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

Should you visit Vilnius or Cancun?

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 Cancun. 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 religious, surprising, and undiscovered city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vilnius and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Vilnius or Cancun?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cancun than Vilnius, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cancun is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights. Cancun is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.


How is Vilnius different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun 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 Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater 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 Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vilnius
Cancun

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Cancun 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.

Cancun is becoming an appealing option for foodies. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun 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.

Cancun has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun Better for Resorts?

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.


Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius
Cancun

Vilnius is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.


Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Cancun?

Vilnius
Cancun

Both Vilnius and Cancun are notable 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.

Cancun has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for Families?

Vilnius
Cancun

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun Better for Couples?

Vilnius
Cancun

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

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius
Cancun

Both Vilnius and Cancun are high quality 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 Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Is Vilnius or Cancun Better for Students?

Vilnius
Cancun

Vilnius is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with 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.

Cancun is not popular with students.


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

Vilnius
Cancun

Both Vilnius and Cancun offer notable public transit options.

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

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Vilnius or Cancun a more walkable city?

Vilnius
Cancun

Cancun 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.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Cancun?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Vilnius or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vilnius 1-4 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Vilnius or Cancun?

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 Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Cancun?

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 Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Vilnius or Cancun?

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.

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Vilnius?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €94, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vilnius and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vilnius 42
    Cancun 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vilnius 84
    Cancun 178
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Cancun? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vilnius


Hotels in Cancun


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vilnius 8.30
    Cancun 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $215
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $215
  • Airport Bus Transfer to/from Central Bus Station: $3.23
  • Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $54
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $36
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Riga: $24
  • Vilnius Airport Transfer: $52
  • Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $52
  • Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $215
  • Riga: Bus Transfer to/from Vilnius: $20
  • Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $645
  • Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    1.53
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    15
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    1.86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cancun Airport Small-Group Transfer to Cancun Hotels: $8.00
  • Cancun Airport private transfer to Cancun hotel zone: $15
  • Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport : $15
  • Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport: $15
  • Cancun airport private transfer: $17
  • Private Transfer in Cancun: $17
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer To/From Cancun International Airport: $19
  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Private transfer to Cancun Airport from hotels in Cancun Area: $23
  • Cancun Hotel Zone Private Transfer From & To Cancun Airport: $25
  • Cancun Hotel Zone Private Transfer From and To Cancun Airport: $25
  • Private transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Cancun zones: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Vilnius change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vilnius 40
    Cancun 26
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.

  • Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
  • Dinner in local family: $74
  • Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $191

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
  • Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
  • The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
  • Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
  • (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
  • (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
  • (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
  • Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
  • Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour: $77
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vilnius 9.72
    Cancun 32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Walking Tour
    5.79

Tours and Activities in Vilnius

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:

  • “Ghostly Tales of Vilnius” Walking Tour: $86
  • "Ghostly Tales of Vilnius" Walking Tour: $171
  • (Post) Soviet Vilnius Private Walking Tour: $108
  • 1-Day Pilgrim Tour from Vilnius: $387
  • Automuseum Entry Ticket: $22
  • Automuseum Entry Ticket: $22
  • Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $34
  • Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights "Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems": $32
  • Day tour out of Paneriai holocaust park,Trakai castle, medieval Kernave: $208
  • Discover Vilnius Tour: $269
  • Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour: $215
  • Explore Old Town and Uzupis Guided Walking Tour: $77

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    0.55
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    93

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $8.00
  • Visit to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen + Shopping Tour: $8.17
  • Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Punta Cancun Lighting Tower: $14
  • Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
  • El Sol De Cancun : Panoramic Tour in Regular Cabin: $20
  • Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour: $22
  • Day Tour to Isla Mujeres Catamarán with Unlimited Drinks: $22
  • Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
  • ATV, Ziplines and Cenote swim full experience from Cancún : $25
  • Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
  • Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vilnius 6.38
    Cancun 12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:


  • Beer
    4.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius

Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
  • Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $37
  • Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Cancun, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun 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 Cancun Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Cancun?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Cancun, 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.