A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Rio de Janeiro for Food, Hiking, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro 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 quaint, small, and authentic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a colorful, multicultural, and festive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Cesis and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro. Although Cesis and Rio de Janeiro are both popular with visitors, Rio de Janeiro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rio de Janeiro are among the most recognizable in the world. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cesis or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Rio de Janeiro have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the beach. However, Cesis is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Cesis or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a town with a few options for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

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

Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Rio de Janeiro make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very kid-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Rio de Janeiro frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro can get you to some places easily. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

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 Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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 Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

Cesis and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Cesis because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Each neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Cesis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rio de Janeiro is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Rio de Janeiro. Most people come for the beaches. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis than you might in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cesis has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Cesis or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In the summer, Cesis is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cesis is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Cesis or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Cesis for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cesis. Cesis is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Cesis in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Cesis