A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Vilnius or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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, Vilnius attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Vilnius travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Vilnius and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Rotorua?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rotorua than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Rotorua, Rotorua has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotorua is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking, while Vilnius is known for its nightlife and historical sights. Rotorua is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Vilnius or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Vilnius or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

Rotorua is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Rotorua?

Both Vilnius and Rotorua are good 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.

Rotorua has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Vilnius or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Vilnius and Rotorua are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Vilnius is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is less frequented by tourists than many in Europe, but much of its beauty comes from the hidden charm and undiscovered atmosphere.

With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Vilnius or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an amazing town 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 Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Students?

Vilnius is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

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.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and Rotorua offer good public transit options.

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

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Vilnius or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Rotorua both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Rotorua. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Rotorua?

In Vilnius, 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.

In Rotorua, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

In Vilnius, 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 Vilnius has to offer.

In Rotorua, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Rotorua has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Rotorua?

Vilnius 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.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vilnius. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Rotorua, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius than you might in Rotorua.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vilnius Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Rotorua?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Vilnius has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Rotorua. The autumn months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Rotorua. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Vilnius