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

Should you visit Heraklion or Vilnius?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Vilnius can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a historic, vibrant, and accessible city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Heraklion travel costs.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. The beauty of Vilnius is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Vilnius travel costs.

Heraklion and Vilnius: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Vilnius?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and big city activities, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Heraklion different from Vilnius?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vilnius and Heraklion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Vilnius?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Vilnius? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Vilnius Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Vilnius.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Vilnius is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Heraklion or Vilnius Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Vilnius Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Vilnius?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Vilnius.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Vilnius to go shopping. 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 Heraklion or Vilnius More Beautiful?

Vilnius is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Heraklion is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Vilnius is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is less frequented by tourists than many in Europe, but much of its beauty comes from the hidden charm and undiscovered atmosphere.

Heraklion is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Heraklion or Vilnius Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Vilnius are notable to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vilnius. 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 Heraklion or Vilnius Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Vilnius Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Vilnius are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Vilnius is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Heraklion or Vilnius Better for Students?

Vilnius is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Heraklion and Vilnius.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Vilnius, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Heraklion or Vilnius a more walkable city?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Vilnius Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vilnius or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Vilnius?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Vilnius. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Vilnius due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-4 days is enough time in Vilnius.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Vilnius?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Vilnius?

In Heraklion, 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 Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the religious destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Vilnius?

Heraklion 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Vilnius. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Vilnius?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. 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.

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Vilnius?

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

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 Heraklion or Vilnius in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Vilnius. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Vilnius in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Vilnius fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Vilnius. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 219 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Vilnius. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Vilnius in the Autumn?

Both Vilnius and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Vilnius. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Vilnius averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Vilnius during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Vilnius. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Vilnius in the Winter?

Both Vilnius and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can be very cold during winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Vilnius. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Vilnius fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Vilnius. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vilnius receives 36 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Vilnius. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Vilnius in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Vilnius. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty.

Heraklion is much warmer than Vilnius in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Vilnius fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Vilnius during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Vilnius receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Vilnius. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vilnius receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vilnius and Heraklion