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

Should you visit Vilnius or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 religious, surprising, and undiscovered city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Vilnius and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Vilnius and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vilnius attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Kotor is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town 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.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place 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 Vilnius or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Kotor?

Vilnius is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Vilnius is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Kotor are nice 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal 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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Kotor are high quality 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Vilnius or Kotor Better for Students?

Vilnius is very good for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Vilnius is popular with 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Vilnius is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor 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 Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Vilnius or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Vilnius or Kotor. In our opinion, Kotor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kotor than Vilnius. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Kotor?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this surprising destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Kotor?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Kotor, we can see that Kotor 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 Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Kotor?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Kotor. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vilnius is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Kotor. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Vilnius is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kotor in the Winter?

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

Vilnius can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Kotor. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Vilnius