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

Should you visit Vilnius or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Vilnius and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Kiel?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kiel than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Kiel, Kiel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kiel is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kiel is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Vilnius and Kiel.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Kiel can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Vilnius is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for Beaches?

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

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is well known for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Kiel?

Both Vilnius and Kiel are notable 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Kiel are notable 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.

Kiel is a family-friendly city. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Kiel both notable 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Vilnius or Kiel Better for Students?

Vilnius and Kiel are both notable 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.

Plenty of students visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Vilnius is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Vilnius, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Vilnius or Kiel a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Kiel both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Vilnius Worth Visiting? and Is Kiel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Kiel?

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

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

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

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 Kiel, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kiel has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the surprising 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.

Kiel is a great place to explore. 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 Kiel?

The surprising 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 Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Kiel?

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

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 Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Kiel. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is a little warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Kiel. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Kiel. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vilnius is cooler than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Kiel. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Kiel and Vilnius