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

Should you visit Athens or Vilnius?

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 Vilnius. 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a authentic, historic, and religious city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Vilnius: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Vilnius?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Vilnius, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Vilnius is known for its impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Vilnius?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for its Old Town?

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

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Vilnius?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Vilnius both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Vilnius is a great destination for shopping. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for Families?

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

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

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for Couples?

Athens and Vilnius both good destinations for a couple.

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.

Vilnius is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. Also, Vilnius 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 Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

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

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Athens or Vilnius a more walkable city?

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

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

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Vilnius or Athens?

How long in Athens or Vilnius?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Vilnius. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-4 days is enough time in Vilnius.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Vilnius?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Vilnius 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 Vilnius?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Vilnius?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Vilnius. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Vilnius?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Vilnius, 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 Vilnius?

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 Vilnius in the Summer?

Both Vilnius 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Vilnius. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 219 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Vilnius. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Vilnius in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Vilnius. 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 Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is much warmer than Vilnius in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Vilnius fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Vilnius during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Vilnius in the Winter?

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

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Vilnius. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Vilnius averages at about -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Vilnius. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 36 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Vilnius. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Vilnius in the Spring?

Both Vilnius 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 Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Vilnius during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vilnius and Athens