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Šiauliai, Lietuva - Things to Do in Šiauliai

Šiauliai

Šiauliai, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Šiauliai, Lithuania's fourth-largest city, is a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and cultural significance located in the northern part of the country. Known as the 'City of the Sun' due to its numerous sundials scattered throughout the urban landscape, Šiauliai offers visitors a unique glimpse into Lithuania's complex history and busy present. The city serves as an important regional center and gateway to one of Europe's most remarkable pilgrimage sites. While Šiauliai may not be as internationally renowned as Vilnius or Kaunas, it possesses a distinct character shaped by centuries of cultural diversity and resilience. The city's compact center features charming pedestrian streets, impressive architecture spanning different eras, and a thriving arts scene. Most notably, Šiauliai provides access to the world-famous Hill of Crosses, making it an essential stop for travelers seeking to understand Lithuania's spiritual and cultural identity.

Top Šiauliai

the Hill of Crosses

Located just 12 kilometers north of Šiauliai, this extraordinary pilgrimage site features over 100,000 crosses of all sizes covering a small hill. The site symbolizes Lithuanian resistance and faith, having survived multiple Soviet attempts at destruction. Visitors can add their own cross to this powerful monument and experience one of Europe's most moving spiritual destinations.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and accessible year-round. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Local tour operators offer transportation from Šiauliai center for €15-25 per person, or rent a car for more flexibility.

Šiauliai's Sundial Collection

Discover the city's unique identity through its impressive collection of sundials scattered throughout the urban landscape. These artistic timepieces range from traditional designs to modern interpretations, each telling a story about the city's connection to solar timekeeping. The Sundial Square in the city center serves as the focal point of this unusual urban art project.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free and available anytime. Pick up a sundial map from the tourist information center for €2. Consider joining a walking tour for €10-15 per person to learn the stories behind each sundial.

Tour the Bicycle Museum

This unique museum houses one of Europe's most complete collections of bicycles, showcasing the evolution of cycling from the 19th century to modern times. The collection includes rare vintage models, racing bikes, and quirky designs that tell the story of transportation history. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to understand the cultural impact of cycling in Lithuania and beyond.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €3-5 for adults. Open Tuesday-Saturday, closed Mondays. Allow 1-2 hours for the visit. English-language guided tours available for groups of 5+ people with advance booking for an additional €20.

Stroll Through Šiauliai's Historic Center

The reconstructed city center offers a pleasant mix of architectural styles, from traditional Lithuanian wooden buildings to Soviet-era structures and modern developments. Key highlights include the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the pedestrian Vilniaus Street with its shops and cafes, and several parks perfect for relaxation. The compact size makes it ideal for leisurely exploration on foot.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Consider a guided historical tour for €12-18 per person to learn about the city's complex past and architectural evolution.

Local Markets and Shopping

Šiauliai's central market and shopping areas provide insight into daily Lithuanian life while offering opportunities to purchase local crafts, amber jewelry, and regional specialties. The weekend farmers' market is particularly busy, featuring fresh produce, homemade goods, and traditional Lithuanian foods. Several craft shops specialize in locally-made amber products and folk art.

Booking Tip: Markets operate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Bring cash as many vendors don't accept cards. Amber jewelry prices start around €10-15 for small pieces. Look for certified amber dealers for authentic products.

Getting There

Šiauliai is well-connected to major Lithuanian cities and neighboring countries by bus and train. Regular bus services run from Vilnius (2.5 hours, €12-15) and Kaunas (1.5 hours, €8-10), with several departures daily. The train connection from Vilnius takes about 2 hours and costs €6-8. For international travelers, the nearest major airport is Vilnius International Airport, from which you can take a bus or rent a car for the 140-kilometer journey north. Driving from Latvia, Latvia takes approximately 2 hours via the A9 highway.

Getting Around

Šiauliai's compact city center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city operates a reliable public bus system with tickets costing €0.70 per ride, useful for reaching suburbs or the bus/train stations. Taxis are readily available and affordable, with rides within the city center typically costing €3-6. For visiting the Hill of Crosses, consider renting a bicycle (€10-15 per day) or joining a tour, as public transportation to the site is limited. Car rental is available from €25-35 per day and provides the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding region.

Where to Stay

City Center
Near the Cathedral
Vilniaus Street Area
Train Station District
Gubernija District
Šiauliai University Area

Food & Dining

Šiauliai's dining scene reflects traditional Lithuanian cuisine with modern influences and international options. The city center offers numerous restaurants serving hearty local dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and fresh Baltic fish preparations. Vilniaus Street and the surrounding pedestrian areas feature cozy cafes, pizza places, and pubs popular with locals and students. Traditional Lithuanian restaurants typically offer main courses for €8-15, while casual dining options range from €5-10. Don't miss trying locally-produced beer and honey-based drinks. Several restaurants specialize in game meats and forest mushrooms, reflecting the region's natural abundance.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lithuania

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

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Užupio Picerija

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CASA DELLA PASTA - Laisvės al. 27

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CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Akropolis

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Amandus

4.9 /5
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CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Vilnius Outlet

4.5 /5
(950 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Šiauliai is from late spring to early autumn (May through September) when weather is mild and all outdoor attractions are easily accessible. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest temperatures (15-25°C) and longest daylight hours, perfect for exploring the Hill of Crosses and walking around the city. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists and beautiful natural colors. Winter visits are possible but can be quite cold (-5 to -15°C), though the Hill of Crosses takes on a mystical quality under snow. Indoor attractions like museums remain open year-round, making Šiauliai a viable destination in any season.

Insider Tips

Visit the Hill of Crosses early in the morning or late afternoon for the best photographic opportunities and to avoid tour groups
Many restaurants close early on Sundays, so plan your dining accordingly or stock up on snacks from local shops
The city's sundials are most interesting to observe during sunny days when they actually function as intended timepieces

Activities in Šiauliai