A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Flam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Vilnius or Flam?

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 Flam. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Vilnius and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vilnius. Although Vilnius and Flam are popular destinations, Vilnius has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vilnius is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history. It is also well known for Gediminas Castle Tower.

How is Vilnius different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Vilnius is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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

Flam 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 Flam. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

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 Flam Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Vilnius has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Vilnius or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great city for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

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.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Vilnius or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Flam?

Vilnius is a good destination for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vilnius. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Vilnius or Flam Better for Families?

Flam 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.

Flam is a very kid-friendly village. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

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 Flam Better for Couples?

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

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

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 Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for backpackers.

Vilnius is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Vilnius or Flam Better for Students?

Vilnius is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam 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.

Flam is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and Flam offer nice public transit options.

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

Flam has some public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Vilnius or Flam a more walkable city?

Flam 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.

Flam is a very walkable village. There are many great walks in the area.

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 Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vilnius or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vilnius than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

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

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

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

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.

Flam is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village 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 Flam?

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.

Flam 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 Flam has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Flam?

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.

Flam is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Flam?

The authentic 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 Flam. Since Flam is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Flam, we can see that Flam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vilnius Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Flam?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 1080 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Flam, 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 Flam?

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 Flam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Flam. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

In July, Vilnius is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Vilnius usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam 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 Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vilnius is cooler than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Flam. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Flam in the Winter?

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

Flam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Flam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Flam. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Vilnius is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Flam. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Vilnius