Things to Do in Kaunas, Lithuania: Must-See Attractions & Tips
Kaunas, Lithuania’s vibrant second-largest city, is full of captivating history, unique architecture, and hidden treasures waiting to be explored. Nestled in the heart of south-central Lithuania, Kaunas was the perfect starting point for our nine-day journey.
We originally planned to start our Eastern Europe trip in Vilnius, but when we found that plane tickets to Kaunas were nearly three times cheaper, we thought, Why not go there instead, take a train to see more, and save some money? It turned out to be a fantastic decision – Kaunas has a lot to offer.
If you’re looking for things to do in Kaunas Lithuania, the city is well worth adding to your itinerary. The city combines a historic Old Town with grand boulevards, colourful street art, museums, riverside walks and a lively café scene. We found that Kaunas was easy to explore at our own pace, with plenty of interesting places to discover without feeling overwhelmed.
In this guide, we’ll share the places and experiences that stood out to us, from Kaunas Castle and the Old Town to Laisvės alėja, street art, local food and the Nemunas River.
Best Things to Do in Kaunas, Lithuania
1. Kaunas Castle: Step into Medieval Lithuania
Kaunas Castle is one of the oldest castles in Lithuania and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. First mentioned in historical records in 1361, the castle was built at the meeting point of the Nemunas and Neris rivers and played an important role in the city’s medieval history.
Today, you can walk around the remaining walls and towers and get a feel for the fortress that once stood here. The setting is particularly atmospheric, with the old stone architecture and winding paths giving you a glimpse into Kaunas’s medieval past.
There are also stories and legends surrounding the castle, including tales that it is haunted by former prisoners. If you enjoy places with a little mystery alongside their history, a visit here is especially interesting.
Practical tip: Before visiting, check the official Kaunas Castle website for current opening hours, exhibitions and ticket information.
2. Laisvės alėja: Walk Along Kaunas’s Freedom Avenue
Laisvės alėja, or Freedom Avenue, is one of the best places to simply walk and experience the atmosphere of Kaunas. This long pedestrian boulevard is lined with mature trees, cafés, restaurants and beautiful historic buildings.
One of the things we enjoyed most was the contrast between the grand architecture and the relaxed everyday atmosphere. People were strolling along the avenue, sitting outside cafés and enjoying the open space. The fountains also add a lovely touch, especially on a warm day.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, this is a place to slow down. Take your time, look at the buildings and stop for a coffee or something to eat. Sometimes the best way to discover a city is simply to walk through the places where local life is happening.
3. St. Michael the Archangel Church: Kaunas’s Striking Neo-Byzantine Landmark
St. Michael the Archangel Church, also known as the Garrison Church or Soboras, is one of the most recognisable buildings in Kaunas. Its white Neo-Byzantine façade and large domes make it hard to miss at the end of Laisvės alėja.
The church was built between 1891 and 1895 for the Russian military garrison in Kaunas. It later became a Catholic church and has had several different roles throughout its history. During the Soviet period, it was used as a gallery before returning to its religious purpose after Lithuania regained independence.
Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping to admire the architecture and the spacious square in front of it.
4. Museums of Kaunas: History, Art and the Unusual
Kaunas has a fascinating collection of museums, so this is a good part of the city to explore when you want to go beyond the streets and architecture. There is something for different interests, from military history and Lithuanian art to something much more unusual.
- Vytautas the Great War Museum – Explore Lithuania’s military history through artefacts and exhibitions covering the country’s past conflicts and struggles.
- M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art – Discover the work and legacy of M. K. Čiurlionis, one of Lithuania’s best-known artists and composers.
- Devils’ Museum – For something completely different, visit this unusual collection dedicated to devils and devil-like figures from Lithuania and around the world. It offers a fascinating glimpse into folklore and folk traditions.
If the weather turns grey, museums are also a great way to spend part of a day in Kaunas while discovering more about Lithuania’s history and culture.
5. Walk Along the Nemunas River
The Nemunas River is another lovely place to slow down in Kaunas. After exploring the city streets, a walk along the river gives you a chance to enjoy a quieter side of the city.
We enjoyed taking our time here and simply watching the river and the surrounding landscape. It is a nice contrast to the busy streets and a good place to pause during a day of sightseeing.
If you have extra time in Kaunas, don’t rush from one attraction to the next. A riverside walk can be a simple way to experience the city at a slower pace.
6. Discover Kaunas Street Art
Kaunas has an impressive street art scene, with large murals, colourful walls and smaller pieces hidden around the city. We enjoyed discovering the artwork as we walked, because you never quite know what you will find around the next corner.
Some pieces are bold and impossible to miss, while others reveal themselves more quietly as you explore. Together, they add a modern and creative layer to Kaunas, creating an interesting contrast with its historic buildings and medieval past.
The Last Passenger
This mural, called The Last Passenger, caught our attention near Kaunas Railway Station. Created by Lithuanian street artist Morfai, it shows a man rushing towards a train with his luggage, surrounded by falling autumn leaves. It feels like a small snapshot of travel itself – that familiar moment when you are running for a train and hoping you haven’t left anything behind.
The Old Wiseman
One of the most famous murals in Kaunas is The Old Wiseman, also known as The Master. Created by Tadas Šimkus and Žygimantas Amelynas, the enormous artwork is a tribute to Kaunas-born artist Jurgis Mačiūnas, one of the key figures of the Fluxus movement.
We loved how the artists used the building itself as part of the artwork. The windows become part of the figure, while his huge red sweater seems to wrap around the entire façade. It is one of those pieces that is hard to miss – and even harder not to photograph.
Colourful Street Art in Kaunas
This colourful mural caught our attention while exploring Kaunas. The artwork covers an older building and features playful figures, warm colours and lots of interesting details. It is a lovely example of how street art can bring new life to the city’s older buildings.
Water Carrier (Vandens nešėja)
We came across this striking white sculpture while exploring Kaunas. Called The Water Carrier, it was created by Lithuanian sculptor Bronius Pundzius in 1938. The woman carries a bucket, reflecting the history of the waterworks behind her. It is a beautiful example of how art and the city’s history can come together in one place.
Nežiopsok! – A Sculpture with a Story
In Kaunas Old Town, we discovered this playful bronze sculpture of a boy riding a bicycle with a puppy chasing after him. Called Nežiopsok!, meaning roughly “Don’t daydream!” or “Pay attention!”, it was created by sculptor Kęstutis Balčiūnas in 2018.
The sculpture is actually a clever piece of local history. The boy is riding along the route of the old Vilnius Street, but he doesn’t seem to notice the building that now stands directly in his path. The artwork was created to highlight the unusual way the street changed over time, turning a historical detail into something playful that you can discover while walking through the Old Town.
Zen Rabbit
We spotted this unusual little sculpture near the entrance to an underground passage on Vilniaus Street. Called Zen Rabbit, it was created by Lithuanian sculptor Lukas Šiupšinskas. Sitting in a meditative pose, the rabbit invites you to slow down and take a quiet moment while exploring the busy Old Town. We’re still not quite sure why it is a rabbit, but that only makes this little sculpture more intriguing!
7. What to Eat in Kaunas: Try Local Lithuanian Food
Exploring Kaunas also means trying some traditional Lithuanian food. One of the dishes we wanted to try was cepelinai, large potato dumplings usually filled with meat and served with a rich sauce.
Another Lithuanian favourite is kugelis, a baked potato dish that is hearty and comforting. If you’re looking for something lighter, you’ll also find plenty of cafés and restaurants serving modern takes on Lithuanian cuisine.
We also enjoyed discovering the local food scene without trying to fit everything into one meal. Sometimes finding a small café or stopping somewhere that catches your eye is part of the fun of travelling.
Things to Do in Kaunas Lithuania: Practical Tips
- How Much Time Do You Need? You can see many of Kaunas’s main sights in one day. However, staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the cafés, restaurants and evening atmosphere.
- Try Traditional Lithuanian Food Don’t leave Kaunas without trying some traditional Lithuanian dishes. Cepelinai and kugelis are two local favourites worth looking out for. We enjoyed our meal at Bernelių užeiga Smuklė, a popular restaurant serving traditional Lithuanian food. The photo below shows some of the food we tried there.
- Take Your Time Kaunas is a city that rewards wandering. Leave some space in your day to walk along Laisvės alėja, explore the riverside and discover unexpected sculptures and street art.
- When Is the Best Time to Visit? Kaunas is worth visiting throughout the year. Summer is especially pleasant for walking and spending time outdoors. Winter brings a different atmosphere, with festive lights and the possibility of snowy streets.
Final Thoughts: Share Your Kaunas Experience!
Have you visited Kaunas or plan to in the future? If so, what attraction are you most excited about? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let’s swap travel tips and experiences. Additionally, if you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow travelers and help spread the word about this hidden gem in Lithuania!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Kaunas Lithuania
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second-largest city and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. It combines medieval architecture with modern museums, lively squares, and a scenic riverfront.
Kaunas is about 100 km (62 miles) from Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital. You can easily get there by train, bus, or car, with frequent connections taking around 1.5 hours.
There are many highlights, including Kaunas Castle, the Old Town, Laisvės alėja (Freedom Avenue), and the Žalgiris Arena. Additionally, the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers
Yes, Kaunas is definitely worth a day trip because you can explore its historic sites, riverside views, and lively cafes all in one visit. However, staying longer lets you enjoy more museums and local experiences.
The main language in Kaunas is Lithuanian, though many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas and shops.
When in Kaunas, try traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup). In addition, there are many cosy cafes serving modern takes on local cuisine.
Spring and summer are ideal because of warmer temperatures and outdoor events. Also, autumn brings beautiful colours along the riverfront, and winter offers festive markets and holiday charm.
Some of the best things to do in Kaunas Lithuania include visiting Kaunas Castle, walking along Laisvės alėja, exploring the museums and discovering the city’s street art and sculptures. If you have more time, a riverside walk and some traditional Lithuanian food are also worth adding to your day.
Continue the Journey Through the Baltics and Beyond
Kaunas was the first stop on our nine-day journey through Eastern Europe. From here, we travelled through Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland, discovering a very different side of each destination along the way.
If you’re planning a similar journey, you might also enjoy:
- Trakai – Famous for its fairytale-like island castle surrounded by serene lakes.
- Vilnius – Lithuania’s capital, brimming with Baroque architecture, lively cafés, and a charming Old Town.
- Riga – Latvia’s capital, known for its Art Nouveau buildings and bustling Central Market.
- Tallinn – Estonia’s medieval gem with cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and cozy cafés.
- Helsinki – Finland’s vibrant capital with stunning harbor views, modern architecture, and a lively design district.
- Turku – A historic Finnish city on the Aura River, filled with charming streets, museums, and castle ruins.