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

Should you visit Vilnius or Bergen?

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 Bergen. 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 historic, religious, and surprising city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Bergen?

Both Bergen and Vilnius have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its shopping and small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Vilnius and Bergen.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Bergen can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Bergen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Vilnius or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Vilnius or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Bergen?

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

Bergen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen Better for Couples?

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

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Vilnius is a good city 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 Vilnius or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vilnius is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Vilnius or Bergen Better for Students?

Vilnius and Bergen are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Vilnius or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is notable 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.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore 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 Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Bergen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Bergen 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 Vilnius or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bergen, 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.

A weekend in Vilnius or Bergen?

Vilnius 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.

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen 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.

A week in Vilnius or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Vilnius. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Bergen?

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

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Bergen. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Vilnius is generally cooler than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Bergen. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Bergen. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Vilnius is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Vilnius