A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Rio de Janeiro for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse 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 Rio de Janeiro as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Kaunas and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Kaunas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rio de Janeiro on the map. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the beach. However, Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Kaunas offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

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 Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Rio de Janeiro is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Kaunas is a city with good options for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

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

Is Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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 Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

Kaunas and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Kaunas because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Kaunas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. It offers something for everyone. 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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Kaunas. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kaunas is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Rio de Janeiro. The autumn months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In the autumn, Kaunas is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kaunas in the winter. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Kaunas is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Kaunas