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

Should you visit Kaunas or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, Utrecht attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Utrecht travel costs.

Kaunas and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Utrecht?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Utrecht than Kaunas. While Kaunas is larger than Utrecht, Utrecht has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Utrecht is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kaunas is more popular for its big city activities. Utrecht is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Also, Utrecht is famous for the Dom Tower. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Utrecht is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Utrecht. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Kaunas and Utrecht.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Utrecht. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Kaunas or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

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

Utrecht has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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 Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is renowned 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.

The old town of Utrecht is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

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 Utrecht?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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 Utrecht More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Utrecht attracts visitors from all around. The town is filled with beautiful canals and cozy cafes. The lights in the evening are nice and the buildings have a historic charm.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Utrecht Better for Families?

Both Kaunas and Utrecht are notable family-friendly destinations.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly city. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Kaunas or Utrecht Better for Couples?

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

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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 Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Utrecht is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht Better for Students?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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

Is Kaunas or Utrecht a more walkable city?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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 Utrecht Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Utrecht?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Utrecht?

In Kaunas, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Kaunas or Utrecht?

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaunas has to offer.

Utrecht 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 Utrecht?

Kaunas is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Utrecht?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Kaunas. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Utrecht. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaunas and Utrecht, we can see that Utrecht 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht 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 Utrecht Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Utrecht?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kaunas is around the same temperature as Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kaunas. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Kaunas or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kaunas is generally cooler than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Kaunas or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Utrecht. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Utrecht can be very cold during winter. Kaunas can get quite cold in the winter. Kaunas is much colder than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Kaunas or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Utrecht. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kaunas is cooler than Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Kaunas