A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. York for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Vilnius or York?

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 York. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and York: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or York?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Vilnius attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an amazing 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 York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal 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 York Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Vilnius and York.

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.

York has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is Vilnius or York Better for its Old Town?

York is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or York?

Both Vilnius and York are nice 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.

York has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is Vilnius or York Better for Families?

York is an amazing city 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend 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 York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is Vilnius or York Better for Students?

Vilnius is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and York offer nice public transit options.

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

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is Vilnius or York a more walkable city?

Vilnius and York both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

York is a somewhat walkable city. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in York or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or York?

It's fun to spend time in either Vilnius or York. In our opinion, York has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in York than Vilnius. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-4 days is enough time in York.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or York?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 York?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In York, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or York?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

York 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.

A week in Vilnius or York?

The historic city of Vilnius offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

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 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or York?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and York, 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 York?

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 York in the Summer?

Both York and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vilnius is generally a little warmer than York. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and York fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than York during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than York. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or York in the Autumn?

Both York and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Vilnius is cooler than York in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and York fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than York. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 112 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in October than York. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or York in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and York. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

York can be very cold during winter. Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than York. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and York averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than York during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than York. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or York in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as York. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Vilnius is generally cooler than York. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and York fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than York. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 151 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as York. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for York and Vilnius