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Kaunas, Lietuva - Things to Do in Kaunas

Kaunas

Kaunas, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city and former interwar capital, is a captivating blend of medieval charm, Art Deco architecture, and busy contemporary culture. Situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, this historic city has one of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns, complete with a striking Gothic castle and beautifully preserved merchant houses. The pedestrian-friendly Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue) stretches for 1.6 kilometers, making it one of the longest pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe. Designated as a European Capital of Culture in 2022, Kaunas has undergone a remarkable cultural renaissance while maintaining its authentic Lithuanian character. The city easyly weaves together its complex history—from Hanseatic League trading post to Soviet industrial center—with a thriving arts scene, innovative museums, and a growing reputation for culinary excellence. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploration on foot, while its location serves as an ideal base for discovering Lithuania's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Top Kaunas

Kaunas Old Town and Castle

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Kaunas Old Town, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval centers, anchored by the iconic red-brick Kaunas Castle dating from the 14th century. The Town Hall Square features the elegant White Swan Town Hall and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, while narrow streets reveal Gothic and Renaissance architecture at every turn.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently; castle museum entry costs €3-5. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Guided tours available for €10-15 per person.

Stroll Down Laisvės Alėja

Experience Lithuania's longest pedestrian boulevard, stretching 1.6 kilometers from the Old Town to the New Town. This tree-lined avenue is perfect for people-watching, shopping, and admiring the interwar architecture that earned Kaunas UNESCO recognition.

Booking Tip: Completely free activity best enjoyed during daytime hours. Street cafes charge €2-4 for coffee. Consider combining with shopping at local boutiques or visiting nearby museums.

the Ninth Fort Museum

Confront Lithuania's complex 20th-century history at this former fortress turned memorial and museum. The site commemorates victims of Nazi and Soviet occupations, offering powerful insights into the Holocaust and resistance movements through compelling exhibitions and preserved fortifications.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €6-8 for adults, €3-4 for students. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit. Audio guides available in multiple languages for €3.

Žaliakalnis District and Christ's Resurrection Basilica

Climb Žaliakalnis Hill to visit the imposing Christ's Resurrection Basilica, an Art Deco masterpiece with panoramic city views from its tower. The surrounding district showcases beautiful interwar villa architecture and the famous funicular railway, one of the oldest in Europe.

Booking Tip: Basilica entry is free, tower access costs €3-5. Funicular ride costs €1-2. Best visited on clear days for optimal views. Operating hours vary seasonally, check ahead.

Kaunas Food Scene

Dive into Lithuanian cuisine through traditional restaurants, modern bistros, and local markets. Sample cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and craft beers while exploring venues from historic cellars to contemporary establishments along Vilniaus Street.

Booking Tip: Traditional meals cost €8-15, upscale dining €20-35. Make reservations for weekend dinners. Food tours available for €25-40 per person. Local markets operate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

Getting There

Kaunas is easily accessible via Kaunas Airport, located 15 kilometers northeast of the city center, which serves as a major hub for Ryanair with connections to numerous European cities. The airport bus (€1) runs every 20-30 minutes to the city center, while taxis cost €15-20. Alternatively, Vilnius Airport is 100 kilometers away with more international connections; buses and trains connect the two cities in 1.5-2 hours for €5-15. Kaunas sits on major European driving routes, approximately 300 kilometers from Warsaw and 600 kilometers from Germany, making it accessible by car or long-distance bus services.

Getting Around

Kaunas is highly walkable, with most attractions concentrated within a 2-kilometer radius of the Old Town. The city operates an efficient public transportation system of buses and trolleybuses costing €1 per ride or €3 for a day pass. The historic funicular railway connects the city center to Žaliakalnis district for €1-2. Taxis are readily available and affordable (€3-8 for most city journeys), while bike-sharing systems and scooter rentals provide eco-friendly alternatives. The compact city center makes walking the most enjoyable way to explore, with clear signage and pedestrian-friendly streets throughout the historic districts.

Where to Stay

Old Town
New Town (Naujamiestis)
Žaliakalnis
Šančiai
Aleksotas
City Center

Food & Dining

Kaunas offers an exciting culinary landscape ranging from traditional Lithuanian fare to innovative contemporary cuisine. The Old Town features atmospheric restaurants in medieval cellars and courtyards, perfect for trying national dishes like cepelinai and kibinai. Laisvės Alėja and surrounding streets host trendy bistros, craft beer pubs, and international eateries, while Vilniaus Street has emerged as a foodie destination with farm-to-table restaurants and artisanal coffee shops. Don't miss the local markets for fresh produce and traditional snacks, or the growing craft beer scene that pairs perfectly with hearty Lithuanian cuisine. Prices are very reasonable, with excellent meals available for €10-20 per person.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lithuania

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

View all food guides →

Užupio Picerija

4.5 /5
(4955 reviews) 2

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
cafe

Amandus

4.9 /5
(1074 reviews) 3

CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Vilnius Outlet

4.5 /5
(950 reviews) 2
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Kaunas is from May to September when temperatures range from 15-25°C and daylight extends until 10 PM during summer months. July and August offer the warmest weather and numerous outdoor festivals, though they're also the busiest tourist months. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, plus lower accommodation prices. Winter visits can be magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered medieval architecture, though temperatures drop to -5°C and daylight is limited. The city's 2022 European Capital of Culture legacy means cultural events happen year-round, making any season rewarding for culture enthusiasts.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Kaunas City Card for €12-20 to get free public transport and discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions throughout your stay.
Visit the hidden courtyards and passages in the Old Town, particularly around Rotušės Square, where local artisans often have small galleries and workshops tucked away from main tourist routes.
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi throughout the city center and download the official Kaunas app for self-guided walking tours, current events, and restaurant recommendations from locals.

Activities in Kaunas