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

Should you visit Vilnius or Pisa?

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 Pisa. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Vilnius and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Pisa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pisa than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Vilnius different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pisa 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 Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa 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 Pisa. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and Pisa.

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.

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Vilnius or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Vilnius and Pisa.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Pisa?

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

Pisa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Pisa are notable 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly city. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Vilnius or Pisa Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Pisa 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Vilnius or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Vilnius or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Both Vilnius and Pisa offer notable public transit options.

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

Pisa has some public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Vilnius or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa is notable 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Pisa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Pisa?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Pisa, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Vilnius. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The undiscovered city of Vilnius offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Pisa?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Pisa. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Pisa. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Pisa. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Pisa. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Vilnius