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

Should you visit Vilnius or Bruges?

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 Bruges. 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 authentic, historic, and religious city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Bruges?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vilnius is known for its nightlife. Bruges is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also home to Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges 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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bruges 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 Bruges. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Vilnius for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Vilnius or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

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

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Bruges?

Both Vilnius and Bruges are good shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Vilnius or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Bruges are good 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Vilnius or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Bruges are excellent 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 Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Is Vilnius or Bruges Better for Students?

Vilnius is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and Bruges offer good public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Bruges has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Vilnius or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges 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 Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored 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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Bruges?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Bruges?

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 Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges, 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 Bruges has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Bruges?

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.

Bruges 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Bruges?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Bruges. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the summer, Vilnius is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Bruges. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Bruges. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. Vilnius is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Bruges. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Vilnius is cooler than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Vilnius