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Kaunas, Lietuva - Things to Do in Kaunas

Things to Do in Kaunas

Kaunas, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city and former capital, is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy nestled at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers. The city's Old Town showcases stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, including the iconic Kaunas Castle and Town Hall, while its New Town features beautiful Art Deco buildings and lively pedestrian streets that earned it UNESCO recognition as a European Capital of Culture. Beyond its architectural treasures, Kaunas offers a rich cultural scene with world-class museums, including the unique Devils Museum and the comprehensive M.K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring Lithuanian culture, with its thriving arts scene, traditional Lithuanian cuisine, and warm hospitality making it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Baltic experience.

Top Things to Do in Kaunas

Explore Kaunas Old Town and Castle

Wander through the medieval streets of Kaunas Old Town, centered around the picturesque Town Hall Square with its distinctive white Town Hall known as the 'White Swan.' Visit the 14th-century Kaunas Castle, one of Lithuania's oldest stone castles, and explore the Gothic churches including the impressive Kaunas Cathedral Basilica.

Booking Tip: Most Old Town attractions can be explored independently for free or with small entrance fees (2-5 EUR). Consider purchasing a Kaunas City Card for museum discounts. Best visited in morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Visit World-Class Museums

Discover Kaunas's exceptional museum scene, including the fascinating Devils Museum with over 3,000 devil-themed artifacts from around the world, and the M.K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum showcasing Lithuania's most famous artist. The Ninth Fort Museum provides sobering insights into Lithuania's tragic wartime history.

Booking Tip: Museum entrance fees range from 3-8 EUR. Many museums offer combo tickets and are closed on Mondays. The Ninth Fort requires separate transportation (bus or taxi) and typically takes 2-3 hours to visit properly.

Stroll Down Laisvės Alėja

Experience Europe's longest pedestrian boulevard, stretching 1.7 kilometers through Kaunas's New Town. This vibrant street is lined with cafes, shops, and beautiful Art Deco architecture, making it perfect for people-watching and soaking in local atmosphere. The boulevard connects the Old Town with the modern city center.

Booking Tip: Free to explore anytime, though evenings and weekends are most lively. Many shops close on Sundays. Budget 10-20 EUR for cafe stops or shopping. Street performers and events are common during summer months.

Experience Traditional Lithuanian Cuisine

Sample authentic Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and local craft beers in traditional restaurants and modern bistros. Kaunas offers an excellent culinary scene ranging from hearty traditional fare to innovative contemporary Lithuanian cuisine.

Booking Tip: Traditional meals cost 8-15 EUR, upscale dining 20-35 EUR. Make reservations for weekend dinners at popular restaurants. Look for lunch specials (5-10 EUR) at quality establishments. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.

Take Day Trips to Surrounding Attractions

Use Kaunas as a base to explore nearby attractions like the impressive Pazaislis Monastery, one of the finest Baroque architectural complexes in Eastern Europe, or venture to Rumšiškės Open-Air Museum to experience traditional Lithuanian village life. The Kaunas Reservoir offers scenic boat trips and beach activities.

Booking Tip: Public transport to Pazaislis costs under 2 EUR, monastery entry is 3-5 EUR. Rumšiškės requires a 30-minute drive or organized tour (15-25 EUR). Boat trips on the reservoir operate May-September, costing 8-15 EUR per person.

Getting There

Kaunas is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Kaunas Airport serves as a major hub for Ryanair with connections to numerous European cities, located just 15km from the city center with regular bus connections (1 EUR). The city is well-connected by train and bus to Vilnius (1.5 hours), with frequent daily services costing 6-12 EUR. International buses connect Kaunas to major European cities, while the city lies on the main highway between Warsaw and Riga, making it accessible by car with good parking availability in the center.

Getting Around

Kaunas has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and trolleybuses covering the entire city, with single tickets costing 1 EUR and day passes available for 3 EUR. The compact Old Town and city center are easily walkable, with most major attractions within a 20-minute walk of each other. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available and affordable, while bike rentals are increasingly popular with dedicated bike lanes along the riverfront and main boulevards.

Where to Stay

Old Town (historic charm, walking distance to attractions)
New Town/Laisvės Alėja (shopping, restaurants, nightlife)
City Center (business district, modern amenities)
Žaliakalnis (residential area, funicular railway)
Šančiai (riverside location, quiet atmosphere)
Near Airport (convenient for early flights, budget options)

Food & Dining

Kaunas offers a diverse dining scene that celebrates both traditional Lithuanian cuisine and international flavors. The Old Town features cozy restaurants serving hearty local dishes like cepelinai and kugelis in atmospheric medieval settings, while Laisvės Alėja boasts trendy cafes, craft beer bars, and modern bistros. Don't miss trying šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) during summer months, and explore the growing craft beer scene with local breweries like Dundulis and Sakiškių. The city also offers excellent international cuisine including Italian, Asian, and contemporary European restaurants, with most establishments offering good value for money compared to Western European standards.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lithuania

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Užupio Picerija

4.5 /5
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CASA DELLA PASTA - Laisvės al. 27

4.5 /5
(4498 reviews) 2

CASA DELLA PASTA - Vilniaus g. 17

4.6 /5
(2033 reviews) 2

CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Akropolis

4.7 /5
(1572 reviews) 2
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Amandus

4.9 /5
(1074 reviews) 3

CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Vilnius Outlet

4.5 /5
(950 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Kaunas is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather, longest days, and most festivals and events, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal colors, making them ideal for sightseeing and photography. Winter (December-February) can be quite cold but offers a magical atmosphere with possible snow, Christmas markets, and lower accommodation prices, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Insider Tips

Take the historic funicular railway in Žaliakalnis district for panoramic city views and visit the Christ's Resurrection Basilica at the top
Many restaurants and shops close early on Sundays or may be completely closed, so plan accordingly and stock up on essentials Saturday evening
The Kaunas City Card offers free public transport and discounts at museums, restaurants, and shops - worthwhile for stays of 2+ days

Explore Activities in Kaunas