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

Should you visit Vilnius or Nagano?

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 Nagano. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano

Nagano is a alpine, scenic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 skiing.

Vilnius and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Nagano?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, hiking, and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights. Nagano is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is notable for snow skiing. However, Vilnius is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Vilnius is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vilnius or Nagano?

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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 Nagano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Vilnius and Nagano.

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.

Nagano has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Vilnius is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for Hiking?

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

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Nagano?

Both Vilnius and Nagano are notable 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.

Nagano has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano 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.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Nagano both notable 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Vilnius or Nagano Better for Students?

Vilnius and Nagano are both notable 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.

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Both Vilnius and Nagano offer notable public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Nagano has some public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Vilnius or Nagano a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Nagano both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Nagano?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Nagano 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 Vilnius.

One day in Vilnius or Nagano?

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.

In Nagano, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Vilnius or Nagano?

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.

In Nagano, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Nagano?

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.

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Nagano. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Nagano, 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 Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Nagano?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Nagano. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is cooler than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Vilnius usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Nagano. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Nagano. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Nagano. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Vilnius