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

Should you visit Vilnius or Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam. 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 authentic, historic, and religious city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Vilnius and Rotterdam are roughly the same size, Rotterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotterdam is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Vilnius is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Vilnius different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Vilnius and Rotterdam.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Is the Food Better in Vilnius or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Rotterdam can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. 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.

Rotterdam is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Vilnius or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Vilnius and Rotterdam.

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.

Rotterdam has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Vilnius or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Rotterdam?

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

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

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 Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a good city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Vilnius or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Vilnius or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international 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.

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

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Vilnius or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a very walkable port city. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port 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 Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Rotterdam 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the religious city of Vilnius. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. 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 Rotterdam?

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Rotterdam. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In the summer, Vilnius is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rotterdam. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Vilnius is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. Vilnius is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Vilnius is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Vilnius