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

Should you visit Vilnius or Tromso?

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 Tromso. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Vilnius and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vilnius than Tromso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vilnius is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history. It is also home to Gediminas Castle Tower.

How is Vilnius different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vilnius is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Tromso 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 Tromso. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Vilnius has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Vilnius or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Vilnius or Tromso Better for Hiking?

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

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Tromso?

Vilnius is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Vilnius or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very kid-friendly town. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

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

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Vilnius or Tromso Better for Students?

Vilnius and Tromso are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Plenty of students visit Tromso. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Both Vilnius and Tromso offer good public transit options.

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

Tromso has some public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Vilnius or Tromso a more walkable city?

Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very walkable town. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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 Tromso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Tromso?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Tromso?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Tromso?

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

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Tromso. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Tromso. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. In October, Vilnius is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Tromso. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Vilnius in the winter. Vilnius is cooler than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Tromso. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Vilnius is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Tromso. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Vilnius