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

Should you visit Cesis or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Cesis and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Zermatt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Cesis and Zermatt are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Zermatt is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

The Matterhorn

How is Cesis different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cesis or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for winter skiing. However, Cesis is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Zermatt. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Cesis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cesis or Zermatt?

Zermatt is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Zermatt offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

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

Zermatt is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is well known for its resorts. However, Cesis is not a resort destination.

In Zermatt, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

Is Cesis or Zermatt Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a moderate town for its historic old town. However, Zermatt 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Zermatt visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

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 Zermatt?

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

Zermatt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Zermatt Better for Families?

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

Zermatt is a very kid-friendly town. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zermatt is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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 Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt on foot is easy. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Zermatt?

In either Cesis or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Zermatt?

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.

In Zermatt, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Zermatt?

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 Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Zermatt?

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.

Zermatt is a fun place to experience. In Zermatt, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Zermatt?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning destination of Zermatt. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Zermatt?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cesis or Zermatt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Zermatt. Many visitors come to Cesis in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cesis is generally cooler than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Zermatt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Zermatt. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cesis is much colder than Zermatt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Zermatt. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Zermatt in the Winter?

Both Zermatt and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. The weather in Cesis can be very cold. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Zermatt averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Zermatt. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Cesis