Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Vilnius

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, basic private rooms with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Local canteens, street food, supermarket groceries, self-catering, university cafeterias, local bakeries

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, trolleybuses, walking, occasional shared rides, city bikes

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums days, self-guided exploration, occasional paid attraction

Use public transportation instead of taxis - typically saves 60-80% on daily transport costs

Eat at local Lithuanian canteens and university cafeterias rather than tourist-area restaurants for 50-70% savings

Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance for 20-40% discounts, especially during peak season

Take advantage of free museum days and walking tours - can save $15-30 per day on activities

Shop at local supermarkets and prepare some meals yourself - reduces food costs by 40-60%

Walk or bike between Old Town attractions instead of taking transport - most sites are within 1-2km

Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for 25-35% lower accommodation rates

Staying only in the Old Town tourist center - accommodation typically costs 40-80% more than areas 15-20 minutes away

Eating exclusively at restaurants near major attractions - expect 100-150% markup compared to local neighborhoods

Taking taxis for short distances instead of walking or public transport - Old Town is very walkable and taxis cost 4-6x more than buses