Is Vilnius expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Vilnius is one of the best-value capitals in the EU: cheaper than Tallinn and Riga in many places and far cheaper than Western Europe. A budget day is about €60 per person and a mid-range day about €125; the Old Town's boutique hotels and smart restaurants are the main exceptions.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €25 | €55 | €110 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €35 | €70 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €25 | €40 |
| Local transport | €3 | €8 | €20 |
| Per person, per day | €58 | €123 | €240 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Vilnius day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | about €2.50–3.50 |
| Cepelinai with a local beer | about €12–18 |
| Half-litre of Lithuanian beer in a bar | about €3.50–5 |
| 30-minute bus or trolleybus ticket | about €1 |
| Gediminas Tower | about €8–10 |
| Palace of the Grand Dukes | about €10–12 |
| Trakai Island Castle | about €10–12 |
| Old Town hotel double | about €80–140 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation takes the largest share, though it is moderate: hostels near Didžioji Street cost about €35–60 for a private double, Old Town and Užupis hotels €75–140, and boutique palace hotels €160–300, plus a city tax of roughly €1–2 per person per night. Museum tickets are mostly under €12. Food and beer are good value, especially at lunch. Transport is very cheap, and the train or bus to Trakai costs only a few euros.
When it is cheaper
From October to April (outside the December market and New Year), hotel prices are usually lower, often by 20–30%, and weekends cost more than weekdays.
How to spend less
- Eat the weekday lunch special (dienos pietūs), often soup and main for well under dinner prices.
- Walk the Old Town; most sights are within 15 minutes of each other.
- Take bus 88 or the train from the airport, or a Bolt taxi for about €8–12, rather than a street taxi.
- Visit Trakai on a weekday by train or bus (€2–3) rather than on a tour.
- Shop at Hales Market for smoked meats, cheese and rye bread for picnics.
- Choose the St John's Church bell tower or Gediminas Tower for views rather than paying for both.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Vilnius cheap?
Yes for the EU: about €60 a day on a budget and €125 mid-range.
What currency does Lithuania use?
The euro; cards are widely accepted.
How much is a trip to Trakai?
The train or bus costs €2–3 each way and the castle about €10–12.