Lithuania may be one of the lesser popular countries in Europe, but it’s not like there’s nothing to do there, especially if you’re talking about its second biggest and probably the most happening city, Kaunas. Mentioned first in the 14th century, Kaunas has seen quite a bit of history ever since. While most head to its more famous neighbour, Vilnius, we recommend that you visit here as well. Although the city remains quite cold throughout the year, May to August make for the relatively lesser colder months and perhaps the best time to visit. Here’s an exhaustive list of things to do in Kaunas, Lithuania. Just keep this with you and consider your sojourn sorted.
1. Stop by the Monument to the Victims of Fascism
Yes, just as the name suggests, here’s a majestic memorial made to commemorate the thousands of Jews who lost their lives to the Holocaust in the city. The three stelae were funded and commissioned by the remaining Jewish community of Kaunas. A competition was conducted to choose architects to spearhead the construction. They took 13 years to complete the construction and the monument was unveiled in 1991. The jagged, grey-coloured structures rise sharply above the ground. The central stela has stern faces carved in it and is topped with carved fists, indicative of Soviet propaganda. Poetically, the three structures sit right behind the Ninth Fort, which was where the Jews lost their lives.
Monument to the Victims of Fascism
Address: Žemaičių pl. 75, Kaunas 47435, Lithuania
Website: Monument to the Victims of Fascism
2. Head to Pažaislis Monastery
Visited by millions annually, the Pažaislis Monastery is nestled on the eastern side of the city on a promontory wedging into the Kaunas Sea. It is one of the most treasured architectural monuments and along with the Church of the Visitation within the same complex, make for the largest monastery complex in all of Lithuania. It was built in the 17th century and is a stunning example of Venetian pink and black, polished marble interior. The monastery hosts the international Pažaislis Music Festival annually, which attracts many thousands of classical music enthusiasts, including pilgrims.
Pažaislis Monastery
Address: T. Masiulio St. 31, Kaunas, Lithuania
Website: Pažaislis Monastery
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 3 - 6 EUR (3.3 - 6.7 USD)
3. Visit the creepy Devil's Museum
Showcasing a collection of devil sculptures, carvings, and paintings from across the world, the Devil’s Museum in Kaunas is as fascinating as a museum can get. It started off as a space to showcase Lithuanian artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius’s collection, but eventually grew bigger until 1982 when it was converted into a full-fledged three-storey museum. Today, there are more than 3,000 artefacts there. Quite an interesting experience, this one.
Devil's Museum
Address: V. Putvinskio g. 64, Kaunas 44211, Lithuania
Website: Devil’s Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 - 10 EUR (5.6 - 11.2 USD)
4. Stroll through the vibrant Town Hall Square
Kaunas’s oldest and most central area is the Town Hall Square, with the city’s town hall building being its primary attraction. The area started off as a market place, but eventually began getting dotted with several buildings, including the Sirutis Palace, the Zabiela house, and several churches. The Kaunas Museum of the History of Lithuania Medicine and Pharmacy, covered later, is also in this neighbourhood. Today, what we see and find here is an array of buildings, people, and an atmosphere of lively spirit. Climb up to the terrace of the Church of St. Francis Xavier to enjoy panoramic views of the Town Hall Square.
Town Hall
Address: Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas 44279, Lithuania
Website: Town Hall
5. Soak in the magnificence of Kaunas Cathedral Basilica
Lithuania’s oldest as well as the largest place of worship, the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica dates back to the 15th century. It is dedicated to apostles St. Peter and Paul. The Roman Catholic Basilica we see standing today is a 17th-century construction and is a stunning example of transitional Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The church’s high Baroque main altar, severe exterior, and a beautiful interior with about 2,000 stuccos is quite a sight to behold. One of the highlights that attracts maximum pilgrims here is the 16th-century painting of Our Lady of Sorrows and the 17th-century image of the Most Gracious Virgin Mother.
Kaunas Cathedral Basilica
Address: Vilniaus gatvė 1, Kaunas 44281, Lithuania
Website: Kaunas Cathedral Basilica
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
6. Stroll along Liberty Boulevard
If there’s one street that makes for a superb stretch for having a walk, it is Liberty Boulevard, or Laisvės Alėja in Kaunas’ New Town. One of Kaunas’ most prominent pedestrian streets, it is 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of activity, colour, and lively atmosphere all around. The Liberty Boulevard is very much the commercial business district of the town so you’ll find tons of restaurants and shops to spend your day or enjoy some people watching. You’ll also find the St. Michael the Archangel’s Church and the Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum also on the same street so head there if you like. Another fun fact: it is this street that connects the New Town with the Old Town.
Laisvės Alėja
Address: Kaunas, Lithuania
7. Catch a show at Kaunas State Puppet Theatre
"APPLE VERDE-GREEN" Kaunas State Theatre Puppet
Posted by Maurício David on Friday, 8 July 2016
Setup in 1960 in Kaunas, the Kaunas State Puppet Theatre, as the name suggests, is a professional puppet show theatre on the Liberty Boulevard. The place stages multiple shows based on fairy tales and folktales regularly. Some of the theatre’s troupe’s most ardent fans are little children so if you’re heading to Kaunas with kids, make sure you catch a performance at the Kaunas State Puppet Theatre. There are two performance halls in the theatre and also a small museum within the premises which houses the most famous puppet characters from a few of their regular shows.
Kaunas State Puppet Theatre
Address: Laisvės al. 87A, Kaunas 44297, Lithuania
8. Marvel at the architectural beauty of Old Town (from USD 201.0)
If the Liberty Boulevard is all things commercial, the Old Town is all things medieval. Also known as Centras or the Senamiestis, the Old Town was once an important trade centre. It is dotted with Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic buildings across. Head over to the Vilniaus Gatve street and you can see that for yourself. The Old Town makes for the oldest part of Kaunas and home to some of the city’s landmarks. The Kaunas Town Hall, the Kaunas Castle, Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy among several others are all located here. If not by yourself, you can even hitch a guided walking tour of the place and learn all about the place’s history and culture.
Private Tour of Kedainiai and Kaunas Old Town
Duration: 8 hours
9. Have a relaxing tour of Vilniaus Gatve street
The central and most lively of Old Town’s streets is the Vilniaus Gatve street. Lined with medieval buildings and a cobbled footpath, this street is touted to be the axis of the Old Town. Vilniaus Gatve makes for a great place to explore the town on foot. There are beautiful buildings, cosy cafes, top restaurants, and a superb shopping scene to be keep you busy here. The street is a pedestrians-only one so wear your comfiest pair of footwear and head forth! If you’re lucky, you might even get to attend one of the fairs and festivals that are regularly hosted here.
Vilniaus Gatve
Address: : Old Town, Kaunas 44275, Lithuania
10. Unwind at Santakos Park
Make your way to the Santakos Park to spend some quiet and relaxing time amidst nature. Overlooking the Neris and Nemumas Rivers and rife with rich foliage, this park is 12.7 ha (31.3 acres) of clean landscaping and looming Lithuanian skies. The park is strewn with a multitude of flora and fauna. Starlings, partridges, magpies, and jays, you’ll spot them all, hanging out in the lush deciduous trees of the park. Don’t worry about kids. Just leave them at the children’s playground on site! The park’s picturesque scenery also serves as a perfect backdrop for several events and festivals held in the city. It lies at the eastern side of the Kaunas Castle so you can spend some time relaxing at the park after walking through the castle.
Santakos Park
Address: Rotušės a., Kaunas 44279, Lithuania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Pay a visit to the Christ's Resurrection Basilica
Posted by Arsen Arsenenko on Monday, 27 May 2019
Arguably among the most beautiful examples of sacral architecture is the Christ’s Resurrection Basilica in Kaunas, which was once a Soviet power station and then a factory before being consecrated as a church in 2004. Exquisite in its architecture and interior, this Art Deco basilica is touted to be the largest basilical church across the Baltic States and is considered an important symbol of the city’s troubled political past and eventual resurrection. The basilica’s two towers not only lift the grandiosity of the structure but also offer some fantastic panoramic views of the cityscape.
Christ's Resurrection Basilica
Address: Žemaičių g. 31B, Kaunas 44175, Lithuania
12. Head to the historic Vytautas the Great Church
Also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary, the Vytautas the Great Church is among the oldest yet most exceptional buildings in the city. The church has been named after the Lithuanian leader, Vytautas the Great, who ordered and funded its construction as a commendation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is nestled along the banks of the Neman River and makes for an important example of Gothic architecture. The Roman Catholic church was constructed around the 1400s and has since suffered a series of flooding and damages. However, the church underwent has several renovations, most recently in the 20th century, during which time the bell tower was added to its complex. Much of the church’s grandiosity has been lost over time, but regardless, you will be overawed by its Brick Gothic exterior and a Lithuanian-Latin cross-style of interior.
Vytautas the Great Church
Address: Aleksoto g. 3, Kaunas 44280, Lithuania
Website: Vytautas the Great Church
13. Take in Sugihara House's simplicity
Sugihara House in Kaunas is a museum dedicated in the memory of Japanese diplomat, Chiune Sugihara, who was serving as a diplomat in Kaunas during the time of the Holocaust and helped save lives of thousands of Jews. The house was originally the Japanese consulate in Kaunas where Sugihara served. It was eventually converted into a museum in 1999 to celebrate the Japanese diplomat’s humanitarian efforts. The exhibits showcase Sugihara’s belongings along with some official documents that reflect at the horror of the Holocaust. Today, the museum is visited by millions of tourists, business persons, Japanese officials, and other ambassadors. This will make for quite an enriching visit so do keep in on your to-do lists.
Sugihara House
Address: Vaižganto 30, Kaunas, Lithuania, LT-44229
Website: Sugihara House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm
Price: 1.5 - 4 EUR (1.6 - 4.4 USD)
14. Take a peek into history at The Presidential Palace
Sitting in the Old Town of Kaunas is this impressive Neo-Baroque building constructed in the 19th century. What gives the building its name, The Presidential Palace, is its use as a presidential palace during the brief period in 1918 when Kaunas was designated Lithuania’s capital. The palace has undergone multiple alterations ever since it was made, and the space is now used as an exhibition centre. Among the many showcases you’ll find here, the most celebrated ones are the artefacts relating to Lithuania’s history and bronze statues of three presidents of the Lithuanian interwar period in the gardens outside. Each item speaks tons about the country’s history so head there for a wholly enriching experience.
The Presidential Palace
Address: Vilniaus gatvė 33, Kaunas 44290, Lithuania
Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 1.5 - 3 EUR (1.6 - 3.3 USD)
15. Experience the novelty of the Kaunas Museum for the Blind
Heading over to the St. Michael the Archangel Church? Don’t forget to step into its catacombs and find yourself in the Kaunas Museum for the Blind. Opened in 2005, the museum was built to give visitors an insight into the life of a person with seeing disability, hence it only made sense to develop one in the darkness of the church’s basement. The museum banks on on the experience of losing your sense of vision and using aural, tactile, and olfactory senses to explore things around. There are fittings, smells, and sounds to help lead the visitors navigationally. The museum was the first-of-its-kind in the Baltic States and makes for quite a unique experience.
Kaunas Museum for the Blind
Address: Nepriklausomybės a. 18, Kaunas 44320, Lithuania
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 2:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
16. Ride the funicular railway
Exploring the town on foot is usual, but how about giving it a slightly interesting twist and hitching a ride on Kaunas’s funicular railway? Operational since the 1930s, funicular railways in Kaunas make for one of the oldest in all of Lithuania, and perhaps even the world! While these made for a popular mode of travel in the 20th century, it is seldom used for purposes apart from sightseeing now. Some of the famous sites that fall along its way are Vytautas the Great War Museum and the Basilica of the Resurrection. You’ll even be treated to some beautiful views of the cityscape from its brightly coloured carriages. If for nothing else, hop on to one of these for a trip back in time, when transportation was not all about cutting-edge technology and breakneck speed. Quite a novel experience, this one.
Aleksotas Funicular
Address: Amerikos Lietuvių g. 6, Kaunas 46251, Lithuania
Website: Aleksotas Funicular
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
17. Appreciate the street art of Kaunas
Street art finds a bold expression in the form of murals across the streets of Kaunas. Right from the poetic to the bold, colourful to monochrome, small to large, they’re of all kinds – and everywhere! While cafes, restaurants, shops, and city landmarks are usual places, it is these large graffiti murals that really liven up a tour of the town on foot. There’s some 50 or more spots in the city where you’ll find the most iconic of Kaunas’s street art murals. The one pictured here is called The Master, or Wise Old Man, painted in 2013 across the walls of an abandoned footwear factory – one of the most famous artworks in the town. This building is pretty near the Kaunas Castle so ask around for the building and stop by to admire the unabashed strokes of colour that make up this painting. This mural is so famous that you’ll even find merchandise being sold across the town!
The Wise Old Man
Address: Jonavos g. 3, Kaunas
18. Chill outdoors at Pinewood Park
Perhaps the largest park in Kaunas, Pinewood Park borders the Panemunė Beach and makes for a classic venue for engaging in some outdoor activities. Flocks of people head there to enjoy swimming in the river, sunbathing, cycling, running, or playing volleyball in the summers and skiing in the winters. If walking around, exploring landmarks has got too much for you, a trip to the Pinewood Park would bring quite a good rest. There’s also an on-site restaurant to cater to your hunger. If you’re packing several things in a single day, you can pair a trip to the Pinewood Park with a visit to the Pažaislis Monastery as the two are quite nearby.
Pinewood Park
Address: Gailutės g. 4, Kaunas 45324, Lithuania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
19. Enjoy the views from the Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park
Built to protect the landscape of Kaunas Reservoir’s artificial lake and its surroundings, the Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park is one of the best places to savour some stunning views of the Lithuanian countryside in Kaunas. It is one of the 30 regional parks in the country and home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. To savour the best of the area, many head there for camping and other recreational activities. You can even walk along one of the many dedicated trails and get up close and personal with nature. Get to the Girionys Park to see some thriving variety of junipers. Fishing enthusiasts can rent yachts or boats and give their fishing skills a test. Else, participate in the regularly held fishing trainings and contests.
Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park
Address: Miškininkų g. 2, Vaišvydava, Kaunas 45324, Lithuania
Website: Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park
20. Do some shopping at Akropolis
Posted by Kauno Akropolis on Tuesday, 14 May 2019
Lithuania’s fourth-largest shopping mall, Akropolis is one place you must head to. There’s a wide range of shops, restaurants, leisure activities, and basically everything you’d want at a shopping mall. Head to the showrooms of A&G, Alandeko, Alikante, Baltman, Calzedonia, or any one of the others for some shopping. Else, Charlie Pizza, Kavos Karieta, Sugamour, or Vero Cafe for a bite. You can even go to the Admiral game or casino outlets for some fun time or just catch a movie at the movie hall on site.
Akropolis
Address: Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 49, Kaunas 44333, Lithuania
Website: Akropolis
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
21. Grab a drink at Skliautas
Powering up the bar scene in Kaunas is Skliautas, an oldie but a goodie in the town. Although humble in its ambience, the place is quite a rocker with booze, music, and the crowd. To top it all, some great food items as well. We suggest you grab a table at their courtyard terrace. You can easily get to Skliautas whenever you’re planning a trip to the Town Hall Square, as it is quite nearby. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is chilled out. Head there for some unplugging!
Skliautas
Address: Rotušės a. 26, Kaunas 44279, Lithuania
Website: Skliautas
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 12pm - 12am; Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sun: 11:30am - 12am
22. Relish the seasonal menu at Uoksas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
#lunch #today #uoksas #catchoftheday #starter #chanterelles #potatoes #64Cfarmegg #dryedham #dill #fennel #herbs #fresh #local #newbalticcuisine #seasonalcuisine #kaunas #summer #foodporn #restaurant #foodie
Posted by uoksas on Thursday, August 24, 2017
Want to have a taste of what Kaunas’s food is like? Head over to the city’s finest Uoksas Restaurant in the heart of Kaunas. An ode to authentic Lithuanian cuisine, the food here is a refreshing combination of the classic and the contemporary. Mavericks behind kitchen counters ensure that the best of flavours and pairings make their way to your table. The restaurant uses the freshest of local produce, which is why their dishes are seasonal. If you’re planning to head to the restaurant on weekends, you can consider making it for their extensive brunches as well. Else, book yourself on one of their pre-booked tasting dinners and be prepared to be taken for a surprise!
Uoksas
Address: Maironio g. 28, Kaunas 44249, Lithuania
Website: Uoksas
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 6pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
23. Try unique flavours of Avilys
Another place you have got to try is Avilys. Situated in the Old Town, there’s beer soup, cheese doughnuts, smoked shanks, and beer sherbet awaiting you here.The place excels in European-Lithuanian flavours and cook up quite a stir with their punchy flavours. Considering beers is their forte, we strongly recommend you pair their dishes with one or another beer, especially honey-infused unpasteurized and unfiltered beers. Impressed enough? Take home some quintessentially Avilys souvenirs as well.
Avilys
Address: Vilniaus gatvė 34, Kaunas 44287, Lithuania
Website: Avilys
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2am
24. Taste Motiejaus Kepyklėlė's bakery items
O tiems, kas duonelę norėtų Kalėdoms kepti patys, dalinamės mamulės receptu: Raikės: nedzidukas viedralis ruginių myltų,...
Posted by Motiejaus kepyklėlė on Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Among the many wonderful shops and cafes on the Liberty Boulevard is Motiejaus Kepyklėlė, offering the best of cakes, breads, and other bakery items in all of Kaunas. You’ll even find some traditional Lithuanian bakery items here. Pair them with a cuppa joe or tea and you have yourself a crackling combination. Apart from bakery items and beverages, Motiejaus Kepyklėlė’s breakfast is also something you can consider trying. The place is super flavours, warm ambience, and great value for money, all clubbed into one.
Motiejaus Kepyklėlė
Address: Vilniaus gatvė 7, Kaunas 44280, Lithuania
Website: Motiejaus Kepyklėlė
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm
25. Savour Italian food at Buon Giorno Trattoria
Savaitgalis - tai toks laikas, kai viskas sustoja... O kalorijų, tai jau tikrai, kad niekas neskaičiuoja... ?
Posted by Buon Giorno Trattoria on Friday, 28 June 2019
Head over to the Buon Giorno Trattoria, an off-shoot of the Buon Giorno Taverna in the Old Town and indulge in some exceptional Italian fare. They use fresh, local produce to prepare their dishes that not only amplifies their flavours, but make it a gastronomical delight for diners. Try one of their pizzas or pastas and come back to thank us later!
Buon Giorno Trattoria
Address: S. Daukanto g. 14, Kaunas
Website: Buon Giorno Trattoria
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
26. Take a swig of rare whiskeys at W1640
Apsilimui
Posted by Algirdas Saulty Miescionaitis on Friday, 9 December 2011
Sitting in a shanty street in Kaunas is one place that will interest whiskey connoisseurs – W1640. Hosting a range of rare scotches and single malts, W1640’s whiskey collection looks unending! Right from the most potent to the lightest and flavoured to non-flavoured, you’ll find them all. The staff here, too, is great. They know their blends well and don’t mind showing off their skills, whipping you a top-notch cocktail or drink. All that variety getting you confused? Ask the staff for suggestions and you won’t be disappointed.
W1640
Address: Kurpių g. 29, Kaunas 44287, Lithuania
Website: W1640
Opening hours: Thu: 7pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 7pm - 5am (closed from Sun - Wed)
27. Tour the exceptional Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy
Heading to the Town Hall Square? Don’t forget to stop over at the Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy. Setup by pharmacy professor Alfonsas Kaikaris, the museum is spread across two floors and is housed in a merchant’s 16th-century refurbished home. The exhibits here preserve the history of Lithuanian medical professionals, doctors, pharmacists, hospitals, etc., taking you through the evolution of medicine with several artefacts of old-fashioned medical equipment and technology up for display. Now part of the Kaunas University of Medicine, the museum makes for a pretty interesting visit.
Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy
Address: Rotušės 28, Kaunas 01100, Lithuania
Website: Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 1 - 9 EUR (1 - 10 USD)
28. Explore the eerie Ninth Fort (from USD 3.0)
Located about 6.5 km (4 miles) from downtown Kaunas is this 19th-century military fortress, which was originally intended to defend the city from Russian invasions, but ultimately became a site where chilling and gruesome events unfolded. It was used as a prison for conducting mass executions and torture against criminal and political prisoners of the Soviet Union during Lithuania’s occupation by Nazi Germany. Not only that, the place was also used as an execution camp for captured Soviets, Jews, and several others during the Holocaust. What is now a famous tourist site in Kaunas was once a killing site of some 50,000 people! The fort houses a Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum, where you can learn more about the area and the fort’s history along with seeing some personal possessions of the prisoners that have been put up as exhibits.
The Ninth Fort Museum Entrance Ticket
Duration: Flexible
29. See the majestic Kaunas Castle (from USD 3.0)
Perched at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers is the Kaunas Castle, built as a defensive bastion originally, but is now a popular festival venue. This 14th-century castle is perhaps one of the foremost stone castles in all of Lithuania and is built in Gothic style of architecture. Even though only a third of the original construction remains, the castle still attracts several thousands of tourists each year. The castle now houses a museum with several storeys’ worth of exhibits showcasing the castle’s history. The castle is quite near to the Liberty Boulevard so you can easily the plan the two visits in a single day.
Kaunas Castle Museum Entrance Ticket
Duration: Flexible
Great connectivity
Connectivity to, from, and via Kaunas is great with the Kaunas International Airport some 14km (8 miles) from the downtown. You can even hitch a train ride from Vilnius. Else, intercity buses or driving down in private vehicles is also an option – just follow the Via Baltica E67 route. Getting there has never been easier. Use our carefully curated list of things to do in Kaunas, Lithuania and make it a holiday worth remembering for yourself.
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