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

Should you visit Kaunas or Zermatt?

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 Zermatt. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and food.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a breathtaking, charming, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kaunas and Zermatt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Zermatt?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Kaunas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

The Matterhorn

How is Kaunas different from Zermatt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kaunas or Zermatt Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for snow skiing. However, Kaunas is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Kaunas is not a skiing destination.

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

Zermatt is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Zermatt offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zermatt 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 Zermatt is an experience not to be missed. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt Better for Nightlife?

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

Zermatt has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is notable for its resorts. However, Kaunas is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Kaunas is not a resort destination.

Is Kaunas or Zermatt Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Kaunas to see the historical 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Zermatt Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Zermatt?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt Better for Families?

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zermatt is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt Better for Students?

Kaunas is very good for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Both Kaunas and Zermatt offer notable public transit options.

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

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Kaunas or Zermatt a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zermatt or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Zermatt?

In either Kaunas or Zermatt, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

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

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Zermatt?

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 shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Zermatt?

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.

Zermatt 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 Zermatt?

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 Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Zermatt?

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 food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Zermatt?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?

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 Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kaunas is cooler than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Zermatt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kaunas. Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zermatt during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Zermatt in the Autumn?

Both Zermatt and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Kaunas is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Zermatt. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Zermatt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Zermatt. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. Kaunas can be very cold during winter. Kaunas is much colder than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Zermatt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Zermatt. The spring months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In the spring, Kaunas is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zermatt. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Zermatt. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Kaunas