Kaunas City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Kaunas City GuideLithuania's second city and 2022 European Capital of Culture, where a remarkable collection of interwar modernist architecture meets a vibrant street art scene, medieval old town, and thriving cafe culture at the confluence of two rivers.Key Facts

Country: Lithuania

Currency: EUR (Euro)

Language: Lithuanian

Time Zone: UTC+2

Best Time to Visit: June–August

Top Places to Visit

Kaunas Old Town — A compact medieval quarter at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, with cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, the Town Hall (nicknamed White Swan), and outdoor cafe terraces.

Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue) — A 1.6-kilometre tree-lined pedestrian avenue stretching from the old town to the new city, packed with cafes, shops, street performers, and the city's best people-watching.

Kaunas Castle — The oldest stone castle in Lithuania, dating from the 14th century, built to defend against Teutonic Knights. The surviving tower and walls sit at the river confluence.

Ninth Fort — A sobering memorial and museum at a 19th-century fort where over 50,000 people were killed during the Holocaust. An essential and moving site for understanding Lithuania's history.

Žaliakalnis Funicular — One of the oldest funiculars in Europe (1931), climbing to the Žaliakalnis hilltop for panoramic views. Nearby is the Christ's Resurrection Church with its rooftop terrace.

Local Food

Cepelinai — Lithuania's national dish: large potato-dough dumplings stuffed with minced meat, curd cheese, or mushrooms, served with sour cream and bacon cracklings.

Šaltibarščiai — A vibrant pink cold beetroot soup served in summer, made with kefir, diced cucumber, dill, and boiled egg. Refreshing, distinctive, and uniquely Lithuanian.

Kepta Duona — Deep-fried rye bread strips rubbed with garlic and served with cheese sauce. Lithuania's favourite beer snack, found in every pub.

Šakotis — A spectacular tree cake made by dripping batter onto a rotating spit over fire, creating branching spikes. A traditional celebration cake and beloved Lithuanian symbol.

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