A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Melbourne for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kaunas or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. 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 vibrant, cultural, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Melbourne travel costs.

Kaunas and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Kaunas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Melbourne is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaunas is known for its historical sights. Melbourne is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Melbourne is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Is Kaunas or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

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

Melbourne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is notable for the beach. However, Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is a popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kaunas. 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Melbourne?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Kaunas or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Melbourne is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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 Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Kaunas and Melbourne are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Kaunas or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is renowned for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. 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.

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

Melbourne is notable 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Kaunas or Melbourne a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Melbourne?

In either Kaunas or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Kaunas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Melbourne?

You'll find food and nightlife around the active 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.

Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaunas and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Kaunas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kaunas is in Europe and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kaunas has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kaunas or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Kaunas during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kaunas is generally cooler than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kaunas. In the summer, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein January. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Melbourne. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Kaunas is much colder than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Melbournein April. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kaunas or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kaunas can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Melbournein July. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in January than Melbournein July. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Kaunas is generally much colder than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Melbournein October. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Kaunas