Kaunas Travel Guide

Kaunas is Lithuania's second-largest city, situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers in the centre of the country. While Vilnius holds the title of capital, Kaunas has its own distinct identity shaped by the period between the two World Wars when it served as Lithuania's provisional capital — a role that left behind an unusually rich collection of modernist and Art Deco architecture now recognised by UNESCO.

The city has a confident, somewhat understated character. Its compact Old Town features a medieval castle, a Gothic cathedral, and a well-preserved town hall square. Laisvės alėja, one of the longest pedestrian boulevards in the Baltic states, connects the Old Town to the newer districts and functions as the social spine of the city.

In recent years Kaunas has invested significantly in its cultural infrastructure. The city hosted the European Capital of Culture designation in 2022, and the legacy of that programme is visible in renovated venues, public art installations, and a busy calendar of events. Travellers who overlook it in favour of Vilnius often find themselves surprised by what they find here.

Visas

Lithuania is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary considerably depending on your nationality and travel history. Do not rely on generalised advice — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Lithuanian Migration Department website before making any travel arrangements.

Currency and payments

The euro is the currency. Card payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in central Kaunas. It is nonetheless practical to carry some cash for smaller cafés, market stalls, and public transport top-ups. ATMs are readily available throughout the city centre.

Health and insurance

No vaccinations are specifically required for travel to Lithuania for most nationalities, but travellers from EU countries should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All other travellers should ensure they hold comprehensive travel and medical insurance before departure. Tap water in Kaunas is safe to drink.

What to pack

• Comfortable walking shoes — the Old Town has cobblestones
• Layers even in summer, as evenings can be cool
• A light rain jacket; rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the year
• Adapter for Type C/F European plugs if needed

By air

Kaunas International Airport (KUN) is located approximately 14 km north of the city centre. It handles a number of European routes, particularly operated by low-cost carriers. Check current routes and schedules directly with airlines or the airport, as services change seasonally.

By train

Kaunas railway station sits at the eastern end of Laisvės alėja and is connected by regular services to Vilnius (approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on service) and other Lithuanian cities. International rail connections are more limited; verify current timetables via Lithuanian Railways (LTG).

By bus

The intercity and international bus network is well-developed. The main bus terminal is located adjacent to the railway station. Coaches run frequently to Vilnius, Klaipėda, and Šiauliai, as well as to Riga, Tallinn, Warsaw, and other regional cities. Verify operators and schedules locally or online before travel.

By car

Kaunas is situated on the A1 motorway connecting Vilnius and Klaipėda, making it straightforward to reach by car. Parking in the Old Town and along Laisvės alėja requires payment; verify current zones and rates locally.

Kaunas city centre is walkable, and most of the main sights between the Old Town and the new centre can be covered on foot in a comfortable half-day.

The city operates a network of trolleybuses, buses, and, increasingly, electric public microbuses. Tickets can typically be purchased via a transport card or on some routes directly. Verify current fare and ticketing information with Kaunas public transport authorities, as systems have been updated in recent years.

Ride-hailing apps operate in Kaunas, and taxis are available at the railway station, airport, and main squares. Agree on a price or confirm that the meter is running before setting off. The city also has a growing network of cycling infrastructure; bicycle rental is available at several locations — confirm current providers locally.

For day trips to nearby sites such as the Ninth Fort or Pažaislis Monastery, local buses or a taxi are usually the most practical options if you are not travelling by car.

Old Town and the riverside

The historic core centres on Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė), flanked by the 16th-century white Town Hall — nicknamed the White Swan — and surrounded by merchant townhouses. Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, the largest Gothic church in Lithuania, and the ruins of Kaunas Castle, dating from the 14th century, are both within easy walking distance.

Laisvės alėja and the new city

The pedestrian boulevard stretches roughly 1.7 km and is lined with cafés, shops, and notable interwar buildings. The Resurrection Church at the boulevard's eastern end is a prominent modernist landmark. The surrounding Naujamiestis (New Town) district contains the highest concentration of Kaunas's celebrated interwar architecture — a walking map is available at the tourist information centre.

Museums

• Čiurlionis National Art Museum — dedicated to the painter and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, as well as Lithuanian folk art. Verify current opening hours and admission fees on the museum's official website.
• Vytautas the Great War Museum — covers Lithuanian military history from the medieval period through the 20th century.
• Devil Museum — an unusual collection of devil figurines and artworks gathered by sculptor Antanas Žmuidzinavičius; one of the more singular museums in the Baltic region.
• The Ninth Fort — a sobering former tsarist fortification that later served as a Nazi extermination site during the Second World War. The memorial and museum here are among the most significant Holocaust sites in Lithuania and are an important historical stop.

Pažaislis Monastery

Located on the shore of the Kaunas Reservoir, roughly 10 km from the centre, this 17th-century Camaldolese monastery is considered one of the finest Baroque complexes in the Baltic states. It hosts a classical music festival in summer — verify dates and programme annually.

Green spaces and the confluence

The confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers is visible from the Old Town waterfront and is a pleasant spot for an evening walk. Ąžuolynas, a large oak park near the city centre, is popular with locals year-round.

Kaunas has a dining scene that reflects both Lithuanian culinary traditions and wider European influences. The Old Town and the streets around Laisvės alėja have the highest concentration of restaurants and cafés.

Lithuanian food worth trying

• Cepelinai — large potato dumplings stuffed with meat or curd cheese, served with sour cream and bacon; the most iconic Lithuanian dish
• Šaltibarščiai — cold beetroot soup, a summer staple typically served with boiled potato and a hard-boiled egg
• Kibinai — pastries filled with meat or cheese, originally a Karaite dish still common in Lithuania
• Black bread (juoda duona) — dense, slightly sour rye bread that accompanies most meals
• Šakotis — a distinctive tree-shaped spit cake, often served at celebrations and sold in bakeries

Coffee and café culture

Kaunas has a noticeable café culture. Independent coffee shops are common on and around Laisvės alėja, and the city has a reputation among Lithuanians as having a strong coffee scene.

Drinking

Local beer (alus) is widely available, including from smaller Lithuanian craft breweries. Midus (mead) is a traditional drink worth trying. The legal drinking age is 20. Alcohol sales are regulated — verify current permitted hours locally.

Shopping in Kaunas ranges from independent boutiques and artisan workshops in the Old Town to larger commercial centres in the newer districts.

For locally made goods, look for linen textiles, amber jewellery (though verify authenticity if purchasing from street vendors), and ceramics. The Hales Market (Halės turgus) near the Old Town is a traditional covered market where locals shop for food and everyday goods — a more authentic experience than purpose-built souvenir shops.

Sunday flea markets in the city can be a source of Soviet-era curiosities and vintage items, though locations and schedules should be confirmed locally. Several galleries in the Old Town sell work by Lithuanian artists and craftspeople.

Emergency contacts

For all emergencies in Lithuania the general European emergency number 112 applies (police, fire, ambulance). Verify any additional local non-emergency contacts through official Lithuanian government sources.

Tourist information

The Kaunas tourist information centre, located in the Old Town area, can provide maps, event listings, and current local advice. Staff typically speak English.

Internet and connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, and some public spaces. EU roaming rules apply to travellers from EU member states. Visitors from outside the EU should check data roaming charges with their provider or consider purchasing a local SIM card on arrival — verify current providers and coverage.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants if service has been good. Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is a common approach, though this is a personal choice.

Accessibility

The Old Town's cobbled streets can be difficult for wheelchair users. Laisvės alėja and the newer districts are generally more accessible. It is advisable to contact specific museums and attractions in advance to confirm accessibility arrangements.

Kaunas is generally considered a safe city for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. As with any city, normal urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and take care in busy public spaces.

Petty theft is possible in crowded areas such as markets and busy pedestrian zones. Keep bags secured and avoid leaving items unattended in parked cars. Nighttime in some peripheral areas can feel less well-lit; sticking to central areas late at night is sensible.

Always consult your country's foreign travel advisory service for current conditions before departure, as official assessments are updated regularly.

Kaunas has a strong sense of local identity, somewhat separate from and occasionally in friendly rivalry with the capital Vilnius. Residents tend to be proud of the city's interwar heritage and its more manageable scale.

Lithuanian is the official language and Kaunasians tend to appreciate any attempt — however basic — to use common Lithuanian phrases such as labas (hello) or ačiū (thank you). English is widely understood by younger people and those working in tourism and hospitality.

The city's cultural calendar is active throughout the year. The Kaunas Jazz festival, Pažaislis classical music festival, and various film, street art, and contemporary art events have established the city as a genuine cultural destination rather than simply a stopover. Check the Kaunas tourism authority website for current event listings before your visit.

Catholic Christianity has historically shaped Lithuanian culture, and several major churches in Kaunas remain active places of worship. Modest dress is appropriate when visiting religious sites. Photography inside some churches may be restricted — observe any posted notices.