Explore Kaunas

Kaunas is a city in south-central Lithuania. At the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers, Kaunas Castle is a medieval fortress housing historical exhibitions. To the east, the old town is home to the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, with its ornate interior, and the Gothic spires of the Hanseatic House of Perkūnas. Laisvės Alėja, a pedestrianized street lined with trees and cafes, crosses the city from west to east. 

🗓️ Best Time to Visit:

  • Late Spring to Early Fall (May–September): Pleasant weather, outdoor events, and lush scenery.

  • Highlights: Kaunas Jazz Festival (April), Open Kitchen street food events (summer), and vibrant autumn foliage.

✈️ How to Get There:

  • By Air:

    • Kaunas International Airport (KUN): Served by Ryanair and other budget airlines. 15 km from city center.

    • Alternative: Fly to Vilnius Airport (1.5-hour train or bus ride away).

  • By Train/Bus:

    • Direct trains and buses from Vilnius, Riga, Warsaw, and other Baltic/Polish cities.

  • By Car:

    • Well-connected via European routes like E67 (Via Baltica).

📸 Top Attractions:

  • Kaunas Castle – 14th-century Gothic fortress.

  • Old Town – Historic architecture, charming alleys, Town Hall.

  • Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue) – Long pedestrian street with cafes and shops.

  • M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum – Art of Lithuania’s cultural icon.

  • Devils' Museum – Quirky and unique collection of devil-related art.

  • Pažaislis Monastery – Baroque architectural gem by the Kaunas Reservoir.

🎯 Activities To Do:

  • Take the Žaliakalnis Funicular and enjoy views from Christ’s Resurrection Church.

  • Rent a bike or walk in Ąžuolynas Park – one of Europe’s largest urban oak groves.

  • Join a street art walking tour – Kaunas has an impressive mural scene.

  • Attend a concert or ballet at Kaunas State Musical Theatre.

  • Cruise or paddleboard on the Nemunas River in summer.

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Luxury:

    • Kaunas Hotel, Radisson Hotel Kaunas

  • Mid-Range:

    • Hof Hotel, Best Baltic Kaunas

  • Budget:

    • Kaunas City Hotel, Extra Hostel

  • Unique Stay:

    • Boutique guesthouses in Old Town or by the river.

🍽️ Food and Restaurants:

  • Uoksas – Upscale Lithuanian cuisine with a modern twist.

  • Medžiotojų Užeiga – Traditional Lithuanian dishes like game stew and potato pancakes.

  • Spurginė – A local favorite for sweet and savory doughnuts.

  • Dia – Stylish bistro with great wine.

  • Hop Doc – Craft beer and burgers.

  • Street Food: Open Kitchen (summer Thursdays).

🎭 Local Culture:

  • Proud interwar architectural heritage (Kaunas was the temporary capital of Lithuania in the 1920s–30s).

  • Strong music and art scene with jazz festivals, galleries, and creative spaces.

  • Rich folk traditions still visible in local crafts and festivals.

  • Kaunas was a 2022 European Capital of Culture, elevating its cultural profile globally.