Your Last BordersBEST PLACES TO VISIT IN LITHUANIA
Welcome to the ultimate list of the best places to visit in Lithuania. A complete recap of the best cities, natural wonders and historical sites to enjoy in the southernmost Baltic State. here you’ll find everything you need to prepare your ideal trip to Lithuania.
Lithuania was a powerful empire between the 14th and the 16th centuries and its cities still host many stunning medieval remnants. Later on, the country was part of the Soviet Union for over fifty years. Expect great museums and monuments describing this Soviet past across Lithuania.
Last but not least, the country has some UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Natural Parks worth visiting. I will tell you all about them here so keep this list of things to do in Lithuania very handy and enjoy some wonderful holidays to Lithuania.
Best cities to visit in Lithuania
Lithuania is home to vibrant cities and towns hosting beautiful buildings, coy cafes, and tasty restaurants. There’s so much to do in Lithuanian cities and they make a great base to further explore the countryside. The following are the best cities to visit in Lithuania.
1. Vilnius
Vilnius is the biggest city in Lithuania and its capital city. Thus, it’s a must visit spot among cities in Lithuania. Home to the biggest airport in Lithuania and with great road connexions with Latvia, Poland, and Belarus, Vilnius hosts many Lithuania tourist attractions. You can read more about them on this post on the best places to visit in Vinius Lithuania.
Vilnius sightseeing includes churches such as its neoclassical cathedral and St. Anne’s. Along with medieval remnants such as the Gate of Dawn, the Artillery Bastion, and the Gediminas tower. As a Vilnius tourist, one should also venture outside the medieval Old Town and explore the modern neighborhoods. Especially Uzupis Republic. Make sure to spare some time to enjoy local cuisine and try dishes such as Cepelinai which is Lithuania’s national dish.
2. Kaunas
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second biggest city. A university hub an hour west of Vilnius, in central Lithuania, home to many cool tourist attractions in Lithuania. The city dates back to the 10th century and retains many medieval monuments. Including its cobblestone streets, the Gothic Kaunas Castle, remnants of the fortification wall, the city hall, and the Cathedral of Peter and Paul.
Yet, the places to visit in Kaunas are not only ancient buildings. Kaunas sightseeing also involves modern street art, the modernist houses on Laisves avenue, and interesting museums. Particularly, the Kaunas tourist experience is incomplete without a visit to the Devil’s museum, which hosts over three thousand sculptures and paintings of devils.
If you visit Kaunas, make sure to also spot the city’s funicular. It’s one of the oldest in Europe. Plus no other city in the country hosts a funicular so it’s something unique about Kaunas. Riding it to Christ’s Resurrection’s church and enjoying the views on the way is one of the best things to do during your holidays in Lithuania.
Finally, consider attending a basketball match in Zalgirio Arena, mingling with the students in the underground bars, and learning about WWII at the Ninth Fort Memorial dedicated to the Jews and Poles prosecuted here.
3. Palanga
Palanga is Lithuania’s top beach destination. You’ll find it about 3.5h from Vilnius, north of Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea. It’s 18km sandy beach offers clear cool waters surrounded by countless bars and restaurants. Thus, i’s one of the best places to visit in Lithuania.
Palanga is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends as it offers a relaxed atmosphere yet there’s so much to do here. From electro parties during the high season to architectural attractions in Lithuania. Including beautiful sunset spots, amusement parks, and street art. And, of course, the neo-Renaissance Tiskeviciai Palace and the famous Palamga Amber Museum.
Best natural and historical places to visit in Lithuania
Lithuania is home to natural parks, beaches, sand dunes, and many natural wonder that will delight those looking to escape the crowds during their holidays. Additionally, the country hosts some historical buildings well worth a visit that make stunning Lithuania must see spots. The following are the best natural and historical places to visit in Lithuania.
4. Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lithuania. A spit is a long yet narrow bit of land surrounded by water. Curonian spit is 98km long, and its width varies from 400 metres to 4km. The eastern coast is the Curonian Lagoon, while the western side faces the Baltic Sea. The northern bit of the spit belongs to Lithuania, while the southern is part of Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
The spit is accessible by ferry from Klaipeda, a cool one among cities of Lithuania as it belong to the Prussian Empire and hosts some German heritage. Curonian spit and the Curonian Lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its stunning nature and historical villages. It originated from a glacier over 5000 years ago and now hosts one of the few ice-free ports in Northern Europe and is an awarded national park.
Travelers visit Curonian Spit to enjoy the highest sand dunes in Europe, some surpassing 60 metres. Climbing to their tops is no joke yet it makes one of the coolest things to do in Lithuania. And so is visiting its ancient fishermen villages such as Nida or Juodkrante. Relax at the sandy beaches, sample delicious fresh fish, admire wooden sculptures of local characters, shop at the farmers market, and take in its laid-back atmosphere. The Curonian Spit is one of the best places to visit in Lithuania and one you shouldn’t miss. After all, one doesn’t get to see Russia from a sand dune every day!
5. Trakai
Trakai is a small historical town surrounded by lakes that makes it to every list of what to do in Lithuania. It’s 30km from Vilnius and easily accessible by car, public transport, or on a day tour. Here you’ll find cute wooden houses, a synagogue, Soviet-style buildings, and restaurants offering fresh local dishes.
Yet, what makes Trakai a must among what to see in Lithuania is Trakai castle. One of the most beautiful and famous castles in Lithuania. Since it stands on an island, it’s often also referred to as Trakai island castle. This highlight of Lithuanian history was built in 1409 and served as the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Trakai castle opening hours are from 10am to 7pm. Nowadays there’s a museum inside and the entrance fee is 8$. Additionally, its red-brick walls and defensive structure are best enjoyed from a boat on the lake.
6. Hill of Crosses
The hill of crosses is a highlight of Lithuania tourism despite being quite far from the biggest cities in Lithuania. You’ll find these famous crosses in Lithuania 2.5 hours north of Vilnius, and 2 hours north of Kaunas. This is one of the most interesting places to see in Lithuania due to its historical relevance. A place full of resilience, requests, and remembrance.
The Soviet Union banned religion, so wearing crosses wasn’t acceptable under the Soviet regime. Yet, Lithuania used to be a very religious country and since 1850 locals used to bring crosses to this nearby hill to remember those who had perished. As Soviets would destroy the crosses and punish those who brought them, taking crosses to the hill was a way to challenge the regime. A symbol of resistance, braveness, and remembrance. A tradition that still remains nowadays.
Therefore, the hill of crosses is now home to over 200,000 crosses in all shapes and colours. You can even buy one nearby and join the monument, making your very own contribution to the Lithuania places to visit. As did Pope John Paul II in 1993 when visiting the country. This pilgrimage site also hosts statues of Virgin Mary and many saints. ALong with crucifixes and inscriptions. It’s like a cemetery with no graves. Such a unique spot among the places in Lithuania to visit.
7. Aukstaitija National Park
Aukstaitija National Park is one of the nicest forests in Lithuania. Its hills, woods, lakes, and rivers delight every nature lover. Thus, when the climate in Lithuania allows, the park is ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking, camping, fishing, and swimming. Indeed, local lake Baluosas hosts seven island home to hundreds of plants and animals species.
There’s also over 100 rustic villages nearby offering rural accommodation options. These have been inhabited since antiquity and still keep burial sites, Viking churches, and traditional artifacts. Highlights of the area include the beekeeping museum and the oldest wooden church in the country.
8. Dzukija Natial Park
Dzukija, at the south-east of Lithuania’s and right by the Belorussian border, is the country’s largest national park. This area of natural beauty occupies over 550km2 of pine forests, lakes, and channels of Nemunas River.
It’s the perfect place for trekking, mushroom hunting, cycling, and kayaking. And to explore the local villages and learn about the traditional Lithuanian way of living. These host cozy rural hotels in Lithuania and offer delicious local cuisine. Thus, if you love nature and escaping the crows make sure to spend some time in Dzukija when you visit Lithuania.
Recap on the best places to visit in Lithuania
I strongly believe the Baltics are a hidden gem in Europe. There’s so much to do and see in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Those, if you are considering a trip to Lithuania, keep this post handy and reach out with any questions via my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages.
Lithuania is home to university towns, medieval cities, and vibrant new neighbourhoods. The best cities in Lithuania include Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga. In Vilnius make sure to visit the Old Town. In Kaunas don’t miss the gothic castle, and in Palanga gate ready to enjoy the Baltic Sea.
Nature lovers will have a blast at the Curonian Spit, home to wonderful landscapes all year round. Likewise, the National Parks of Aukstaitija and of Dzukija are the perfect places to unwind when in Lithuania. Finally, make sure to include Trakai Castle and the Hill of Crosses in your Lithuana itinerary. Both make great historical sites hard to find elsewhere. Go ahead, book those flights to Lithuania and have a wonderful trip!
