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

Should you visit Cesis or Porto?

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 Porto 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Porto travel costs.

Cesis and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Cesis and Porto are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Porto is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto 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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for its Old Town?

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

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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 Porto Better for Hiking?

Cesis is very good for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cesis. 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.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Porto?

Porto is a port city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Porto More Beautiful?

Porto is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

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 Porto Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Cesis is not popular with students.

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

Porto 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 Porto can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto a more walkable city?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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 Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Porto?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Porto?

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.

Each neighborhood in Porto 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 food. This port 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 Porto?

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 Porto. 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 Porto?

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.

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Porto?

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 cultural big city of Porto. 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 food. 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 Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Porto?

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

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cesis is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Porto. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cesis is much colder than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Porto. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Porto. The winter months attract visitors to Cesis because of the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

The weather in Cesis can be very cold. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Porto. Cesis usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Porto. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Cesis