A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Vilnius and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Vilnius and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vilnius is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Vilnius different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Vilnius has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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 Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly city. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and Cinque Terre offer good public transit options.

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

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Vilnius or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

In either Vilnius or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Vilnius because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this surprising city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region 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 Cinque Terre?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

Vilnius is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Cinque Terre?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vilnius is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. Vilnius is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Vilnius