A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Berlin for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kaunas or Berlin?

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 Kaunas and Berlin. 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a creative, eclectic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Kaunas or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Kaunas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaunas is known for its historical sights. Berlin is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kaunas
Berlin

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Berlin on the map. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kaunas
Berlin

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

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Kaunas or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Berlin

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

Berlin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Kaunas or Berlin Better for Music?

Kaunas
Berlin

Berlin is renowned for its music scene. However, Kaunas is not a live music destination.

In Berlin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Kaunas is not a live music destination.


Is Kaunas or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Berlin

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kaunas. 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Berlin?

Kaunas
Berlin

Berlin is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Berlin is a world class destination for shoppers. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Kaunas or Berlin Better for Families?

Kaunas
Berlin

Berlin 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.

Berlin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Kaunas or Berlin Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Berlin

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

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

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 Kaunas or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Berlin

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

Berlin is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Kaunas or Berlin Better for Students?

Kaunas
Berlin

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

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

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

Kaunas
Berlin

Berlin is renowned 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.

Berlin has a great public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Kaunas or Berlin a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Berlin

Kaunas and Berlin both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Berlin is somewhat walkable. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Berlin?

Both Kaunas and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kaunas or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kaunas 1-2 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Kaunas or Berlin?

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

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Kaunas or Berlin?

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.

Berlin 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 Kaunas or Berlin?

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.

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

A week in Kaunas or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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.

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Kaunas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €95, while the average daily cost in Berlin is €137. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kaunas and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Berlin 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Berlin 128
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas or Berlin? 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 Kaunas


Hotels in Berlin


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Berlin 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • Departure Private Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by Minivan: $56
  • Private Kaunas Airport to City Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by car: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    1.40
  • Bahn Ticket
    3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

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

  • Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $25
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Private Transfer from Berlin Airport to Hotels in Berlin: $46
  • Listening Station Teufelsberg Tour with Transfer: $52
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $63
  • Milan: Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City Center: $70
  • Arrival Transfer from Berlin Train Station to Berlin by Sedan: $72
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Car: $78
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Van: $78
  • Private Transfer to / from Brandenburg Airport (BER): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 37
    Berlin 52

Typical Food Prices in Berlin

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


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    5.00
  • Turkish Sandwich
    2.00
  • Currywurst
    2.00
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    9.00
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    60
  • Mauer Park (2)
    11
  • Coffees at Impala
    7.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

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

  • English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $34
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $63
  • Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $70
  • Evening Food Tour by Bike: $70
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 19
    Berlin 22

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

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

  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $55
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $170
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $374
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $170
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour: $191
  • Kayak Tour in Nemunas: $185
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76

Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

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

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Digital hybrid Photobook: $0.53
  • Berlin Walking Tour: $2.62
  • Berlin Alternative Street Art Tour: $2.62
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Berlin": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Center of Power": $3.20
  • Third Reich and Holocaust Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Berlin: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.74
  • Museum Island Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.74
  • Berlin tour - Free offer - in Italian: $3.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Berlin 16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

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


  • Drinks at a Show
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

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

  • Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
  • VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
  • brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $24
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
  • Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $26
  • The Showgirls of Burlesque: $46
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
  • Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $214
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $250
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $255
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaunas and Berlin, we can see that Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Kaunas Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Berlin, 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 Kaunas or Berlin?

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 Kaunas or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Berlin. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kaunas is generally around the same temperature as Berlin. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kaunas this time of the year. In the summer, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Kaunas is cooler than Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives more rain than Berlin. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Berlin 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Kaunas during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Berlin. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Berlin -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Berlin. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

In April, Kaunas is generally cooler than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Kaunas

Kaunas Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)