A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Backpackers, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Kaunas or Amsterdam?

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 Kaunas and Amsterdam. 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a cultural, active, and young 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 and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty in Amsterdam as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Kaunas and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Kaunas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is known for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its music scene. However, Kaunas is not a live music destination.

In Amsterdam you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Kaunas is not a live music destination.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam More Beautiful?

Amsterdam is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Amsterdam as well. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kaunas. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Amsterdam is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Kaunas is popular with students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Amsterdam has a great public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Kaunas or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Both Kaunas and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Kaunas 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Kaunas. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaunas has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

You'll find food and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Kaunas. 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.

Amsterdam 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.

Five days in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kaunas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Kaunas is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Amsterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Amsterdam, 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 Kaunas or Amsterdam?

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 Kaunas or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kaunas is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kaunas is cooler than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kaunas is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Kaunas