Kaunas
Temperature
18°
Time
10:20 AM
Kaunas
Founded as a fortress in 1030 at the confluence of two rivers, Kaunas, in the heart of Lithuania, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Start your trip by walking through its main artery, Laisvės Alėja, while you admire its beautiful architecture, and make sure you get familiar with the delicious Lithuanian dishes and the ancient bath traditions in a city that was once the admired place of Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz.Find your trip
The Town Hall, often called the White Swan, is a true spectacularity with its impressive 53-metre tall tower. It was built in 1542, after the former building had been destroyed by the fire. Located at the centre of what once was a marketplace, today it is a popular wedding scene, and houses a pottery museum, as well as the Kaunas City Museum, representing the rich cultural and political history of Kaunas. Don't forget to hunt for the sculpture bugs, unveiled here in homage to "European Walt Disney" Władysław Starewicz!
This ensemble is regarded as the most beautiful Baroque-style landmark in the Baltic states, nestled in foresty Kaunas Reservoir. The church and abbey were built for Camaldolese monks in the 17th century, under the supervision of Italian masters from Florence. Its on-site museum offers educational classes and a small cinema. The monastery is home to about 140 frescoes of varying sizes, including the famous painting of the Mother of Fair Love, which was presented to Kristupas Zigmantas Pacas, founder of the Pažaislis Church, by Pope Alexander VII in 1661.
Kaunas was a significant cultural base of the Jews living in Lithuania; its Jewish community amounted to one third of the city's inhabitants, and the ghetto set up here further increased their number. Fort IX is a stronghold and museum that commemorates Kaunas's eventful history, and the people who were killed or imprisoned here under the WWII Holocaust.
Commonly known as the garrison church, this Neo-Byzantine-style building was designed and built by order of Russian Tsar Alexander III in the late 19th century. Located at the eastern end of the main pedestrian street Laisves aleja, it is one of the most impressive landmarks of the city, and a lot more than a Roman Catholic church: the catacombs underneath are home to the Museum for the Blind, where there is not much to see—but a lot to experience!
Embarking on a funicular journey is a unique experience in Kaunas, as this is the only city in the Baltic states where this means of transport is available. The Žaliakalnis, built in 1931, is one of the oldest funiculars still in operation in the world. The other funicular in Kaunas, Aleksotas is much sought for the view you'll get (of the Old Town) once you reach the hill of the same name.
Located at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, this impressive brick castle was built in the 14th century at the beginning of the Teutonic attacks. Unique for its double walls and the surrounding tunnel, many events and legends of Lithuanian history are attributed to it. Today, the castle is home to various temporary and permanent programs all year round. Join educational trips and exhibitions, mould a stove tile, and try your knowledge with the Castle Quiz. Just opposite the castle, St. George the Martyr Church is also worth a visit, for it is an important landmark of Roman Catholicism.
This is not an ordinary oak grove, as its name suggests, but the largest in whole urban Europe! Visit the Kaunas Zoo nearby, or simply take a stroll here, and try to find the rock which Adam Mickiewitz carved on at his favorite spot.
Just six metres underground you'll find yourself in the interesting world of WWII relics—gas masks, surveillance equipment, aircraft black boxes, radiation meters, have been all gathered here to give you a unique insight into this dark era of history.
The Town Hall, often called the White Swan, is a true spectacularity with its impressive 53-metre tall tower. It was built in 1542, after the former building had been destroyed by the fire. Located at the centre of what once was a marketplace, today it is a popular wedding scene, and houses a pottery museum, as well as the Kaunas City Museum, representing the rich cultural and political history of Kaunas. Don't forget to hunt for the sculpture bugs, unveiled here in homage to "European Walt Disney" Władysław Starewicz!
This ensemble is regarded as the most beautiful Baroque-style landmark in the Baltic states, nestled in foresty Kaunas Reservoir. The church and abbey were built for Camaldolese monks in the 17th century, under the supervision of Italian masters from Florence. Its on-site museum offers educational classes and a small cinema. The monastery is home to about 140 frescoes of varying sizes, including the famous painting of the Mother of Fair Love, which was presented to Kristupas Zigmantas Pacas, founder of the Pažaislis Church, by Pope Alexander VII in 1661.
Avilys is a traditional restaurant with an on-site brewery, with specialties from smoked pork to tiger shrimps, to be washed off with the popular honey beer.
An old traditional Lithuanian restaurant located in the Old Town, highly frequented by locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the dumplings and the bread bowl soup!
An authentic, hunting trophy-decorated restaurant with an ample selection of wild game courses in the heart of Kaunas. Try the game meat platter of venison, boar, and roe deer!
Uoksas represents contemporary, seasonal cuisine in a most creative way. Its simple and modern interior is paired with cosy wooden details. Worth a visit for its fresh ingredients and daily tasting menu (pre-booking required).
Monte Pacis is where dining is combined with history. Taste historical recipes and award-winning monastery wines (of the largest selection Lithuania-wide) in a beautiful Baroque setting! 3 and 9-course menu tastings are also available.
With four locations in town, Talutti serves you a wide variety of international cuisine, from barbecue and burgers to tex-mex and Caesar salads.
Take a break from your stroll in Laisves aleja, and try traditional Lithuanian dishes like potato dumplings (cepelinai) and pancakes.
The interior of Pažaislis Park Hotel's restaurant is itself worth a visit: dine in a room decorated by Tuscan frescos, and try the signature game meat dishes, or the fish cooked on lava stones—served too as a piece of art.
Avilys is a traditional restaurant with an on-site brewery, with specialties from smoked pork to tiger shrimps, to be washed off with the popular honey beer.
An old traditional Lithuanian restaurant located in the Old Town, highly frequented by locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the dumplings and the bread bowl soup!
With over 130 stores and restaurants, and ample entertainment opportunities such as the multiplex cinema, bowling, wellness centre and the impressive aquarium, Mega is the place to hang out for the whole family.
Akropolis is the largest chain of shopping malls in the Baltics by area, and its branch in Kaunas will spoil you with 81 square metres of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities!
A major shopping mall featuring a large number of international brands like Rieker, Deichmann, H&M, coupled with diverse dining locations including the famed old Etno Dvaras.
Lithuania's largest shopping centre is home to several domestic and international brands, and offers various forms of entertainment, with the drift competition and the international flea market attracting the greatest public.
Run by family business Kimono, this is the place to shop for unique Lithuanian linen and amber products.
Started off as a decent business in 1913, Rūta has been since producing some of the best confectionery products in Lithuania. Perfect spot for souvenir shopping, and don't miss its interesting chocolate museum, to learn about history from a different perspective.
A hip and fresh store selling clothes, footwear, and jewelry created by Lithuanian designers.
This small store in the heart of Kaunas is a true gem for unique handmade jewellery and accessories at any time of the year. Visit their webpage for occasional sales on the products made by over 15 designers.
With over 130 stores and restaurants, and ample entertainment opportunities such as the multiplex cinema, bowling, wellness centre and the impressive aquarium, Mega is the place to hang out for the whole family.
Akropolis is the largest chain of shopping malls in the Baltics by area, and its branch in Kaunas will spoil you with 81 square metres of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities!
Lithuania can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, please contact your embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries may travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Due to its continental climate, winters can get very chilly here, with temperatures dropping a few degrees below 0°C. Summers are usually mild and moderate with occasional rainfall only, making Kaunas a pleasant city tour destination from June to September.
Kaunas International Airport is located 14 km northeast of Kaunas City. Take bus 29 or 29E to/from the airport, tickets are available for purchase on board. If you arrive by car, pre-booking is recommended for parking. Car rental available Green Motion, Sixt, Avis).
The services are operated by Kauno autobusai. Single as well as electronic tickets (Kaunas card) are available.
Recommended taxi companies: TAKSI A&G +370 682 34000 Vyto taksi +370 37 733337 OptiTAXI +370 644 64646 Rates and further providers are on the link below.
Country Code: +370 Area code: 37
Postal services in Lithuania are provided by Lietuvos paštas.
The pharmacies of Gintariné, Camelia, BENU are found at several points throughout the city. BENU Vaistine Lietuva Žemaičių g. 31 +370 37 205796 Open 24 hours
Lithuania can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, please contact your embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries may travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Due to its continental climate, winters can get very chilly here, with temperatures dropping a few degrees below 0°C. Summers are usually mild and moderate with occasional rainfall only, making Kaunas a pleasant city tour destination from June to September.
