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

Should you visit Vilnius or Istanbul?

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 Istanbul. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Istanbul: Pros and Cons

How is Vilnius different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Istanbul and Vilnius. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Interesting museums and landmarks can be found in both Vilnius and Istanbul, but many consider Istanbul to be a step above.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Istanbul are among the most recognizable in the world. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul Better for Food?

Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Istanbul a bit more than Vilnius.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Vilnius and Istanbul.

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.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the old town areas in both Vilnius and Istanbul.

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.

Istanbul has a world-famous historical area. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Shopping?

Both Vilnius and Istanbul are good 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Istanbul are 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.

Istanbul is a family-friendly city. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Istanbul both fun destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Istanbul are popular 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Students?

Vilnius and Istanbul are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Istanbul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Is Vilnius or Istanbul Better for Public Transit?

While Vilnius and Istanbul both provide public transit, overall the system in Istanbul is considered to be better.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Vilnius or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Istanbul both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

Istanbul is a very walkable destination. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Istanbul?

Both Vilnius and Istanbul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Vilnius.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Vilnius is 1-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days.

One day in Vilnius or Istanbul?

The beautiful city of Vilnius offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Istanbul?

Vilnius is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Istanbul?

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Vilnius or Istanbul?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

When is the best time to visit Vilnius or Istanbul?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Vilnius or Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Vilnius is generally cooler than Istanbul. Temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Istanbul stays around 24°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Istanbul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vilnius is much colder than Istanbul in the autumn. The temperature in Vilnius is usually 8°C (46°F) in October, and Istanbul stays around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Istanbul. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January are around -5°C (23°F), and Istanbul is about 6°C (43°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Istanbul. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Istanbul. Temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Istanbul stays around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Istanbul. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Vilnius