A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Lagos for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Vilnius or Lagos?

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

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Vilnius and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lagos. Although Vilnius and Lagos are popular destinations, Lagos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lagos is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Vilnius attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for Ponta da Piedade. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos 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 Lagos. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Vilnius and Lagos.

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.

Lagos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Lagos?

Both Vilnius and Lagos are nice 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.

Lagos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos Better for Couples?

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

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Vilnius or Lagos Better for Students?

Vilnius is a good destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Vilnius is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Vilnius or Lagos a more walkable city?

Vilnius is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Lagos?

In either Vilnius or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Vilnius because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Lagos?

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.

In Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lagos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Lagos?

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered 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 Lagos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lagos. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Lagos?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Lagos. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In July, Vilnius is generally cooler than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Lagos. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Lagos. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vilnius is much colder than Lagos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lagos in the Winter?

Both Lagos and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Lagos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Lagos. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Vilnius