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

Should you visit Vilnius or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto. 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 undiscovered, authentic, and historic 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Kyoto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Vilnius. Kyoto is bigger than Vilnius, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife. Kyoto is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Vilnius know how to have a good time. 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 Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Vilnius or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

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 Kyoto?

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

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto Better for Families?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Kyoto are very good 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Vilnius or Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto has some very good public transit options. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Vilnius or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Kyoto?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Kyoto?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered 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.

In Kyoto, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Kyoto?

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.

In Kyoto, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kyoto has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the religious 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 Kyoto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Kyoto, we can see that Vilnius 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. Even though Vilnius is in Europe and Kyoto is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Kyoto. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is cooler than Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Kyoto. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Vilnius