A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Vilnius or Barcelona?

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 Vilnius and Barcelona. 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a youthful, colorful, and laid-back city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Vilnius and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Vilnius. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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.

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Barcelona has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Vilnius is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Vilnius is not a live music destination.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

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

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Vilnius and Barcelona.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Barcelona are nice family-friendly destinations.

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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Barcelona both nice destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Barcelona is a good city for couples to visit. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Plenty of students 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.

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

Barcelona is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Barcelona has some very good public transit options. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Vilnius or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Vilnius is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Barcelona?

Both Vilnius and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Vilnius. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Vilnius or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the surprising destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Vilnius or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the surprising city of Vilnius. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Barcelona?

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Barcelona, 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 Vilnius or Barcelona?

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 Vilnius or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vilnius is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Vilnius is much colder than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Barcelona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Vilnius