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

Should you visit Vilnius or Bern?

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 Bern. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, 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 Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Bern?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bern than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bern is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Vilnius attracts visitors for its nightlife. Bern is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also well known for The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern 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 Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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 Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Bern is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Vilnius or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Vilnius offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Vilnius or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Vilnius and Bern.

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 Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Bern?

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

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very kid-friendly city. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

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

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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 Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Bern are superb destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Is Vilnius or Bern Better for Students?

Vilnius is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

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.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern 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.

Bern has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Vilnius or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very walkable city. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Bern?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bern, 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 Bern?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bern, 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 Bern has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Vilnius. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern 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 Bern?

The surprising city of Vilnius offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Bern?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern 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 Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vilnius is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Bern. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Vilnius is much colder than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Bern. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bern in the Winter?

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

Bern can be very cold during winter. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Bern during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Bern. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Bern. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Bern. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bern. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Vilnius