Things to Do in Lithuania

About Lithuania

Lithuania sits between Poland and Latvia with a Baltic coastline, medieval towns, and old-growth forests that most Europeans overlook. The Vilnius Old Town earned UNESCO status for its baroque churches and narrow streets, while the Curonian Spit features massive sand dunes that reshape themselves each season. Trakai Castle, built on an island, draws crowds for good reason—the Gothic brick fortress sits surrounded by lakes that freeze solid in winter. The country won independence through the Singing Revolution in the late 1980s. That spirit stuck. Locals still forage for mushrooms in Aukštaitija National Park and mark summer solstice with traditional celebrations involving flower crowns and bonfires. You'll find wooden crosses throughout the countryside, some carved centuries ago. The food is heavy and filling. Cepelinai—potato dumplings stuffed with meat—appear on most menus, along with dark rye bread and beetroot soup. Cafés in Vilnius serve strong coffee and Lithuanian beer flows cheap. The old quarters smell like pine and occasionally the sea when wind comes from the coast. Time does move slower here. The culture mixes Soviet-era grit with pre-Christian traditions and a push toward modern European identity. You won't find this place in most top-ten lists—which means fewer tourists and lower prices than Prague or Krakow.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Vilnius public transport uses rechargeable cards - single rides cost €1, day passes €3. Trolleybuses and buses cover the entire city efficiently. Taxis start at €0.50 plus €0.80 per km - Bolt and CityBee are reliable. Intercity buses to Kaunas cost €6-12 and take 1.5 hours. Trains to Klaipėda run €12-18 and take 3.5 hours. Car rental starts at €25 daily. Baltic Taxi is traditional but more expensive than ride apps. The hop-on bus tour costs €20 for 24 hours. Park-and-ride lots cost €2 daily. Speed limits are strictly enforced with €30-120 fines.

Money: Euro (€) is the currency. ATMs are everywhere with no fees for EU cards. Most places accept cards - cash is mainly needed for markets or small tips. Budget €50-80 daily for comfortable travel. Tipping isn't mandatory but 10% is appreciated for good service. VAT refunds available for non-EU purchases over €46. Banking is digital-first - many branches have reduced hours. Restaurant service charges aren't standard. Parking meters take coins or card payments. Market vendors prefer cash but many now accept cards via terminals.

Cultural Respect: Lithuanians are reserved initially but warm up quickly. Handshakes are standard greetings. Business dress leans formal - smart casual works for dining. Russian language has complicated history - stick to English or Lithuanian. The Baltic Way anniversary (August 23) is significant historically. Sauna culture is important - most hotels have them. Gift flowers in odd numbers only. Punctuality is valued. Beer gardens are social hubs in summer. Traditional songs and dances are UNESCO protected. Remove shoes when entering homes. Sports, especially basketball, are passionate topics.

Food Safety: Traditional cepelinai (potato dumplings) cost €8-12 at Senoji Trobelė restaurant. Local beer like Švyturys runs €2-4 in bars. Kibinai pastries in Trakai cost €2-3 each. Pink soup (cold beetroot soup) is €4-6 and perfect for summer. Smoked fish platters cost €12-18 along the coast. Rye bread is served everywhere and considered sacred. Lithuanian honey cake (medutis) costs €3-5 per slice. Restaurant meals average €15-25 per person with drinks. Kefir is popular and costs €1-2. Many traditional restaurants close on Sundays. Foraging mushrooms and berries is a national passion.

When to Visit

Summer (June-August) offers Lithuania's warmest weather with temperatures reaching 20-25°C, perfect for coastal exploration and outdoor festivals, though accommodation prices increase 40-60% above off-season rates. The White Nights Festival in June and Song and Dance Festival (every four years in July) create magical experiences. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) provide ideal conditions with 15-18°C temperatures, minimal rainfall (40-50mm monthly), and 30% lower prices—perfect for city exploration and countryside drives when forests burst with wildflowers or autumn colors. Winter (December-February) transforms Lithuania into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures dropping to -5°C, creating enchanting Christmas markets in Vilnius and Kaunas, plus 50% accommodation savings. However, expect 8 hours of darkness daily and occasional snow. Kaziukas Fair in early March celebrates spring's arrival with traditional crafts. Shoulder seasons offer the best value for budget travelers, while summer suits families and beach lovers despite crowds. Photography ensoiasts should visit during autumn's golden light, and culture seekers will find winter's cozy indoor venues and festivals particularly rewarding. Each season reveals different facets of Lithuania's complex character, from summer's coastal euphoria to winter's introspective charm.