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

Should you visit Cesis or Brussels?

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 Brussels 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brussels travel costs.

Cesis and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Cesis and Brussels are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cesis attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Cesis different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels 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 Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

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 Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

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 Brussels Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Brussels?

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

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Brussels More Beautiful?

Cesis is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cesis or Brussels Better for Families?

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

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Cesis is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

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

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very walkable city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Brussels?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Brussels?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cesis or Brussels?

Cesis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cesis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. 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 Brussels?

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Brussels?

Cesis is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cesis is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cesis is much colder than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

Should I visit Cesis or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Brussels. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Brussels. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Cesis