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I spent hours and hours preparing for our Baltic trip, researching the destination, reading about the history and building a list of places worth the time. Kaunas is one of those cities that does not get nearly enough attention, so I hope this guide helps with your own trip planning.

Everything in my Kaunas travel guide is organised so you can pick whatever suits you, whether you are there for a weekend or longer. Every place has a Google Maps link on its name, so you can save it straight to your own map.

IN THIS BLOG POST

Why You Should Visit Kaunas

Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania, and it is still one of the most overlooked cities in Europe. Most people fly into Vilnius, tick off the capital and move on to Riga or Tallinn. If you stop in Kaunas, you get a city that feels more local, more relaxed and a lot more surprising. Here is why I think it deserves a place on your list.

It Has UNESCO Listed Architecture

Between the two world wars, Kaunas was the temporary capital of Lithuania, and the city grew fast. The modernist buildings from that period are now UNESCO World Heritage listed, and you will see them all over the centre, from apartment blocks to churches and schools. It was also a European Capital of Culture in 2022, which brought new life to the city and its art scene.

It Has A Proper Medieval Old Town

Cobbled streets, a white Town Hall tower, a 13th century castle and old churches, all in a compact area you can cover on foot. The Old Town is small enough to explore in an afternoon and charming enough that you will want to go back in the evening.

It Sits Where Two Rivers Meet

The Nemunas and Neris rivers join right at the edge of the Old Town, so green space and water are never far away. You can walk along the riverbanks, spend time in Santakos Parkas and see the city from above at the observation deck.

It Is Full Of Quirky Museums

This is not a city of dusty galleries. You can look at thousands of devils in the Devil’s Museum, step into a Cold War bunker and see the dreamy paintings of Čiurlionis, all in one trip. There is something for every type of traveller, and plenty of options if the weather turns.

It Has Historic Funiculars

Kaunas still has funiculars from the 1930s, and riding one is part of the fun. They take you up to the best viewpoints in the city, and they feel like a little bit of history that you can actually use.

It Has A Really Good Food, Cafe And Bar Scene

Laisvės alėja is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, and it is lined with cafes, bakeries and restaurants. Add the donut shops, craft beer bars, Georgian bistros and traditional Lithuanian restaurants, and you can easily plan your whole trip around eating and drinking. There is also a big student population, which keeps the city lively in the evenings.

It Is Easy To Reach And Good Value

Kaunas is about an hour from Vilnius by train or bus, and it has its own airport. Food, coffee, drinks and hotels cost far less than in Western Europe, so you can stay somewhere nice without stretching your budget.

It Is Not Crowded

For me, this is the biggest reason of all. You can sit on Town Hall Square or walk through the Old Town without fighting through crowds, and the city still feels like a place where people live, rather than one built for visitors. Go now, before everyone else catches on.

Kaunas Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Eat And Stay In Lithuania

Must Visit Places

My Top Tip: Yard Gallery

If you only add one unusual stop to your list, make it this one. Yard Gallery is a creative courtyard space full of art and street art, and it feels very different from the polished Old Town sights. Go with no plan and just wander around.

Kaunas Central Market

A proper local market where you can see what people in Kaunas actually buy and eat. It is a good place for fresh produce, baked goods and a bit of people watching. I would come with an empty stomach and some cash for small purchases.

Devil’s Museum

One of the most unusual museums I have come across, home to thousands of devil figures from around the world. It is small, a bit funny and very quick to see, which makes it an easy addition to any day in the centre.

Church of St Michael the Archangel

You will spot this white church with its big dome at the end of Laisvės alėja. It is also known as the Garrison Church, and the neo-Byzantine style stands out among everything else in the city. It is worth a look from the outside even if you do not go in.

Kaunas Town Hall

The tall white tower on Town Hall Square is often called the White Swan, and it is the centre of the Old Town. The square is surrounded by pastel buildings, cafes and restaurants, so it is a natural place to start your wander.

Kaunas Castle

A medieval castle at the edge of the Old Town, dating back to the 13th century and among the oldest stone castles in Lithuania. It is not huge, but it is a good way to get a feel for the city’s history, and it is close to the river confluence and the park.

Santakos Parkas

Santaka means the confluence, and this park sits right where the two rivers meet. It is a lovely green space for a slow walk, especially on a sunny day, and it is just a few minutes from the castle.

Aleksotas Observation Deck

One of the best views in the city, looking over the Old Town and the Nemunas river. You can get up there on the historic funicular, which makes the visit even better. Go close to sunset if you can.

Amsterdamo Mokyklos Muziejus

Another interesting stop if you like architecture and design, tied to the Amsterdam School style that also left its mark on the city’s interwar buildings. It is a smaller museum, so it fits easily around other sights.

Pažaislis Monastery and Church

A 17th century baroque monastery on the shore of the Kaunas Reservoir, a little outside the centre. The church is known for its ornate interior and frescoes, and the setting by the water makes it one of the most beautiful places in the area.

KGB Atomic Bunker Museum

A Cold War era underground bunker that gives you a very different look at Soviet history. It is a bit unsettling in a good way, and a great option for a rainy day or for anyone interested in the 20th century.

Christ’s Resurrection Basilica

A big modernist church built in the interwar years on a hill in Žaliakalnis. It is one of the landmarks of the city’s architecture, and the views from the top are worth the visit. You can also reach this area by the second historic funicular.

Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum

Part of the old Kaunas fortress that later became a site of mass killings during the Nazi occupation, with tens of thousands of people murdered there. It is a heavy visit, but an important one, so give yourself time and space afterwards.

M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

Dedicated to Čiurlionis, a Lithuanian painter and composer who is hugely important in the country’s culture. His dreamy paintings are worth seeing if you enjoy art, and the museum is a good rainy day option.

What To Do In Kaunas

My Top Tip: Take The Historical Funicular

Kaunas has historic funiculars dating back to the 1930s, and riding one is one of the most fun and cheapest things you can do in the city. The Aleksotas one takes you up to the observation deck, and the Žaliakalnis one takes you up toward the Resurrection Basilica. Check the current opening times before you go.

Take A Stroll In The Park

Spend an hour walking through Santakos Parkas by the rivers. It is flat, peaceful and good for photos, and a nice break from sightseeing.

Get Lost In Old Town

The Kaunas Old Town is small enough to explore on foot without a plan. Cobbled streets, old churches, Town Hall Square and lots of little corners to stop in make it very easy to lose a few hours.

People Watching With A Side Of Coffee And Cake In Laisvės Alėja

Laisvės alėja is the long pedestrian street running through the centre. Pick a cafe, order a coffee and a slice of cake, and watch the city go by. It is one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon here.

Walk Through Kaunas Central Market

Come back to the Central Market just to walk around and soak in the atmosphere. It is a very local experience and a nice contrast to the tourist areas.

Check Out Devils In The Devil’s Museum

The Devil’s Museum is quick, quirky and one of the most memorable stops in the city.

Where To Eat In Kaunas

My Top Tip: Bernelių Užeiga in the Old Town

If you want traditional Lithuanian food in a cosy setting, this is the one I would book first. It is in the Old Town, so it fits easily into a day of sightseeing.

Etno Dvaras: A rustic spot for hearty Lithuanian dishes in a countryside style setting.
Gossip Skonis: A relaxed place with a modern menu, good for a casual lunch or dinner.
Hunters’ Inn: A rustic inn style restaurant with a hunting lodge feel and hearty food.
Soul. Rotušė: Right by Town Hall Square, which makes it an easy stop while exploring the Old Town.
Baking Mad Hidden Lab: A small hidden spot with a creative, bakery led approach.
Mamma Kitchen Stories: A cosy place with a homely feel and a menu that suits sharing.
Neighbourhood: A relaxed neighbourhood style restaurant that is good any time of day.
Uoksas: A popular local name that is worth booking ahead if you are visiting on a weekend.
Višta Puode: A fun, casual spot to try Lithuanian comfort food.
DIA: A more modern dining option for when you want something a bit more polished.
Marakandas: A good pick if you want a break from Lithuanian food and something with different flavours.
Chačapuri Bistro: Georgian bistro on Laisvės al. 44, perfect for khachapuri and other comforting dishes.
Figa: A stylish place that works well for a longer, slower meal.

Cafes In Kaunas

Habits Coffee House: A good specialty coffee stop for a morning start.
Prezo Kepyklėlė: A small bakery cafe for pastries and a quick coffee.
Kauno Spurginė: Donuts are a big part of the Kaunas cafe scene, and this is one of the places to try them.
Kavalierius: A classic cafe for coffee and cake.
Kasdienybės Bakehouse: Fresh bakes and a cosy atmosphere.
Holy Donut: Another one for donut lovers.
Pastarella Forno: A fresh Italian style stop for pasta and baked goods.

Pubs And Bars

HOP DOC Gastropub: A gastropub with a good beer list and a menu to match.
Roo Bar And Kitchen: A relaxed place for food and drinks in one spot.
Baras Kamerinis: A smaller bar with a cosy, intimate feel.
Knygnesys Bar: A bar with a bookish theme, nice for a quieter drink.
Nisha Craft Beer Bar: One for craft beer fans.
Piana Vyshnia: A lively place with a fun, social atmosphere.
Plus Plus Plus: A good stop for a late drink.

Where To Stay In Kaunas

Price guide: £ budget, ££ mid range, £££ upscale.

£

Brother House Kaunas: A budget option that works well for shorter stays.
Daugirdas Hotel: A simple, comfortable hotel close to the main sights.
ibis Kaunas Centre: A reliable choice in a central location.

££

Victoria Hotel Kaunas: A classic hotel with a good central position.
Moxy Kaunas Center: A fun, modern hotel with a social vibe.
Best Baltic Kaunas: A comfortable mid range stay in the city.
Broken Bed Hootel: A quirky place with a name you will not forget.
Very Bad Hotel: Another playful stay that stands out from the usual chains.
BōHEME House: A stylish boutique feel for a more design led stay.

£££

Monte Pacis: A special choice if you want to stay somewhere with history and character, set in the Pažaislis monastery complex.
Viešbutis Kaunas: An upscale stay in the centre of the city.
Radisson Hotel Kaunas: A polished, comfortable option for a more premium trip.

Search all accommodation in Kaunas

Tips For Visiting Kaunas

Getting there: Kaunas is about 100 km from Vilnius and easy to reach by train or bus in roughly an hour. It also has its own airport with flights from several European cities.

How long to stay: One full day covers the Old Town, Laisvės alėja and a couple of museums. Two or three days lets you add Pažaislis, the Ninth Fort and a slower pace.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn is best for walking and sitting outside. Winters are cold, but the city has a cosy feel with all the cafes.
Getting around: The centre is very walkable. Buses and taxis cover the places further out, like Pažaislis and the Ninth Fort.
Money: Lithuania uses the euro, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for the market.
Book ahead: Popular restaurants fill up on weekends, so reserve a table for dinner.
Plan for a rainy day: Kaunas has lots of museums, so you will not run out of indoor options.
Comfortable shoes: Cobbled streets and hills around the funicular call for proper footwear.

FAQ: Planning Your Kaunas Trip

How many days do you need in Kaunas?

Two days is a good amount of time for most people. You can see the main sights in one day, but a second day lets you slow down and add places like Pažaislis Monastery.

Is Kaunas worth visiting?

Yes. It has a beautiful Old Town, interesting museums, great cafes and a more relaxed feel than many other European cities.

What is Kaunas known for?

Kaunas is known for its interwar modernist architecture, which is UNESCO listed, its Old Town, the Devil’s Museum and its historic funiculars.

Is Kaunas better than Vilnius?

They are quite different. Vilnius is larger and more polished, while Kaunas is smaller, quirkier and more relaxed. If you have time, visit both.

Can you visit Kaunas as a day trip from Vilnius?

You can, as the journey is about an hour each way. I would suggest staying at least one night to enjoy the evenings and the bar scene.

Is Kaunas expensive?

Compared to many Western European cities, Kaunas is good value, especially for food, coffee and drinks.