Vilnius is an authentic city known for its authentic old town and long running history. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're enjoying the nightlife or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Vilnius that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Vilnius?
You should plan to spend around $102 (€94) per day on your vacation in Vilnius. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $44 (€40) on meals
- $9.05 (€8.30) on local transportation
- $92 (€84) on hotels
A one week trip to Vilnius for two people costs, on average, $1,434 (€1,316). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$717
€658
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,434
€1,316
-
One Month
Per person
$3,073
€2,820
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,434
€1,316
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,868
€2,632
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,146
€5,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Vilnius cost?
A one week trip to Vilnius usually costs around $717 (€658) for one person and $1,434 (€1,316) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Vilnius on average costs around $1,434 (€1,316) for one person and $2,868 (€2,632) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Vilnius will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Vilnius on average costs around $3,073 (€2,820) for one person and $6,146 (€5,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Vilnius expensive to visit?
Vilnius is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Vilnius can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $44 (€40) per day, mid-range travelers spend $105 (€94) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $236 (€212) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Vilnius.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Vilnius is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Vilnius Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Vilnius?
The average Vilnius trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vilnius travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Vilnius cost?
Vilnius on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$20
(€18)
|
$46
(€42)
|
$94
(€86)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(€3.44)
|
$9
(€8.30)
|
$20
(€19)
|
Food 2
|
$18
(€16)
|
$44
(€40)
|
$105
(€97)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4
(€4.03)
|
$11
(€9.72)
|
$24
(€22)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(€1-4)
|
$3-10
(€3-10)
|
$7-20
(€6-18)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Vilnius on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $44 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Vilnius is home to plenty of hostels, including Jimmy Jumps House/Hostel, Mikalo House, and Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Vilnius to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $105 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Vilnius. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Algirdas City Hotels is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Congress Avenue is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Vilnius here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $236 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Vilnius Like a Local: Customized Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Vilnius
The price of hotels in Vilnius can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $50, while peak summer season averages can reach $93. Prices range from $33 to $153, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Vilnius for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $92 (€84). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $46 (€42) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Vilnius? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Vilnius include:
- Neringa Hotel starting at $67
- Algirdas City Hotels starting at $47
- Congress Avenue starting at $60
- Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva starting at $68
- Holiday Inn Vilnius starting at $60
The effecient public transportation in Vilnius allows for cheaper accommodations outside the city, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
The city's historic old town is a major draw for travelers. While hotels in this area can be priced high, they frequently feature a lot of character and are well-placed for easy access to attractions.
Transportation Budget in Vilnius
With a good public transit network in Vilnius, many of the main sights are easy to reach. Bus and trolleybuses are available. Public transit is a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.
Exploring Vilnius is easier in its more walkable areas, allowing you to see many attractions. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.
Public Transit: (good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.05 (€8.30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vilnius. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Vilnius is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.05
€8.30
If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer for $28 details
- Vilnius to Riga - Sightseeing transfer for $54 details
- CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius for $46 details
How much does it cost to go to Vilnius? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Vilnius will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Vilnius
Food in Vilnius is pretty good, but you'll need to do some research to find the most popular restaurants. Keep an eye out for a few fantastic spots in the city. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Vilnius can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Vilnius is $44 (€40) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$44
€40
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vilnius is around $45 (€40) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $108. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Vilnius are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $31
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Eating out in Vilnius is generally affordable by European standards. There are a variety of cheap dining options and most bars serve affordable food that is of decent quality. Other budget food options include Thai, Armenian, Ukrainian, Georgian,and traditional Lithuanian restaurants. Some restaurants offer a business lunch for a discounted price. If you want to prepare your own food then head to Maxima, which is the largest Lithuanian supermarket chain. They also sell good and cheap ready made food. There are also plenty of cafes around town, particularly in the Old Town. Popular coffee shop chains include Coffee-Inn, AJ Sokoladas, and Sviezia kava, all of which are spread around town.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Listed below are typical food prices in Vilnius, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vilnius
The allure of Vilnius is undeniable, especially since it offers nightlife, historical sights, budget-friendly accommodations, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Vilnius typically cost an average of $11 (€9.72) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$11
€9.72
Vilnius's Old Town dates back to the Middle Ages. At one point it was surrounded by a defensive wall, which defined the shape of the area. Most of the building's architectural style is from the Baroque and Classicism periods with some representation from the Renaissance and Gothic times. During medieval times the city was built with wood and destroyed during fires in both 1513 and 1749. Most of the buildings are from the 19th and 20th centuries. You'll find plenty of restaurants and bars in the old cellars.
Sights around town include the Cultural Reserve of Vilnius Castles, the Royal Palace, Vilnius Cathedral, Cathedral Square, the Bell Tower, the Crooked Castle, the Artillery Bastion of Vilnius Defensive Wall, the Presidential Palace and the Town Hall. Famous churches include St. Anne's Church, the Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Orthodox Monastery and Church of the Holy Spirit. Museums worth visiting include the Church Heritage Museum, the Contemporary Art Centre, the Customs Museum, the National Gallery of Art, as well as many more.
If you're looking for even more interesting things to do in this dynamic city, then check out two days in Vilnius on a budget.
There are many different festivals that are held throughout the year in Vilnius. Popular ones include Speigas, Kaziukas Fair in March, Cinema Springtime, Mados infekcija, Europe Day, the Vilnius Festival, the Christopher Summer Festival, the Bartholomew Fair, the Vilnius City Fiesta, Sirenos, and Vilnius Jazz.
Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic old town. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Vilnius is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tour out of Paneriai holocaust park, Trakai, Kaunas for $243 details
- Day tour out of Paneriai holocaust park,Trakai castle, medieval Kernave for $232 details
- Vilnius Old Town and Užupis Republic - Private Walking Tour for $105 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Vilnius are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Vilnius
With its fun and active nightlife, Vilnius attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.95 (€6.38) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Vilnius per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.95
€6.38
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Vilnius. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems for $47 details
- Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom for $54 details
- Pub Crawl with Welcome Drink and Traditional Snacks for $86 details
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Vilnius. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Traveling in Vilnius
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.
The climate in Vilnius is humid continental. During the month of January the average temperature is -5 degrees Celsius and in July it is 17 degrees Celsius. On occasion, summer temperatures can climb above 30 degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures rarely climb above freezing and it is not uncommon for lows to drop below -25 degrees Celsius.
Neighborhoods & Around
As a tourist you're likely to spend most of your time in the city's Old Town, referred to as Senamiestis. This is where you'll find the interesting history, impressive architecture, and quaint, narrow streets. There are also many different and diverse churches.
At the heart of the Old Town is Gediminas Hill and the Upper Castle. Cathedral Square is at the bottom of the hill along with the Vilnius Cathedral. Nearby you'll also find the Bernardine Garden and Kalnu Park. Three Crosses Hill is in Kalnu Park. South of Bernardine Garden is the Saint Ann Church and Saint Francis of Assissi Church and monastery. Also nearby is the large white Russian Orthodox Church. Other areas of interest are Rotuses Square and the Gate of Dawn area, Pilies, Sv. Jono, Dominikonu and Traku Streets, and Uzupis.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.