A beginner’s guide to Lithuania

A Gothic castle on an island in the middle of a lake, one of the largest medieval old towns in northern Europe, 10km of stunning coastline complete with otherworldly moving sand dunes… Oh, and did we mention the spooky Hill of Crosses and one of the smallest republics in the world, presided over by a bust of Frank Zappa? Vibrant, quirky and unspoiled, Lithuania is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe and certainly the one most demanding of a second look. Skip the queues, escape the masses, and do something different: join us in this Lithuania travel guide, as we explore top tips for visiting this captivating country.

Lithuania travel guide: top places to visit

Visit Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital

Lithuania’s capital city is a perfect blend of history, culture and modernity, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a thriving cafe culture, and lively nightlife. If that’s not enough, there are few European capital cities where you can fly in a hot air balloon, but Vilnius is one of them. In fact, Lithuania is famous for having more hot air balloons per head of population than any other country, and soaring high above the UNESCO-protected old town is a must-do during your visit.

Back on terra firma, take a stroll around the Glass Quarter, once a Jewish neighborhood of goldsmiths, glassblowers and artisans and still home to jewelers, local artists, galleries, shops, and cozy restaurants. From there it’s a short walk to Užupis, a bohemian enclave and tiny independent republic packed with galleries, bars and restaurants. Visit on Independence Day (1 April– read into that what you will), get your passport stamped, and grab a beer from the waterspout in the main square (yes, really). Any place that declares that people have the right to be happy written into its constitution is alright by us.

The old town is made for meandering, but make sure you see the Gate of Dawn, a 16th-century symbol of Vilnius and home to the beautiful and revered golden painting of the Madonna. If history is your thing, head for the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, now the National Museum. At sunset climb Gediminas’ Hill and admire the spectacular views over the rooftops of the old town from the top of the Gediminas Tower.

Historic Kaunas and Trakai

Lithuania’s second-largest city has its own unique charm, with a well-preserved medieval old town of cobbled streets and charming squares. The European Capital of Culture in 2022, Kaunas today is a vibrant cultural hub with museums, galleries and theaters, and a burgeoning food scene. Its festivals and events celebrate art, music, food and culture, from the Kaunas Jazz Festival to the Pažaislis Music Festival, and visitors can choose from plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up traditional Lithuanian cuisine and international fare.

For a sobering look at some of Lithuania’s darker 20th-century history, the Ninth Fort is a museum dedicated to the victims of Nazi and Soviet oppression. Check out the 14th-century Kaunas Castle or, for something a little more macabre, pay a visit to the world’s only Devils Museum – if you dare.

Just 25km from Vilnius, Trakai is most famous for its fairy-tale island castle, a 14th-century Gothic structure on Lake Galvė, accessed by crossing a wooden bridge. Lake Galvė’s 21 islands are renowned as a wildlife haven and popular with birdwatchers. Its proximity to Vilnius means it can be done as a day excursion from the capital, and it’s a popular summer destination with Lithuanians for lakeside vacations.

The Lithuanian coast and the Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a narrow peninsula stretching for 98km along the Baltic coast, shared between Lithuania and Russia. It’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique ecosystems and stunning natural landscapes, including towering sand dunes, pine forests and pristine beaches.

The area is perfect for outdoor exploration, which you can do on foot, by bike, or from the water by taking a scenic boat tour along the coastline. The more adventurous can go hiking, windsurfing and kiteboarding, and the area’s unique geography and biodiversity make it a paradise for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.

The Spit is dotted with picturesque fishing villages and historic settlements, such as Nida and Juodkrantė, where you can admire traditional wooden architecture and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Relax in Lithuania’s spa towns

Lithuania has a long tradition of spas and is blessed with numerous mineral springs believed to have healing properties. Visitors have been visiting for centuries to soak in the waters and cover themselves in mud from the peat bogs and mud flats, believed to have rejuvenating and detoxifying properties. Many of the spa resorts nestle among picturesque natural settings, such as forests, lakes and countryside, providing a tranquil and rejuvenating environment for relaxation and reflection.

Druskininkai is considered Lithuania’s capital of health promotion, and its healing springs have been attracting visitors since the 19th century. Spas are still one of the main reasons why tourists visit, with numerous options offering mud wraps, mineral baths, saunas and swimming pools. For something a little more stimulating than a mud bath, it also has one of Europe’s best aquaparks featuring numerous slides, bathhouses and saunas.

Birštonas is another spa town surrounded by natural parks and green spaces, making it an ideal retreat for your treatment of choice and for opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating along the river.

Lesser-known destinations of Lithuania

The small city of Šiauliai doesn’t have the charm of Vilnius or Kaunas, but it does lay claim to one of the country’s more surreal and spiritually significant sites. The Hill of Crosses is an area covered by thousands of different types of crosses brought to the site by ordinary people, as a poignant memorial to the Lithuanians who died fighting against Tsarist, Nazi and Soviet rule. It’s a striking and atmospheric place, and very worthy of a detour on your way from Vilnius to the coast.

Speaking of which, Klaipeda is a picturesque port city with a lovely old town and beautiful beaches, and a perfect starting point to explore the Curonian Spit. In just over an hour from here, you can reach Nida, a village of traditional wooden fishermen’s houses and one of the most picturesque spots on the peninsula.

Food and drink to try in Lithuania

Lithuania’s national dish and a must-try is cepelinai – literally zeppelins because of their shape: large potato dumplings stuffed with meat, mushrooms or cottage cheese, often garnished with fried minced onion and bacon or sour cream. Make a meal of it and try the equally traditional šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).

21st-century Lithuania is embracing creative dining while retaining a nod to tradition. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in Vilnius’ very own food hall in Paupys, right in the old town. It’s a home for the district’s vibrant community of foodies and promising chefs keen to give visitors a chance to explore a journey of flavors. For something sweet to finish, grab some šakotis (tree cake or literally ‘branch’), a cake made of butter, eggs, flour, sugar and cream, and cooked on a rotating spit in an oven or over an open fire.

Beer fans will be delighted to hear that Lithuania has a unique independent brewing scene that dates back centuries, and some of the most well-regarded beers in the Baltics. Vilnius has guided tours with an expert local beer enthusiast.

When to go and how to get around

The best time to visit Lithuania is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and festivals are in full swing. Spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) also offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Visit in May and catch the colorful Vilnius carnival, or in November when the weather starts turning colder and the first snow falls on the castles and cobbles.

Lithuania has a well-developed transportation network, including buses, trains and rental cars. Vilnius and Kaunas are well-connected by public transport, and inter-city buses are a convenient way to explore the country. Once in the two main cities, it’s easy to navigate on foot or by public transport.

How many days are enough in Lithuania?

A week would be sufficient to explore the major attractions in Lithuania, including Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai, and the Curonian Spit. However, if you want a more relaxed pace, wish to delve deeper into the culture and history, or hope to spend some time hiking the trails, consider spending 10 to 14 days there.

Make it happen

Has our Lithuania travel guide inspired you to plan your visit? Get in touch with our local experts today – they’ll help you craft an unforgettable, custom-made trip.