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

Should you visit Cesis or Ghent?

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 Ghent 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. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. The famous beauty of Ghent is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ghent travel costs.

Cesis and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Cesis and Ghent are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Ghent is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent Better for Nightlife?

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

Ghent is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

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 Ghent Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Ghent?

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

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Ghent More Beautiful?

Ghent is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Ghent is one of the main draws. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Cesis or Ghent Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Ghent are nice 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.

Ghent offers lots of family activities. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Cesis or Ghent Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Ghent are nice 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 Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Cesis or Ghent Better for Students?

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

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

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

Ghent has a great public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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 Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cesis and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ghent than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Ghent?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

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

Cesis is a fun place to experience. Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Ghent?

Cesis is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Ghent. 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 nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Ghent, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Ghent?

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

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 Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Ghent. 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 Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Cesis usually receives more rain than Ghent. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Ghent. 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 Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent 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 Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Ghent. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent 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 Ghent because of the natural beauty.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Cesis