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

Should you visit Vilnius or Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Berlin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Vilnius. Berlin is bigger than Vilnius, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berlin 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 Berlin. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin 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.

Berlin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin 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 Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Vilnius is not a live music destination.

Is Vilnius or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Berlin?

Berlin 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 Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Berlin Better for Families?

Berlin 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.

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Berlin 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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Vilnius or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin 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.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

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

Berlin is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Berlin is top-notch. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Vilnius or Berlin a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Berlin both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Berlin?

Both Vilnius and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Vilnius. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Vilnius or Berlin?

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.

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Berlin?

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.

Because Berlin 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Berlin?

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 Berlin. Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Vilnius or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Berlin. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Vilnius is cooler than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Berlin. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Berlin. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Berlin. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

Vilnius is cooler than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Berlin. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Vilnius