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

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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

Athens
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Vilnius
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food


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.

Is Athens or Vilnius Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Athens
Vilnius

Interesting museums and landmarks can be found in both Vilnius and Athens, but many consider Athens to be a step above.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Vilnius is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Athens or Vilnius Better for Food?

Athens
Vilnius

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Athens a bit more than Vilnius.

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 offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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
Vilnius

The vibe at night is comparable in Athens and Vilnius.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Shopping?

Athens
Vilnius

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

Both Athens and Vilnius are family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. 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 place to visit. 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
Vilnius

Athens and Vilnius both fun 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
Vilnius

For backpackers, both Athens and Vilnius are fairly comparable places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to 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
Vilnius

For students, both Athens and Vilnius are fairly comparable places to visit.

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

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. 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?

Athens
Vilnius

Athens and Vilnius both offer public transit to get you around.

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.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.


Is Athens or Vilnius a more walkable city?

Athens
Vilnius

Athens and Vilnius are similar when it comes to 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.

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

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.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Vilnius is 1-4 days.


  • How many days in Athens or Vilnius? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Vilnius 1-4

One day in Athens or Vilnius?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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. 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. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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.

Which city is cheaper, Vilnius or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Vilnius is €76. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Vilnius in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Vilnius €34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Vilnius €68
Compare Hotels in Athens and Vilnius

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Vilnius? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Vilnius


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Vilnius Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Vilnius €6.64
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Athens City Centre to Piraeus Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Athens Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Athens Airport ATH: $9.41
  • Mercedes Luxury Private Transfer Athens - Piraeus: $16
  • Athens Port Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Athens - Piraeus: $17
  • Athens Private Transfer Service: Athens Hotel to Piraeus Port: $19
  • Athens Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer: $21
  • Athens Private Transfer: Piraeus Cruise Port to Central Athens: $22
  • Athens Private Transfer: Central Athens to Piraeus Cruise Port: $22
  • Athens hotels to Piraeus port Private departure transfer: $22
  • Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $22
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Athens Airport: $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Private transfer: Vilnius Airport (VNO) to Vilnius: $622
  • Private transfer: Vilnius to Vilnius Airport (VNO): $622
  • Vilnius to Riga transfer with Sightseeing: $347
  • Private transfer from Vilnius to Riga or Riga International Airport: $323
  • Private transfer Vilnius - Riga: $319
  • Private Transfer Vilnius - Minsk: $319
  • Riga to Vilnius Private One-Way Transfers: $283
  • Private low cost transfer from Vilnius to Minsk: $254
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Vilnius to Riga: $208
  • Private transfer from Vilnius to Kaunas: $118
  • Luxury Car Transfers from Vilnius to VNO Airport Vilnius - Departure: $92
  • Luxury Car Transfers from VNO Vilnius Airport to Vilnius - Arrival: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Vilnius?

Prices for flights to both Vilnius and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens €30
    Vilnius €32
Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • Souvlaki
    €2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Typical Food prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    €13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.

  • Vilnius - City of Contrasts - The Original City Tour by bicycle (bike+food tour): $32
  • National Dinner with Folk Show in Vilnius: $49
  • Dinner in local family: $66
  • Cooking Class in Vilnius: $71
  • Cooking Class: $74
  • Vilnius Dinner in the Darkness: $115
  • Dinner in the Dark Dining Experience in Riga: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Vilnius €7.78

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Athens virtual History, Philosophy and Democracy Tour: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Frissiras Museum Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $8.09
  • Skip the Line: Roman Agora of Athens Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum: $9.33
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.94
  • Skip the Line: Ancient Agora of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12

Typical Entertainment prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Walking Tour
    €5.79

Tours and Activities in Vilnius

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:

  • 10-Day Self-Driving Tour to Baltic States: $912
  • 2-Hour Segway Tours in Vilnius: $57
  • 2-Night Amber Spa Experience in Vilnius: $956
  • 3 Hour Vilnius Food Walking Tour: $83
  • 3-Hour Vilnius Food Insider Walking Tour and Tastings: $96
  • 3.5-Hour Taste of Vilnius Beer Trail Tour: $71
  • 6-Hour Trakai National Park Private Walking Tour from Vilnius: $187
  • 8 Days Baltic Tour: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia: $1,095
  • 9-Day Lithuania and Latvia Small-Group Tour from Vilnius: $1,680
  • Audio Tours to Curonian Spit UNESCO sand dunes: $399
  • Audio Tours to Geographical Center of Europe: $96
  • Audio Tours to Grutas Park Soviet Time Museum: $239

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Vilnius €5.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

Typical Alcohol prices in Vilnius

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:


  • Beer
    €4.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius

Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vilnius Pub Crawl: $15

About these numbers

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.


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. Temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Vilnius stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Vilnius 18°C (65°F)

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 temperature in Athens is usually 19°C (67°F) in October, and Vilnius stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Vilnius 8°C (46°F)

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 are around 10°C (51°F), and Vilnius is 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Vilnius -5°C (23°F)

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. Temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Vilnius stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Vilnius 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Vilnius and Athens

Athens Vilnius
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -5°C (23°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -4°C (26°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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Athens vs. Vilnius Travel Comparison

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