A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Basel for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Vilnius or Basel?

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 Basel. 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 surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Basel?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Basel than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Basel, Basel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Basel is better known for its museums and shopping, while Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife. Basel is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel 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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Basel can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Vilnius or Basel Better for Nightlife?

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

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Vilnius or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Vilnius and Basel.

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 Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Basel?

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

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel Better for Families?

Basel is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. 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 Vilnius or Basel Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Basel both notable 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Vilnius or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Vilnius or Basel Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Basel 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.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Vilnius or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Basel. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Basel?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this religious destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Vilnius or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Basel?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Vilnius or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Basel?

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

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 Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vilnius is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Basel. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Basel. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Basel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Basel. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Basel during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Basel. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Basel. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Basel. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Vilnius