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

Should you visit Vilnius or Rome?

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 Rome. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled 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 Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Vilnius, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Vilnius is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

The Colosseum

How is Vilnius different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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 Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome 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.

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Vilnius is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Vilnius is not a live music destination.

Is Vilnius or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Rome?

Rome 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 Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Rome is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an amazing city 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Vilnius or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is an amazing city to visit 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.

It is easy to get around Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Rome?

Both Vilnius and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Vilnius. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Rome?

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.

Because Rome 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 Rome?

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.

Because Rome 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 Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered 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.

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

A week in Vilnius or Rome?

The authentic 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 Rome. Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Rome. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Rome. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Rome. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Rome. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Rome. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Rome. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Vilnius