S. Darius and S. Girėnas Airfield

Lithuania's second city blends interwar modernism with vibrant youthful energy.

Kaunas served as Lithuania's provisional capital between the World Wars, and that era left behind one of Europe's most intact collections of Art Deco and Lithuanian Nationalist architecture. The pedestrianized Laisvės Alėja boulevard and the compact Old Town sit side by side, making the city very walkable and visually rewarding.

Home to several universities, Kaunas has a lively café culture, independent art spaces, and a street-art scene that punches well above the city's size. The European Capital of Culture designation in 2022 accelerated a wave of creative projects and museum renovations that continue to energize the city.

Despite being Lithuania's second-largest city, Kaunas feels unhurried compared to Vilnius, and prices for food, accommodation, and entertainment are noticeably lower, making it an appealing destination for budget-conscious travelers.

• •Kaunas Castle — medieval stone fortress at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers.
• •Laisvės Alėja — elegant pedestrian boulevard lined with interwar architecture and cafés.
• •Ninth Fort — sobering Soviet-era memorial and museum documenting WWII Holocaust history.
• •Žaliakalnis Funicular — charming 1930s funicular connecting the old town hill neighborhoods.
• •M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum — vast collection of Lithuania's most celebrated painter and composer.
• •Pažaislis Monastery — stunning 17th-century Baroque complex set beside the Kaunas reservoir.

Getting around: Kaunas has an efficient network of trolleybuses and buses covering the city; a rechargeable KaunasCard or contactless bank card works on all public transit. Taxis and the Bolt rideshare app are widely available and inexpensive. The Old Town and Laisvės Alėja are best explored on foot, and the city also has a growing network of rental bikes and e-scooters. Kaunas Airport connects to several European cities, and intercity trains and buses link the city to Vilnius in roughly 70–90 minutes.

Best time: Late May through early September offers warm, sunny weather ideal for outdoor sightseeing, festivals, and riverside walks.

Local food: Try cold beet soup šaltibarščiai, hearty potato dumplings cepelinai stuffed with meat or curd, and the beloved local pastry sakotis at any of the city's traditional bakeries.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.