Things To Do
in Kėdainiai
Kėdainiai is a historic town in central Lithuania situated along the Nevėžis River. Its well-preserved Old Town blends Lithuanian, Polish, and Jewish heritage with charming wooden and plaster façades. The city grew from a fortress settlement into a regional trading hub, leaving a compact, walkable core rich in history and architecture.
Today, Kėdainiai offers a peaceful, picturesque escape with riverside scenery and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Old Town of Kėdainiai, where charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings greet you. Enjoy a traditional Lithuanian breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh rye bread and curd cheese. As you stroll, take in historical landmarks like the Kėdainiai Church of St. George, admiring its intricate architecture.
In the afternoon, delve into the rich history of Kėdainiai by visiting the Sts. Joseph and St. George Orthodox Church, a striking testament to cultural diversity. Following your exploration, enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, savoring local dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup). Don't miss the opportunity to stop by the Kėdainiai Regional Museum to learn about the area’s past.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the River Nevėžis, enjoying the serene atmosphere and picturesque views. Grab dinner at a cozy bistro, where you can indulge in another round of Lithuanian cuisine, perhaps pairing your meal with local beer. End your evening with a relaxed visit to a nearby pub, where live music often brings the community together.
Begin this day with a visit to a local winery situated just outside Kėdainiai, where you can partake in a guided tour and a wine tasting session. Sample exquisite wines crafted from local grapes while learning about the wine-making process from passionate artisans. Complement your tasting with a light breakfast featuring local produce.
After your morning of indulgence, return to Kėdainiai for a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Lithuanian dishes. Enjoy a hearty lunch of your own creation, delighting in the fruits of your labor. Spend the afternoon exploring local artisan shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
This evening, treat yourself to an art and dinner experience at a local gallery featuring works by regional artists. Dine on a multi-course meal inspired by traditional Lithuanian cuisine, each dish thoughtfully paired with local wines. As you admire the artwork, engage in conversation with local artists about their inspiration and techniques.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment (city center) per month | $350-600 |
| 🚆Public transportation ticket (one ride) | $1.5-2 |
| 🛒Monthly groceries for one person | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town center with rich history
- Scenic Nevėžis River and riverfront atmospheres
- Relatively affordable cost of living and good value for travelers
- Friendly locals and relaxed pace of life
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Smaller selection of international dining options
- Some attractions and services dispersed; may require short drives to Kaunas or Vilnius for broader options
- "Labas" - Hello
- "Ačiū" - Thank you
- "Praėkiu / Prašau" - Please
- "Ar kalbate anglų kalba?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much is this?
- "Aš noriu šio" - I would like this
- "Atsiprašau" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Girdėjau, kad…" - I heard that…
- "Sudie / Viso gero" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Kėdainiai
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful, late-19th to early-20th-century façades along the river with reflections in the water—beautiful at dawn or sunset.
Open square framed by historic buildings; great for architectural detail and people-watching.
Winding cobblestone streets with timbered and plaster houses offering texture, balconies, and charming shadows.
Photogenic spot for golden-hour shots with the river and bridge silhouette.
Ornate architectural details and a stately presence ideal for close-ups and wide shots.
Food in Kėdainiai
Kėdainiai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Potato dumplings stuffed with meat, typically served with sour cream or bacon sauce.
Must-Try!
Baked potato pudding with onions and often served with bacon or sour cream.
Cold beet soup with kefir or sour cream, often served with hard-boiled eggs and dill.
Smoked, seasoned sausage—great for tasting at markets or specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market offering fresh produce, rye bread, dairy, smoked fish, and local snacks; good for picking up ingredients and trying street foods like potato pancakes.
Casual stalls and small cafés around the historic core selling quick bites and seasonal specialties; look for fried potato pancakes and fresh pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is standard; greet with polite language, maintain eye contact, and address people formally in initial interactions. Quiet, respectful behavior in public spaces is appreciated.
Lithuanian is the official language; many people, especially younger residents, understand basic English, but learning a few phrases in Lithuanian is valued.
Safety
Tipping in Kėdainiai
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common. Tip directly to the server; in casual places, small tips are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still commonly used for small purchases and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greenery; showers are common. Great time for street photography and strolling through markets without crowds.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; ideal for riverside walks, outdoor dining, and festivals in and around the Old Town.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage; perfect for atmospheric cityscapes and forest edge walks nearby.
Cold and possibly snowy; evocative for quiet, monochrome city scenes and indoor cultural activities.
Kėdainiai at Night
Hiking in Kėdainiai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic riverside routes ideal for easy hikes and long, relaxed walks.
Forest trails and rural lanes offering shade, wildlife, and good autumn colors.
Rural routes around Dotnuva and surrounding villages with open fields and quiet lanes.
Airports
How to reach Kėdainiai by plane.
Approximately 60–90 minutes by road from Kėdainiai; common gateway for international and domestic flights with ground transportation options.
Around 90–2 hours by road depending on traffic; offers a wide range of international flights and convenient connections to major cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents; Lithuanian is the primary language and culture in daily life.
Smaller minority groups contributing to the region’s cultural mix and heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in Lithuania; local interest extends to community leagues and school activities.
Common around town clubs and recreational leagues; accessible for visitors who want a casual match or watch local games.
A favored way to explore the surrounding countryside and river paths.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kėdainiai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Traditional Lithuanian cuisine leans on potatoes, beets, and dairy—look for dumplings with cheese/fillings, beet soup, veggie salads, and seasonal vegetable dishes. When in doubt, ask for simpler preparations (vegetables, potatoes, grains) and request no meat-based broths.