Panevėžys

The regional capital and Lithuania's fifth-largest city, known for its dynamic street art and the acclaimed Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre. Visitors enjoy its walkable centre, ceramics traditions and the narrow-gauge railway heritage.

Things to do

• Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre — Catch a performance at this legendary theatre founded by director Juozas Miltinis, a cornerstone of Lithuanian stage culture.
• Explore the street art trail — Wander the city centre to discover large-scale murals that have made Panevėžys a hub for Lithuanian urban art.
• Ride the narrow-gauge railway — Board the historic Aukštaitijos siaurasis geležinkelis, a century-old narrow-gauge line offering nostalgic rides through the countryside.
• Stroll Laisvės aikštė — Relax in the city's central square and the surrounding pedestrian-friendly Respublikos street lined with shops and cafés.
• Panevėžys Civic Art Gallery — View rotating exhibitions of Lithuanian art, including the city's celebrated ceramics tradition.
• Ceramics workshops and studios — Discover local pottery and visit studios continuing Panevėžys's long-standing ceramics heritage.
• Local History Museum — Learn about the region's past and Aukštaitija folk culture in Panevėžys's regional museum.
• Senvagė waterfront — Walk or cycle along the reconstructed old riverbed promenade, a favourite green space for locals.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Try these hearty potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, an Aukštaitija staple served with sour cream and bacon.
• Kastinys — Sample this traditional whipped sour-cream butter dish typical of the Aukštaitija region, eaten with boiled potatoes.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cool off with cold beetroot soup, a vivid pink summer favourite served with boiled potatoes.
• Kugelis — Enjoy a baked grated-potato pudding, crispy on top and often served with sour cream or crackling.
• Local dark rye bread — Seek out traditional Lithuanian rye bread from regional bakeries, dense, sour and deeply flavourful.
• Gira — Refresh with kvass, a mildly fermented bread drink popular across Lithuania.

Local customs & good to know

• Theatre tickets sell fast — Book performances at the Miltinis Drama Theatre in advance, as popular shows often sell out.
• Compact and walkable — The city centre is easily explored on foot, so plan to stroll rather than drive between sights.
• Respect the art heritage — Panevėžys takes pride in its ceramics and street art, so support local studios and galleries when possible.
• Cash for small vendors — Carry some euros in cash, as smaller markets, cafés and craft sellers may not accept cards.

Nearby

• Burbiškis Manor — 22 km
• Anykščiai Narrow-Gauge Railway — 53 km
• Anykščiai — 53 km
• Puntukas Stone — 54 km