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

Should you visit Vilnius or Edinburgh?

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

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, shopping, and museums.

Vilnius and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Edinburgh?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Vilnius is more popular for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Vilnius or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is notable for its theatre productions. However, Vilnius is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Vilnius is not a theatre destination.

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

Vilnius is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Vilnius has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Vilnius or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Vilnius and Edinburgh.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Edinburgh has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Is Vilnius or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Vilnius is not a live music destination.

Is Vilnius or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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 Edinburgh?

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

Edinburgh is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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 Edinburgh Better for Families?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh Better for Couples?

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

Edinburgh is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh Better for Students?

Edinburgh is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Both Vilnius and Edinburgh offer notable public transit options.

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

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Vilnius or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Edinburgh?

In either Vilnius or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Edinburgh?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Edinburgh?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the surprising destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater and nightlife. 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 Edinburgh has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Edinburgh?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Vilnius. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Edinburgh?

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Edinburgh?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Edinburgh. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Edinburgh. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

In the autumn, Vilnius is cooler than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Edinburgh during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Edinburgh. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Edinburgh. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Vilnius