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

Should you visit Cesis or Zurich?

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 Zurich 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 small, authentic, and natural town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Cesis and Zurich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Zurich?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich 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. Zurich is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its live music scene. However, Cesis is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Cesis is not a live music destination.

Is Cesis or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the 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.

Is Cesis or Zurich Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

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.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Zurich?

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

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Zurich Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Zurich 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 Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Cesis or Zurich Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a very popular city for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Zurich can get you to some places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich a more walkable city?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Zurich?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Zurich?

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 Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich. 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 Zurich?

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.

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Zurich?

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 historic destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Zurich. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cesis is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Zurich. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Zurich. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Zurich. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

Cesis is much colder than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zurich and Cesis