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

Should you visit Vilnius or Graz?

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

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Vilnius or Graz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Graz than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Graz, Graz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Graz is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Vilnius is more popular for its impressive beauty. Graz is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz 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 Graz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vilnius
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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 Graz Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius
Graz

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and Graz.

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.

Graz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Vilnius or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius
Graz

Graz 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.

Graz offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz?

Vilnius
Graz

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

Graz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz Better for Families?

Vilnius
Graz

Graz 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.

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz Better for Couples?

Vilnius
Graz

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

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius
Graz

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

Many 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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Vilnius or Graz Better for Students?

Vilnius
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Vilnius
Graz

Graz is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Graz has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.


Is Vilnius or Graz a more walkable city?

Vilnius
Graz

Graz 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 Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Graz. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Vilnius or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vilnius 1-4 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Vilnius or Graz?

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.

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Graz?

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.

In Graz, 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 Graz has to offer.


Five days in Vilnius or Graz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the religious 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.

Graz 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 Graz?

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 Graz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz 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 Graz is €112. 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 Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vilnius 42
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vilnius 84
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Graz? 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 Graz


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 Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vilnius 8.30
    Graz 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $641
  • From Druskininkai & Grutas Park Tour with Transfer: $513
  • Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $214
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $214
  • Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $214
  • Private Transfer from Vilnius Airport to Lithuania: $142
  • Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $53
  • Vilnius Airport Transfer: $51
  • Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $51
  • Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius by Minivan: $46
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $35
  • Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz 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
    Graz 32
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vilnius 9.72
    Graz 13
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: $170
  • (Post) Soviet Vilnius Private Walking Tour: $107
  • 1-Day Pilgrim Tour from Vilnius: $385
  • Automuseum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Automuseum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $33
  • 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: $267
  • Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour: $214
  • Explore Old Town and Uzupis Guided Walking Tour: $76

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vilnius 6.38
    Graz 16
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


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


Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Graz?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Graz, 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 Graz?

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 Graz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Graz. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is cooler than Graz in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Graz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Graz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Graz. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Graz. Vilnius usually gets less rain in July than Graz. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vilnius 18°C (65°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Graz in the Autumn?

Both Graz and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Graz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Graz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Graz during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Graz. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vilnius 8°C (46°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Graz can be very cold during winter. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Graz. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Graz. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in January than Graz. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vilnius -5°C (23°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Graz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Graz. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Graz because of the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Graz in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Graz. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vilnius 7°C (45°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Vilnius

Vilnius Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)