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Most people don’t know much about Lithuania, the southernmost of the three states, commonly known as The Baltics. Lithuania was actually once the largest country in Europe. No joke. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania reached from the shores of the Baltic all the way to the Black Sea. Lithuania was also the first of the Baltic states to regain independence after 40+ years of Soviet occupation, on 11 March 1990. Naturally, Lithuania has historic sites galore. If you are keen to experience Lithuania, and you wonder what there is to see and do (in a week) – on its own or as part of a trip that explores all three Baltic countries – we’ve got THE itinerary for you.
Three reasons why you should visit Lithuania
- You probably know it already: It’s super easy to get here from anywhere in Europe. Lithuania boasts no less than three international airports: in the capital Vilnius, the country’s second-largest city Kaunas and in Palanga on the Baltic coast.
- Lithuania is right in the centre of Europe. It’s true. Scientists have determined that the geographical centre of the continent is approximately 30 kilometres north of Vilnius. And it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Vilnius. More on that below.
- If you’re into history and the great outdoors as much as quirky things (for example, a country within a country or a pilgrimage site with thousands of crosses in the middle of nowhere) Lithuania ticks all the boxes.
The self-proclaimed “Republic” of Užupis is Vilnius' Bohemian and artistic district
Choose the Lithuania route that best fits your plans
Our itinerary assumes that you fly into Vilnius (IATA Code: VNO) and spend 2 days each in/around Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, before finishing with a stopover in Šiauliai (and continuing your travels north to Latvia and Estonia):
If you don’t plan to explore Latvia, we recommend to change the itinerary as follows:
Arrive Vilnius (VNO) -> Vilnius -> Kaunas -> Šiauliai -> Klaipėda -> Depart Palanga (IATA Code: PLQ)
Palanga (PLQ) is the closest airport to Klaipėda, with direct buses taking about an hour. This is better than travelling from Šiauliai north to Riga Airport (IATA Code: RIX), or south-east to Kaunas (IATA Code: KUN) or Vilnius (IATA Code: VNO), with journeys to either taking several more hours.
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
How to get around Lithuania
Lithuania is a compact country with excellent public transport in the form of intercity trains/coaches and efficient urban (trolley)bus networks. All the recommendations on our itinerary can be done without a car, though for one of our day trip recommendations, it is more convenient to hire one (just for the day).
To check timetables and organise your intercity transport, click on the links in the table below:
| From | To | Best Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius | Kaunas | Train | Frequent trains take less than 1.5 hours |
| Kaunas | Klaipėda | Coach | Coaches take 2.5-3 hours (and are frequent) |
| Kaunas | Šiauliai | Train OR Coach | Direct trains take around 2 1/4 hours (but are limited), direct coaches are more frequent (but take 2.5-3 hours) |
| Klaipėda | Šiauliai | Train | Frequent trains take about 2 hours |
| Šiauliai | Riga | Train | Frequent trains take just under 2 hours |
All destinations on our itinerary are very walkable. When you do need to use public transport check out the respective urban public transportation websites:
- Vilnius: (Trolley)Bus network map | Timetables and Fare Information
- Kaunas: (Trolley)Bus network map | Timetables and Fare Information
- Klaipėda: Bus and Ferry routes | Timetables and Fare Information.
Public transport connections from/to the airports are as follows:
- Vilnius <-> Vilnius Airport (VNU): Serviced by frequent trains (<10min) and various bus lines (<30min) – Check Google Maps
- Kaunas <-> Kaunas Airport (KUN): Bus 29 timetable (<45min)
- Klaipėda <-> Palanga Airport (PLQ): Minibus 31 timetable and route map (~45min).
Lithuania has an excellent public transport network, comprising intercity trains/coaches, and urban (trolley)buses (and ferries) | Image from Wikimedia Commons
Highlights of Vilnius (and surrounds)
Day 1
With two full days in the Lithuanian capital, we recommend starting your day with a free walking tour, exploring Vilnius’ Old Town (including the University and streets of the former Jewish Ghetto) and the bohemian self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis.
Walking tours in Vilnius' Old Town will take you through the Jewish Quarter | Image courtesy of Kate Sobol
After lunch, head to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights [Google Maps location].
This was hands down the most interesting museum we visited in Lithuania. The museum is located in the former KGB Headquarters. People who didn’t agree with the regime weren’t just subjected to torture (you can look into a cell that was padded to muffle the screams). Over 700 of them were killed right here in the basement – the execution chamber was especially haunting – and buried in mass graves in what is now Tuskulenai Peace Park [Google Maps location].
The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights - gruesome but our favourite museum in Vilnius
To finish your first day in Vilnius on a more positive note, head to Gediminas Castle Tower [Google Maps location] to learn more about Lithuania’s more recent history: the Baltic Way (which culminated in the Baltics’ independence / end of Soviet occupation).
The views over Vilnius from Gediminas Tower are already pretty cool, but for a different perspective, climb the Bell Tower of the Cathedral [Google Maps location] and/or the Bell Tower of St John’s Church [Google Maps location].
If street art is your thing you'll love Vilnius | Photo by Kate Sobol
Day 2
On your second day, we suggest you stock up on some fresh local produce at Halės Market [Google Maps location] and then head out of town.
While you can visit all the destinations below by public transport, we recommend hiring a car for the day, as this allows you to drive one big loop (rather than returning to Vilnius in between). Visiting all three sights by public transport on the SAME day would also be a challenge timewise (so pick the one/maximum two that sound most interesting to you).
First up, drive approximately 32 kilometres (45 minutes) north. The Geographical Centre of Europe [Google Maps location] is located just outside the village of Radžiuliai. While not much more than a memorial with marker flags and a visitor centre, the Centre of Europe is pretty cool, too, if you’ve been to the Equator near Quito, Ecuador.
If you’re taking the bus, it’s a 500 metre walk from/to the Radžiuliai bus stop, which is serviced by buses 132 (Pramogų Arena-Paberžė) and M-895 (Vilnius Bus Station-Biržų) – though there are only a handful of buses each day (so check the connections before you set off).
The Geographical Centre of Europe is just north of Vilnius and can be visited on a day trip
How to find the best deals on rental cars
While we use public transport wherever possible, occasionally hiring a car or scooter makes it easier or gets us to places we couldn't reach otherwise. Whenever we do hire a vehicle, our first point of call is local providers. A quick Google Maps search shows who's near us. We then check the reviews and only contact those other travellers who had good experiences with. If we can't find anyone we're comfortable with, we search for car rental deals on Booking.com. They partner with trusted brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget or Europcar (and, in some locations, local providers, too).
Next, head 40 kilometres west to Kernavė – the medieval capital of Lithuania [Google Maps location], and like Vilnius’ old town, a UNESCO world heritage site. Don’t expect well-preserved medieval architecture though. Given ancient Kernavė was built from wood, all that’s left are the hills on which the wooden fortresses once stood. But there is an excellent interactive museum [Google Maps location] that brings the city’s story to life.
If you travel by bus, you need to return from Radžiuliai to Vilnius and take the bus from there to Kernavė.
Located only 40km north-west of Vilnius, Kernavė was the medieval capital of Lithuania
If you’ve still got time/energy, head to Trakai (30 kilometres south of Kernavė). Even if you’re not interested in the castle itself, the island (on which the castle is located) and surrounding area form a National Park, which is worth a visit.
If you come from Kernavė using public transport, you’ll have to travel back to Vilnius and from there to Trakai (by bus or train). Note: Trakai’s bus station is about 2.5km and its train station about 3km from the island castle – a dead-flat 30-40 minute walk (or take a taxi).
Food and Drinks in Lithuania
To try Lithuanian cuisine at reasonable prices, head to one of the Etno Dvaras or Bernelių Užeiga restaurants (both have outlets in Vilnius and Kaunas). For a Soviet-era canteen experience with cheap but tasty food, pop by Sultiniai in Vilnius [Google Maps location]. For more insights on Baltic cuisine, check out our dedicated article.
For a Soviet-era bistro experience and cheap but tasty food, head to Sultiniai in Vilnius
Highlights of Kaunas (and surrounds)
A bit rougher around the edges, Kaunas (Lithuania’s second largest city) often gets overlooked in favour of the capital or Klaipėda on the Baltic Coast. We really liked it though. Maybe because its Old Town is smaller but equally beautiful as Vilnius’. Maybe because its colourful trolley buses brighten up the streets or maybe because of its abundance of street art and wooden houses.
Can you tell that there is a friendly rivalry between Vilnius and Kaunas when it comes to street art?
What many don’t know (including us before we came here), Kaunas was actually Lithuania’s capital from 1919 to 1940, when Vilnius was occupied by Poland.
Being made capital quasi overnight, a building boom ensued in the early 1920s, leading to a significant number of Art Deco buildings. Sadly, many suffered from neglect over the past century (and some didn’t survive), but with Kaunas as the (joined) European Capital of Culture in 2022, quite a few of the city’ historic buildings have now been restored to their former glory.
What many don't know: Kaunas was actually Lithuania's capital from 1919 to 1940, when Vilnius was occupied by Poland
Day 1
As with Vilnius, we recommend spending your first day in Kaunas, exploring the city on foot – this time with a self-guided walking tour.
Make sure you visit Kaunas Castle and stop by the House of Perkūnas [Google Maps location] – it’s gorgeous on the outside, but there isn’t really anything inside worth the entry fee. To finish off your morning, and to learn more about Kaunas’ time as the capital, visit the interactive museum in the Historical Presidential Palace [Google Maps location].
Built in the 15th century, the House of Perkūnas is one of the oldest houses in Kaunas
After lunch, visit the only museum in the world dedicated to (artistic depictions of) the devil: the Devils’ Museum [Google Maps location]. Yep, that’s right. What started as a collection of gifts a famous Lithuanian artist received, is now the largest of its kind in the world.
From the museum, head up the small hill (on foot or, if it’s operating, via super short cable car ride) to Christ’s Resurrection Church [Google Maps location] for 360-degree views over the city from its terrace (as well as songs and organ music if your visit coincides with a service).
The terrace roof of Christ's Resurrection Church offers 360 degree views over Kaunas - if the weather is nice
Around the world in 80+ travel movies
Looking for travel inspiration? Why not turn to the big screen? Movies can transport us to different places, spark our wanderlust and make us dream of new adventures. And with 80+ films to choose from, covering classics and hidden gems worldwide, you will be planning your next adventure in no time.
If you’re here between September and June, try and time your visit with a home game of Žalgiris Kaunas, Lithuania’s best basketball team. Tickets for the matches at Žalgiris Arena [Google Maps location] can be booked online.
Day 2
In the morning, we recommend visiting the Memorial Complex of the Ninth Fort [Google Maps location].
Originally part of the fortification system surrounding Kaunas when it lay on the Western border of Tsarist Russia, the Ninth Fort was used only as a military installation until the end of World War I. During Kaunas’ time as Lithuania’s capital, it was transformed into a hard labour prison. And during the first period of Soviet occupation between 1940 and 1944, prisoners were transferred through the fort on their way to the Labour Camps in Siberia. During the Nazi occupation of Lithuania, as many as 50,000 people died here.
A well-curated museum provides in-depth information on all four distinct periods in the history of the fort. For more information, check out this excellent post about the Ninth Fort Memorial Complex.
Originally part of the fortification system surrounding Kaunas, 50,000 people were killed at the Ninth Fort during the Nazi occupation
To balance the morning experience, we suggest you spend your afternoon visiting the Spa Town of Birštonas. The bus to Birštonas takes about one hour. Walk through its Central Park and along the Neman River, enjoy the water sounds and salty air at the Druskupis Mineral Water Evaporation Tower [Google Maps location] or book a spa treatment.
Alternatively, take trolley bus 5, 9 or 12 to the Kaunas Lagoon (final stop: Petrašiūnai, followed by an easy 20min walk) and visit the stunning Barock-style Pažaislis Monastery with Lithuania’s oldest church clock tower [Google Maps location].
For an afternoon of reflection and rejuvenation head to the spa town of Birštonas
Highlights of Klaipėda (and surrounds)
Klaipėda adds a very different side of Lithuania to this itinerary: It’s a working port city with a compact Old Town and easy access to the Curonian Spit, the UNESCO-listed sand-dune landscape that stretches between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon.
Day 1
On your first day, we recommend exploring Klaipėda itself. As part of the Hanseatic League, Memel, as it was historically known, has distinct maritime architecture (similar to other Hanseatic cities like Lübeck, Hamburg, or Bremen).
If you’re in town on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday afternoon, join the Free Walking Tour, which starts at one of the key landmarks of the city: the Meridianas Tallship (home to a high-end restaurant) [Google Maps location]. If not, daily morning tours are also available (at a fixed price per person).
Built in Finland after WWII, the Meridianas used to be a training ship during Soviet times | Photo by Leonid Sobolev on Pixabay
Day 2
Today is all about exploring the Curonian Spit, a 98km long peninsula hugging the shores of the Baltic Sea (about half of which belongs to Lithuania, the other to the Ruassian exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast).
The Curonian Spit is connected to Klaipėda by frequent (car and passenger) ferries. Unless you hire a car for the day, take the passenger ferry [Google Maps location] across to Smiltynė and the N1 bus from there. Alternatively, buses M-323 and M-933 leave from Kaunas Train Station and travel to Nida, crossing the lagoon on the car ferry (one each in the morning, returning in the afternoon). Travelling all the way to Nida (by ferry/bus) takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Whether you travel in a (rented) vehicle or by ferry/bus, we recommend focusing on two places:
- the quaint town of Nida, with its wooden houses and the 50+ metre high Parnidis Dune [Google Maps location] with spectacular 360 degree views across the sand, sea and lagoon, and
- (if you’ve got time) Juodkrantė with its forest trail of carved wooden statues on the Hill of Witches [Google Maps location].
Head to Nida first, as there is quite a bit to see, including
- the Curonian Spit History Museum [Google Maps location],
- the nearby Thomas Mann Cultural Centre [Google Maps location], a small but insightful museum located in the former summer residence of one of Germany’s most famous writers (Buddenbrooks and Doctor Faustus were part of my German school curriculum), and
- the Fisherman’s Ethnographic Homestead [Google Maps location], on the way to/from the Parnidis Dune.
A giant sandbank formed some 5,000 years ago, the Curonian Spit makes for a wonderful day trip from Klaipėda | Photo by Vitaliy Gavrushchenko on Unsplash
Optional Day 3
If you’ve got extra time in Klaipėda (or you’re flying home from Palanga Airport [PLQ] later in the afternoon), we recommend spending a few hours in the town of Palanga:
- Check out the Amber Museum [Google Maps location] located in Birutė Park, with nearby Birutė Hill [Google Maps location], and
- Finish at the Palanga Pier [Google Maps location] – especially nice at sunset.
There are frequent bus connections between Klaipėda and Palanga (taking ~30 minutes), and between Palanga and the Airport (taking ~10 minutes). You can leave your luggage at the Palanga Bus Station [Google Maps location]. To get around Palanga, it’s best to hire a bicycle – Amber Drop offers hourly and daily rentals a short walk from the bus station [Google Maps location].
If you've got a few hours to spare while in Klaipėda, spend them in nearby Palanga | Photo by Iloorraa on Pixabay
Šiauliai and the Hill of Crosses
We first heard about the Hill of Crosses from Atlas Obscura and were intrigued. Having done both the Camino de Santiago (in Portugal/Spain) and the Kumano Kodo (in Japan), we wanted to experience this unique pilgrimage site for ourselves.
While in the middle of nowhere, 12 kilometres north of the city of Šiauliai, the Hill of Crosses is not difficult to reach by public transport. Bus 60 leaves from Šiauliai Bus Station [Google Maps location], taking around 20 minutes, with regular connections throughout the day.
Once you get off the bus at Domantai [Google Maps location], you walk for two kilometres along a dead flat road. From about halfway, you can make out the hill in the distance on the right (and a parking lot with tourist buses on the left). With a four-kilometre return walk and spending 45 to 60 minutes at the Hill of Crosses [Google Maps location], make sure to leave (at least) 90 minutes between your bus arrival and departure times.
Visiting the Hill of Crosses north of Šiauliai is free but you need public transport (or a car) to get there
As for the experience: There are thousands and thousands of crosses of all shapes and sizes. Some strongly anchored in the ground, some leaning or hanging on others. A forest of weathered wooden crosses interspersed by new wooden ones, shiny (and rusty) metal ones…
My favourite was a small cross with Noah’s Ark painted on it. Innocent like a child, it stood out among all the greyness surrounding it.
I’m glad I went, and I could have easily stayed longer. Paul felt a bit sad after visiting the site. I just felt a sense of complete peace.
Walking on the path at Hill of Crosses allowed us to reflect on humanity
Šiauliai itself is less exciting. If you do have time to spare before you continue your journey (to Riga or Kaunas Airport), the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul [Google Maps location], about 10 minute’s walk north of the main bus station, is worth a visit. If you have a sweet tooth, pop into the Rūtos Chocolate Museum [Google Maps location] on your way.
If you have spare time in Šiauliai you may want to visit the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul and/or the chocolate museum
Where to stay in Lithuania?
Accommodation usually makes up around 30% of your trip costs – so, it pays to shop around. We usually book our stays using Booking.com, looking for locally-owned apartments that allow us to self-cater and are centrally located / within easy reach of public transport (and grocery stores/produce markets). If your travel style is similar to ours, here are our recommendations for Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda:
| Name | Property Features | Location | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atrium City Center Apartment | Recently renovated, well-rated stay with free Wi-Fi, family room, washing machine and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and coffee machine. | Kaunas | Book Now |
| Courtyard Gallery Apartment | Well-rated stay with free on-site parking, fast free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine, with guests praising the smooth key handover and clear arrival information. | Kaunas | Book Now |
| Old Town Whispers | Adults-only, highly rated stay with free on-site parking, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and dishwasher, praised by guests as warm, cosy and spacious. | Kaunas | Book Now |
| Senamiesčio Horizontai | Highly rated stay with on-site parking, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine, praised by guests as exceptionally clean and comfortable with lovely views. | Klaipeda | Book Now |
| Memel Townhouse Apartamentai | Well-rated stay with free on-site parking, good free Wi-Fi, a terrace, full kitchen and washing machine, praised for cleanliness, value and a responsive host. | Klaipeda | Book Now |
| B2 Apartments | Well-rated stay with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchenette, washing machine and city views, praised by guests for being clean, modern and comfortable, with free parking noted in reviews. | Klaipeda | Book Now |
| Apartment in Heart of Užupis | Well-rated Užupis stay with free private parking, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine. | Vilnius | Book Now |
| Urban oasis apartments | Compact, well-rated stay with free Wi-Fi, kitchen, washing machine, private check-in and family-friendly extras. | Vilnius | Book Now |
| Vilnius Street Apartment | Historic Old Town stay with free Wi-Fi, kitchen, washing machine and city views, praised by guests for being clean, cosy and fully equipped. | Vilnius | Book Now |
Travel Budget Lithuania Tips
What is the currency of Lithuania?
The currency in Lithuania is the Euro and has been since 1 January 2015. It was the last of the three Baltic states to adopt the Euro, after Estonia (2011) and Latvia (2014). Before then, the currency was the Lithuanian Litas (LTL).
How expensive is Lithuania (and how to make your trip more affordable)?
Lithuania is the most affordable of the three Baltic states. Expect to pay around EUR50-75 per person per day if you stay in a small apartment with a kitchen near the city centre, largely self-cater, use public transport and are selective about the things you see and do (many of the sights on our itinerary are free or cost very little).
What else is worth knowing?
Tipping is not mandatory in Lithuania. But if you’ve experienced exceptional service in a restaurant, the staff will be happy to receive a small tip (5-10%).
Like elsewhere in Europe, public bathroom use in Lithuania is usually not free. Expect to be charged EUR0.30-0.50 (and bring cash, ideally coins, to pay for them). You may find free bathrooms in restaurants and museums, so use those when you have the chance.
Which brings me to my final point: How much cash do you need when visiting Lithuania? While cards are widely accepted, bring some cash (for the bathroom use and tips, to pay for purchases at produce and flea markets, and as general back-up). EUR50 per person for the week (in small denominations, including coins) should suffice.
While not flash from the outside, in the Baltics, austere Soviet-era apartment blocks make perfectly fine (and affordable) accommodation | Photo by OlafPictures on Pixabay
Have you been to Lithuania? What other tips would you add?
I wrote this Lithuania travel guide based on our own experience. If you have been to Lithuania recently and would like to add something, please feel free to get in touch.
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