Šiauliai

Lithuania's fourth-largest city, known for its quirky museums and the striking sundial Sun Clock square. It makes a practical base for exploring the region and boasts the Baroque Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Things to do

• Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul — Visit this white Renaissance-Baroque cathedral whose 70-meter tower is among the tallest in Lithuania.
• Sundial Square (Saulės laikrodžio aikštė) — Admire the golden statue of an archer atop a column that serves as the gnomon of a giant sundial, symbolizing the city's name derived from the sun.
• Hill of Crosses — Take a short trip north of the city to this world-famous pilgrimage site covered with hundreds of thousands of crosses.
• Cat Museum — Explore a quirky collection of thousands of cat-themed figurines, artworks, and curiosities from around the world.
• Chaim Frenkel Villa — Tour the restored Art Nouveau residence of a Jewish leather magnate, now part of the Aušra Museum with period interiors.
• Bicycle Museum — See historic and unusual bicycles reflecting Šiauliai's status as a former bike-manufacturing hub.
• Photography Museum — Browse exhibitions tracing the history of photography with vintage cameras and Lithuanian photographic art.
• Talkša Lake and pedestrian boulevard — Stroll along Vilniaus Street, one of Europe's oldest pedestrian boulevards, then relax by nearby Talkša Lake.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Try these large potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat and served with sour cream and bacon, a Lithuanian staple.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cool off with this bright pink cold beet soup made with kefir, served with boiled potatoes in summer.
• Kibinai — Sample these Karaite savory pastries filled with meat, popular across Lithuania and found in local bakeries.
• Kepta duona — Snack on deep-fried rye bread sticks rubbed with garlic, a favorite bar accompaniment to local beer.
• Šakotis — Taste this spit-baked tree cake with spiky branches, a festive Lithuanian dessert sold at markets and bakeries.
• Local craft beer — Sample regional Lithuanian beers and farmhouse ales in the city's pubs, reflecting a strong northern brewing tradition.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Hill of Crosses — Treat the site as a sacred pilgrimage place; you may add your own small cross but keep quiet and respectful.
• Greet with a handshake — Lithuanians tend to be reserved with strangers, so a firm handshake and modest demeanor are appreciated over loud enthusiasm.
• Cash and cards — Cards are widely accepted, but carry some euros for small kiosks, markets, and rural stops around the region.
• Sun symbolism — Note the recurring sun motif across the city, tied to the name Šiauliai and celebrated in monuments and local identity.

Nearby

• Hill of Crosses — 11 km
• Kurtuvėnai Regional Park — 15 km
• Telšiai (Telšiai & Samogitia) — 67 km
• Panevėžys (Panevėžys Region) — 68 km