Shuttle: $22
  • Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $27
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $27
  • Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery: $29
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $34
  • The Distillery District Segway Ghost Tour: $39
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery with 7 Kinds of Sake: $43
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $52


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


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Toronto. The summer months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In July, Cesis is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In October, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cesis or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cesis. In the winter, Cesis is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Toronto. Many visitors come to Cesis in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Cesis is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Toronto. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Cesis

Cesis Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)