Lithuania

Travel guide

Lituania

Lithuania, a gem in the Baltic region, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Beyond its capital, Vilnius, explore charming towns, lush landscapes, and vibrant traditions.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lestath (Jan Mehlich) · CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Best MonthsMay to September
  • AirportsVilnius, Kaunas, Palanga
  • TransitBuses, trains, trams
  • Power230V, 50Hz
  • Tipping10% is customary
  • LanguageLithuanian

01

When to go

The best time to visit Lithuania is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities abound.

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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
spring

Spring

A season of renewal with blooming flowers and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

summer

Summer

Warm weather and vibrant festivals make summer an ideal time to explore Lithuania's cultural offerings.

autumn

Autumn

Experience the beautiful fall foliage and harvest festivals, a great time for scenic drives.

02

Where to stay

Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.

01
Historic charm

Vilnius Old Town

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Can be crowded in summer.

02
Scenic beauty

Trakai

Stay near the picturesque Trakai Castle, surrounded by lakes and forests.

Popular for day trips.

03
Coastal vibes

Klaipėda

Experience the coastal city with its unique German heritage and access to the Curonian Spit.

Less crowded than Vilnius.

04
Cultural site

Šiauliai

Visit the city known for the Hill of Crosses and its rich history.

A bit off the beaten path.

05
Artistic hub

Kaunas

Discover Lithuania's second-largest city, known for its interwar architecture and vibrant arts scene.

Great for history buffs.

06
Nature retreat

Nida

Relax in this serene seaside village on the Curonian Spit, famous for its dunes.

Limited accommodations.

07
Beach fun

Palanga

Enjoy the lively beach resort town with its long sandy beaches and nightlife.

Busy during summer months.

08
Wellness escape

Druskininkai

Stay in this spa town known for its wellness resorts and natural beauty.

Ideal for relaxation.

03

What to eat

Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.

Cepelinai

Try these potato dumplings filled with meat, commonly found in local eateries.

→ A must-try traditional dish.

Šaltibarščiai

Enjoy this cold beet soup, especially popular in summer, available in many cafes.

→ Refreshing on hot days.

Kugelis

Savor this potato pudding, often served with sour cream, found in family-run restaurants.

→ Comfort food at its best.

Vedarai

Taste these potato sausages, a regional specialty, available in various markets.

→ Great for a quick snack.

Rugelis

Sample this traditional rye bread, often served with meals, available in bakeries.

→ A staple in Lithuanian cuisine.

Kibinai

Try these pastry pockets filled with meat or vegetables, popular in the Trakai region.

→ Perfect for on-the-go.

Sūris su uogiene

Enjoy cheese served with berry jam, a delightful combination found in local markets.

→ A unique taste experience.

04

What to see

An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.

01

Vilnius Cathedral

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture and a symbol of the city.

Iconic landmark
02

The Hill of Crosses

A significant pilgrimage site adorned with thousands of crosses.

Cultural heritage
03

Curonian Spit

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique landscapes and biodiversity.

Natural wonder
04

Trakai Castle

A picturesque castle located on an island in Lake Galvė.

Historical site
05

Kaunas Castle

The remnants of a medieval castle that offers insight into the city's history.

Historical landmark
06

Grūtas Park

An outdoor museum featuring Soviet-era sculptures and artifacts.

Cultural experience
07

The Baltic Sea Coast

Enjoy the beautiful beaches and seaside towns along the coast.

Beach destination
08

Vilnius University

One of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe with beautiful architecture.

Educational site
09

The Gates of Dawn

A significant religious site and a symbol of Vilnius.

Religious landmark
10

Palanaga Pier

A popular spot for walks and enjoying the seaside atmosphere.

Leisure area
11

Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum

A museum showcasing traditional Lithuanian rural life.

Cultural insight
12

The Devil's Museum

A unique museum dedicated to devil-themed art and folklore.

Quirky attraction
13

Aukštaitija National Park

Explore the natural beauty and outdoor activities in this national park.

Nature exploration
14

The National Museum of Lithuania

Learn about the country's history and culture through various exhibits.

Cultural education
15

The Church of St. Anne

An architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Vilnius.

Architectural gem
16

Nida Dunes

Experience the stunning sand dunes and natural beauty of Nida.

Scenic views

05

Getting around

Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.

Air Travel

The main airports are Vilnius International Airport (VNO), Kaunas Airport (KUN), and Palanga Airport (PLQ).

VNOVilnius International Airport
KUNKaunas Airport
PLQPalanga Airport

Public Transport

Buses and trains connect major cities, while trams and trolleybuses operate in urban areas.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are available at airports and in major cities, providing flexibility to explore.

Biking

Many cities have bike rental services, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to discover the history and culture of cities like Vilnius and Kaunas.

06

Practical notes

Plugs

Lithuania uses type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.

Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is customary.

Language

The official language is Lithuanian, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

Data

A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.

Trip Duration

A week is ideal to explore the main attractions and regions.

Lituania eSIM

Maps, ferries and tickets are easier with data as soon as you land.

See eSIM plans
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