Lithuania

Plan your trip to Lithuania

Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic states, blending a UNESCO-listed capital, baroque architecture, dense forests, lakes and a short stretch of Baltic coast. It's compact enough to see the highlights in under a week, with Vilnius, Kaunas and the coastal Curonian Spit as the main draws.

Getting there & around

Vilnius Airport is the main gateway, with Kaunas and Palanga airports handling additional flights, mostly from Europe. Buses are the most reliable domestic transport, connecting all major cities frequently and cheaply, while trains link Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda and Šiauliai. Renting a car is the best option for the lakes, countryside and the Curonian Spit; roads are good and distances short.

How long to stay

Five to seven days is enough to cover Vilnius, Kaunas, the coast and one or two regions like the lakes or Dzūkija. A long weekend covers just Vilnius and a day trip.

When to go

June to August is warmest and best for the coast and lakes, though busiest at Palanga and Nida. May and September are mild and quieter; winters are cold, dark and snowy but atmospheric in Vilnius and around Christmas.

Suggested itinerary

1. Vilnius Old Town — Explore Europe's largest baroque old town, climb Gediminas' Tower for city views, and cross into the bohemian Užupis district. Spend the evening among the cafés and churches around Cathedral Square.
2. Trakai and on to Kaunas — Day-trip to Trakai Island Castle on its lake before continuing to Kaunas. Walk Laisvės Alėja and the old town confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers.
3. Šiauliai and the Curonian Spit — Stop at the eerie Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, then head to the coast at Klaipėda. Take the ferry to the Curonian Spit for the dunes and pine forests around Nida.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Lithuania?

Five to seven days covers Vilnius, Kaunas, the coast and one rural region. Two or three days is enough for just Vilnius and a day trip to Trakai.

Is Lithuania worth visiting?

Yes. It offers a well-preserved baroque capital, the unique Curonian Spit dunes, the Hill of Crosses, extensive lakes and forests, and lower prices than Western Europe.

What is the best way to get around Lithuania?

Intercity buses are frequent, cheap and reach nearly everywhere. Trains connect the main cities, but a rental car is best for the lakes, countryside and Curonian Spit.

Is Vilnius or Kaunas better to visit?

Vilnius has the larger old town, more museums and nightlife, while Kaunas is more compact with strong interwar modernist architecture. Most first-time visitors base in Vilnius.

Do you need a car in Lithuania?

Not for the main cities, which are well linked by bus and train. A car is very useful for the Aukštaitija lakes, Dzūkija forests and reaching the Curonian Spit and rural sights.