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

Should you visit Cesis or Tromso?

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 Tromso 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Cesis and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Tromso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tromso. Although Cesis and Tromso are both popular with visitors, Tromso has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tromso is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is known for its historical sights. Tromso is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. It is also home to the Northern Lights. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tromso 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 Tromso. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

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

Tromso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

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 Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tromso. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

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 Tromso?

Tromso is a town with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Tromso has some nice offerings. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Tromso Better for Families?

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

Tromso is a very kid-friendly town. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Tromso frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Tromso are good 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 Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Cesis or Tromso Better for Students?

Tromso is a town with good options for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Tromso is popular with students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Tromso is a town 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 Tromso, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in 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 Tromso a more walkable city?

Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very walkable town. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or 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 Tromso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Tromso?

Both Cesis and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Tromso?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Tromso, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this remote small town offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Tromso?

Cesis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. In Tromso, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this small town 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 Tromso?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Tromso, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this spectacular small town 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Tromso, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Tromso?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

In the summer, Cesis is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Tromso. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Tromso. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In October, Cesis is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Tromso receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Tromso. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Tromso. Many travelers come to Cesis for the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cesis. Cesis is cooler than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cesis in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Cesis is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Tromso. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Cesis