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

Should you visit Kaunas or Taupo?

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 Taupo. 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Kaunas and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taupo. Although Kaunas and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Taupo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taupo is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas is known for its historical sights and big city activities. Taupo is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also home to the Craters of the Moon reserve. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kaunas or Taupo Better for Skiing?

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

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Kaunas is not a skiing destination.

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

Taupo is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Taupo offers a few options for museum-goers. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Kaunas and Taupo.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Kaunas or Taupo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Kaunas to see the 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.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Kaunas or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Kaunas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Taupo?

Taupo is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

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 Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Taupo Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

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

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Taupo is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo Better for Students?

Kaunas is a popular place for students. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Both Kaunas and Taupo offer good public transit options.

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

Taupo has some public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Kaunas or Taupo a more walkable city?

Kaunas and Taupo both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kaunas and Taupo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taupo than in Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Taupo?

In Kaunas, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this young destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Taupo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 Taupo?

Kaunas is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kaunas. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Taupo?

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Kaunas. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the striking destination of Taupo. This town 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 New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Taupo, 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 Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Taupo?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Taupo, 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.