A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Vilnius for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Vilnius, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a relaxed, traditional, and quiet island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Vilnius: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vilnius. Although Saaremaa and Vilnius are both popular with visitors, Vilnius has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vilnius is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saaremaa is known for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history. It is also home to Gediminas Castle Tower.

How is Saaremaa different from Vilnius?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Vilnius? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saaremaa. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Vilnius for the nightlife scene. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a good destination for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Vilnius to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Vilnius are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saaremaa offers lots of family activities. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Vilnius is a good island for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Students?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Vilnius offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Vilnius a more walkable city?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Vilnius Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vilnius or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

It's fun to spend time in either Saaremaa or Vilnius. In our opinion, Vilnius has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vilnius than Saaremaa. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-4 days is enough time in Vilnius.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Saaremaa 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 Vilnius.

One day in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Vilnius offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Saaremaa has to offer.

Vilnius is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Saaremaa 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.

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Vilnius?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Vilnius is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Vilnius, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Vilnius Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Vilnius?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Vilnius, 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 Saaremaa or Vilnius?

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 Saaremaa or Vilnius in the Summer?

Both Vilnius and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Vilnius. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 219 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Vilnius. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Vilnius in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Vilnius. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Vilnius in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Vilnius fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vilnius during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Vilnius. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Vilnius in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Vilnius. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much warmer than Vilnius. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Vilnius averages at about -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Vilnius. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 36 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Vilnius. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Vilnius in the Spring?

Both Vilnius and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Vilnius during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vilnius and Saaremaa