A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Kaunas for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Kaunas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Kaunas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Athens and Kaunas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Kaunas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Kaunas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Kaunas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kaunas and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Kaunas?

Athens is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Kaunas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Kaunas?

Athens is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Athens to go shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Athens or Kaunas More Beautiful?

Athens is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for Couples?

Athens is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Is Athens or Kaunas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is notable for its public transit. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Athens or Kaunas a more walkable city?

Athens is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Kaunas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaunas or Athens?

How long in Athens or Kaunas?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Kaunas to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Kaunas because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kaunas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Kaunas 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Kaunas?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kaunas. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Kaunas?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Kaunas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Kaunas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Kaunas?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Kaunas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Kaunas, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Kaunas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kaunas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kaunas 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Kaunas.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Kaunas?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Kaunas, 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 Athens or Kaunas?

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 Athens or Kaunas in the Summer?

Both Kaunas and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Kaunas in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kaunas fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Kaunas. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kaunas receives 256 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Kaunas. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Kaunas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Kaunas. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Kaunas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Kaunas averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Kaunas during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kaunas receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kaunas. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Kaunas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Kaunas. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kaunas in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Kaunas can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Kaunas. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Kaunas fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Kaunas. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kaunas receives 40 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Kaunas. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Kaunas in the Spring?

Both Kaunas and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kaunas for the activities around the city during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Kaunas in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Kaunas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Kaunas during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kaunas receives 175 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Kaunas. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kaunas and Athens