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

Should you visit Vilnius or Mexico City?

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 Mexico City. 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.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Vilnius or Mexico City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Vilnius, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Vilnius is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Mexico City is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City 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 Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

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 Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City is an amazing city 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 Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

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 Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Vilnius or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.


Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Mexico City?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

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 Mexico City Better for Families?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City 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.

Mexico City is a very kid-friendly city. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

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 Mexico City Better for Couples?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Vilnius and Mexico City both good 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.

Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.


Is Vilnius or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Both Vilnius and Mexico City are superb 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 Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Vilnius or Mexico City Better for Students?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City 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 Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

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

Vilnius
Mexico City

Mexico City 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.

Mexico City has some very good public transit options. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

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


Is Vilnius or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Vilnius
Mexico City

Vilnius is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Mexico City?

In either Vilnius or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Vilnius or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vilnius 1-4 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Vilnius or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Vilnius. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Mexico City 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. 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 Mexico City?

The surprising city of Vilnius offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vilnius. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. 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 Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City 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 Mexico City is €195. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vilnius and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vilnius 42
    Mexico City 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vilnius 84
    Mexico City 76
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Mexico City? 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 Mexico City


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 Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vilnius 8.30
    Mexico City 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $215
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $215
  • Airport Bus Transfer to/from Central Bus Station: $3.23
  • Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $54
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $36
  • Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Riga: $24
  • Vilnius Airport Transfer: $52
  • Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $52
  • Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $215
  • Riga: Bus Transfer to/from Vilnius: $20
  • Riga / Tallinn / Vilnius. Transfer Between Baltic States: $645
  • Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    1.09
  • Uber Ride
    3.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $18
  • Private One way Transfer from Mexico Airport to Mexico City: $21
  • Transfer to and from Mexico City Airport: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Private Transfer: Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) to Mexico City: $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfer : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $37
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) Cuernavaca Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Mexico City - Mexico Airport (MEX): $43
  • Ixtapan de La Sal to Mexico Airport (MEX)-Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City 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
    Mexico City 25
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.

  • Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
  • Dinner in local family: $74
  • Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $191

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    4.27
  • Dinner for 2
    25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vilnius 9.72
    Mexico City 14
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:

  • “Ghostly Tales of Vilnius” Walking Tour: $86
  • "Ghostly Tales of Vilnius" Walking Tour: $171
  • (Post) Soviet Vilnius Private Walking Tour: $108
  • 1-Day Pilgrim Tour from Vilnius: $387
  • Automuseum Entry Ticket: $22
  • Automuseum Entry Ticket: $22
  • Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $34
  • Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights "Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems": $32
  • Day tour out of Paneriai holocaust park,Trakai castle, medieval Kernave: $208
  • Discover Vilnius Tour: $269
  • Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour: $215
  • Explore Old Town and Uzupis Guided Walking Tour: $77

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.71
  • Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.89
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.89
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
  • Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.26
  • Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.25
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Night Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $12
  • Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vilnius 6.38
    Mexico City 19
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:

  • Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
  • Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City 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 Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Mexico City, 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.