A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Turku for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cesis or Turku?

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 Turku 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.

Where Should I go: Cesis or Turku?

Cesis

Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Finland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Turku?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Turku, 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 Turku?

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 Turku in the Summer?

Both Turku and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cesis is around the same temperature as Turku in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Turku fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Turku. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Turku receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Turku in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Turku. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cesis is a little warmer than Turku. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Turku averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Turku. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Turku receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Turku in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Turku. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally a little warmer than Turku. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Turku fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Turku. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Turku receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Turku in the Spring?

Both Turku and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Turku can get quite cold in the spring. Cesis is much warmer than Turku in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Turku fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Turku. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Turku receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Turku and Cesis