Things To Do
in Lithuania

Lithuania is a Baltic nation celebrated for its fairy-tale castles, lush forests, and a coastline along the Baltic Sea. Its capital Vilnius sits atop a hill with a UNESCO-listed old town and a striking baroque skyline. The country blends history from medieval times with vibrant modern culture, from folk traditions to a growing food and craft scene.

Whether you wander cobblestone streets, sail along pristine lakes, or hike through pine forests, Lithuania offers accessible charm and genuine hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Vilnius
morning
:

Arrive in Vilnius and check into your hotel. Spend some time freshening up before heading out to explore the charming streets of the Old Town. Stop by the iconic Gediminas Tower to get panoramic views of the city.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local café, where you can savor traditional Lithuanian dishes. Afterward, visit the impressive Vilnius Cathedral and the adjoining Cathedral Square. Wander through the historic Uzupis district, known for its bohemian vibe and quirky sculptures.

evening
:

Dine at a restaurant in Uzupis and try some local specialties. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the river, enjoying the scenic views. Conclude your day with a visit to a cozy bar to indulge in Lithuanian beer.

day 2
Explore Vilnius
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights to learn about the country's tumultuous history. Follow this with a stroll in Bernardine Garden, where you can appreciate the natural beauty and historical sculptures. Don’t forget to grab a coffee in one of the nearby cafes.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the stunning Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. Explore its beautiful courtyards and impressive library. Afterward, visit the National Museum of Lithuania to delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

evening
:

For dinner, venture to a traditional restaurant that features live folk music. Enjoy an evening of cultural performances that celebrate Lithuanian traditions. Conclude your night by sampling local dessert specialties at a nearby patisserie.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍺Local beer$3-5
🚇Public transit day pass$3-7
🎟️Museum or attraction ticket$5-15
Café coffee and pastry$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning medieval towns and castles
  • Rich nature and national parks
  • Friendly people and good value for money
  • Vibrant capital city with a growing food and craft scene
  • Many attractions concentrated in a few areas
  • Distances between some destinations can be sizeable
  • Seasonal weather can be variable, especially spring and shoulder seasons
  • "Labas rytas" - Good morning
  • "Ačiū" - Thank you
  • "Prašau" - Please / Here you go
  • "Ar kalbate anglų?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Lithuania

Visit one of these nice places.

Gediminas Tower and Cathedral Square

Iconic skyline and sunset over Vilnius Old Town from the hilltop fortress.

Užupis District

Artistic neighborhood with quirky street art, charming bridges, and a bohemian vibe along the Vilnia river.

Vilnius Old Town Cobblestone Streets

Historic churches, pastel facades, and intimate courtyards ideal for atmospheric shots.

Trakai Castle on Lake Galvė

Fairy-tale castle mirrored in the calm lake water with swans and lush shorelines.

Hill of Crosses (Šiauliai)

A powerful field of thousands of crosses set against a simple landscape—great for dramatic photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lithuania

Lithuanian cuisine is rustic and hearty, centered on potatoes, rye, dairy, mushrooms, beets, and fresh herbs. Expect comforting meats and fish, seasonal produce, and traditional dishes that pair well with local beers and mead.

Lithuania Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cepelinai (Zeppelins)

Meat-filled potato dumplings served with sour cream and bacon—classic Lithuanian comfort food.

Must-Try!

Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beet Soup)

Vibrant pink beet soup served cold with kefir and hard-boiled eggs, perfect in summer.

Kibinai

Crispy pastries filled with mutton or beef, originally from the Karaite community.

Kugelis

Potato pudding baked with onions and bacon; a hearty staple often served with sour cream.

Vėdarai

Potato-dough sausages wrapped in bacon or pork fat and roasted; a traditional coastal dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Halle Market (Halės turgus)

Central market in Vilnius offering fresh produce, dairy, meat, and local snack options.

Kalvarijų Market

Bustling market known for affordable groceries, spices, and quick street bites.

Klaipėda Central Market

Coastal market great for smoked fish, dairy, and Baltic specialties during a seaside visit.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lithuania experiences a temperate-continental climate with relatively mild summers and cold winters. The Baltic coast has a maritime influence, making coastal temperatures milder and humidity higher. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with peaks in late spring and late summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and manners

A firm handshake is common; greet with eye contact. In conversation, modesty and politeness are valued; avoid interrupting others.

Mealtimes and toast culture

Traditions around toasts exist; participate politely and wait for the toast to finish before beginning the meal.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good for travelers. Stay aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, use licensed taxis, and follow local guidance for road and dune safety in natural areas. In coastal towns, observe weather warnings before sea swims or boat trips.

Tipping in Lithuania

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Service charges are not always included; tipping 5–10% is common in nicer restaurants if service is good. Cash and card payments are widely accepted.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely used; contactless payments are common; carry some cash for markets and smaller shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild, with fresh greens and flowers; rain is common, so pack a compact umbrella and light waterproof jacket.

Summer

Longest days with comfortable temperatures (roughly 18–25°C); ideal for outdoor dining, festivals, and lake trips.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful forests; great for hiking and city strolls with fewer crowds.

Winter

Cold and snowy conditions are possible; festive markets brighten cities and opportunities for cozy dining and indoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Lithuania at Night

Vilnius and Kaunas offer a diverse nightlife with traditional pubs, craft beer bars, and modern clubs. The Old Town cluster is popular for evening strolls, live music venues, and intimate jazz bars; coastal towns and lakeside areas host seasonal beach bars and night markets during warm months.

Hiking in Lithuania

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Aukštaitija National Park trails

Forested routes around lakes with marked paths and wooden observation towers.

Curonian Spit dunes

Long sandy dunes and pine forests along the Baltic coast; ideal for day hikes and sea views.

Airports

How to reach Lithuania by plane.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO)

Main international gateway to Lithuania with connections across Europe.

Kaunas International Airport (KUN)

Growing hub serving several European routes and domestic flights.

Palanga International Airport (PLQ)

Coastal gateway for summer travelers and seasonal flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Vilnius and Kaunas have highly walkable Old Towns with dense, pedestrian-friendly streets. City centers are generally easy to navigate on foot, though some sights require short rides or bike transit. Public transportation is efficient for longer trips within and between cities.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Lithuanians

The majority population with a strong cultural heritage.

Polish minority

Significant presence in several regions with its own cultural institutions.

Russian minority

Historic community concentrated in urban areas and some border regions.

Other

Includes Belarusian, Ukrainian, Latvian, and international residents in cities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is a national passion with strong club and national team culture.

Football (Soccer)

Widely followed at both professional and community levels.

Cycling and outdoor recreation

Popular pastime in parks, along coastlines, and in national parks.

Transportation

Traffic

City traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Public transit includes buses and trolleybuses in major cities; car rental is common for exploring rural areas. Road quality is generally good, with well-marked signs and cycling lanes in many cities.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cities; look for mushroom or cheese-filled dumplings, potato and cheese kugelis, or beet soups. In smaller towns, ask for modifications and enjoy seasonal vegetable dishes and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Lithuania has a public healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in major cities. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. Private clinics offer faster service and English-speaking staff in larger cities. Emergency number is 112.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lithuania.