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

Should you visit Vilnius or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


How is Vilnius different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Vilnius
Lisbon

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon Better for Food?

Vilnius
Lisbon

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

Eat your way through Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata.

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 Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Evening events are similar in both Vilnius and Lisbon.

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.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style.

Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius
Lisbon

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

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.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for Shopping?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Lisbon is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon Better for Families?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Both Vilnius and Lisbon 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars.

Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Vilnius and Lisbon 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.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples.

Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Both Vilnius and Lisbon 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 Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers.

Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for Students?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Vilnius and Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.


Is Vilnius or Lisbon Better for Public Transit?

Vilnius
Lisbon

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

Public transit in Lisbon is top-notch. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Vilnius or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Vilnius
Lisbon

Lisbon is considered more walkable than Vilnius.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Lisbon?

Both Vilnius and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Vilnius or Lisbon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vilnius 1-4 
    Lisbon 3-7

One day in Vilnius or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Lisbon 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 Lisbon?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Lisbon 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 Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Vilnius or Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon 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.

Which city is cheaper, Lisbon or Vilnius?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €94, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vilnius and Lisbon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vilnius 42
    Lisbon 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vilnius 84
    Lisbon 116
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Lisbon

Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Lisbon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vilnius


Hotels in Lisbon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Lisbon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vilnius 8.30
    Lisbon 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Vilnius to Riga transfer with Sightseeing: $347
  • Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $57
  • Vilnius Airport Departure Private Transfer: $14
  • Vilnius Airport Arrival Private Transfer: $17
  • Riga to Vilnius Private One-Way Transfers: $283
  • Private transfer: Vilnius to Vilnius Airport (VNO): $622
  • Private transfer: Vilnius Airport (VNO) to Vilnius: $622
  • Private transfer from Vilnius to Riga or Riga International Airport: $323
  • Private transfer from Vilnius to Kaunas: $118
  • Private transfer Vilnius - Riga: $319
  • Private low cost transfer from Vilnius to Minsk: $254
  • Private Vilnius VNO Airport - Vilnius City Round-Trip Transfer: $33

Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lisbon Shared Transfer: To or From the Airport: $9.58
  • Lisbon Shared Transfer: To or From the Airport: $11
  • Lisbon Private Transfer to Airport: $11
  • Lisbon Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $11
  • Lisbon Airport Shared Arrival Transfer: $11
  • Lisbon Private Transfer: To or From the Airport: $11
  • Private Transfer To or From Lisbon Airport: $11
  • Shared Transfer Between Airport and City Hotels: $11
  • From Freeport Shopping Experience with Transfers: $11
  • Lisbon Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
  • Lisbon Shared Departure Transfer to Airport, Train or Port: $11
  • Lisbon Shared Arrival Transfer from Airport, Train or Port: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Lisbon?

Prices for flights to both Lisbon and Vilnius change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vilnius 40
    Lisbon 42
Typical Food prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.

  • Vilnius - City of Contrasts - The Original City Tour by bicycle (bike+food tour): $32
  • National Dinner with Folk Show in Vilnius: $49
  • Dinner in local family: $66
  • Cooking Class in Vilnius: $71
  • Cooking Class: $74
  • Vilnius Dinner in the Darkness: $115
  • Dinner in the Dark Dining Experience in Riga: $281

Typical Food prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
  • Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
  • Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
  • The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
  • Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
  • Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
  • Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $62
  • Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vilnius 9.72
    Lisbon 24
Typical Entertainment prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Walking Tour
    5.79

Tours and Activities in Vilnius

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:

  • 10-Day Self-Driving Tour to Baltic States: $912
  • 2-Hour Segway Tours in Vilnius: $57
  • 2-Night Amber Spa Experience in Vilnius: $956
  • 3 Hour Vilnius Food Walking Tour: $83
  • 3-Hour Vilnius Food Insider Walking Tour and Tastings: $96
  • 3.5-Hour Taste of Vilnius Beer Trail Tour: $71
  • 6-Hour Trakai National Park Private Walking Tour from Vilnius: $187
  • 8 Days Baltic Tour: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia: $1,095
  • 9-Day Lithuania and Latvia Small-Group Tour from Vilnius: $1,680
  • Audio Tours to Curonian Spit UNESCO sand dunes: $399
  • Audio Tours to Geographical Center of Europe: $96
  • Audio Tours to Grutas Park Soviet Time Museum: $239

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Lisbon Downtown Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.24
  • Lisbon Historical Walking Tour: $3.11
  • Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $3.99
  • Contemporary Park of Nations Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • The Soul of Alfama Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap Lisbon: $5.99
  • Museu Coleção Berardo Admission Ticket: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Pilar 7 Bridge Experience Admission Ticket: $6.22
  • Street Art Virtual Tour in Lisbon: $6.22
  • Lisboa Story Centre: 1-Day Admission Ticket: $7.41
  • Lisboa Story Centre Admission Ticket: $8.09
  • Capuchos Convent Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.71
  • Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Admission Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vilnius 6.38
    Lisbon 18
Typical Alcohol prices in Vilnius

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:


  • Beer
    4.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius

Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vilnius Pub Crawl: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
  • Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
  • Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
  • Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
  • Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
  • Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
  • Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
  • Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96


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


When is the best time to visit Vilnius or Lisbon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lisbon for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July are around 18°C (65°F), and Lisbon is about 23°C (73°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Lisbon. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vilnius 18°C (65°F) 
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Lisbon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Lisbon. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Lisbon. Temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Lisbon stays around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vilnius 8°C (46°F) 
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Lisbon. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Lisbon in the winter. The temperature in Vilnius is usually -5°C (23°F) in January, and Lisbon stays around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Lisbon. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vilnius -5°C (23°F) 
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Lisbon in the Spring?

Both Lisbon and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April are around 7°C (45°F), and Lisbon is about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vilnius 7°C (45°F) 
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Vilnius

Vilnius Lisbon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)


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Vilnius vs. Lisbon Travel Comparison

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