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

Should you visit Kaunas or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. 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 cultural, active, and young city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and food.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
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


Is there more to do in Kaunas or Hamburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Kaunas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas attracts visitors for its historical sights and big city activities. Hamburg is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kaunas
Hamburg

Hamburg is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kaunas
Hamburg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Kaunas and Hamburg.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Kaunas or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Hamburg

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

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

Kaunas
Hamburg

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

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Kaunas is not a live music destination.


Is Kaunas or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Hamburg

Kaunas is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Kaunas offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Hamburg?

Kaunas
Hamburg

Hamburg is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

Kaunas
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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 Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Hamburg

Both Kaunas and Hamburg are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Kaunas or Hamburg Better for Students?

Kaunas
Hamburg

Kaunas and Hamburg are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Kaunas is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Plenty of students visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.


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

Kaunas
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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

Is Kaunas or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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 Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Hamburg?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kaunas or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kaunas 1-2 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Kaunas or Hamburg?

In Kaunas, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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


A weekend in Kaunas or Hamburg?

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. 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 Kaunas has to offer.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg?

Kaunas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Kaunas or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Kaunas. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Hamburg. This port 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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is €117. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Hamburg 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Hamburg 108
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Hamburg 29

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 Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Hamburg Cruise Port: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg 35

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 19
    Hamburg 39

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
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $64
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $170
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $170
  • Kayak Tour in Nemunas: $185
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour: $191

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Hamburg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kaunas or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Hamburg. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Kaunas is around the same temperature as Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Hamburg. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Kaunas is cooler than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Kaunas or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Kaunas can be very cold during winter. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

Kaunas is cooler than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Hamburg. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Kaunas

Kaunas Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)