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Lithuania Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Lithuania is the southernmost Baltic state. It’s also the biggest. Like the rest of the Baltics, I think Lithuania is an underrated destination, especially by American tourists who don’t know much about it or its charming (and affordable) neighbors.

Home to just under 3 million people, Lithuania has blossomed from its drab past into a fun, lively, and affordable budget destination.

It offers a mix of history (you can trace it back to 2,000 BCE), beautiful nature (it has flatlands, abundant forests, lakes, beaches, and dunes), and impressive historic architecture.

The crowning jewel of the country is Vilnius, the country’s capital. In addition to its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is home to a wild and affordable nightlife popular with the backpacker crowd.

In short, Lithuania punches well above its weight and shouldn’t be glossed over by travelers.

This travel guide to Lithuania can give you the tips and tricks you need to plan the ultimate adventure here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Lithuania

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Lithuania

1. Explore Vilnius

Lithuania’s capital city has a historic old town, tons of street art, chill cafes, lots of Gothic and medieval architecture, and a wild nightlife. Explore incredible examples of Baroque buildings along the cobblestone streets of the city’s Old Town and don’t miss the Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral, or St. Saint Anne’s Church if you prefer Gothic architecture. A walk down Poetry Street pays homage to Lithuanian poets and writers, and the entire city is covered in some of Europe’s best street art. Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (6 EUR) to learn about the city’s dark past and hike up the Hill of Three Crosses for a panoramic view of the city.

2. Visit Kaunas

Kaunas’ student population gives this city a young and energetic vibe. Wander Freedom Avenue (the main shopping street) to take in the city and people-watch. You also should see the Ninth Fort memorial, a genocide memorial and museum (Nazis used the nearby Ninth Fort as an execution site during their occupation). The city is well known for its Interwar era architecture which has been designated as a European Heritage site and you’ll find some of the best examples of Art Deco buildings in Europe here. There’s also a World War II museum (Lithuania was annexed by Germany from 1941-1945) in an old nuclear bunker and a scenic monastery overlooking the sea.

3. Hit the beach in Palanga

Located on the western coast, Palanga boasts long and wide sandy beaches where locals and tourists alike come to relax. White sand and scenic dunes make for a perfect beach day. They are the only beaches of their kind along the Baltic Sea, with 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to explore. The beach is dotted with resorts, and it’s a popular summer vacation spot for Lithuanians. The town itself is surrounded by forests, and Palanga Park is full of beautiful old-growth trees. The city’s main avenue is filled with bars for those looking to enjoy the nightlife and there’s also tons of green space nearby that’s perfect for hiking and cycling.

4. Hike in Trakai Historical National Park

Opened in 1992, there are over 32 lakes in this park, which is located near Vilnius. It makes a perfect day trip for nature lovers. Be sure to visit Trakai Castle, Lithuania’s iconic 14th-century castle, built on an island in the middle of a lake. An iconic landmark, the well-preserved castle is made from red bricks and offers a peek into the past of Lithuania’s aristocracy. A historic town dating back to the 13th century, a few other castles, and plenty of gorgeous lake views add to the magic. Get Your Guide offers a tour from Vilnius (including an audio guide).

5. See the tallest sand dunes in Europe

Lithuania is home to the tallest shifting sand dunes in Europe. Known as the Curonian Spit, some dunes have been recorded to reach heights of 60 meters (196 feet). Thanks to the specific winds that occur here, the dunes can move at a rate of 15 kilometers (9 miles) per year and in the past have covered entire villages. It’s incredible to see up close!

Other Things to See and Do in Lithuania

1. visit kernave.

Located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Vilnius, Kernave was the old medieval capital of Lithuania. The area has all kinds of forts, burial sites, and historical and cultural monuments dating back to the late Paleolithic Period. Though the town was destroyed by the Teutonic Knights (a Catholic military order) in the Middle Ages, you can still wander the ruins and learn more about the region’s history. Don’t miss the nearby Kernave Archaeology and History Museum. Admission is 4 EUR.

2. See the Hill of Witches

The Hill of Witches is an outdoor sculpture trail of wooden folk art in Juodkrante, a small town on the Curonian Spit. This art installation brings the forest to life with its creations, taking visitors on a trip through Lithuania’s most popular folk tales and legends. Each of the 80 wooden sculptures was hand-carved by local artists and each sculpture depicts a different character from folk and pagan traditions. Plan to spend around an hour seeing all the sculptures. Admission is free.

2. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes

Located in Vilnius, this 17th-century Baroque palace was built for the country’s Grand Dukes. Today, it’s a history and art museum. You can tour stately and ornate ceremonial rooms, see traditional weaponry and armor, and learn about the palace’s history. Most of the palace is a reconstruction as it was first damaged by fire and then later destroyed by the Russians. However, it still does a good job of showing how the ruling class lived during the 17th century and the descriptions are really informative. Admission is 5 EUR.

3. Drink traditional mead

Lithuanians are proud of their traditional beer brewing and there are numerous microbreweries throughout the country. In addition to craft beer, there’s also locally-produced mead, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermenting honey. Mead is the oldest alcohol in the world and it’s been said that the mead was so popular in Lithuania in the middle ages that noble families consumed upwards of 30 barrels of it each week. Like beer, expect to pay a few euros for a glass.

4. See the Hill of Crosses

Located 12 kilometers (7 miles) from Siauliai are over 100,000 crosses and religious statues covering an entire hill (93% of the country is Christian and most identify as Catholic). The crosses are believed to have originally been placed there by local Catholics as early as 1831. As the years went by, more and more crosses appeared. The site slowly became a popular place of pilgrimage for Lithuanian Catholics. During the Soviet occupation, the Hill of Crosses became a symbol of national defiance as the Soviets bulldozed the hill three times. The Lithuanian people continued to re-erect the crosses each and every time. These days, visitors often leave a cross, adding to the collection. Admission is free.

5. Visit the Museum of Illusions

This museum opened in 2016 in Vilnius and has some 70 exhibits, including optical illusions and virtual reality. It’s a fun and quirky place to visit, especially if you’re visiting with kids. You can ask the staff to explain the science behind each illusion and exhibit too. Admission is 12 EUR.

6. Explore Anyksciai Regional Park

Easily accessed as a day trip from Kaunas or Vilnius, Anyksciai Regional Park was created in 1992 and spans an incredible 38,000 acres. There are hiking and biking trails, archeological sites, and a super cool 300-meter treetop walking path. The path stands 35 meters (115 feet) above the forest and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. There are taller viewing platforms as well that provide 360° panoramic views of the park. Entry is just 1 EUR.

7. Visit the Museum of the Ninth Fort

Like much of Eastern Europe, Lithuania has had a challenging past. In the Museum of the Ninth Fort, you’ll learn about that violent history, from Lithuania’s part in World War I to their 20th-century hard-labor prison camps to the mass killings during World War II. The museum focuses on the atrocities of the wars and their aftermath — and how those atrocities shaped the country and its people. Outside in the museum grounds, there’s a massive 32-meter-tall (104-feet) memorial to the 50,000 Lithuanian Jews who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Admission is 6 EUR and guided tours are an additional 15 EUR

8. Go birdwatching in Curonian Spit National Park

Located along Lithuania’s coast near Klaipeda, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best locations in Lithuania for birdwatching. Expect to see mergansers, egrets, cormorants, and more here. The best time to visit is in September during the migration season. Admission to the park is 5 EUR per vehicle in the off-season and 20-30 EUR per vehicle during the summer (depending on the size of the vehicle). Be sure to visit the nearby spa town of Neringa while you’re here.

9. Visit the Devil’s Museum

For something unconventional and off the beaten path, visit the Devil’s Museum in Kaunas. It boasts a spooky collection of over 3,000 paintings, sculptures, and other works of art of the devil. From traditional religious figurines to political works of social commentary, there’s a lot to see here. The collection began in 1966 and has grown as more and more people donate items. Admission is 5 EUR.

10. Explore Uzupis

If you are looking for Lithuania’s art scene, head to the bohemian neighborhood of Uzupis. When the Soviet Union left the country, a group of artists came together to form the ‘Republic of Angels.’ They consider themselves an independent country, set on 148 acres of land. With 120 residents, they even have their own president, bishop, churches, and a grand total of four official flags. It’s sort of Lithuania’s version of Denmark’s Freetown Christiania. Most walking tours stop here, show you around, and highlight the “country’s” history and evolution.

11. Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Also known as the Museum of Genocide Victims, this museum was opened in 1992 in Vilnius. It‘s situated in the building where the KGB (the Russian secret police) operated between 1940-1991. The building is a former prison and the place where death sentences were implemented by the Communist regime. Today, it has exhibitions where you can learn about Lithuania’s loss of independence, the Soviet occupation, and the country’s fight for independence.

12. Explore Aukštaitija National Park

North of Vilnius, Aukštaitija National Park is 400 square kilometers (250 square miles) of pine and spruce trees and tons of wildlife (including wild boars). The oldest park in the country, it was established in 1974 and has lots of rivers and lakes (30 and 100 respectively) and numerous hiking trails. There are also a couple of archaeological sites from the 9th-12th centuries here. There’s no fee to enter but there are a few strictly controlled areas that you need a permit to visit or you need to be accompanied by a park employee.

Lithuania Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms start around 13 EUR per night for a 8-12-bed dorm. For a 4-8-bed dorm, expect to pay 16 EUR. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are standard and most of the party hostels run pub crawls, which often include a free drink. For a private room, expect to pay at least 30 EUR per night.

For anyone traveling with a tent, wild camping is perfectly legal and safe (and even encouraged). If you prefer to camp in a formal campground, they are available around the country and cost from 8 EUR per night for a basic two-person plot without electricity.

Budget hotels start around 30 EUR per night for a double or twin. Expect basic amenities like TV, free Wi-Fi, and a coffee/tea maker. Some include free breakfast.

Airbnb is widely available in the country, with private rooms starting at 25 EUR per night (but average double that price when not booked in advance). For an entire home or apartment, prices start at 50 EUR but generally average double that.

Food – Lithuanian cuisine is heavily influenced by traditional rural fare. Mushrooms (and other foraged foods), beetroot soup, smoked sausages, and herring are all common staples. Pickled foods and potatoes are also super popular. Be sure to try cepelinai , the national dish, which are dumplings made from potatoes with a bacon sauce and sour cream. Potato pancakes and fried cheese curd are two other popular dishes to keep an eye out for as well.

When eating out, expect to pay around 8 EUR for an inexpensive meal of local cuisine. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 EUR for a combo meal. A pizza costs between 7-10 EUR. For Thai or Chinese food, expect to pay between 8-13 EUR for a main course.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal of local cuisine including a drink costs around 40 EUR at a more mid-range restaurant.

Expect to pay around 3.50 EUR for a beer. A latte or cappuccino costs around 2.50 EUR while a bottle of water costs 1.25 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs between 25-40 EUR for basic staples like potatoes, meat, pasta, and seasonal produce.

Backpacking Lithuania Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 45 EUR a day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like hiking and free walking tours. Add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget if you plan on drinking.

On a mid-range budget of 110 EUR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums.

On a “luxury” budget of 210 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Lithuania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Lithuania isn’t that expensive of a place to visit. As long as you don’t splash out on upscale accommodation and fine dining (or party too much), it’s hard to overspend here. That said, if you want to save some extra money, here are my suggestions:

• Take a free walking tour – Vilnius offers a handful of free walking tours to get you familiar with the city. I always take one when I get to a new city to learn about the history and culture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Take the bus – FlixBus is a budget-friendly way to get around the country. They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent seats for overnight and long-haul journeys.
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money make sure you book accommodation with a kitchen. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it definitely saves you money.
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Lithuania, wild camping is perfectly legal and safe on public land.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a fun way to not only save money but you’ll get to meet a knowledgeable local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Lithuania are quite walkable, so skip the public transportation if you want to save a few euros. Definitely skip the taxis too!
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Lithuania

Lithuania has lots of clean, fun, and affordable hostels to stay in. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Lithuania:

• Mikalo House (Vilnius)
• Jimmy Jumps House Hostel (Vilnius)
• The Monk’s Bunk Kaunas (Kaunas)

How to Get Around Lithuania

Public transportation – Public transportation in Lithuania is safe, clean, and reliable. Prices vary by city, but tickets in Vilnius cost 0.65 EUR for 30 minutes and 0.90 EUR for 60 minutes. You can get 1-,3-, and 10-day passes for 5 EUR, 8 EUR and 15 EUR respectively. If you pay the driver directly, a one-way fare costs 1 EUR.

Taxi – The starting fare for taxis is 1.30 EUR and then it is 0.60 EUR per kilometer.

Train – Trains in Lithuania are fast and convenient. You can easily reach all the main cities in the country via train. The 70-minute ride from Vilnius to Kaunas costs around 8 EUR while the four-hour ride from Vilnius to Klaipeda costs 22 EUR.

Bus – Buses in Lithuania are a budget-friendly choice for traveling around the country and into neighboring countries. A bus from Vilnius to Kaunas takes just under 90 minutes and costs around 12 EUR. From Vilnius to Klaipeda takes just under four hours and costs 28 EUR. The journey from Vilnius to Riga, Latvia takes 4.5 hours costs 20 EUR.

Flying – There are no domestic flights within Lithuania.

Car rental – Roads in Lithuania are well maintained and car rentals are affordable. Rentals begin at 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. While not necessarily cheaper than taking the bus, having a car offers much more freedom. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as you need one for any car rental in the country.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Lithuania

Like its Nordic and Baltic neighbors, Lithuania has short summers and long winters. If you are wanting to get in some beach time then you need to visit between June and August. Even during this time, the temperatures can cool in the evenings so make sure you pack a sweater. Expect daily highs of 20-22°C (68-71°F) during the summer.

To save a bit of money and beat the summer crowds, visit during the shoulder months of April-May or September-October. During these months, it’s still warm enough to spend time outdoors. The national parks are particularly pretty during the autumn.

Winters are cold, with daily temperatures dropping below freezing. While prices are lower, unless you’re here for winter sports, I’d skip a winter visit.

Regardless of the time of year, rain is common in Lithuania so be sure to always keep a raincoat handy. If you plan on hiking be sure to bring a waterproof jacket.

How to Stay Safe in Lithuania

In Lithuania, violent crime is rare. Scams and pick-pocketing are common enough, though, so you’ll want to be vigilant in high-traffic areas in Vilnius, such as bus stations and on crowded public transportation.

If someone strikes up a conversation with you trying to sell something on the street or if young children suddenly approach you, be on alert — someone may be reaching for your wallet while you’re distracted.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Overall, scams are rare but, to avoid getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Lithuania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Lithuania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
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Hill of Crosses

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Vilnius Cathedral

Stately Vilnius Cathedral, divorced from its freestanding belfry, is a national symbol and the city's most instantly recognisable building. Known in full…

Grūtas Park

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Vilnius University

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Cold War Museum

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Museum of Genocide Victims

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Lithuania Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Nestled in the heart of the Baltic region, Lithuania welcomes visitors with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Steeped in a fascinating past that includes medieval grandeur, Soviet influence, and a resilient spirit of independence, Lithuania boasts enchanting old towns, architectural marvels, and serene landscapes. Vilnius, the capital, captivates with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, while Trakai Castle, set on a tranquil lake, showcases the country’s medieval heritage. The Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site, beckons with pristine sand dunes and pine forests along the Baltic Sea. Lithuania’s warm hospitality, vibrant festivals, and a burgeoning contemporary scene make it a compelling destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of history and modern allure.

What’s the Best Time to Visit? 📅

The best time to visit Lithuania as a tourist depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek, as each season offers its unique charm.

• Summer is the peak tourist season, characterized by mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and vibrant green landscapes. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the country’s natural beauty, including the Curonian Spit and Lithuania’s lakes.
• Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. It’s an ideal time for those who enjoy sightseeing without the peak-season hustle. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn showcases colorful foliage.
• Winter in Lithuania can be cold with temperatures often below freezing. However, if you enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing or are drawn to festive holiday markets, this season can be magical. Vilnius and other cities are adorned with holiday decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Lithuania depends on your interests and the type of experience you desire. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of summer festivals, the tranquility of spring or autumn, or the charm of a winter wonderland, Lithuania has something to offer year-round.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around? 🚌

Lithuania offers various transportation options for tourists to explore its cities, towns, and scenic landscapes. Here are some recommended ways to get around Lithuania:

• Buses: Lithuania has an extensive and well-connected bus network that reaches cities, towns, and even remote areas. Buses are a cost-effective and efficient way to travel between locations.
• Trains: The railway network connects major cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Trains provide a comfortable and scenic way to travel across the country.
• Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Lithuania, especially if you want to venture into more remote areas or picturesque landscapes. The road infrastructure is well-maintained, and driving allows for flexibility in your itinerary.
• Taxis are readily available in urban areas and can be a convenient option for short trips within cities. It’s advisable to use reputable taxi services, and you can ask your accommodation for recommendations.
• Lithuania is a bike-friendly country, and many cities have dedicated bike lanes. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore urban areas, parks, and scenic routes. Vilnius, in particular, offers a bike-sharing system.
• While Lithuania is a small country, there are domestic flights available. However, for most tourists, flying is not necessary for domestic travel, as ground transportation is efficient.
• Many Lithuanian cities, especially the historic Old Towns, are pedestrian-friendly. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, explore narrow streets, and discover hidden gems.
• Guided tours and packages are available for specific attractions or regions. These can be convenient for those who prefer a structured itinerary with a knowledgeable guide.
• Besides local buses, long-distance coaches connect major cities and towns. This can be a comfortable and affordable option for traveling between regions.

Choose the transportation mode based on your preferences, the distance you plan to cover, and the experiences you seek. Public transportation is generally reliable, and the compact size of Lithuania makes it easy to navigate by various means.

What’s the Official Language?

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian. Here are some useful Lithuanian phrases for tourists:

• Hello – Labas
• Goodbye – Viso gero
• Please – Prašau
• Thank you – Ačiū
• Yes – Taip
• No – Ne
• Excuse me / I’m sorry – Atsiprašau
• Do you speak English? – Ar kalbate angliškai?
• Help – Pagalba
• How much is this? – Kiek tai kainuoja?
• Where is…? – Kur yra…?
• I don’t understand – Aš nesuprantu
• I need a doctor – Man reikia gydytojo
• Cheers! – Į sveikatą!
• Good morning – Labas rytas
• Good evening – Labas vakaras
• My name is… – Mano vardas…
• What’s your name? – Koks jūsų vardas?
• Where are you from? – Iš kur jūs esate?
• I love Lithuania – Aš myliu Lietuvą

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can enhance your travel experience and often be appreciated by locals. While many Lithuanians, especially in urban areas, speak English, making an effort to use their language can go a long way in fostering positive interactions.

Where to Stay? 🏨

Lithuania offers a variety of accommodation options for tourists, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Here are some recommended places to stay in Lithuania:

• Old Town: Vilnius’ Old Town is a popular choice for accommodation. It boasts charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. There are numerous hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations in this area.
• Užupis District: Known for its artistic and bohemian vibe, Užupis is an alternative neighborhood with unique accommodations. It’s within walking distance of the Old Town.
• Business District: If you prefer a more modern setting, consider staying in the business district, where you’ll find international chain hotels and convenient access to amenities.
• Old Town: Kaunas’ Old Town is characterized by its medieval architecture and lively ambiance. Many hotels and guesthouses offer a comfortable stay while being close to historical attractions.
• City Center: The city center also provides various accommodation options, with easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural sites.
• Old Town and Port Area: Klaipėda’s Old Town and the nearby port area are popular for accommodation. The Old Town exudes maritime charm, while the port area offers scenic views of the Baltic Sea.
• Around Lake Galvė: Trakai is famous for its stunning castle on Lake Galvė. Staying in the vicinity of the lake allows you to enjoy picturesque views and easy access to the castle.
• Seafront: Palanga, a popular seaside resort, offers accommodations along the seafront. This area provides a beachy atmosphere and proximity to the Baltic Sea.
• City Center: Druskininkai, known for its spa resorts and wellness facilities, has accommodations in the city center. This area offers convenience for exploring local attractions.
• If you’re interested in experiencing Lithuania’s rural charm, consider staying in guesthouses or farmsteads in the countryside. This provides an opportunity to connect with nature and local traditions.

When choosing accommodation, consider your preferences, budget, and the activities you plan to engage in. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Major online travel platforms can help you find a variety of options tailored to your needs.

What to Eat? 🍽️

Lithuania boasts a rich culinary tradition, with dishes that reflect the country’s agricultural heritage and historic influences. Here are some must-try Lithuanian foods for tourists:

• These potato dumplings are typically filled with minced meat, curd, or mushrooms. They are often served with sour cream and bacon bits, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.
• This refreshing pink soup is made with beets, kefir (fermented milk), cucumbers, dill, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a popular summer dish, known for its vibrant color and unique taste.
• Kugelis is a traditional Lithuanian potato dish, often described as a potato pudding or cake. It consists of grated potatoes, bacon, onions, eggs, and milk, creating a dense and savory dish.
• Potato pancakes are a common Lithuanian dish, especially during celebrations. They are made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and seasoning, then fried until golden brown.
• This popular snack features rye bread cubes fried until crispy and then rubbed with garlic. It’s often served with cheese or various spreads.
• Koldūnai are small, filled dumplings that can be boiled or fried. They are typically filled with meat, mushrooms, or curd and served with sour cream or butter.
• Lithuania’s proximity to the Baltic Sea makes smoked fish a delicacy. Try smoked eel, herring, or lamprey for a taste of the local seafood.
• Skilandis is a Lithuanian sausage made from minced meat, garlic, and various spices. It’s air-dried and smoked, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic sausage.
• Herring is a staple in Lithuanian cuisine. Try it marinated and served with onions for a classic taste of the sea.
• Šakotis is a traditional Lithuanian cake resembling a tree. It’s made by layering thin batter on a rotating spit, creating a unique and visually appealing dessert.

Don’t forget to accompany your meals with Lithuanian beer, which is well-regarded for its quality and variety. Exploring local markets and traditional restaurants is a great way to experience the diverse flavors of Lithuanian cuisine.

What to See? 🔍

Lithuania is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-see places for tourists:

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic sites such as Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Castle, and the Gate of Dawn.
• Located on an island in Lake Galvė, Trakai Castle is a picturesque medieval fortress surrounded by water. It offers a glimpse into Lithuania’s history and is easily accessible from Vilnius.
• The Hill of Crosses is a unique and sacred site covered in thousands of crosses, each representing a prayer or a memory. It’s a powerful symbol of resistance and faith.
• This UNESCO World Heritage site is a narrow sand dune peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It features stunning landscapes, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages.
• Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, has a charming Old Town with medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and the impressive Kaunas Castle overlooking the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers.
• Located on the Curonian Spit, the Hill of Witches is an outdoor sculpture gallery featuring wooden sculptures depicting characters from Lithuanian folklore and pagan traditions.
• Although located just across the border in Latvia, Rundale Palace is a magnificent Baroque palace worth visiting. It was designed by the same architect who created the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.
• Immerse yourself in nature at Aukštaitija National Park, known for its pristine lakes, dense forests, and traditional wooden villages. It’s an excellent destination for hiking, boating, and exploring Lithuanian folklore.
• Another national park offering beautiful landscapes, Žemaitija National Park features lakes, rivers, and the iconic wooden Žemaitija Hillfort, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Explore the stunning Amber Museum housed in a 19th-century palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum showcases a unique collection of amber, often referred to as “Baltic gold.”

These are just a few highlights, and Lithuania has much more to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or cultural experiences, Lithuania has a diverse range of attractions to explore.

What to Do? 📸

Lithuania offers a range of activities that cater to various interests. Here are some must-do things for tourists in Lithuania:

• Discover the history and charm of Vilnius by exploring its Old Town on foot. Join a guided walking tour to visit key landmarks, hidden gems, and learn about the city’s rich history.
• Hike or take a funicular to the Three Crosses Hill for panoramic views of Vilnius. The crosses are a symbol of the city and offer a picturesque setting for photography.
• Experience Lithuanian culture by attending a traditional song and dance festival, known as a “Dainų šventė.” These events celebrate the country’s folk traditions and are held periodically.
• Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Galvė to get closer to Trakai Castle and explore the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a relaxing way to appreciate the landscapes.
• Immerse yourself in Lithuanian traditions by joining a folk workshop. Learn to make traditional crafts, try your hand at traditional dances, or participate in a cooking class.
• Spend a day or more relaxing on the sandy beaches of the Curonian Spit. The beaches offer a peaceful retreat, and the unique landscape adds to the overall experience.
• Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania, and attending a game is a cultural experience. Cheer for a local team and witness the passion that Lithuanians have for this sport.
• Located in Rumsiskes, the Open-Air Museum provides a glimpse into traditional Lithuanian rural life. Explore authentic wooden buildings, learn about traditional crafts, and experience rural customs.
• Gain insights into Lithuania’s complex history by visiting the Museum of Genocide Victims in Vilnius. The museum is located in the former KGB headquarters and documents the country’s Soviet occupation.
• Savor Lithuanian cuisine by trying cepelinai, the iconic potato dumplings. Visit a local restaurant to enjoy this hearty dish, often served with sour cream and bacon.
• Experience Lithuania from above by taking a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy breathtaking views of landscapes, lakes, and historic sites.
• Witness the Hill of Crosses at sunset for a magical and serene experience. The atmosphere becomes even more mystical as the sun sets behind this iconic pilgrimage site.

These activities offer a mix of cultural immersion, outdoor exploration, and culinary delights, providing a well-rounded experience of Lithuania.

Culture and Safety 🦺

Culture in Lithuania:

Lithuania has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history, traditions, and influences from neighboring countries. Here are some cultural aspects to keep in mind when traveling to Lithuania:

• The predominant religion in Lithuania is Roman Catholicism. Many cultural traditions and festivals are tied to religious celebrations, so it’s respectful to be aware of and appreciate these customs.
• Lithuanian is the official language, and while many Lithuanians speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, it’s helpful to learn a few basic Lithuanian phrases as a gesture of goodwill.
• Lithuania has preserved some pagan and folk traditions that are celebrated through festivals, rituals, and crafts. Participating in or observing these events can provide a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural identity.
• Lithuanians are known for their hospitality. If invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift for the host. A polite demeanor and expressing appreciation for the local culture are valued.
• Lithuania has a vibrant arts scene with a strong tradition of choral singing and traditional music. Attend cultural events, concerts, and art exhibitions to experience the country’s creative expressions.
• Lithuanians have a deep connection to nature, and many cultural practices involve outdoor activities. Respect for the environment is important, so follow local guidelines for responsible tourism.

Safety in Lithuania:

Lithuania is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it’s essential to be aware of common safety practices:

• Lithuania has a relatively low crime rate, but like any destination, be cautious in crowded areas and public transport. Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
• Lithuania has a well-developed healthcare system. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. The emergency number is 112 for any urgent medical assistance.
• Public transportation is generally safe and reliable. Exercise normal precautions when using public transport or taxis, and be cautious while crossing the streets.
• Lithuania uses the Euro (EUR). Be mindful of your valuables and use safes provided by accommodations to store important items.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. For example, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, and it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places.
• The emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance is 112.

As in any destination, staying informed, respecting local customs, and practicing common sense contribute to a safe and enjoyable travel experience in Lithuania. Always check for any travel advisories or updates before your trip.

In conclusion, Lithuania offers a captivating blend of rich history, cultural traditions, and natural beauty, making it a rewarding destination for travelers. From the enchanting cobblestone streets of Vilnius Old Town to the serene landscapes of the Curonian Spit, visitors can explore a diverse range of attractions. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Lithuanian hospitality, savor traditional cuisine, and witness the country’s unique blend of Catholic and pagan traditions. With a strong emphasis on preserving its heritage and a commitment to welcoming tourists, Lithuania invites you to discover its enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry. Whether you seek historical insights, outdoor adventures, or simply a tranquil escape, Lithuania promises a memorable and enriching experience for every traveler.

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Lithuania travel guide

Lithuania tourism | lithuania guide, you're going to love lithuania.

The southernmost country in the Baltics, Lithuania is a compact land of historical and architectural contrasts, where old pagan rituals coexist with Catholic religious events.

What to do in Lithuania

1. visit the hill of crosses.

What was once a symbol of disobedience against the anti-religious rule under the Soviet regime is now one of the top must-sees in Lithuania. Travelers are allowed to add their cross to the already-existing hundreds of thousands.

2. See Soviet-Era Statues at Grūtas Park

A mix of public park and open-air art gallery, Grūtas Park reminds visitors of the not so distant past of Soviet ruling through the statues of communist leaders that were once in every town of Lithuania.

3. Visit Vilnius's Top Landmark

Built on the former worshipping site of a pagan god, the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral is the city's most famous landmark.

4. Travel Back in Time at Trakai Castle

About 40min from Vilnius, the 15th-century gothic Trakai Castle is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Lithuania.

5. Explore the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

A must-visit in Vilnius, even for those who have little time to spare, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is the best place to understand the country's history over two millennia.

When to visit Lithuania

Summer is the best time to visit to enjoy the beaches by the Baltic Sea and enjoy some local festivals, such as the Sea Festival in Klaipėda.

The fall, from September to November, is chillier but the perfect time of year to attend classical music festivals and the Mama Jazz Festival in Vilnius.

How to Get to Lithuania

Entry requirements.

Travelers from other Schengen Area and European Union countries can enter Lithuania with just their national identity card or passport.

Passengers from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand won't need a visa for Lithuania, as long as they're not staying for more than 90 days.

Most international flights to Lithuania from other European countries will land at Vilnius Airport. Passengers from other destinations outside of Europe will have to account for at least one layover in Amsterdam or Frankfurt.

There are direct trains every weekend connecting Warsaw (Poland) to Vilnius and Kaunas in Lithuania.

The two easiest entry points into Lithuania by car are Poland and Latvia, also part of the European Union and the Schengen Area.

There are regular long-distance buses between Vilnius and other countries in the Baltics, Poland, and Belarus. Eurolines and Lux Express are two of the companies operating these routes.

DFDS Seaways operates regular ferry connections from Kiel (Germany) and Karlshamn (Sweden) to Klaipėda in Lithuania. A trip can take up to 20h and costs around €80 ($88).

Popular airports in Lithuania

Popular airlines serving lithuania, where to stay in lithuania.

Vilnius has the most options when it comes to accommodation types, from budget-friendly hostels to high-end boutique hotels. In smaller towns, options range from guesthouses to small hotels.

Where to stay in popular areas of Lithuania

Most booked hotels in lithuania, how to get around lithuania, public transportation.

Within larger cities, like Vilnius and Kaunas, you can count on a network of local buses and trolleybuses to get around. In other towns, buses are the only public transportation available.

Lithuanian Rail operates the long-distance trains connecting the cities of Kaunas, Vilnius, and Kaunas. For other destinations, compare train with bus options to check which one is quickest and most affordable.

Lithuania is equipped with an efficient and reliable bus network that connects the major cities to all towns and villages.

The major cities are connected by well-maintained modern highways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

If you're renting a car in the winter (November to March), the car rental company must provide winter tires.

Best car rental deals in Lithuania

4 Adults, 2 Bags

The Cost of Living in Lithuania

ATMs are easy to find in Lithuania and payments in cash are preferred. Large businesses, like chain hotels, accept debit and credit cards. Expect to pay approximately €1 ($1.10) for a one-way ticket on local transportation. A daily run to the grocery store can cost around €25 ($27). A cheap meal costs about €7 ($7.75).

Ultimate travel guide to Lithuania: Europe’s best-kept secret.

A spellbinding land of lakes, forests, majestic churches, and 100 potato dishes.

Lithuania (my home country) is still to be discovered Eastern European gem. Since many heard little to nothing about this off-beaten path country, it is often titled as Europe’s “best-kept secret” . Many travelers treat a visit to Lithuania only as a stopover at its capital Vilnius . However, there is so much more to explore in this incredible Baltic State.

Here I will guide you through the most magnificent places in Lithuania and highlight all the goodness it has to offer . Don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling in love with this little marvel far off on the edge of Europe.

Visiting Lithuania, you have majestic nature and rich culture-p acked up in a very compact piece of land. That also makes traveling and exploring much more time-efficient compared to bigger or stretched-out countries. The longest drive you would probably take is from Vilnius to the seaside which is only 3 hours by car.

Visiting Lithuania: things to know before you go and what to expect?

Lithuania became open to the outer world fairly recently after claiming back its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990s. Traveling to and outside Lithuania became much easier after joining European Union in 2004 and becoming a part of the Schengen Area. Slowly but steadily Lithuania is getting recognition of being one of the most advanced and modern European countries.

Spectacular Natural Wanders, Rich Culture and Architecture

Covered with lush green lands, deep forests, thousands of serene lakes, a maze of rivers and a gorgeous Baltic Sea Lithuania is a nature lovers paradise. Hiking, cycling, water sports, camping, theme adventure parks, even skiing in winter- is just a few outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the year.

Lithuania is a home for arts and complex culture. Its architectural heritage is marvelous and unique due to so many styles accumulated over the centuries. City lovers will fall in love with Vilnius- a Unesco-listed Baroque old-town and its many quirky little streets.

Those who wish to travel in time will find majestic castles and fascinating old wooden villages scattered all around the country. Many of those old settlements will leave a curious visitor feeling like in a medieval movie setting.

There are also plenty of Soviet remains to take a glimpse at in the outskirts of the major cities Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and other smaller towns. Visiting one of the post-soviet apartment blocks will get you an idea what life looked like back in the days of USSR. Nevertheless, communist influence is vanishing fast with the new generation growing up and picking up the Western world lifestyle.

A hundred ways with a potato

Potato is both a queen and a king in Lithuanian cuisine. We, Lithuanians are very creative when it comes to this simple and cheap vegetable. I bet you won’t find many countries that use potato as much as we do. It’s like rice for Asians basically. Potato dumplings (“Cepelinai”), potato pancakes (and all their variations), potato pie, mashed potatoes, fried potatoes, dumplings stuffed with potatoes, potato salad, I can go on an on… And it’s all super delicious and fatty!

Apart from the potato kingdom, you will find all the variety of black bread, pastries, seasonal vegetables and fruit, meat and fish, highest quality milk and cheese products. To sum up, food in Lithuanian is GOOD!

Disclaimer: This page is packed with useful free information to help you plan your trip and it contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at  no extra cost  to you. 

Plan Your Perfect Trip to Lithuania- Useful Resources

COVID-19 Travel Update:

The latest official information about travel regulations related to COVID-19 when going to Lithuania is available on the website of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and here .

Explore Lithuania

Read the blog posts below to discover the must see places in lithuania and vilnius..

Top 10 Must Visit Places in LITHUANIA: Insider’s Guide

How much does it cost to travel in lithuania.

Good news is that it is still cheaper than most of the tourist hits in Europe which makes travel in Lithuania a great choice even for budget travelers. You can still enjoy a comfortable vacation for the lower cost compared to France or Switzerland. However, it is only a matter of time when prices will catch up with the rest of the more explored European countries. Check the bullet points bellow to get an idea of the costs for major necessities while travelling around Lithuania:

ACCOMMODATION cost in Lithuania

• Budget accommodation in the capital Vilnius ranges between 10-20 EUR depending how close to the city center you want to stay. Vilnius is much cheaper to stay at than smaller cities around Lithuania as there are way more accommodation options available.
• Mid-range accommodation in Vilnius is pretty decent and you can even get the whole apartment in the city center for as low as 30-50 EUR .
• Luxury accommodation starts from 100 EUR and up but average at 150-200 EUR for a top-class crib per night in Vilnius. Probably the priciest places to stay in Lithuania is Curonian Spit and its top destination Nida. During the summer months it gets fully booked and prices just sky rocket starting from 100 EUR per night for the cheapest option. But there is a reason for that- it is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the country.

Find and book a your perfect accommodation in Lithuania for the best rate using this Booking.com search box!

TRANSPORTATION cost in Lithuania

• Public transport: buses and trolleybuses cost .60 Eur for a 30min ride if you get the public transport card “Vilniecio kortele”. In 30min you can get around mostly everywhere in Vilnius. There are plenty of intercity buses and trains available as well. Their prices depend on the distance. Click here for inter-city bus schedules and here for train schedules.
• Taxi: the most popular application that I would highly recommend once in Lithuania is Bolt. It is an analog to Uber basically. A ride from Airport to Vilnius city center costs as little as 5 EUR. Therefore, you can expect to be able to move around the city for as little as 3 EUR. Unless you are going to the outskirts of Vilnius, 30 min ride should not cost you more than 8 EUR.
• Rental car: car rentals depend on o the rental company you choose to go with. But you may find deals for as little as 10 EUR per day for a manual older car, with average being 18-23 EUR per day. Book well in advance for the summer season to secure the best deal.

Renting a Car in Lithuania

The most flexible way to visit Lithuania and its hidden gems is by driving your own car. I highly recommend using  Discover Cars or Rental Cars to find your best ride. Those car search engines compare prices across many car rental companies both local and international.

Both Discover Cars and Rental Cars allow you to get the best car rental deals by filtering out competitive rates across various car rental companies. You can choose and narrow down your search by the preferred features like transmission type, car type, allows you to choose a full price range, pick among favorite car rental suppliers, payment type, and more. To sum up, you will be able to find the best value for money. Visit Discover Cars or Rental Cars and check your dates to find the best options available.

FOOD cost in Lithuania

• A meal in a regular (not fancy) restaurant would cost you around 12-15 EUR per person including soup, main and a drink. That being said, it is 3 times more expensive than it used to be before we adopted Euro as our currency. Although eating out is not as expensive as in the bigger European cities, prices in Lithuania’s most touristic spots are catching up (2020 update).
• Coffee in Lithuania is more expensive than in Italy costing around 2EUR for a regular Cappuccino.
• Food at supermarket is a great and cheap choice if you have time and where to cook. Selection is unbelievable and so much variety of good stuff .

INTERNET cost in Lithuania

Internet in Lithuania is very cheap and fast- starting 1 EUR for a sim card with data and minutes. Basically Lithuania is Internet Kingdom- it ranked among the top 3 best internet providers globally. Wifi is nearly everywhere as well. There are some great roaming plans available for tourists as well.

Is Lithuania safe to travel?

In general, Lithuania is a safe country to travel to. It is advisable to avoid dodgy clubs and bars with drunk people as those might be the potential trouble makers.

Moreover, Lithuania is completely sheltered from any natural disasters.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Search for an affordable insurance plan using Safety Wing Travel Insurance.

QUICK USEFUL TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN LITHUANIA AND VILNIUS

• ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ : ‘labas’ and ‘aciu’ (pronounced as [achiu ], and sounds like sneezing more or less).
• Currency:  Euro (click here  for current conversion rates).
• Language: Lithuanian (native official), English (younger generation speaks fluently), Russian.
• Visa:  Visa free for European Union countries. Residents of Australia, Canada, and the US are welcome to stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days without a visa. Schengen Area Visa for the rest. More information here .     
• Emergency number: 112 (as rest of Europe).
• Best SIM cards:   Pildyk and Labas are popular pay as you go and super cheap.
• Safety rating:  Ranked 36 on the  Global Peace Index  in 2020. Also, Lithuania is sheltered from all sorts of natural disasters makes it one of the safest habitats in the world. 
• Weather: Cold and long winters (they last from November to March) when temperatures rarely rise above 0°C. January and February occasionally gets as cold as -20°C, and -10 °C being a regular winter temperature. The summers, however, do get quite hot, with temperatures reaching 30°C, July being the hottest month of the year. The average summer temperature is around 25°C. Lots of rain during the cold season.
• Shoulder season: September-October and May-early June.
• Best gifts: black bread, real honey, amber, herbal local teas.
• Lithuania dress code: according to the season. Pretty relaxed. Lithuania though is not very flashy when it comes to style, therefore you won’t see many people dressed in bright colors. People stick to black, grey, and earthy tones mostly.
• Random useful tip: letter M on WC door does not stand for Men. It signifies “moteru” (women). The letter V (for “vyru”) marks male toilets.
• Don’ts: don’t confuse Lithuanians with Russians and assume the Lithuanian language is similar to Russian. In many ways, this is rule number one. Despite the fact that a number of Lithuanian citizens are of Russian descent. Calling Lithuanian a Russian can put you into trouble.
• Neighbors: To put it on the map- Lithuania shares border with its sister country Latvia, also bigger neighbors Poland, Belarus and Russia.

Traveling to Lithuania soon? Use this Skyscanner search box to find the best flight deals!

Lithuania travel guide - including map of Lithuania, attractions, culture, key facts, health and safety, money and weather in Lithuania

Lithuania is full of history, from the   iconic Hill of Crosses   (a poignant memorial to the Lithuanians who died fighting against Tsarist, Nazi and Soviet rule) to   Vilnius’s Unesco-listed Baroque Old Town .

In the capital’s   cobbled streets , you’ll also find a wealth of quirky shops, eccentric   cafés and bohemian art galleries . And since Lithuania is thankfully not part of the Eurozone, you can get this   culture-fix   on the cheap.

Lithuania’s   countryside   also makes for affordable and unique breaks.

Hikers and cyclists   can enjoy the well-marked trails of the   Curonian Spit National Park   - an extraordinary strip of   sand dunes   and   pines   that separates the   wildlife-rich Curonian lagoon   from the Baltic Sea.

There’s lots of   boating fun   to be had in   Trakai National Park   and in the lesser-visited   Aukstaitija National Park , it’s possible to walk for hours without meeting anyone.

Wanderlust recommends

• Discover   Vilnius’ hidden gems   with our guide to the Lithuanian capital
• Spot   elk, deer, cormorants and storks   around the unique   Curonian Spit
• Explore the   islets, lakes, wooden cottages   in   Trakai National Park , also home to Lithuania’s most spectacular   castle .
• Unwind in the   spa town of Druskininkai , a former playground of Soviet bigwigs.
• Reflect on Lithuania’s struggle for independence at the   Hill of Crosses, Siauliai .
• In winter, fill your hip flask with vodka and join the locals   ice fishing   on Lake   Galve   – just 18km from Vilnius.

Wanderlust tips

A warning   worth bearing mind when you’ve had too much midus and make your way to the nearest WC: the letter   M   on the door does not stand for Men. It signifies   moteru (women).

Sometimes a simple upward-pointing triangle is used to signpost female toilets. The letter   V (for vyru)   or a downward-pointing triangle marks   male   toilets.

Further Reading

Travel in lithuania: vital statistics.

• Capital of Lithuania:   Vilnius
• Population of Lithuania:   3.5 million
• Languages in Lithuania:   Lithuanian  
• Time in Lithuania:   GMT +1
• International dialling code in Lithuania:   +370
• Voltage in Lithuania:   220 AC 50 Hz
• Visas for Lithuania:   Lithuania visas
• Money in Lithuania:  Euro.  Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted in large towns. 
• Lithuania travel advice:   Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Lithuania tourist board:   Lithuanian Travel

When to go to Lithuania

Climate and crowds in Lithuania:   Much of the country is under permanent snow cover from November to March and the average temperature is below freezing.

Summer (from May to August) brings the warmest weather. It’s worth visiting at the beginning of summer since most Lithuanians take their main annual vacation at the height of summer, causing severe congestion and August sees the most rain.

Late April when the   flowers are in bloom   and September and October when the parks are a sea of red are pleasant times to visit.

No matter what time of year, the weather can be unreliable, so take waterproofs.

Festivals in Lithuania:   Kaunas   holds a month-long Jazz festival in April, while Vilnius stages a classical   music festival   throughout June. In May, the capital holds the colourful Vilnius carnival.

International airports

Vilnius (VNO) , 6km from the city

Getting around in Lithuania

Trains   in Lithuania are cheap but slow and infrequent. Train services between Vilnius and Lithuania’s other major cities tend to be slightly cheaper than the express bus services but take longer. For timetables, see   Litrail .

Buses   are the mainstay of Lithuania’s public transport system. The cross-country express routes linking Vilnius and Kaunas with Klaipéda and Palanga are frequent, fast and served by comfortable, modern coaches.

Lithunian towns are well covered by   innercity bus networks .

Most have bike lines so   cycling   can be a good way of getting round. Outside of the main cities, cars are invaluable for reaching places painfully slow to get to or inaccessible by public transport.

If you’re hiring a car local operators tend to give a better deal than international agencies.

Lithuania accommodation

Although smaller   boutique hotels and B&Bs   are springing up in Lithuania’s cities, be prepared to end up in the odd   1970s monstrosity   on your travels.

Room rates in the   coastal resorts   can rise dramatically in peak season.

In Vilnius, where hotels cater largely for a business clientele, there are good weekend deals to be had.

Rural farmhouse   stays can be a good value option and a chance to sample real Lithuanian home-cooking.

You can get information on these from local tourist offices and many are listed in the national tourist board’s publication,   Countryside Holidays .

Lithuania food & drink

Lithuania’s national dish is   Cepelinai   (Zeppelin), so called because of its shape. This meat-filled   potato dumpling   is traditionally slathered in sour cream and pork cracklings.

Pork and potatoes feature heavily in most Lithuanian dishes.

Vegetarians   will have a hard time of things if they don’t eat fish. The Baltic, the Curonian lagoon and Lithuania’s rivers provide an abundant supply of cod, plaice, salmon, trout, perch and eel, which is often served smoked.

Lithuania’s most distinctive drink is   gira , a refreshing   rye-brew   with little or no alcohol content. Most bars have a daunting array of   locally produced beers   and spirits , including several types of vodka and   midus   – a fiendishly-strong honey mead.  

Health & safety in Lithuania

If you are an EU citizen, a   European Health Insurance Card   covers you for emergency medical treatment.

No vaccinations   are required, though it’s worth checking your tetanus jab is up to date. In some parts of Lithuania there is a small risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease – consider insect repellent.

Tap water is   safe to drink , although in certain areas the locals prefer to   drink bottled water.

Lithuania is   generally a safe   country for tourists. However, there have been occasional reports of tourists being drugged in bars and robbed, so don’t accept drinks or food from strangers.

Don’t flaunt   valuables or lots of money in public as pickpockets do operate in Lithuania’s cities.

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Home » Travel Guides » Lithuania » 15 Best Places to Visit in Lithuania

15 Best Places to Visit in Lithuania

The first stop on the Baltic trio has a whole load of must-sees and must-do sites up its sleeve.

Forged by long alliances with Poland to the west, conflicts with Russia and Sweden and the Teutonic Knights, and shaped by Slavic builders and Orthodox faiths to name just some of the influences, it’s hardly surprising that Lithuania has so many interesting places for the budding traveler.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Lithuania :

The historic capital of the Grand Duchy is a veritable treasure trove of medieval wonders and gorgeous Gothic come Russo-flavoured Baroque architecture.

In the Old Town, cobbled roadways weave under the buttresses of the beautiful St Anne’s Church, over café-spattered plazas and under the soaring Gediminas Keep and Upper Castle citadel dating from the 13th century.

Meanwhile, the new town’s blocks pulse with beer bars and sleepless rock clubs, and Europe’s boho district extraordinaire – the self-proclaimed Republic of Uzupis – beckons on the edge of town, a place of shabby-chic, graffiti-strewn streets and more drinking joints than you can shake a cepelinai potato dumpling at!

Jutting out over the confluences of the Nemunas and Neris rivers right in the heartlands of central Lithuania, the second-city of Kaunas proudly stakes its claim as the country’s alternative hub and partying capital.

Thousands of students drive the nightlife, which bubbles up on the tree-shaded boulevard of Laisves Aleja and between the countless craft bars and underground drinkeries of the historic centre, while daytime means seeking out the crumbling bulwarks of the red-brick Kaunas Castle and wandering the enchanting cobblestone alleys of the Old Town – Kaunas’ prettiest district and the home of charming medieval merchant guilds and one gorgeous city hall.

Then there’s the exhibitions dedicated to M. K. Ciurlionis (arguably Lithuania’s best-known artist), which simply shouldn’t be missed!

UNESCO-attested Kernave is steeped in a history and heritage that goes back further than many of the other towns in Lithuania.

It’s hailed as one of the first ever medieval capitals of the Grand Duchy, and it’s thought that the golden age boom happened here in the 13th and 14th centuries, before the onslaught of the Teutonic Order came and razed the fortifications and keeps.

Today, travelers who make their way to the archaeological reserves lining the meanders of the Neris River can spy out mounds (literally!) of relics, now clad in earth but concealing layer upon layer of bulwarks and burial sites, throne rooms and more, and tracing back to the late Palaeolithic Period no less!

4. Klaipeda

Erstwhile Memel was once one of the strongholds of Teutonic rule in the Baltic, later becoming a thriving port and trading town of the Duchy of Prussia, and then the northernmost city in the German Empire of the late 19th century.

Today, Klaipeda bursts with relics of this 800-year-long history, all the while combining them with the more modern edge and nightlife scene expected of the touristic gateway to the Curonian Spit (Lithuania’s most famous coastal stretch). That means travelers can weave between curious sculptures and cobbled squares in the Old Town, hit Lithuanian taverns to sip the locally-brewed beer and case out the bulwarks of Klaipeda Castle all in the same day, and that’s not even mentioning the medieval docksides, the cannong-dotted Prussian bastions and the German-styled beer halls of the main square!

A patchwork of verdant pine forests and flat grasslands, undulating dunes and sandy beaches that curves its way along the Baltic Coast where Lithuania arches towards its long-time Polish compadre in European history and the curious Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Neringa is one of the most coveted destinations in the country for sure.

Encompassing the whole Lithuanian length of the Curonian Spit, the area offers prime biking and hiking, windsurfing and fishing on the waters of the Curonian Lagoon, the sun-kissed resort strips of Nida and the earthy cottages that makeup age-old towns like Pervalka.

Then there’s Thomas Mann’s charming cottage to see, and the various artist workshops and galleries that sprouted here with the German exodus out of Konigsberg in the 1800s.

Palanga has become a byword for summertime hedonism amongst Lithuanians right across the country, and today this one’s high-season electro and chart parties rage from June to August on the Jonas Basanavicius boulevard and amidst the countless bars and al fresco cocktail joints that line its fringes.

The beach is another magnet during the dog days, offering perhaps Lithuania’s most accessible and sunbather-friendly stretch of golden Baltic sand.

But it’s not all late nights and lazy afternoons in Palanga either.

There’s the picturesque neo-Renaissances charm of the Tiskeviciai Palace to see too, along with the interesting Amber Museum, and the nature reserves of the Curonian Spit nearby!

7. Dzukija National Park

Lithuania’s largest national park covers a whopping 550 square kilometers of land, and makes its home on the edge of the Belarusian border in the extreme south-east of the country.

It’s adorned with great swathes of pine forests and riparian wetlands, all of which come cut through by the meandering channels of the Nemunas River.

Inland dunes are an interesting feature too, rising and dropping to sandy peaks and troughs and playing host to a kaleidoscope of different grasses and rock strata.

Boardwalk treks delve deep into the woods for those donning the hiking boots, while mushrooms bloom in the undergrowth and traditional waxwork crafting abounds in the rural villages.

Trakai is a fantastical fragmentation of islets and grassy hills, shimmering waters and rolling meadows.

It makes its home just a little to the west of the capital at Vilnius and draws crowds of travelers and locals right throughout the year.

Many come to wonder at the Lord of the Rings-style castle that forms the heart of the Trakai Historical National Park; a sprouting of red-brick keeps and turrets that mirrors perfectly against the lake waters all around.

Others come for the summertime recreation that clusters around the banks of the trio of large lakes: Akmena, Galve, Skaistis.

Then there’s the curious multicultural remainders of the Karaim community – a unique Turkic tribe that still uses the pretty timber Trakai Kenesa synagogue that’s seen on-site.

9. Anyksciai

Sat midway between Kaunas and the Latvian border in the east, the indelibly green town of Anyksciai offers a natural getaway balanced with some truly handsome religious architecture.

Check out the soaring Gothic spires of the red-brick Basilica of Apostle Evangelist St Matthew that dominate the banks of the meandering Sventoji here.

With a history going back more than 500 years, this striking construction now touts the tallest church towers in all of Lithuania and some bright stained-glass works by the revered artist Anorte Mackelaite.

After that, be sure to dust off the walking boots (if summer) or wax down the skis (if winter), because Anyksciai has also got the humble ski resort of Kalitos Kalnas and endless arrays of hiking trails on its peripheries.

10. Druskininkai

Moneyed, manicured Druskininkai is the prime spa town in all of Lithuania.

It was famed as far back as the 1600s, under the Grand Duke Stanislaw August Poniatowski, and then rose to prominence in the 19th century with the patronage of one tsar Nicholas I of Russia no less.

The city continues to go from strength to strength, and today its gilded mansions and spa facilities ooze with the chatter of well-to-do Muscovites and city livers.

But mineral-packed waters and healing powers aside, the spot also hails in as the onetime home of Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis (and there’s a fine museum chronicling the artist’s life), and the spot of the all-new Forest Museum – an immersive exhibition that takes visitors on a haunting journey through Lithuanian folklore and witchery.

11. Panevezys

Lithuania’s fifth-largest cityscape can be found sprawled out on the rolling floodplains of the Nevezis River, in the very heartlands of the country’s northern reaches.

Once a royal charter town in the boom days of the Grand Duchy, the city was rumbled and rocked and razed with the Industrial Revolution and tumultuous European conflicts of the 20th century.

That said, some remnants of the pre-war elegance do remain, whether in the ochre-hued facades and Russian Imperialist styles of the city cathedral, or the lines of aged cottages that occasionally pop up amidst the utilitarian blocks courtesy of Stalin et al.

12. Siauliai

Most people who flock to the post-industrial, onetime Soviet powerhouse city of Siauliai come in search of the legendary Hill of Crosses, which rises in a haunting array of crucifixes and effigies of Christ to the north of the town proper.

However, linger just a little in this off-the-beaten-track center and you’ll discover an array of pretty tree-lined streets, a buzzing café culture, and a gorgeous local cathedral with eye-catching whitewashed faces and a spiked tower.

Be sure to stroll the cobbles of Povilas Visinskis Square, too and flit in and out of the curious and quirky exhibitions on offer at the town’s Bicycle Museum and Radio and TV tech institutes.

13. Aukstaitija National Park

The first ever national park in Lithuania continues to turn heads with its beautiful backcountry patchwork of old growth pine forests and nigh on 30 individual lakes and river ways.

Yes sir, Aukstaitija is a veritable outdoorsy gem of the country’s north-east, offering adventurous types a glimpse of the famed riparian wilds that roll all over this section of the Baltic.

Deer stalk the woodland paths here, while rushes sway on the banks of colossal Lake Tauragnas.

Meanwhile, ancient artifacts and rustic villages draw the attention of anthropologists (it’s thought this area has been inhabited for more than 11,000 years!), and there are haunting burial sites and timber churches to rival even the Viking mounds and staves of Scandinavia.

14. Plateliai

Standing right in the midst of another of Lithuania’s great natural jewels, Plateliai is the much-loved gateway to the Zemaitija National Park, which crowns the grassy Zemaiciu Highland region just a short way from the salt-washed coast of the Baltic Sea.

The verdant and lush surroundings here make for great walking, and even host attractions like the Plokstine missile base left over by the Soviets – now home to the fascinating Cold War Museum.

In the town of Plateliai itself, visitors can spy out one gorgeous timber church from the 1700s, or opt to leave the city streets for a jaunt along the banks of the eponymous lake, where grassy meadows and laid-back hotels but right up to the water’s edge.

15. Rumsiskes

Creaking windmills and faded wooden cottages clad in moss and sod mark out Rumsiskes from the ever encroaching districts of Kaunas that neighbour it.

Unfortunately, the creation of a reservoir in the middle of the 20th century submerged great portions of the old town here, while efforts to preserve the centuries of history associated with the site gave rise to the largest open-air ethnography museum in the entire Baltic region: The Open-Air Museum of Lithuania.

Travelers who make their way here today can expect re-enactment tours and traditional architecture aplenty, along with collections of historic furnishings, clothing, religious iconography and more.

15 Best Places to Visit in Lithuania:

• Dzukija National Park
• Druskininkai
• Aukstaitija National Park

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Lithuania travel guide

Lithuania is a spellbinding land of castles, lakes and forests. Though relatively few knew of its charms until recently, Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, is one of Europe's most enchanting cities, owing especially to its Baroque old town. Then there is the Baltic shore, which may not have the sun-soaked appeal of other coasts, but is idyllic and largely unspoilt. The southernmost country in the Baltics, Lithuania is also home to vast plains parted by hills and sand dunes.

Lithuanian independence came soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. By 1995, the transition to a full market economy had been completed. The long-running border dispute with Poland was settled with the signing of a friendship and co-operation treaty in January 1992 and negotiations with Russia led to the withdrawal of the remaining Russian troops in Lithuania in August 1993. The Russian connection remains, however, with Russians being the second largest ethnic minority in the country. The largest of the three Baltic states, Lithuania gaining EU membership in 2004, since which time the country has been thrust on to the global stage, encouraging more visitors than ever.

Most of the attraction for Lithuania lies with its natural treasures. Much of the country is verdant, with several national parks that are perfect for hikers and explorers. All around the country there are countless sprawling forests ripe for wandering, as well as numerous lakes sprinkled across the landscape.

Perhaps the country's trump card is the Baltic coastline, where beguiling wetlands brim with wildlife, most notably the thousands of bird species. There's also the Curonian Spit, a stunning 100km strip of land that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea, which is covered in white sands.

65,300 sq km (25,212 sq miles).

2,850,030 (UN estimate 2016).

44.2 per sq km.

President Gitanas Nauseda since 2019.

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė since 2020.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Lithuania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Lithuania.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Lithuania, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

To enter Lithuania (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Contact the Embassy of Lithuania in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Lithuania). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Lithuania .

At border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Lithuania and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

Apply for a visa

To stay longer (for example, to work, study or for business) you must meet the Lithuanian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Embassy of Lithuania in the UK .

If you stay in Lithuania with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

You can apply online at Lithuania’s Migration Department .

Arrivals from Belarus, Ukraine or Russia, including the Kaliningrad Oblast

If you have arrived in Lithuania from Belarus, Ukraine or Russia (including the Kaliningrad Oblast) and need help, call +370 5246 2900 and select the option for “calling about an emergency involving a British national.” You can also send an enquiry via the web contact form.

British nationals can travel to Lithuania from Belarus, Russia or Ukraine by car or bus.

For more information, please see our Russia Travel Advice .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro ’s Lithuania guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Lithuania . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Lithuania

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Restrictions on Russian vehicles

There are restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates in Lithuania. See Lithuania’s Customs Department for more information .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Lithuania

Terrorist attacks in Lithuania cannot be ruled out.

In an emergency or if you want to report a crime, call the police on 112.

Protecting your belongings

Petty crime is common. Beware of pickpockets in busy locations and on public transport. Avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and be alert if you’re walking alone. Do not leave coats and handbags unattended in bars, pubs and clubs.

Drink and food spiking

Do not leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Car theft is a problem as well as theft from cars. Park in guarded car parks in cities, especially overnight, and do not leave your luggage in a car for any length of time.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences.

Possession of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to imprisonment or heavy fines.

LGBT+ travellers

Read our advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Transport risks

Road travel.

You can drive in Lithuania with a UK driving licence. Make sure it’s up to date and has the correct name and address. If necessary renew or update it .

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Lithuania guide . The guide lists driving regulations and other requirements that you need to be aware of.

It is safer to use a recognised taxi app, or phone for a registered taxi that uses a meter. Make sure the meter is switched on to avoid arguments about the fare.

Curonian Spit, Klaipeda

The Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is divided between Lithuania and Russia – the northern half is in Lithuania and the southern half is part of Kaliningrad, Russia. If you intend to walk along the Curonian Spit, be aware that after some distance you will reach the territory of the Russian Federation. Please follow FCDO ’s latest Russia Travel Advice .

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe .

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Lithuania guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Lithuania

FCDO has a list of English speaking doctors in Lithuania .

COVID-19 healthcare in Lithuania

A list of private clinics offering PCR and antigen tests is available on the Lithuanian Ministry of Health website . The tests booked through these clinics will be charged.

Health insurance cards

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC , it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Lithuania nationals. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team .

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover .

GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Lithuania

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police).

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Lithuania, dealing with a death in Lithuania
• being arrested in Lithuania
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Lithuania

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Lithuania ( Lithuanian : Lietuva ) is a Baltic country in northeastern Europe . Lithuania possesses a unique character that distinguishes it from other Baltic countries. Its distinctiveness arises from being primarily a Catholic nation and having a history of being part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth , which was one of the most powerful entities in Northern Europe.

Lithuania is a charming country with a rich history and culture that is definitely worth exploring. From the charming streets of Vilnius , the capital city, to the serene beauty of the Curonian Spit, there are plenty of reasons to add Lithuania to your travel bucket list.

Regions [ edit ]

Regional differences of Lithuanian culture reflect the complicated historical development of the country. Since the 13th century five ethnographic areas, or regions, have formed the current territory of Lithuania:

These ethnographic regions even today differ by dialects, ways of life and behaviour styles, while until the turn of the last century there were pronounced differences in dress and homestead styles as well as village planning.

Lithuania is justly proud of its unfailing treasures of folklore: colourful clothing, meandering songs, an abundance of tales and stories, sonorous dialects and voluble language. This ethnographic heritage is nourished by ethnographic and folklore companies and barn theatres. Ethnographic crafts and culinary traditions are being revived. Folk craft fairs and live craft days are organised during many events and festivals.

Cities [ edit ]

• 54.687222 25.28 1 Vilnius — capital of the country with many medieval churches
• 55.072222 24.280556 2 Jonava
• 54.9 23.933333 3 Kaunas — second biggest city and temporary capital between the two world wars
• 55.7125 21.135 4 Klaipėda — third biggest city, famous for its summer festivals
• 55.725 24.363889 5 Panevėžys
• 55.928056 23.316667 6 Šiauliai — fourth biggest city, with a sun theme and specialist museums
• 54.633333 24.933333 7 Trakai — on the shores of several lakes

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 55.344 26.057 1 Aukštaitija National Park — a land of lakes, hills and forests, popular for water tourism and rural tourism in the summer
• 55.274444 20.970833 2 Curonian Spit — unique sand dunes with rare flora, seaboard forest, white sanded beaches and old ethnographic villages
• 54.894 25.305 6 Purnuskes — according to some measures the centre of Europe
• 56.116667 22.016667 7 Žemaičių Kalvarija — famous pilgrimage site, most visitors come in the beginning of July to visit the large church festival

Understand [ edit ]

Some visitors tend to see the Baltic states as being similar countries with regional differences. They share a common recent history: the three countries declared independence in 1918 at the collapse of the Russian Empire , were occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, conquered by Nazi Germany in 1941, and incorporated into the Soviet Union from 1944 until independence was restored in 1991. However, there are differences between the countries' languages (Estonians speak a Finnic language unlike Latvia or Lithuania) and religion (Lithuanians are Catholics, Latvians are mostly Lutherans and Estonians are irreligious). Also, Lithuania is more oriented towards Central Europe, while Estonia is oriented towards Northern Europe).

Since 2004, Lithuania has been a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Lithuania is the only Baltic country with more than 800 years of statehood tradition, while its name was first mentioned one thousand years ago, in 1009. For a period in the 15th century, Lithuania was one of the largest states in all Europe, where crafts and overseas trade prospered.

In 1579, Vilnius University, an important scientific and educational centre on the European scale, was opened. In the 16th century, Lithuania adopted its First, Second and Third Statutes. They were the backbone of the legislative system of the country, and had a major impact on the legislation of other European states of the time. Despite merging with Poland and losing its independence, Lithuania managed to keep its Third Statute in effect for as many as 250 years, which was instrumental in preservation of national and civic self-awareness of the public. The Constitution of Lithuania-Poland together with the French Constitution, both adopted in 1791, were the first written constitutions in Europe. Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire in the nineteenth century, became independent after World War I, and was annexed to the Soviet Union in 1940, before again gaining its independence in 1991.

Climate [ edit ]

Transitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate winters (average of -5 °C) and summers (average of +16 °C). Climate is maritime near the seaside with wet, mild summers and winters. Climate in South-Eastern Lithuania is influenced by the continental weather masses with dry, warmer summers and harsher winters.

Summer months receive the most precipitation (up to 50% of the annual precipitation), autumn and winter are drier with spring being the driest season. Snow occurs every year, it can snow from October to April. In some years sleet can fall in September or May.

Terrain [ edit ]

Lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil. The fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are ancient glacial deposits.

The highest point, Aukstojas Hill, is just 294.84 m (967.322 ft), about 24 km southeast of Vilnius , just off the main highway to Minsk and within sight of the Belarus border. 30% of Lithuania is forest covered.

History [ edit ]

Lithuania was formed in the middle of the 13th century. It became a huge feudal country stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea in the Middle Ages, and in 1569 entered a union with Poland to form a commonwealth. Lithuania was part of the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth until the Polish Partitions in the 18th century when it became part of the Russian Empire .

Modern Lithuania gained its independence from Russia in 1918 following World War I and the dissolution of the Czarist monarchy. However, in 1940 Lithuania was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union, and shortly thereafter occupied by the Nazis, who murdered almost its entire hitherto very prominent Jewish population and many local Poles, with help from local collaborators. Later in World War II, the Soviet Union recaptured Lithuania and also brutally persecuted and killed many Lithuanians, particularly during Stalin's reign of terror. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but this proclamation was not generally recognised until September 1991, following an abortive coup in Moscow. The Soviet Union recognised Lithuania's independence on 6 September 1991. A constitution was adopted on 25 October 1992. The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions and became a stable democracy and a member of the European Union and NATO.

Lithuania received comparatively fewer Russian immigrants than the other two Baltic states during the Soviet era, and the town of Visaginas is the only one with an ethnic Russian majority. However, significant ethnic Russian minorities exist in Lithuania's major cities. Lithuania was the only one of the three Baltic states to grant citizenship to its ethnic Russian minority following its independence from the Soviet Union.

National holidays [ edit ]

• Independence Day – 16 February : Independence from Russian Empire in 1918 following World War I.
• Restitution of Independence – 11 March : Restoration of independence from the Soviet Union.
• St. John's Day – 24 June: Despite its Christian name, celebrated mostly according to pagan traditions (Midsummer's Day).
• Statehood Day – 6 July : Commemorates the coronation in 1253 of Mindaugas as the first and only King of Lithuania. Later rulers of Lithuania were called Grand Dukes.
• Christmas – 25 December

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Lithuania Travel

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian , making up one of two languages (along with Latvian ) of the Baltic branch of the Indo-European family. Despite Lithuanian's closeness to many other European languages, its antiquated grammar makes it a notoriously difficult language to master. To become fluent in the language, it takes almost a year of study. Having saying that, any attempt to speak the language or acquire a few words will be enthusiastically received by the people. Lithuanians are fully aware that their language is difficult for foreigners to understand, and they do not expect you to be proficient in it.

English is widely spoken by the younger generation who grew up after independence, but the older generation who grew up under Soviet rule typically do not speak any English. Lithuanians who speak English are usually keen to practise it with foreigners.

Russian is commonly used as a second language in Lithuania, although its use is dwindling as most younger Lithuanians prefer to study English. Notwithstanding this tendency, Lithuania is home to a sizable ethnic Russian minority who speak Russian as their first language. According to EU data, 40% of Lithuanians speak Russian. In general, older generations are more fluent in Russian than younger generations, but the younger generation that was educated after independence is more likely to speak English than Russian. Younger ethnic Russians educated after independence are more likely to speak Lithuanian as a second language. Older ethnic Russians who were educated during the Soviet era, on the other hand, usually do not speak any Lithuanian.

Because of Lithuania's complicated and turbulent history with Russia, some ethnic Lithuanians may take offence if they are addressed in Russian. The usage of Russian may be interpreted as a lack of respect for Lithuanian language and culture, especially in delicate political circumstances or situations.

Other spoken languages include Polish and German , but their use is limited to a few pockets in the country.

In Samogitia (Western Lithuania), most people also speak Samogitian, which is somewhat different from Standard Lithuanian.

Get in [ edit ]

Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

By plane [ edit ]

Most airlines arrive at Vilnius International Airport ( VNO  IATA ), the main airport. Low cost carriers serve Kaunas International Airport ( KUN  IATA ). And there is the smaller seaside Palanga airport ( PLQ  IATA ).

Riga ( RIX  IATA ) airport in Latvia is an attractive alternative for destinations in northern Lithuania. Other alternatives not far from the border are Minsk ( MSQ  IATA ) and Kaliningrad ( KGD  IATA ).

By train [ edit ]

From Poland: a daily train runs from Krakow at 04:00 via Warsaw Centralna at 07:30 to reach the border towards 15:00. Here you change onto the Lithuanian train for Kaunas at 16:30 and Vilnius at 17:30. (If you flew into Warsaw, you could take any train to Białystok then join the cross-border train at a more congenial 10:30 next morning.) The westbound train sets off from Vilnius at noon.

Another train lumbers on Saturday and Sunday between Białystok and Kaunas on the old route via Mariampole, which pre-dates the Rail Baltica line. So it's overtaken by the Krakow-Vilnius train and you'd only use it to reach one of the villages along the old route.

From Belarus: the trains from Minsk are suspended in 2022.

From Russia: the trains from the exclave of Kaliningrad are suspended in 2022, as are the services via Minsk from Moscow and other Russian cities.

From Latvia: since 27 December 2023 there is now one direct train each way running between Riga and Vilnius, departing Riga at 15:28 and arriving in Vilnius at 19:51. See LTG Link's page for more information.

By car [ edit ]

Major " Via Baltica " road links Kaunas to Warsaw in the south and Riga and Tallinn in the north. The Baltic road, which links Vilnius to Tallinn, was just reconstructed. It is a very easy and pleasant route.

Overall, the major roads between the cities are of decent quality. Be extremely cautious when getting off the main roads in rural areas, as some of them may contain pot holes and general blemishes which could damage a regular car if you go too fast. While driving between cities there are usually cafes and gas stations with bathrooms and snacks.

By bus [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

There are passenger/car ferries to Klaipeda from Sweden, Germany, Denmark operated by DFDS , Lisco , and Scandlines [dead link] . However they do not run every day and are relatively slow, but most aim to travel overnight.

Get around [ edit ]

State-owned railway passenger service LTG Link has services to major cities in Lithuania as well as an international service from Vilnius to Warsaw and Kraców with a change in Mockava. Most of the trains also stop at smaller stations along the way. Part of those smaller stations is inaccessible by any other means of public transportation. Fares are low compared to Western Europe: Vilnius-Kaunas around €9 – 104 km, Vilnius - Klaipėda around €23 – 376 km (as of Mar 2023). In major railway stations tickets are bought at the ticket office inside the station building until around 5 minutes before the departure. A ticket is valid only on the exact train for which it was sold. However it is possible to buy tickets in advance. When buying tickets for round trip 5% discount is applied for return ticket. Many smaller stops have no ticket offices and tickets are bought from the travel attendant on board the train. In case you board the train in a station with a working ticket office and want to buy a ticket from the travel attendant you will pay an additional fee of €2. However this might be the only option if one arrives too late to the station but manages to catch the train. The same rules for discounts apply as for other public transport in addition to occasional promotional discounts. In particular, there is a 50% discount for students with a Lithuanian Student ID or ISIC. There is also a discount for a group of passengers taking the same train the same day starting at 10% for groups from 3 to 20 people. Tickets are validated by train attendants and must be kept until the end of journey due to sporadic checks by the inspectors.

Depending on the route trains might be faster or slower option than buses or minibuses. Examples of intercity routes where it is faster to go by train is Vilnius-Klaipėda and Vilnius-Kaunas. There are no high-speed railway lines in Lithuania. Where routes overlap trains usually run less frequently than road transport. However train sometimes is the only option to reach remote destinations far from major roads and towns (especially on routes Vilnius-Marcinkonys and Vilnius-Turmantas). This make trains popular among wilderness visitors and citizens looking for wild berries or mushrooms.

In general trains are more spacious than buses making them suitable for those with large bags or oversized items (such as skis, bikes). It is possible to transport bicycles on board of all the trains however special bike-ticket is needed (fee depends on the distance). Most trains have special racks for bicycles located in the first or last car. However these can accommodate only 2-3 bikes and it is not uncommon to simply line the bicycles along the aisle. Such practice is acceptable provided that the bicycles do not restrict movement of people. Most regional trains have a configuration of 3-3 chairs next to 2-2 chairs across the isle. This means that up to 10 people can see each other simultaneously and makes trains popular among larger companies. In some trains 3 seats form one comfortable bench which is long and wide enough to be used as a bed - provided there is enough place for other passengers. Some of the long-distance trains have compartments which can accommodate six seated passengers, usually on Fridays through Sundays.

Historical Aukštaitija Narrow Gauge Railway in Anykščiai offers short trips to the Rubikiai lake. In summer it runs on regular schedule, rest of the time tours must be booked in advance.

In Lithuania it is easy to move by bus and practically all the bigger and most smaller places can be reached by bus. There are two types of intercity buses: express and regional. Express buses stop only at major towns and usually are much faster than regional. Express buses also tend to be much newer and comfortable. Sometimes (but not always) those buses are explicitly labeled as Ekspresas ("express"). It is the best option for longer distance travels between cities. In contrast, regional buses stop at every stop along the way. Thus they usually are slow, for example a 40 km trip can last an hour. Regional buses mainly are old cars that have been imported from the Nordic countries. Service quality in those buses might be lower compared to Western standards. Regional buses are best if you need to reach stations circumvented by express buses. However it is not uncommon for express and regional buses to service the same route thus it is better to ask in advance. Some buses are indirect, i.e. they go via towns out of the direct way between two cities. These are usually labeled as "CityA - CityB per CityC" ( per meaning "via").

Buses operate regularly between the main centres and the regional centres. There is usually a bus company in every town. Some of the biggest and best are TOKS (from Vilnius ), Kautra (from Kaunas ), Klaipėdos autobusų parkas (from Klaipėda ), Busturas from Šiauliai and mini bus company, Transrevis. For students with Lithuanian Student ID, bus companies grant 50% discount around the year. By law for students with ISIC (International Student Identity Card) issued in European Union countries, bus companies should also grant 50% discount. Remember to keep your ticket till the end of journey in case inspectors decide to check the bus in one of the stations.

The bulk of Lithuania's bus routes and turns has been listed in an address autobusubilietai.lt from which you also can reserve the tickets for certain routes. However, pay attention to the fact that the payment system supports only some of the Lithuanian banks, and your credit card at may not work. Another on-line bus ticket service is iticket.lt which has more payment options.

For buses and trolley-buses on routes within towns and cities it is recommended to buy the ticket in advance from a kiosk, board the vehicle using the middle door and stamp the ticket using one of the ticket punches. These used to be near the middle door, but with the introduction of electronic ticketing, there is often a single ticket punch behind the driver's seat. Tickets bought from the driver, rather than kiosks, are more expensive and may also generate an off-handed response if the bus is late or crowded and you don't provide the exact change. Students with Lithuanian Student ID or ISIC (International Student Identity Card) issued in European Union countries are eligible to 50% discount for single tickets and 80% discount for monthly tickets. Inspectors periodically check tickets and will issue a fine if you cannot produce a validated ticket or document proving eligibility to discount. The bus is exited by the middle door and it is important to head for the door before the bus has stopped - it can be impossible to leave once people have started boarding.

In addition to common buses, there are minibuses which usually operate express routes.

There exists a national public transport route planner visiMarsrutai .

As with the rest of mainland Europe, Lithuanian traffic travels on the right, and all distances are posted in kilometres.

The road network in Lithuania is fairly good, especially the motorways. The quality of road surface on minor roads can vary. Many are unpaved and quite shaky. The improvement work hampers traffic in many places. The Via Baltica road goes through Lithuania from Estonia to Poland. Another important road is the A1 from Vilnius to Klaipeda.

Rules [ edit ]

Speed limits for M1 category vehicles:

• 50 km/h inside cities
• 90 km/h on rural roads
• 70 km/h on roads without an asphalt or cement pavement
• 130 km/h (April-October) or 110 km/h (November-March) on highways
• 120 km/h (April-October) or 110 km/h (November-March) on motorways
• headlights should be on at any time of the day

Turning right at a red traffic light is allowed where indicated by a green arrow (square white sign next to the red light, containing a green arrow indicating the permitted direction), provided that it does not endanger other traffic. The absence of such a sign means that turning right on red is not allowed, and the police will stop any driver seen breaking this rule. These signs began to be phased out in 2020, however they can still be found.

Many bigger junctions have a separate green light for traffic turning left, but only one red/yellow light. The green light for the other directions shows arrows going straight and to the right, but these are easily overlooked. Thanks to the white reflective frame around most of these traffic lights, they are most easily identified by their outline.

On two- or three- lane roads, it is polite to move out of the right-hand lane (if safe to do so) when you intend to travel straight ahead; this keeps the right-hand lane clear for right-turning traffic. When moving back to the right hand lane watch out for fast-moving vehicles approaching from behind.

If the right-hand lane is marked with 'A' it is a dedicated bus lane. A lane marked 'A / TAKSI' can also be used by taxis. Electric vehicles may also use this lane if this is indicated. Other road users may only enter the lane in order to turn right into a side road.

The older motorways still have some places in which U-turns are allowed to reach an exit on the opposite carriageway. Usually there is a lower speed limit around these places; the A2 (Vilnius–Panevėžys) has variable speed limit signs which activate when a vehicle is in the U-turn section.

Motorists do not necessarily observe traffic regulations, so especially the pedestrians should exert the same caution as elsewhere in former Soviet countries. Moving domestic animals and roe deer may cause dangerous situations on the roads and motorways.

Roundabouts are a feature of the Lithuanian road network, particularly in the cities. Visitors from countries where this type of junction is uncommon or not used at all, may find the Wikipedia article on roundabouts useful.

The blood alcohol limit is 0.4‰ in Lithuania for drivers of private passenger cars; lower limits apply for other vehicle categories, commercial transport or novice drivers (who have held a drivers license for less than two years).

Fixed speed cameras are frequent along country roads and motorways, usually near crossroads or pedestrian crossings, and in cities. These are usually announced by a sign. Many of them appear to be designed to be turned around from time to time, watching the opposite direction. There is also an increasing number of speed cameras controlling the average speed of the vehicle over the distance.

Fuel [ edit ]

Petrol and diesel fuel is available at all filling stations. LPG is available at most larger stations. EV is more seldom. Petrol nozzles are green, while diesel nozzles are black.

While there are EU fuel markings at filling stations, there is also the local system. Petrol is labelled with a number, which is usually used on the price sign and is displayed on the pump in larger digits. This number is the RON (Research Octane Number) of the fuel. "95" means 95 RON petrol fuel. It is available at all stations. Some stations may also have "98". The price of 98 RON petrol is not usually displayed on the sign; you need to look for the price at the pump.

LPG is labelled as LPG or SND . Stations that provide LPG will also have cabinets with 50-l gas cylinders. These cabinets are usually labelled as DUJŲ BALIONAI ("gas canisters"). A canister costs about €20. These canisters are used mainly for cooking in areas with no natural gas supply, as a cheaper alternative to electric stoves. These canisters are too large to fit into caravans.

Diesel fuel is usually labelled as "D", but it may also be labelled as "DK". Some filling stations (especially rural) may also have diesel nozzles labelled as "DK". These dispense diesel are meant for agricultural purposes, such as powering tractors and other farm equipment. This fuel is sold in bulk to farmers, which store and dispense it at their farm. It is sold at a discount to farmers, but there are 3 catches:

• There is a quota on how much can be purchased,
• you cannot use it in your car, and
• you need to provide a permit to buy this fuel.

EV chargers can be found at some large filling stations and private establishments.

Usually, you pay for fuel at the store, which will have a sign that reads PARDUOTUVĖ . Some stations may also have a self-service machine near the door to the store. You do not usually pay at the pump, except for unattended stations. At most stations, between 22:00 and 06:00, you need to pay before filling up.

Car rental [ edit ]

Some rental companies (especially in the Western EU) may not allow their vehicles to be driven into Lithuania, be sure to check before booking a car. If other modes of transportation do not work for you, you may need to change cars at the border.

Many of the international car rental companies also operate in Lithuania, but the density of rental stations is not as dense as e.g. in Western Europe. If you are near one of the international airports ( Vilnius [dead link] , Kaunas or Palanga , near Klaipėda), check the web site of that airport for any rental car companies which have a presence there.

Apart from that, there are many smaller car rental companies. Many of them will deliver the car to a previously agreed address (usually only within Lithuania) at a prearranged time. Car return works in the same manner; thus even one-way rental is possible. Surcharges might apply, however, for pick-up and return by rendez-vous. Such rental companies can be found through the two major automobile ad portals:

• https://autoplius.lt , Skelbimai > Daugiau > Transporto nuoma > Lengvųjų automobilių nuoma (Classified ads > More > Vehicle rental > Car rental)
• https://autogidas.lt , Nuoma > Automobilių nuoma (Rent > Car rent)

CityBee offers smartphone app based car rental.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are run on a meter and can be booked by the phone numbers shown on the door of the taxi. Taxis are relatively cheap compared to western Europe. Some companies may not be as safe as others, common sense will keep you safe in this regard. "Taking the long way round" used to be common but had nearly been eradicated. However, there still were some reports of foreigners paying more than expected. Keep in mind that it is up to the operator to set embarkation and travel fees. Some taxis waiting at the strategic places (for example airports, bus stations) exploit this by setting fees several times higher than market average. In general it is cheaper to order a taxi by phone instead of taking one in the street. You can also ask to quote the price in advance while ordering taxi by phone or before embarking the car. Some visitors leave small tips for the driver however this is entirely optional.

If you do not need a fancy ride, taxi can be as cheap as €0.37/km. Taxi prices in regional cities tend to be considerable lower than in major cities making them more suitable for out of town trips.

Ride-hailing is available in Lithuania and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• TAKSI 1820 Works only in Vilnius +37052500500
• 1820 (smartphone app)
• Bolt . The most popular ride hailing service which includes many cities. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Uber . Works only in Vilnius. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Etransport , ☏ +370 611 11111 . Works in most cities in Lithuania, similar prices to ride hailing. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Forus (smartphone app)

By bicycle [ edit ]

Cycling in Lithuania is quite popular, however it depends on the exact location as in major cities pavements usually will have a bicycle pathways with numerous signs, although getting around by bicycle in rural areas might become a bit of a challenge. Two international EuroVelo cycle routes across the country, EuroVelo No. 10 and EuroVelo No. 11 equipped with quality signs, bike paths are of excellent quality.

It might be dangerous to leave your bicycle outside alone for more than a few hours without locking it. The international bicycle project BaltiCCycle [dead link] may provide you with an information and help.

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking in Lithuania is generally good, however there have been some incidents in the early 2020s. Use common sense. Get to the outskirts of the city, but before cars speed up to the highway speeds.

See [ edit ]

The most southern of the Baltic countries, Lithuania's historic heritage sets it quite apart from the other two. Visiting this small but colourful country today, few travelers might guess that this was once the largest nation in Europe. A few monuments are reminders of those golden ages, when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania stretched out far into modern day Russia , Poland and Moldova , but even fewer are still inside the Lithuanian borders. The archaeological site of Kernavė , then a medieval capital, is now a World Heritage Site and has historic hillfort mounds as well as a museum. The Trakai Island Castle in Trakai is sometimes called "Little Mariënburg". It's located on an island and was one of the main strongholds in the prime days of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Although it was severely damaged in 17th century wars with Muscovy, the castle was beautifully restored in the 19th century and is now a popular tourist sight. Kaunas Castle in Kaunas is even older, but only a third of the original building remains.

The country's lovely capital, Vilnius , is a small, pleasant place with a UNESCO listed historic centre. It's the perfect place to admire a range of architectural styles , as it boasts a mixture of gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical buildings. Stroll through the narrow streets and cosy courtyards and kick back for a coffee in one of the many cafés on Pilies Street. Then, walk down Gediminas Avenue, the town's main street lined with governmental buildings and theatres, towards the old neighbourhood of Žvėrynas . With some 65 churches, the famous Gediminas Tower , the Cathedral Square , the Royal Palace , the Presidential Palace and many other monuments and museums, you won't run out of things to see in Vilnius any time soon.

For a day at the sea, the popular seaside resort of Palanga is the place to be. Although it gets crowded in summer, it has some great beaches and beautiful sand dunes. Sand dunes is also what you'll find at the almost 100 km long Curonian Split , which separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. It's a World Heritage Site shared between Lithuania and Russia and is best explored from the large port city Klaipėda , which is also a good hub for other seaside resorts on the Baltic coast. Not far from Klaipeda is the village of Juodkrante , which is famous for its Hill of Witches , decorated with sculptures from the country's legends and tales. The fishermen's town of Nida is praised for its shores and ancient ethnographic cemetery.

A few kilometres from the northern city Šiauliai you'll find the remarkable Hill of Crosses , an extraordinary and popular pilgrimage site. Over 100,000 crosses – small, huge, simple and exuberant – have been placed here by faithful from far and wide. On the other side of the country, in the very south, you'll find the popular and classy spa resort town of Druskininkai , surrounded by lakes and rivers.

Like its Baltic neighbours, Lithuania has a lot to offer for nature lovers. Dense forests, hills, beautiful blue lakes and rivers are the main base. The forested Aukštaitija National Park is perhaps the most popular of the country's national parks, and is home to elk, deer and wild boar. Some of the pines you'll see here are up to 200 years old and the park is a safe haven for many plants and birds that are endangered in the rest of the country. The 126 lakes and countless streams in between them make the park a great place for water sports activities and the villages in the park have some interesting wooden churches. Another favourite is the Nemunas Delta . The vast wetlands around the place where Neman River reaches the Baltic Sea are a popular eco-tourism destination and an important bird habitat.

Lithuania has many religious sites , especially of the Catholic faith. All of them are open for people of any religion and background. The most popular pilgrimage sites to visit are:

• Žemaičių Kalvarija in Samogitia (most pilgrims come in July)
• Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai
• Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn , Vilnius
• Šiluva , Samogitia.

Do [ edit ]

If you are searching for some health treatment or recreation the best resorts for that are Druskininkai and Palanga. Neringa is a great option for a nice, calm holiday for becoming one with yourself.

Basketball is the national sport, and the nation is basketball mad, (comparable to the British with Soccer and New Zealand with rugby). Lithuania is one of the most successful teams in international competition, winning medals in three out of four Olympic tournaments, (bronze), and finishing fourth in 2008. All this from just five Olympic appearances. Major domestic clubs are BC Žalgiris from Kaunas and BC Rytas from Vilnius. For this reason in almost every park and playground you will find a basketball court.

Be careful if some people challenge you to a basketball game. Common Lithuanians are very good in basketball, and you might just embarrass yourself.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Lithuania uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

Lithuania adopted the euro as its currency on 31 December 2015, replacing the litas (plural litai or litų ). The old currency was converted to euros at a fixed exchange rate of 1:3.45280 Lt. You can exchange the old currency at the central bank indefinitely.

Tipping [ edit ]

5% is the standard tipping amount, but in some cases the 5% tip is already included in service charge.

Shopping [ edit ]

Lithuania has a lot of shopping malls for such a small population. There is no big difference between shopping malls here and in western Europe. Especially, Lithuania has become a shopping tourism destination for citizens of Belarus and Russia where some items are not available or cost considerably more.

Vilnius has become a shopper's paradise when plenty of massive shopping centres were opened all over the city. Akropolis (a chain of shopping malls in Lithuania) is one of them and definitely worth visiting if you are a shopping malls maniac, as it houses an ice skating rink, bowling lanes and a cinema. The largest shopping centers are Akropolis and Panorama.

Gariunai is the Baltic's largest open air market, located on the western edge of Vilnius. Thousands of merchants can be found there on a good weekend, from not only Lithuania, but also from as far away as Ukraine. Clothes, shoes, music and software can be bought there. Counterfeit goods are ubiquitous. A low price is guaranteed, quality is not.

Kaunas is also a city of shopping centers, and Laisvės avenue in the center of the city is a pedestrian thoroughfare. The main shopping centers in Kaunas are: Akropolis, Mega, Molas, Savas, HyperMaxima, and Urmas shopping area. There is even that symbol of "mall culture", which is new to Lithuania, Akropolis.

Klaipeda is a major shopping center for people from Latvia and Kaliningrad. The main shopping centers are: Akropolis, Arena, Studlendas and BIG. Many people coming to the city on cruise ships shop in Klaipeda, due to the good value and price combination.

Eat [ edit ]

Lithuanian dinners usually include meat, potato, vegetables and sometimes a curd sauce of some sort. Case in point: the cepelinai , or zeppelins, which are meat filled potato-starch based zeppelin-shaped masses traditionally slathered in a sauce of sour cream, butter, and pork cracklings. Pork is traditionally eaten, beef much less so. Vegans will have a hard time eating out, although some large restaurant chains will have vegetarian dishes on the menu.

Some fast food in Lithuania, such as Kibinai (from the Karaim people) small turnovers usually filled with spiced lamb, and Čeburekai (a Crimean Tatar snack), large folds of dough with a scant filling of meat, cheese, or even apples, can be found around the city.

Many restaurants have menus in English (usually in the Lithuanian menu) and to a lesser extent, Russian. Though use caution as sometimes menus in other languages may have inflated prices, although this is a rarity, and won't be found in Vilnius , or the better known chains such as Čili Pica.

While in Lithuania, one should try these national dishes: appetisers - Piršteliai prie alaus - thin, rolled-up puff pastries served with beer; main courses: Cepelinai (or didžkukuliai ) su spirgučiais - potato balls with meat (about €3.20); Vėdarai - a sausage, made of a potato stuffed intestine of a pig (about €3); Skilandis - pig stomach stuffed with meat, garlic and cold-smoked; Plokštainis - meal of potatoes (€2.30–4); Bulviniai blynai (grated potato pancakes) with different sauces; Virtinukai - curd patties; Kastinys - soft sour cream butter; Šaltnosiukai - dumplings filled with lingonberries; Fish - pike or perch, is often baked whole or stuffed, or made into gefilte fish (various prices); Silkė - marinated, baked, fried or served in aspic herring; soups - Šaltibarščiai (a summer soup based on beets and soured milk), Juka (blood soup) or Cabbage soup flavored with carrots, ham, onions. Ruginė duona (dark rye bread) is very advisable to try with soups. Lithuanian cuisine is also famous for wide use of wild berries, mushrooms, and cheese. Honey and poppy seeds are commonly used as filling in pastries. For desserts, try Žagarėliai - twisted, thin deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar or Spurgos - a Lithuanian variant of doughnuts, often filled with preserves.

Drink [ edit ]

Lithuania is a beer -drinking country, with the most famous brands being Svyturys, Kalnapilis, Utenos, Volfas Engelman and Gubernija. A visit to a kiosk will show that there may be more than 50 different brands of beer in this small country. Alcohol percentages are displayed on the label, and usually range from 4–9.5%. Compared to other European countries, beer is usually affordable, in shops €0.50–1 per half litre, in bars €0.75–2 per half litre. The beer tastes excellent, putting global brands to shame and it can be said that Lithuanian lager is of at least equal quality to Czech, Slovak, German and Polish lager. A request for a Lithuanian beer always generates goodwill, even in a Chinese or other foreign-themed restaurant.

When you visit a bar or restaurant without intending to eat, try one of the bar snacks, which are very popular among Lithuanians. The most popular of these snacks consists of a bowl of pieces of garlic bread covered in cheese.

In addition to beer, rather cheap but high quality vodka (or "degtinė" in Lithuanian) is consumed, but not to the extent usually associated with this part of the world. Also, every region has its own home-made speciality of which "Samane" is most famous or notorious and is best avoided. The larger supermarkets have an incredible variety of vodka from all the main vodka-producing countries.

Lithuanian mead , or "midus" is a beverage produced exclusively under government control. It is commonly made from various types of Lithuanian flora, from leaves and berries to some tree bark. Alcohol content range from 10–75% (considered medicinal).

For tourists, quality sparkling wines , such as Alita or Mindaugas, and local liqueurs are popular choices to bring back home.

Alcohol cannot be sold in shops between 20:00 (15:00 on Sundays) and 10:00, but can be purchased in bars, cafes and restaurants.

In shops and cafés different tea and coffee qualities are widely available. The selection in coffee ranges from northern European brands to French ones. In coffee houses, you should expect to pay up to €1.50 for your coffee. Some cafés offer also a variety of special coffees with more or less special prices. Many cafes (kavinės) still make "lazy" coffee, which is simply coffee grounds and boiling water, unfiltered, with grounds at the bottom of the cup, often surprising the drinker - ask before you buy. Tea is usually sold at 50% of the price of coffee. Some of the wonderful drinks such as the Marganito are great for fun filled party drinks and rated one of the top kinds of wine in the country, perfect for weddings.

Unlike restaurants, or pubs aimed at tourists, bars (Baras) may be frequented by heavy drinkers and can therefore be somewhat rowdy. Nevertheless, a visit may still be very rewarding, especially if you accept an invitation to participate in karaoke.

Smoking is banned in cafés, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, discothèques and other public establishments. However, many nightclubs have internal smoking rooms, which have a degree of ventilation.

Sleep [ edit ]

The price of accommodation depends very much on the place. For instance, in Joniškis (Northern Lithuania), you can get a good hotel room for €25 whereas an equivalent room might be as much as €100 in Vilnius. Some hotels do not have home pages. Nevertheless, the Internet helps considerably in planning.

Throughout the country, homestays, sleeping "with the grandmother", are typical. On main street of a town there are many elderly townsfolk offering spare beds in their extra rooms. These experiences are worth seeking out.

If you want to rent the apartment, the prices will be usually from €200 a month. In the biggest towns there are companies which rent apartments "to the long-time tourist or working here". In these you complete on good conditions the apartment furnished and cleaned by the cleaner. From €300.

If you are looking for an apartment for a shorter period (from a few days onwards), do a Web search for "trumpalaikė butų nuoma". This will give you some portals or sites of companies, though not all of them are available in English – some are, however, available in other languages such as German, Polish or Russian.

You will find the hotels of every town on their own interleaves. However, remember that this is the service maintained by the volunteers and you should not wait for current prices let alone that there would be all the possibilities listed.

An interesting accommodation alternative is a countryside accommodation or an own cottage. Countryside.lt offers the shining catalog for accommodation alternatives and you find nearly all the countryside targets and a reservation system from there.

Most large cities such as Vilnius or Kaunas have an abundance of hotel options. When traveling to a popular vacation spot in the summer (like Palanga or Druskininkai ) make sure to book a room in advance because demand may outnumber supply. Additionally, some of the cafes on the main highways between cities also have rooms to rent.

Learn [ edit ]

Lithuania has one of the best educational systems in the world. Many universities participate in student exchange programs. Most popular international university in Lithuania is LCC International University in Klaipeda . The best universities of Lithuania are Vilnius University (Vilniaus Universitetas), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilniaus Gedimino Technikos Universitetas) and Kaunas University of Technology (Kauno Technologijos Universitetas).

In Kaunas there is the biggest technical university, KTU, in the country and a medical university LSMU (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences), sports academy LKKA, music and theatre academy LMTA, agriculture university ASU and multidisciplinary University of Vytautas Magnus, VDU.

Klaipeda and Siauliai also has its own universities. In the country several lower educational institutions which go with the name kolegija (eng. college) also are found.

The course supply hangs very much from the university and there also are somewhere programmes for English. However, pay attention to the fact that Lithuania's official language is Lithuanian and in the law it has been prescribed that the Lithuanian student has a right to study in Lithuanian in Lithuania. Especially all the courses of the candidate level will be thus in Lithuanian and in the Master of Arts programmes in English the bulk of the courses is in English. Depending on the rules of the university the courses must have a certain number of foreign students attending before the lectures need to be in English (this concerns courses announced to be held in English) and if this limit is not exceeded, the lecturer may lecture, if desired, in Lithuanian.

The grading system in Lithuania is generally 1–10 in which 5-10 correspond to the accepted performances. The local students usually have to keep their average very high and still a higher one in order to get the scholarship in order to guarantee free studies. There is no financial aid for studies.

Work [ edit ]

There are now many work options in Lithuania. One seldom manages working life without control of the language, therefore basic working knowledge of Lithuanian is highly recommended. You may get by with Russian or, to an increasing extent, English, although your mileage may vary.

Any EU national can work and live freely in Lithuania. However, EU nationals spending more than 90 days over an 180-day period in Lithuania need to obtain a residence title ( teisės Lietuvos Respublikoje gyventi pažymėjimas or just TLRGP ). This document is issued to any EU national who can provide proof of a valid health insurance (in the form of a European Health Insurance card) and a source of sufficient income (the amount is determined based upon individual circumstances). It can be applied for at Migracijos departamentas (Department of Migration). Upon obtaining the residence title, registering your residence with the municipality of residence is mandatory within a month. This requires proof, such as a rental contract, the landlord's signature on the declaration form or an extract from the land register proving your ownership. Not all immigration officials are familiar with the procedures for EU nationals (which are much less stringent than those for non-EU nationals), therefore ask if you have doubts.

Non-EU nationals need a residence permit and a registered address for working.

The Migration Department provides its services in Lithuanian, English and Russian. Visits require registration through the web site, which is also where you can indicate what language you would like to communicate in.

As of 2021, workers in Lithuania pay 20% income tax (up to €400/month are exempt from taxes for workers earning less than approx. €2700/month) and 19.5% for health and unemployment insurance. Web sites such as Atlyginimo skaičiuoklė provide an exact breakdown.

Workers are required by law to undergo periodic health inspections if they are under 18, work shifts or during night hours, or if their workplace exposes them to certain risk factors. The latter is the case even for office jobs (risks being eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome).

Stay safe [ edit ]

In general, Lithuania is a safe country. But you should take basic safety measures:

• Take care when visiting potentially dangerous neighbourhoods at night. After dark it is safer to walk along main roads, than to take a short cut through a park or apartment complex, as these areas often have very poor lighting. Take a taxi if you are afraid of possible encounters. A thing to watch out for is bicycle theft, and it is advisable not to leave valuable things in your car.
• As in other Eastern European countries, public displays of affection between same-gender partners such as holding hands or kissing may result in a confrontation from an onlooker. Suspicion of homosexuality may also cause problems.
• Members of ethnic minorities, (particularly those of African descent), may experience some form of racism . This is not tolerated by the authorities and racist attacks are rare. However non-whites might be stared at by locals, especially in rural areas. More often than not this can be out of pure curiosity rather than malice. The issue of race relations, the history of slavery and civil rights are relatively unknown. That said, the presence of several Afro-American basketball players in the Lithuanian league does help and means that racism is perhaps not as big a problem as other eastern European countries.
• Driving in Lithuania is considered dangerous according to European standards. Lithuania's rapidly expanding economy has led to an increase in traffic density, thus accident rates are high. As a pedestrian, take great care when crossing the roads, as pedestrian crossings are widely ignored. When driving be careful of aggressive, quickly going and irresponsible drivers. It's better to pass them even if they are flouting rules. Keep in mind that traffic police could be corrupt. Mind the forest roads, collisions with wildlife animals can easily occur.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

If bitten by a dog, wild animal or a snake , seek medical attention immediately. Snakes are not venomous in Lithuania, except for the European Viper ( angis ) whose bite only rarely is lethal though quite painful. A dog ( šuo ) or cat ( katė ) bite can carry the risk of rabies. Mosquitoes ( uodai ) carry no disease and are only an annoyance in the summer months. A forest tick ( erkė ) bite carries the risk of Lyme disease or encephalitis.

Tap water is suitable for drinking in many parts of Lithuania. In other areas, local people prefer to purchase bottled water or to run tap water through water filters. If you need to buy bottled water, a 5-litre bottle is not much more expensive than a one-litre bottle. Where in doubt about the tap water, seek local advice.

Mineral water is also offered in restaurants, cafés and shops, although it's a bit more expensive than tap water. Some popular brands are Birutė and Vytautas. But be warned - those are carbonated, and foreigners describe "Vytautas" as "sea water" due to its salty taste.

Respect [ edit ]

Lithuanians are a Baltic nation and are their own people; confusing them as Russians or anything else may cause offense.

Lithuanian is a notoriously difficult language to master, but learning how to greet locals in their own language can go a long way. They will appreciate your efforts in Lithuanian.

Lithuania was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union from the end of World War II until 1990. However, due to several historical events, including 19th century occupations by Tsarist Russia, territorial disputes with Poland in the early 20th century, and Soviet rule in the 20th century; discussions of disputes with neighboring countries can be sensitive. When referencing Lithuania in the context of the former USSR, it's essential to exercise caution as praising Soviet practices is unlikely to be appreciated by Lithuanians.

World War II and the Holocaust are emotional and sensitive topics for many Lithuanians.

Lithuanians may appear at times nationalist. Ethnic identities and local traditions might be taken very seriously. The history of the country is rife with invasions and confrontations. It is best to avoid superficial comments on sensitive topics such as World War II, Nazi occupation, and Soviet rule.

Lithuanians may appear sad, depressive ( suicide rates in Lithuania are among the highest in the world), a little bit rude and suspicious. Smile at a Lithuanian in the street and most likely they will not respond in kindness. Smiling in Lithuania is traditionally reserved for friends; smile at a stranger and they will either think you're making fun of them and there's something wrong with their clothes or hairdo. Furthermore, an automatic Western smile is often regarded as insincere.

Women in the entire former USSR area are traditionally treated with respect. Female travellers should not act indignant when local male friends pay their bills at restaurants, open every door in front of them, offer their hand to help them climb down that little step or help them carry anything heavier than a handbag - this is not sexual harassment or being condescending.

As is the case throughout the Baltic countries , there is still some resentment and distrust towards Russia and Lithuanians are often stereotyped as "anti-Russian". Keep in mind that most Lithuanians have absolutely nothing against Russian people; rather, many of them only remain distrustful of the Russian government.

Anti-China sentiment is also high in Lithuania, and most Lithuanians are staunch supporters of the Taiwan independence movement. Taiwan's struggle for independence from China is seen by most Lithuanians as reminiscent of their own long and hard struggle for independence from the Soviet Union.

Connect [ edit ]

Land line phones [ edit ].

There is a monopoly operator for land line phones: TEO (it now belongs to "TeliaSonera AB"), a subsidiary of Sweden (Telia) and Finland (Sonera). Land line phones are easy to find throughout the country. Phones are used with cards, which you can find in kiosks, "TEO" or newspaper stands.

Mobile phones [ edit ]

There are three major mobile phone operators in Lithuania: Telia, BITE and TELE 2. About 97% of the country's surface is covered by the standard European GSM 900/1800 MHz network, the remaining 3% are non-walkable forests.

The pre-paid SIM cards you can buy in any kiosk and they are: Pildyk (Tele2), Labas (Bite) and Ežys (Telia). Pildyk has the cheapest internet, but the smallest coverage area (which should suffice unless you want to use internet in deep forests). For onward travel, only Ežys includes EU roaming allowances in its plans, while the others charge extra for this.

Getting a monthly-rate plan (if you intend to stay longer) can be difficult. As of 2021, Tele2 will not sell monthly-rate plans to foreigners (even EU citizens) unless they have a permanent residence permit. Bitė is more flexible in that respect.

If you are planning to live in Lithuania, get a plan which includes a mobile signature (mobilusis parašas). This provides you with a way to log in to virtually every government services and plenty of non-government ones (such as banking or utilities suppliers) using your phone. Being implemented as a SIM toolkit app, it works with pretty much any phone (not just smartphones) and doesn’t require you to download an app.

International calls [ edit ]

To call abroad from Lithuania:

• From a land line phone: 00 Your Country Code The Number Abroad
• From a mobile phone: + Your Country Code The Number Abroad

To call to Lithuania from abroad, dial the Lithuania country code, +370, then the number, as if calling from a domestic mobile phone. It is also often that the number is written with 8 in the beginning (i. e. 86XXXXXXX), in this case simply replace 8 with +370 to make a call.

International and roaming calls are expensive. To reduce your bill you can:

• Buy "phone cards" for international calls
• Talk over the Internet

Internet [ edit ]

If you're bringing a laptop, Wireless LAN Hot-Spots are available in distinct places (mostly "Zebra" from - TEO), sometimes free, otherwise not very cheap. Best chances of finding one are at airports, railway stations, in cafés, shopping malls, universities, various places. You can ask in your hotel, but be prepared to pay. For those who need to connect at an Internet cafes, major cities do have internet cafes. You can get free wireless Internet in Kaunas main pedestrian street, Laisvės Alėja. Download speed reaches 26.2 Mbit/s, while upload speed is 16.8 Mbit/s. The internet service that provide such speeds are not free.

With your mobile phone you can use: CSD, HSCSD, GPRS or EDGE, but the cost may be unattractive. There's 4G coverage almost everywhere in the country, except for a few spots in the countryside. If your phone is not SIM-locked, you may consider purchasing a pre-paid SIM card designed for data access.

If you want to communicate with your friends or locals using internet, you'll need Facebook Messenger. Whatsapp is not very popular here. Older generation people usually have Viber too. The most popular social websites are Facebook and Instagram. Though Facebook is being used by older people, while younger people choose Instagram.

Post office [ edit ]

If you see the sign "Lietuvos paštas" on a storefront, this doesn't mean it is a pasta shop! It is actually the post office where you can mail letters and packages.

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The Bazaar Guide to New Orleans

Just in time for Jazz Fest

Even if you can’t make it to Jazz Fest, the city’s busy cultural calendar means there’s really never a bad time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. Ahead, Harper’s Bazaar shares our favorite spots to eat, drink, dance, and shop in New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler —let the good times roll!

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One of the greatest things about New Orleans is that there’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels to host you. A personal favorite of mine is Hotel Saint Vincent —a former orphanage turned mod-inspired abode (and also where I happened to get married)—tucked away in the quiet Lower Garden District and home to one of the best pools in the city. Those who want to be closer the action (i.e., the reckless abandon of Bourbon Street) can opt for lodging closer to the French Quarter, where Expedia-approved properties such as the Eliza Jane , the Kimpton , and the newly renovated Four Seasons New Orleans provide not only top-tier hospitality, but also the ultimate convenience: being able to step out the door and join any party that’s passing by. New Orleans has a subtle duality that one notices once they get to know the city better—and part of its beauty is being able to switch between the lavish celebrations and the more laid-back, slow-to-start Southern mornings.

WHERE TO DRINK

There’s no such thing as a bad drink in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for an artisanal cocktail or a glass of funky natural wine, anywhere you stumble into will likely have the libation you’re looking for. For those who want to spend the day with a bottle and the best damn charcuterie plate you’ll ever have, head to Bachannal in the city’s hipster haunt of Bywater. If it’s time for happy hour, Luke’s downtown has a perfect French 75 (with cognac! the NOLA way!) paired with a dozen fresh oysters, and there’s Peychaud’s or Columns Bar for dirty martinis done right. Paradise Lounge at Hotel Saint Vincent also makes a mean Italian margarita and rosemary spritz, and the roof of the Ace Hotel is the perfect spot for a nightcap (and makes a top-shelf espresso martini).

WHERE TO EAT

Don’t tell New York, but to me, New Orleans is America’s best food city. While on a macro level the town is known for the obvious contenders (beignets! gumbo! po’boys!), it also has so many hidden gems from local chefs aiming to reinvent how the world sees Creole cuisine. Be sure to visit Acme’s Oyster House for traditional New Orleans eats, (get a dozen chargrilled, add hot sauce, and ask for extra bread), Elizabeth’s in Bywater for a perfect Southern breakfast (praline bacon: Don’t ask, just do!), and Cafe Sbisa for chicken and (sweet potato!) waffles and sinfully good shrimp and grits. For chef-driven sandwiches bigger than your head, head to Turkey & the Wolf ; or for a gorgeous weekend brunch in a dreamy garden, opt for Cafe Amelie . Satsuma is great for vegetarians or anyone hoping for bit of lighter fare, and Dakar has been highlighted nationwide for its take on Senegalese cuisine. Cafe du Monde and its pillowy-soft beignets are, of course, nonnegotiable.

WHERE TO DANCE

Technically, the party can be wherever you want it to be in New Orleans, but for the sake of brevity, the best place to find live music in the city would be anywhere on Frenchman Street. Nightlife staples include DBA New Orleans , the Spotted Cat Music Club , the Rabbit Hole , and Treme Hideaway , among many others .

WHERE TO SHOP

New Orleans is a city for music lovers and eccentric dressers. Any vinyl fan will have a field day sorting through vintage LPs at NOLA Mix Records in the Lower Garden District, while independent boutiques like Lekha , Elysian by Emily Morrison , and Saint Claude Social Club provide provide eclectic pieces for your home and wardrobe. Nestled inside of Hotel Saint Vincent, ByGeorge is perfect for any luxury lover: The mini boutique sells resortwear and accessories from brands like Loewe, Dries Van Noten, Christopher John Rogers, and Rabanne.

Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com , where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed. 

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Most tourists arrive by air ; Vilnius airport is served by sixteen European airlines, including budget airlines Wizz Air ( w www.wizzair.com), Norwegian Air Shuttle ( w www.norwegian.com) and Ryanair ( w www.ryanair.com ); the latter also flies to Kaunas. Lithuania has poor rail connections with its neighbours; international buses from neighbouring countries to Vilnius and Kaunas are far more numerous, with plenty of services from Latvia and Estonia. There are also frequent ferries from Kiel in Germany, and Karlshamn in Sweden, to Klaipėda on Lithuania’s Baltic coast ( w www.krantas.lt ).

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• A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. MICHELIN Keys Travel Hotels

On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide announced its very first Key hotels in the United States — a brand new distinction recognizing the most outstanding hotels in the country. We're thrilled to report that, in Washington D.C., seven hotels earned at least One Key. And while hotels in the capital have historically skewed towards the traditional, our seven Key hotels run the gamut of styles. Among the newest and hippest, the Eaton DC sports a boho aesthetic and a firm commitment to a progressive ethos — this hotel, set downtown on K Street, is a launchpad for progress, where rotating art exhibits fill the first floor and activists and political groups make use of its radio station, screening room, and co-working space. Representing the more traditional luxury hotels, the Hay Adams has been an institution — set in a monumental Italian Renaissance building just across from the White House — since 1928. Here, the feeling is of old-world elegance. Between the Eaton and the Hay Adams, we find the rest of our Key hotels somewhere in the stylistic middle. For waterfront views try the Pendry , with its modernist, Parisian-influenced aesthetic set on the Potomac in the city’s Southwest Waterfront. Or head to Georgetown and the Rosewood , where vistas from the rooftop bar overlook the C&O Canal. Other highlights: the  Dupont Circle Hotel , one of the only hotels privileged enough to set up in Dupont Circle, with its sophisticated restaurant and a swanky cocktail bar. The Jefferson , another option downtown, has the Quill, an upscale cocktail bar and lounge in its historic building dating back to 1923. At the Riggs , in the city’s Penn Quarter, there’s both an enchanting cafe and a subterranean bar. You can hardly go wrong. Below, explore the map of every Key hotel in Washington D.C. And scroll down to learn more each accommodation.

The Seven MICHELIN Key Hotels in DC:

The Jefferson - 2 Keys

Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf - 1 Key

Eaton DC - 1 Key

Riggs Washington DC - 1 Key

The Dupont Circle Hotel - 1 Key

The Hay-Adams Hotel - 1 Key

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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