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

Should you visit Vilnius or Wellington?

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 Wellington. 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 historic, religious, and surprising city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Vilnius and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Wellington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wellington than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Wellington, Wellington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wellington is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Wellington is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Also, Wellington is famous for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Vilnius and Wellington.

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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and Wellington.

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.

Wellington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Vilnius or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is notable for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Vilnius or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Wellington?

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

Wellington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very kid-friendly city. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Wellington both notable 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Vilnius or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Wellington are superb 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 Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Vilnius or Wellington Better for Students?

Vilnius and Wellington are both notable 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 Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Wellington 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.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Vilnius or Wellington a more walkable city?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Wellington?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Vilnius, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wellington, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Vilnius, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Wellington, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wellington has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Wellington?

Vilnius, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Wellington?

Vilnius is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington is in Pacific, 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 Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Wellington?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Wellington. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Wellington. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches.

Vilnius is much colder than Wellington in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin October. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Vilnius