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

Should you visit Kaunas or Odense?

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 Odense. 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 young, vibrant, and cultural 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.

Odense

Other popular activities here include food.

Kaunas and Odense: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Kaunas or Odense?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kaunas than Odense. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kaunas is more touristy than Odense and is known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. It is also well known for The Kaunas Old Town. Odense is famous for

How is Kaunas different from Odense?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kaunas
Odense

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

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 Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.


Is Kaunas or Odense Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kaunas or Odense Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Odense 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.

Odense does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Odense?

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas is a moderate city for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kaunas has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Kaunas or Odense Better for Families?

Kaunas
Odense

Odense 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.

Odense is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Odense

Most people don't think of either Kaunas or Odense as a couple's destination.

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

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Kaunas or Odense Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas is a good destination for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.


Is Kaunas or Odense Better for Students?

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas and Odense 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 Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

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

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Kaunas or Odense a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Odense

Kaunas is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Odense or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Odense?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Kaunas or Odense?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Odense. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Odense?

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.

Odense 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 Odense?

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 Odense. 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 Odense?

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.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Odense 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 Odense is €150. 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 Odense in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Odense 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Odense 150
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Odense

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas or Odense? 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 Odense


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 Odense Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Odense 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Odense?

Prices for flights to both Odense 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
    Odense 48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 19
    Odense 27

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

Tours and Activities in Odense

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

  • Copenhagen Audio Tour: Following Hans Christian Andersen: $9.99
  • River Cruise on the Odense River: $16
  • GoBoat Self-drive Boat Tour: $57
  • Inspiring Odense - Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • Christmas Charms in Odense - Walking Tour: $587

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    Odense 20


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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Odense?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Odense, 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.