A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Vienna for Old Town, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kaunas or Vienna?

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

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Kaunas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is known for its big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Kaunas different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Kaunas and Vienna.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Kaunas or Vienna Better for Music?

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

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Kaunas is not a live music destination.

Is Kaunas or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is renowned for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Vienna?

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

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna Better for Families?

Both Kaunas and Vienna are good family-friendly destinations.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Kaunas or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is renowned for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Kaunas and Vienna are good 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 Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Kaunas or Vienna Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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 Vienna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Kaunas or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Vienna?

In either Kaunas or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Kaunas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

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

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Vienna?

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 and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Vienna?

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.

Vienna 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the classical destination of Vienna. 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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Vienna?

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

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 Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Kaunas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kaunas is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kaunas. In the summer, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Vienna. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kaunas is much colder than Vienna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives more rain than Vienna. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kaunas or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Vienna. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Vienna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Vienna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Vienna. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty.

In April, Kaunas is generally much colder than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Vienna. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Kaunas