Kaunas holidays

How to reach Kaunas

Flight time:

• Direct flights to Kaunas from London take approximately 2 hours 40 minutes.

• You can also find flights from other major UK airports, including Manchester and Birmingham, usually with a stopover and flying time of around 5 hours.

Transfer time:

• The journey from Kaunas Airport to the city centre takes about 30 minutes by bus (29G) or 20 minutes by taxi.

Price:

• The bus costs €1 for a one-way ticket.

• A taxi from the airport to the city centre will set you back €15–€20, depending on traffic.

Best time to visit Kaunas

Kaunas offers something unique every season, so the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to do. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in the different seasons:

• July to August is warm, with temperatures often reaching 25°C or higher, and is the ideal time for festivals, exploring the city and outdoor activities. However, as it is high season, it can get quite busy with tourists.

• September to November offers a quieter experience, great for exploring museums and enjoying the changing autumn colours in the city’s parks. Temperatures drop from around 15°C in September to about 5°C in November.

• December to March is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 3°C. Snow is common, making it a picturesque time to visit. If you enjoy winter sports, this is a fantastic time to come, but be prepared for shorter daylight hours.

• April to June brings mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C. Rainfall is moderate, and you can enjoy plenty of sunshine, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor cafés.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The official language is Lithuanian, but you’ll find that many people in Kaunas speak English, especially in tourist areas and among younger locals.

• Local habits and customs: Lithuanians value politeness and respect. It's customary to greet people with a friendly "labas" (hello). Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 10 percent is standard in restaurants with good service.

• Currency: Lithuania's currency is the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit or debit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Kaunas has a reliable public transport system that includes buses and trolleybuses. A single journey costs around €1, and tickets can be purchased from the driver or via an app. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Bolt are also available.

• Electricity and plug types: Lithuania uses Type C and F plugs with a standard voltage of 230V. UK travellers will need an adapter.

• Time zone: Kaunas is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT. Daylight saving time is observed.

Best things to do in Kaunas

Lithuania’s second city, Kaunas, was once the country’s capital and was the European Capital of Culture in 2022, with the shiny, modern New Town juxtaposed against the picturesque medieval Old Town. From its many historical landmarks, cultural attractions, attractive churches and lush parks, here’s a selection of the best things to do on your Kaunas holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Aleksotas Hill: For one of the best views in Kaunas, take the funicular to the top of Aleksotas Hill. The panorama includes the beautiful confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers and the charming Old Town.

• Christ’s Resurrection Church: The observation deck of this strikingly modern church offers stunning 360-degree views of Kaunas. Accessed by another funicular, this is the perfect spot for a scenic overlook of the city’s layout and architecture.

The best districts

• Old Town: Centred on Town Hall Square, Kaunas's historical and picturesque heart features cobblestone streets, picturesque squares and landmark buildings. Don’t miss the Town Hall, Perkūnas House and the gorgeous St. Francis Xavier Church.

• New Town: This bustling area around the pedestrian street of Laisvės Alėja is home to shops, cafés, restaurants and several of the city's top museums and galleries. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll and experiencing the local vibe.

• Žaliakalnis: North of the New Town, this district is known for its interwar architecture and green spaces, with highlights like Christ’s Resurrection Church and the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art.

Historical monuments

• Kaunas Castle: A medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century, offering historical exhibitions and lovely views of the surrounding area.

• St Michael the Archangel Church: This imposing neo-Byzantine structure stands at the end of Laisvės Alėja and is a significant architectural landmark.

• Ninth Fort: A historic fort and museum complex that commemorates the victims of the Nazi and Soviet regimes. It offers a poignant insight into Lithuania’s turbulent history.

Day trips in the area

• Trakai: Just an hour’s drive from Kaunas and surrounded by lakes, Trakai is famed for its picturesque island castle. It’s an excellent spot for a day trip, with opportunities for boating, hiking and exploring the historical sites.

• Druskininkai: A renowned spa town offering wellness treatments, a water park, the Grūtas Park with its collection of Soviet-era sculptures and the Čiurlionis Museum.

• Pazaislis Monastery: Located just southeast of the centre, this Baroque-style monastery is set in beautiful surroundings by the Kaunas Reservoir and is perfect for a relaxing day out.

Activities for families in Kaunas

Kaunas offers plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Here are some great options to consider:

• Parks and gardens: Families will enjoy a visit to Oak Grove Park, one of the largest urban oak groves in Europe. Here, kids can play in the open spaces while parents relax. Nemunas Island Park, in the middle of the river, is also a great choice, with playgrounds and walking paths.

• Museums: The Aviation Museum and the Vytautas Great War Museum offer exhibits from Lithuania's military history that will fascinate children and adults alike. The Devil Museum, with its quirky collection of devil-themed art, is another family favourite.

• Art galleries: The Čiurlionis National Museum of Art has excellent displays of paintings by Lithuania’s Mikalojus Čiurlionis, a pioneer of abstract art and also the composer of Lithuania’s first symphony.

Free things to do in Kaunas

Exploring Kaunas doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some free activities to enjoy in the city:

• Free events: Kaunas hosts a variety of free cultural events throughout the year, including open-air concerts and festivals and some free entertainment around the time of the Kaunas Jazz Festival and the International Hanseatic Days festival.

• Free museums: Several museums in Kaunas offer free admission on certain days of the year, such as Kaunas Town Hall.

Wellness in Kaunas

• Spas and thermal baths: Close to Kaunas, the famous spa town of Druskininkai offers relaxing thermal baths. The baths are known for their mineral-rich waters, which provide a unique and rejuvenating experience.

• Traditional body care: Embrace traditional Lithuanian body care at the Vytautas Mineral SPA, south of Kaunas. Treatments use the area's special mineral water and local natural ingredients, such as clay wraps and black spruce oils.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking in national parks: Explore the trails in Kauno Marios Regional Park, just outside the city. The park features stunning landscapes, including the impressive Kaunas Lagoon, and offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels.

• Cycling: Kaunas is a bike-friendly city with several dedicated cycling paths. Rent a bike and explore the city’s green spaces, or take a longer ride along the Nemunas River.

• Kayaking and boating: The Nemunas River provides excellent opportunities for kayaking and boating. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the city or on Kaunas Reservoir, enjoying a unique perspective of the city's landmarks and natural beauty.

• Bird-watching: Popular spots for bird-watching are Oak Grove Park and Nemunas Island Park in the city, as well as Kaunas Reservoir in Kauno Marios Regional Park. These areas are home to a variety of bird species, making them perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

• Winter sports: During the winter months, Lithuania transforms into a winter wonderland. Cross-country skiing is popular in the parks around Kaunas, offering a great way to enjoy the winter landscape, and there are several small ski parks around the country for some fun on the slopes.

Local dishes in Kaunas

One of the great delights of holidays to Kaunas is exploring its culinary scene, which is rich in traditional Lithuanian flavours and local specialities. Here’s what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Cepelinai: These potato dumplings are a staple of Lithuanian cuisine. Filled with meat, cheese or mushrooms, they are usually served with sour cream and bacon.

• Šaltibarščiai: A cold beetroot soup that’s especially refreshing in the summer. It’s served with boiled potatoes and often garnished with dill and a boiled egg.

• Kibinai: Originally from the Karaite community, these pastries are filled with minced meat and onions or other savoury fillings, making for a delicious and satisfying snack.

• Kepta duona: Fried black-bread sticks served with a garlic sauce, often enjoyed as a bar snack or appetiser.

Meat dishes

• Balandėliai: Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, simmered in a tomato or creamy sauce.

• Vėdarai: A traditional dish made from potato sausages filled with bacon and onions, then baked until crispy.

Fish dishes

• Silkė su svogūnais: Herring served with onions and sour cream, often accompanied by boiled potatoes and served as a starter or side dish.

• Žuvies sriuba: A hearty fish soup made with various local fish, vegetables and herbs, perfect for a warming meal.

Sweets and desserts

• Sakotis: This iconic Lithuanian cake is known for its unique tree-like shape. Similar to baumkuchen from Germany, it’s made by drizzling dough onto a rotating spit, creating layers upon layers.

• Meduoliai: Traditional gingerbread cookies in various shapes and decorated with icing. They are especially popular during the festive season.

Local drinks

• Gira: A traditional drink made from fermented rye bread. It’s mildly alcoholic, with a unique, slightly sour taste, perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day.

• Beer: Lithuania boasts a strong brewing tradition, with popular local brands like Švyturys and Utenos. Craft beer enthusiasts will also find plenty of microbreweries to explore.

• Mead: Known as Midus in Lithuanian, this ancient alcoholic drink is made from fermented honey and has a sweet, rich flavour.