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

Should you visit Cesis or Vienna?

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 Vienna 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Cesis and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Vienna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vienna than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vienna is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Cesis different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

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

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

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 Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Cesis is not a live music destination.

Is Cesis or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Vienna?

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

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Vienna Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Vienna are notable 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.

Vienna offers lots of family activities. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Cesis or Vienna Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Vienna are notable 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 Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Cesis or Vienna Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

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

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Vienna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Vienna?

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 Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this traditional 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Vienna?

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.

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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 Vienna?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classical destination of Vienna. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Vienna. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cesis is cooler than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Vienna. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Vienna in the Winter?

Both Vienna and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Vienna. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Vienna. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Cesis is much colder than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Vienna. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Cesis