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

Should you visit Kaunas or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown. 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 young, vibrant, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a nature-oriented, spirited, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Queenstown travel costs.

Kaunas and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Queenstown than Kaunas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Queenstown is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities. Queenstown is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Also, Queenstown is famous for Kawarau Bridge. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kaunas or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is renowned for snow skiing. However, Kaunas is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Kaunas is not a skiing destination.

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

Queenstown is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Queenstown offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Queenstown has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kaunas to see the historical 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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Queenstown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Queenstown?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

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 Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Queenstown Better for Families?

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is renowned for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Queenstown is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Both Kaunas and Queenstown offer notable public transit options.

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

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Kaunas or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Queenstown?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Queenstown?

With food and nightlife around the young city of Kaunas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kaunas, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kaunas, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

Kaunas, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?

Kaunas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the spirited destination of Queenstown. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Queenstown, we can see that Kaunas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kaunas is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Queenstown?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Queenstown, 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.