A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Cesis or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Cesis and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotorua. Although Cesis and Rotorua are both popular with visitors, Rotorua has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotorua is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Rotorua is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

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

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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 Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a decent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

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 Rotorua?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rotorua offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful 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 Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Cesis and Rotorua both are good when exploring on foot.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

For even more information, also check out Is Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cesis or Rotorua?

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Rotorua, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cesis has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Rotorua?

Cesis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rotorua. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Since Cesis is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the natural destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Rotorua, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Rotorua. The summer months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the summer, Cesis is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Cesis usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cesis is generally much colder than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Cesis usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cesis or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Cesis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Cesis usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Rotorua. Many visitors come to Cesis in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Cesis usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Cesis