Most of the world may know Kaunas from the awesome basketball team BC Zalgiris, but you have to explore it to discover beauties and “treasures” that will stay with you forever. It has a “conventional” tourist beauty that will fascinate and charm the traveler. Walk down every alley and enjoy the country’s two largest rivers, Nemunas and Neris. Its rich commercial past and Renaissance influences are of particular interest to tourists.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +370
Nearest airports from city center: Kaunas Airport (14km), VilniusAirport (99km), Palangos Airport (241km), Kaliningrad Airport (271km), Riga Airport (272km), Minsk Airport (376km), Warsaw Airport (429km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** OLD TOWN
You should definitely discover every corner of the Old Town which is a protected cultural heritage area. Murals, sculptures, cafes, bars, boutiques, restaurants and statues make up a magical setting.
*** KAUNAS CASTLE (Pilies g. 17, 44275 Kaunas)
Dating back to the 14th century, it was built at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers to form a defense fortress against the crusaders’ attack. It housed a prison in the 16th century and is now a museum annex of the city.
*** SACRAL HERITAGE MUSEUM IN PAZAISLIS MONASTERY (T. Masiulio g. 31, 52430 Kaunas)
It is the largest monastic complex in the country and you will be able to see its baroque architecture, vaulted cellar, educational halls and a culture that will delight you.
*** KAUNAS PICTURE GALLERY (K. Donelaičio g. 16, 44213 Kaunas)
It was opened in 1979 and the famous collector M. Zilinskas offered a huge collection to Kaunas.
*** M. K. CIURLIONIS NATIONAL ART MUSEUM (V. Putvinskio g. 55, 44248 Kaunas)
It opened in 1921 and presents works of art by the national painter and musician M.K. Čiurlionis.
*** VYTAUTAS THE GREAT WAR MUSEUM (K. Donelaičio g. 64, 44248 Kaunas)
It was opened in 1921 and houses historical objects from prehistoric times to modern times. See the huge collection of historical weapons, uniforms, ammunition and various war supplies.
*** HOUSE OF PERKUNAS (Aleksoto g. 6, 44280 Kaunas)
It dates back to the late 15th century by Hanseatic merchants and according to historians, it was built by a wealthy merchant of the time to show off his prosperity.
*** KAUNAS CATHEDRAL BASILICA (Vilniaus gatvė 1, 44281 Kaunas)
It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and is the largest Gothic church in Lithuania.
*** DEVILS’ MUSEUM (V. Putvinskio g. 64, 44211 Kaunas)
It is dedicated to devil sculptures from all over the world and is of special interest.
*** NINTH FORT MUSEUM (Žemaičių pl. 75, 47435 Kaunas)
Soviet and Nazi atrocities are captured in this museum.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Town Hall of Kaunas is a masterpiece architectural building and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
*** Church of Vytautas the Great, Church of the Archangel Michael of Kaunas and Christ’s Resurrection Church are three churches that we would recommend you to visit.
*** If you have time, visit the Historical Presidential Palace Museum.
*** KGB Atomic Bunker Museum is also one of the city’s reference points for tourists.
*** Kaunas City Museum and Art Deco Museum are excellent choices to spend your time.
FOOD AND DRINK
The cuisine of Kaunas is fantastic! It is a culinary paradise that combines cuisines from all over the world. You are sure to find cuisines from Europe, the Mediterranean, Russia, the USA, Latin America and Asia. But you should try the traditional dishes! The cepelinai (potato dumpling), saltibarščiai which is beetroot soup, cepelinai, pickled, cabbage soup, kugelis, balandeliai, bulviniai blynai, kibinai, cabbage rolls, potato sausage, forest mushroom soup and herring. Also try the picture-perfect Sakotis which is a traditional cake in the shape of a tree!
Traditional drinks are mead and vodka. In Kaunas, try Gira as well. Accompany your food with beer and wine.
WHERE TO STAY
In the center and at a maximum distance of 3-4 kilometers you will be able to find many hotels and apartments for your stay. You will find places to stay at great prices.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you like theater performances, then we would recommend you to look for tickets during your time in Kaunas, so you can enjoy the National Drama Theatre.
*** If you are a fan of billiards and bowling, then you are in the right city!
*** Akropolis is the ideal place to do your shopping.
*** Also, for your shopping you can visit Mega and Molas.
*** Many shops for your shopping can be found in the Old Town.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bus οr by bike.
CITIES NEAR KAUNAS
Major cities close to Kaunas are Alytus (56km), Panevezys (97km), Vilnius (100km), Hrodna (150km), Riga (229km), Bialystok (254km), Kaliningrad (258km), Minsk (333km), Gdansk (408km), Warsaw (420km).
