Kaunas

Dear Lilioftheworld.com reader, here is Dimo, your co-editor. Today our Weekend Getaway takes you to Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania. The city and its surroundings could be easily explored in a couple of days, therefore, making it a great choice for a weekend trip from (almost) any point in Europe. In the paragraphs below you will find out what to see in Kaunas.

Useful tips

1. Interesting Facts About Kaunas

• it was first mentioned in written sources in the 14th century, but its origins date back to the 1st century AD
• Urban population is about 381 000
• is located at the confluence of the two largest rivers in the country
• it served as a temporary capital of Lithuania between 1920 and 1939. During this time it was referred to as “Little Paris” because of diverse cultural, fashion and academic life.
• it was the European Capital of Culture for 2022
• in present days it is most famous for its basketball club: Zalgiris
• it has two funiculars – Zaliakalnis and Aleksotas – however, keep in mind they might not be open on weekends 🙂
• there is an international open-air Kaunas Jazz Festival taking place in April-May

2. Transportation

Distances in the city are relatively short and the airport is less than 30 minutes drive from the city center. For a weekend stay, we would recommend using taxi or Bolt to make the most of your time there. Keep in mind that drivers might not be fluent English speakers (not that you need them to be 🙂

3. Accommodation

Our recommendation is to check out the Moxy Kaunas. We didn’t stay there, but have received various positive comments for its interior, service quality and cleanliness.

4. Best time to visit

The best time to visit is spring or summer. We went in April 2023 and have enjoyed a perfect spring weather.

5. How long should you stay?

A long weekend will be more than enough to see all of the points of interest.

Okay, we are good to go, let’s find out what to see in Kaunas!

Inside the city

1. Stroll Kaunas Old Town

First on our list is the Kaunas Old Town. This picturesque area is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks:

Stroll through the Town Hall Square, and admire the stunning architecture of the House of Perkūnas and the Church of Vytautas the Great:

2. Visit the Kaunas Castle

Kaunas Castle is the oldest castle in the area dating back to the 14th century. It served as a strategic outpost to guard nearby cities and trade routes.

We enjoyed the castle from the outside, but if you want to go in check working hours in advance: as many museums and points of interests in Kaunas might not be open in weekends.

3. Take a walk in the Nemunas and Neris Confluence Park

When you finish enjoying the medieval castle of Kaunas, you can make a quick walk in the Nemunas and Neris Confluence Park. The name says it all: it is where the two biggest Lithuanian rivers come together.

4. Walk down the Laisves Aleja (Liberty Boulevard)

Take a moment to relax a slow walk at the Laisvės Alėja, a tree-lined pedestrian street filled with cafes, shops, and street performers. You could start from the Old Town and go all the way towards the St Michael Church. Once you go on it you will realize that it is one of the longest pedestrian streets you have ever seen. Keep in mind that it could be a little crowded during festivals or sunny weekends. Night walks are also very pleasant:

5. Take a photo of the St. Michael the Archangel’s Church

St. Michael the Archangel’s Church was built in 1985 as a military church in the time of the Russian Empire:

6. (Take the Žaliakalnis Funicular Railway) and get to the Christ’s Resurrection Church

7. Find the hidden yard gallery

Well, we just walked by this open street gallery without noticing it. Maybe because it is of “hidden” nature 🙂 But we are sure you could find your way to it when you visit.

8. Spot local mural and street art

There are some interesting murals that you will see in the streets of Kaunas:

9. For art enthusiasts

For art enthusiasts, the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum is a must-see. The museum is dedicated to the works of M. K. Čiurlionis, a renowned Lithuanian artist, and composer. The museum features a collection of his paintings, musical compositions, and personal belongings. You can also enjoy the rotating exhibitions featuring works by other Lithuanian and international artists.

Outside the city

1. Visit the Kaunas Ninth Fort

Next, visit the Kaunas Ninth Fort. This former prison and execution site now serves as a museum and memorial to the victims of Nazi atrocities during World War II. The museum features exhibitions on the Holocaust, the Soviet occupation, and the partisan resistance movement in Lithuania.

2. For nature lovers

If you’re looking for something more outdoorsy, take a trip to the Kaunas Reservoir. This man-made lake offers stunning views of the surrounding forested hills and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic trail that circles the reservoir or rent a bike and explore the area on two wheels.

In the nearby town of Rumsiskes you could find an open-air Ethnographic Museum, which displays rural life with lots of authentic buildings and structures.

3. The Pazaislis Monastery

Last but not least, visit the Pažaislis Monastery. This stunning Baroque-style complex dates back to the 17th century and is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Lithuania. The monastery features a beautiful church, a library, and stunning gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the monastery and its importance to Lithuanian culture and religion. As always when in Kaunas, check opening hours in advance 🙂

Thank you for reading along! We hope we helped you make your mind with what to see in Kaunas!

For more great short trip ideas, please check out our dedicated Weekend Escapes section.