A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sigulda vs. Vilnius for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Vilnius?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Vilnius can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Vilnius?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.

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


Which place is cheaper, Vilnius or Sigulda?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Vilnius is €94. 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 Sigulda and Vilnius in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Vilnius 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Vilnius 84
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Vilnius

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Vilnius? 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 Sigulda


Hotels in Vilnius


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Vilnius Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Vilnius 8.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Private Transfer from Vilnius Airport to Lithuania: $141
  • Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius by Minivan: $45
  • From Druskininkai & Grutas Park Tour with Transfer: $511
  • Private Transfer: Vilnius to Klaipeda or Klaipeda to Vilnius via Trakai Castle: $239
  • Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
  • Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $637
  • Riga: Bus Transfer to/from Vilnius: $20
  • Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $213
  • Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $51
  • Vilnius Airport Transfer: $51
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Riga: $23
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Vilnius?

Prices for flights to both Vilnius and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 7.81
    Vilnius 40
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

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


  • Pastry
    1.85

Typical Food Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius

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

  • Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
  • Dinner in local family: $74
  • Cooking Class in Vilnius : $84
  • Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Vilnius 9.72

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

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

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $73
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $106
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $255

Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Walking Tour
    5.79

Tours and Activities in Vilnius

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Secrets of Old Vilnius Smartphone App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.38
  • Vilnius Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line: Europos Parkas, Open-Air Museum Ticket Vilnius, Lithuania: $12
  • Vibrant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
  • Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius: $18
  • Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius: $18
  • Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius: $18
  • Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Vilnius 6.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144

Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:


  • Beer
    4.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius

Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
  • Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Vilnius, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius than you might in Sigulda.

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Vilnius?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Vilnius?

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 Sigulda or Vilnius in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Vilnius. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sigulda is around the same temperature as Vilnius. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sigulda in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Vilnius averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vilnius. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Vilnius 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Vilnius in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Vilnius. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sigulda is generally around the same temperature as Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 7°C (45°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Sigulda usually gets more rain in October than Vilnius. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Vilnius 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Vilnius in the Winter?

Both Vilnius and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. The weather in Sigulda can be very cold. Sigulda is around the same temperature as Vilnius in the winter. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Vilnius fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Vilnius -5°C (23°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Vilnius in the Spring?

Both Vilnius and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sigulda is cooler than Vilnius. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sigulda in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Vilnius averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Vilnius. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Vilnius 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Vilnius and Sigulda

Sigulda Vilnius
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -5°C (23°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -4°C (26°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)