Experience the Best of Kaunas in 5 Days

Discover the charm of Lithuania's second city with a trip to Kaunas.

22 April 2023

Kaunas is a charming and historic city in Lithuania that is perfect for tourists seeking a unique and authentic travel experience. With its beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural attractions, visitors can explore the old town and get a taste of Lithuanian culture. Other highlights include parks and scenic vistas along the Neris River, as well as dining on traditional Lithuanian cuisine.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Kaunas

  • Check-in to Daugirdas Hotel, a charming 4-star hotel located in the heart of the Old Town.
  • Explore the Old Town and its Gothic architecture, narrow streets and charming cafes, including Laisvės Alėja, the main pedestrian street.
  • Visit the Kaunas Castle, an impressive red-brick castle built in the 14th century, which now houses a museum with exhibitions on the history of Kaunas.
  • Head to the Town Hall Square and try some traditional Lithuanian cuisine at restaurants like Šturmų Švyturys or Žaliasis Turtas.
  • End the day with a sunset stroll along the banks of the Neris River, enjoying the views of the city skyline.
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Start the day with a visit to the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum, which showcases the works of Lithuania’s most famous painter and composer.
  • Discover the Devils' Museum, a unique museum dedicated to devil figurines and folklore, located in a former monastery.
  • Take a break in the Pazaislis Monastery, a stunning Baroque monastery located by the Kaunas Reservoir, surrounded by a beautiful park.
  • Walk to Santakos Park and check out the Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum, which features exhibitions on the life and works of Lithuania's most famous poets.
  • Head to the Kaunas State Musical Theatre for an evening of opera or ballet.
Day 3

Get Outdoors

  • Spend the day in Kaunas Zoo, home to over 200 species of animals, including rare and endangered species from all over the world.
  • Take a walk or bike ride through the Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park, a beautiful nature reserve that offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area.
  • Visit the Ninth Fort Museum, a former military stronghold that now serves as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Lithuania.
  • Enjoy a picnic by the lake or at the Birštonas Health Resort, a popular destination for spa treatments and relaxation.
  • Dine at Deja Vu, a cozy restaurant that offers Lithuanian and European cuisine with a trendy twist.
Day 4

Kaunas History

  • Get a feel for Kaunas's history at the Kaunas City Museum, which tells the story of the city from its earliest days to the present.
  • Visit the Kaunas Aviation Museum, which features exhibits on Lithuania's aviation history and memorabilia from the Soviet era.
  • Take a tour of the former Kaunas Ghetto and learn about the tragic history of the Jews in Lithuania during World War II.
  • Stop by the Pažaislis Monastery Complex, a stunning UNESCO-listed Baroque monument, for a guided tour of its churches, frescoes and artworks.
  • End the day with dinner at Spurginė, a popular fast-food chain that specializes in fresh, hot donuts served with a variety of sweet and savory fillings.
Day 5

Shopping and Farewells

  • Spend the morning browsing the shops and boutiques of the Akropolis shopping mall, which offers everything from high-end fashion to local crafts and products.
  • Take a farewell lunch at Vincentas, a cozy restaurant that serves up delicious Lithuanian and European dishes with a modern twist.
  • Say goodbye to Kaunas with a visit to the Kaunas Christ's Resurrection Basilica, a spectacular Neo-Byzantine church that towers over the city with its 70-meter high dome.
  • Grab a coffee to go at Coffee Inn and take a walk along the banks of the Nemunas River, enjoying the views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
  • Pack up and head home, feeling grateful for a wonderful five days in one of Lithuania's most charming and historic cities.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kaunas, Lithuania by plane is to fly into Kaunas International Airport, which is located about 15km east of the city center. There are direct flights to Kaunas from several European cities, including London, Dublin, Frankfurt, and Brussels.

Car

If you prefer driving, the best way to get to Kaunas is to rent a car and drive from Vilnius—Lithuania's capital. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and the A1/E85 highway connects the two cities. There are several car rental companies located at Vilnius International Airport.

Train

While there are no direct trains to Kaunas from other countries, it is possible to take a train to Vilnius—Lithuania's capital—and then transfer to a train to Kaunas. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and trains leave from Vilnius Central Station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boats or ferries that go directly to Kaunas, as the city is not located on the coast. However, you can take a ferry from Germany or Poland to the port city of Klaipeda, which is located west of Kaunas. From Klaipeda, you can either rent a car or take a bus to Kaunas.

Bus

There are several bus companies that offer direct trips to Kaunas from major European cities, including Warsaw, Berlin, and Prague. The journey time varies depending on the departure city, but most trips take between 6-10 hours. Buses typically arrive at the Kaunas Bus Station, which is located in the city center.

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