Just a short flight away, Kaunas is ideal for a weekend city break or a longer stay. Rich in architecture, history, art, and cuisine, it offers an authentic Lithuanian experience.
This guide highlights the top attractions, cultural hotspots, and insider tips to help you explore a city where every street tells a story.
- Top attractions and things to do in Kaunas:
- Admire modernist architecture
- Stroll along Laisvės Alėja
- Visit Kaunas Old Town
- Ride the historic funiculars
- Relax amid nature and Baroque beauty
- Be part of the Žalgiris legacy
- Explore Kaunas Art museums
- Hunt for street art
- Taste local flavours
- Discover Lithuania’s greatest artist
- Explore science and play
If you’ve ever wondered where you’ve heard of Kaunas, Lithuania’s lively second city, now is the perfect time to discover why it is one of the Baltics’ most exciting travel destinations.
A city where culture, creativity, and modern energy converge, Kaunas delights visitors at every turn. Stroll along cobbled streets, explore tucked-away courtyards, cosy cafés, and Michelin-recommended restaurants, or admire UNESCO-listed modernist architecture, vibrant street art, and a buzzing live music scene.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
Thanks to its compact size and excellent transport links, Kaunas is ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, making it one of your next great discoveries.
The city enjoys warm summers perfect for sightseeing and mild winters that offer a cosy, festive atmosphere. From boutique hotels in the Old Town to modern accommodations near the river, Kaunas has options to suit every traveller’s style and budget.
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Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to uncover more, this Kaunas travel guide will take you through the top attractions, cultural hotspots, dining experiences, and insider tips for visiting Kaunas.
Get ready to explore a city where every corner promises a memorable adventure.
Top attractions and things to do in Kaunas
Kaunas is a city full of surprises, where history, art, and modern culture come together to create an unforgettable experience.
From cobbled streets and modernist architecture to vibrant street art and world-class museums, there is something for every traveller. Whether you are planning a short city break or a longer stay, these top attractions in Kaunas offer a perfect blend of Lithuania’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Discover the best things to do in Kaunas and experience a city that is both charming and full of energy.
Admire modernist architecture
Kaunas is renowned for its modernist architecture, which has earned the city a prestigious place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The neighbourhoods of Žaliakalnis and Naujamiestis are the prime areas to explore this unique style, with around 1,500 of the 6,000 surviving interwar buildings located here.
Photo source: Lithuania travel
What makes these buildings truly remarkable is their authenticity. Many original façades, interiors, decorative details, and even original functions have been preserved, giving Kaunas a distinctive urban character that reflects its rich history.
During the interwar period, Kaunas’ city centre became a hub for public institutions, banks, museums, and foreign diplomats. At the same time, the innovative garden city concept was realised near Ąžuolynas, Europe’s largest urban oak grove, creating a perfect balance between green spaces and modern urban design.
Photo source: Visit Kaunas
For the best views of the city, head to the Aleksotas Observation Point. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kaunas and is easily reachable by funicular, a vintage and trendy mode of transport in the city. Don’t forget to charge your camera!
Stroll along Laisvės Alėja
A stroll along Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue) is a must on any visit to Kaunas. Stretching almost 1.7 kilometres, it is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets and the main artery of the city’s New Town. Its straight, east-to-west layout reflects Kaunas’ elegant urban design and vibrant energy.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
As you wander down Laisvės Alėja, soak up the lively atmosphere. The street is lined with historic landmarks, stylish bars, cosy cafés, and restaurants serving both hearty Lithuanian cuisine and contemporary European dishes.
Pop into independent boutiques, enjoy a coffee, or linger over a meal — the street is brimming with charm at every turn. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Laisvės Alėja captures the rhythm of everyday life in Kaunas.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Another street you shouldn’t miss is Vilniaus Street, the heart of Kaunas Old Town and the city’s oldest street, once part of the medieval road to Vilnius. Now fully pedestrianised, it remains the central axis of the Old Town and is lined with cosy restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.
Visit Kaunas Old Town
Step back in time at Kaunas Castle, a magnificent 14th-century Gothic fortress overlooking the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers. Built to defend Lithuania from crusader invasions, it is one of the oldest stone castles in the country and the only one in the Baltics with two defensive walls, making it an architectural rarity.
Wander the castle grounds and imagine the origins of Kaunas Old Town, once a small medieval settlement that grew into today’s vibrant city. Carefully restored, the castle now houses a museum with exhibitions on local history, medieval warfare, and Lithuanian legends.
Photo source: Kaunas City Museum
During summer, the area comes alive with open-air concerts, cultural festivals, and historical reenactments, bringing Kaunas’ rich past to life.
Just a short stroll away is Kaunas Town Hall, affectionately known as the “White Swan” for its elegant shape and bright façade. Once a prison and later an architecture school, this newly restored Kaunas landmark offers interactive experiences that let visitors explore the city’s fascinating history.
It is one of the top attractions in Kaunas and a must-visit for anyone interested in cultural and historical experiences.
Ride the historic funiculars
Kaunas is the only city in Lithuania with two historic funiculars, making it a must-visit for travellers looking for unique things to do in Kaunas. One funicular runs in Žaliakalnis, the other in Aleksotas, offering a fun and convenient way to reach the city’s steep hills while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
The Aleksotas Funicular, operating since 1935, connects the Old Town with the Aleksotas District. Its charming carriage carries visitors up to the Aleksotas Observation Deck, offering some of the best views over Kaunas in every season.
The Žaliakalnis Funicular, four years older, transports passengers from the city centre to Christ’s Resurrection Basilica — the largest basilica-type church in the Baltic States. Along the way, enjoy sweeping city vistas perfect for photography or simply soaking in the scenery.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
A ride on these historic funiculars is a unique Kaunas experience, combining history, engineering, and spectacular city views, making it one of the top attractions in Kaunas.
Relax amid nature and Baroque beauty
Just a short drive from Kaunas city centre, the Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park and Pažaislis Monastery offer a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and Baroque architecture.
Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park is ideal for hiking, cycling, and lakeside picnics, featuring scenic valleys, historic hill forts, and the unique Juniper Valley in Arlaviškės Village.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
Along the picturesque shoreline, visitors can explore the Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant, visit a local yacht club, or experience traditional Lithuanian culture at the Lithuanian Open Air Folk Museum, making it one of the top things to do near Kaunas.
Photo source: Visit Kaunas
Overlooking the tranquil reservoir, Pažaislis Monastery is celebrated as one of Lithuania’s most magnificent Baroque architectural ensembles. The monastery houses around 140 surviving frescoes, providing insight into the country’s artistic and religious heritage.
It is also home to Monte Pacis, a four-star hotel and Michelin-recommended restaurant located in the historic guesthouse of the Pažaislis Monastery ensemble.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
Together, the Kaunas Reservoir and Pažaislis Monastery make a memorable day trip from Kaunas, combining breathtaking landscapes with architectural and cultural splendour. It’s an ideal destination for visitors seeking a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture.
Be part of the Žalgiris legacy
It’s hard to imagine that just 15 years ago Kaunas had no modern arena. Yet Žalgiris – the iconic Lithuanian basketball club founded in the 1940s – was already drawing huge crowds, all trying to squeeze into the old sports hall.
Today, Kaunas proudly boasts a world-class arena with space for 15,000 spectators, and almost every EuroLeague game sells out well in advance. The green-and-white Žalgiris fanbase is considered one of the strongest in Europe.
Photo source: Lithuania travel
For visitors looking for things to do in Kaunas before or after a match, an Olympic-size swimming pool sits right next to the arena, adding even more appeal to a sports-focused city break.
Explore Kaunas Art museums
If you haven’t yet discovered modernists’ style, start your journey with two must-visit museums in Kaunas. Both the Art Deco Museum and the Amsterdam School Museum were founded by Karolis Banys and Petras Gaidamavičius, whose vision and dedication have created immersive experiences that thousands of visitors praise for their authenticity and insight.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
These museums offer a perfect introduction to Kaunas Modernism and are among the top things to do in the city for architecture and design enthusiasts.
Hunt for street art
Kaunas is a city bursting with street art, even hosting its own annual street art festival. The city’s vibrant murals bring colour and creativity to everyday life, telling stories that reflect local culture and offering unique backdrops for photos.
Photo source: Lithuania travel
Grab a mural map and explore Kaunas’ open-air galleries. Each year, new projects appear — from large-scale works by professional artists to walls dedicated to free, legal self-expression. You’ll encounter everything from pink elephants and unicorns to old men smoking pipes, princesses on horses, polar bears, and cats — an endless variety of imaginative artwork.
One of the city’s most iconic murals is The Master (Wise Old Man), spanning 440 square metres and widely regarded as Lithuania’s first large-scale street art piece.
Photo source: Visit Kaunas
Short on time? Visit Kiemo Galerija (Courtyard Gallery), a key hub showcasing the city’s vibrant street art scene and creative energy.
Taste local flavours
Kaunas boasts a vibrant food scene that blends traditional Lithuanian flavours with Nordic-inspired innovation. Chefs focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, turning every meal into a memorable culinary experience.
From cosy Michelin-recommended restaurants serving modern takes on classic Lithuanian dishes to elegant eateries showcasing the creativity of the modern Baltic kitchen, Kaunas caters to every taste.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
The city also has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous pubs in the Old Town and city centre, each offering its own atmosphere and distinctive brews.
For a truly local experience, visit Kaunas Central Market, where you can sample fresh produce, baked goods, and traditional hot snacks while observing everyday local life.
Many restaurants labelled “Lietuviškas maistas” (Lithuanian food) specialise in iconic dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings) and kugelis (potato pudding).
Photo source: Tripadvisor
For the most authentic flavours, explore smaller eateries off the main tourist routes — popular spots include Bernelių Užeiga and Etno Dvaras, though hidden gems can be found throughout the city.
For a hands-on experience, consider a cooking class to learn how to make your own cepelinai or bake a šakotis (traditional Lithuanian cake) from scratch — a fun and memorable way to discover Kaunas’ culinary heritage.
Discover Lithuania’s greatest artist
Explore the world of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911), Lithuania’s most famous artist and composer, at the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art in Kaunas. Founded in 1921, it is one of Lithuania’s oldest and largest art museums and a beautiful example of modernist architecture, recognised by UNESCO in 2023.
Photo source: Lithuania travel
The museum is the only place in the world dedicated to Čiurlionis’ full legacy. Visitors can admire his dreamlike paintings and intricate graphic works, and in the Music Hall, you can listen to his haunting compositions, experiencing the unique blend of art and music he created.
Photo source: Lithuania travel
Beyond Čiurlionis’ work, the museum showcases six centuries of Lithuanian art, from medieval icons and religious treasures to modern works reflecting the country’s evolving culture. Each gallery offers a glimpse into Lithuania’s artistic history, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Kaunas museums, Lithuanian art, and culture.
Explore science and play
Kaunas isn’t just about history — you can also step into the future at Science Island, Lithuania’s first Science and Innovation Centre, located on a peaceful island in the Nemunas River. Even before it opened, this unique centre became one of the most Instagrammable spots in Kaunas.
Photo by Kaunas IN / A. Aleksandravičius
Visitors can explore 140 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and innovative STEAM laboratories for children, where science, architecture, and technology blend seamlessly with the island’s tranquil surroundings. Science Island also hosts cultural and educational activities, making it a fun and inspiring destination for families, students, and curious travellers.
For more time in Kaunas, don’t miss the Lithuanian Zoo, which offers an engaging experience for all ages. Home to nearly 2,000 animals, it promotes wildlife education and conservation and is nestled amidst the charming Ąžuolynas oak grove park, providing a beautiful natural setting.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Whether you’re a science enthusiast or a nature lover, both Science Island and the Lithuanian Zoo are must-visit attractions in Kaunas, perfect for combining learning, exploration, and family-friendly fun.