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

Should you visit Vilnius or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Vilnius. Zagreb is bigger than Vilnius, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its impressive beauty. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Vilnius different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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 Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

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 Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Vilnius and Zagreb.

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.

Zagreb has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is Vilnius or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Vilnius and Zagreb.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Zagreb are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Vilnius or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Vilnius or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is Vilnius or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Zagreb 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.

Zagreb has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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

Is Vilnius or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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 Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Zagreb?

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.

In Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Zagreb?

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.

In Zagreb, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zagreb has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the religious 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 Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Zagreb, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius than you might in Zagreb.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Zagreb. 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 Zagreb this time of year.

Vilnius is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Zagreb. 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 Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Vilnius