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

Should you visit Vilnius or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Shanghai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Vilnius. Shanghai is bigger than Vilnius, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an amazing port 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 Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an amazing port 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 Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Vilnius or Shanghai Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an amazing port 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 Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai Better for Families?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Shanghai are excellent 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 Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Vilnius or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Vilnius or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Shanghai?

In either Vilnius or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Vilnius because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Shanghai?

The beautiful city of Vilnius offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Vilnius is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Shanghai 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 Shanghai has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Shanghai?

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Vilnius or Shanghai?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. 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 from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

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 Shanghai in the Summer?

Both Shanghai and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

Vilnius is much colder than Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Shanghai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Shanghai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Shanghai. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shanghai. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Shanghai. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Vilnius is much colder than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Vilnius