A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Playa del Carmen for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

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 Vilnius and Playa del Carmen. 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising city. With stunning beauty, Vilnius attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vilnius travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Vilnius and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Vilnius is known for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Vilnius is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Playa del Carmen can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Playa del Carmen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Both Vilnius and Playa del Carmen are good shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Playa del Carmen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Vilnius and Playa del Carmen are somewhat similar when it comes to the superb scenery.

The beauty of Vilnius is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is less frequented by tourists than many in Europe, but much of its beauty comes from the hidden charm and undiscovered atmosphere.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius 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, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vilnius is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

Vilnius is a popular place for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Vilnius is popular with students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Vilnius and Playa del Carmen offer good public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Playa del Carmen has some public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Vilnius or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Vilnius Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Both Vilnius and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Vilnius. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 3-7 days is enough time in Playa del Carmen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Playa del Carmen 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 Vilnius.

One day in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

You'll find food and shopping around the surprising destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

You'll find shopping and museums around the undiscovered city of Vilnius. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Playa del Carmen, 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 Vilnius or Playa del Carmen?

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 Vilnius or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Playa del Carmen. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Playa del Carmen. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Vilnius or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

Both Playa del Carmen and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. Vilnius is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?

Both Playa del Carmen and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Vilnius