1. Vilnius, capital of Lithuania
- Where to stay in Vilnius: Congress Avenue.
My trip to Lithuania began in its beautiful capital, Vilnius, whose historic center was named a World Heritage Site in 1994. There is no lack of reasons. It is impossible not to be captivated by the beauty of its facades, its cobblestone streets, the atmosphere, and its many cafes and restaurants with terraces.
Whenever I visit a European city, my favorite thing to do is to walk its streets until my feet say enough is enough. Vilnius is a perfect city for this, as it is not very big. It has just over half a million inhabitants, making it the most populous city in the country and a great must-see in Lithuania.
🎟️ One of the best ways to tour the Lithuanian capital is through this free tour of Vilnius. Thanks to this two and a half-hour guided tour, you will be able to visit the most important places with a local while learning interesting facts about the culture and history of the country.
Things to do in Vilnius
If you visit the capital of Lithuania, don’t miss it:
The Cathedral Square
It is the main square in Vilnius. Here you will find the Vilnius Cathedral and the Belfry. At the back are the Gediminas Monument and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Vilnius University
Founded in 1579, Vilnius University is the oldest university in the Baltic countries and the largest in all of Lithuania. What I liked most about the university were the frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the Lithuanian Studies Center. Very beautiful. Also, don’t miss the Church of Saint Johns.
Uzupis, a unique neighborhood to see in Lithuania
If there is one place in Vilnius that I especially liked, it was the Uzupis neighborhood. This neighborhood, full of artists and bohemians, will awaken all your senses while strolling through its charming streets.
The Gate of Dawn
The Gate of Dawn is the only one of the 10 defensive gates built around Vilnius that has not been destroyed. Inside, there is a small and important chapel with the image of the Virgin Mary. The streets around this gate are beautiful.
Best views of Vilnius
If, when you get to know a new city, you like to see it from the heights, I recommend you go to one of the following places to have a good view of Vilnius: Gediminas Tower, Three Crosses Hill, Vilnius University Bell Tower, and Cathedral Bell Tower.
🚗 Do you need a car for your trip to Lithuania? I recommend you compare prices on Discover Cars, a search engine that will be very useful to find the best rental prices. In addition, it is possible to include in your reservation full insurance at a very good price.
2. Trakai Castle, a must see in Lithuania
- Where to eat in Trakai: Kybynlar Restaurant.
- Where to stay in Trakai: Argo Trakai.
One of the most beautiful and special places to visit in Lithuania is Trakai Castle. This medieval castle is built on an island located in the middle of the Galvé Lake, which creates a beautiful sight. In its beginnings, Trakai Castle was the place of residence of the dukes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Although the capital of the Grand Duchy was later moved to Vilnius, the famous castle continued to serve as the residence of the nobility and their families. In the 16th century, Trakai Castle became a prison for prisoners of war.
Today, it is possible to visit the castle. During the visit, you can walk through the rooms of the castle and learn about the history around it. The price of the visit is $12 (from May to September) or 10€ (from October to April).
Although it was interesting to be inside and learn some facts, in my opinion, what is most worthwhile is to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Trakai Castle, bathed by the waters of Lake Galvé and linked to the surface through its 300-meter wooden bridge.
Trakai Castle is not the only attraction in this Lithuanian town. Trakai hides one more secret: Karaism, a current of Judaism that differs by rejecting the oral tradition. Centuries ago, Karaite families who were being persecuted settled in Trakai, where they were helped by the Grand Duke.
Hundreds of years later, there is still a Karaite population in Trakai. One of the best ways to get to know this minority is through Karaite gastronomy. Do not leave without tasting their famous kibinai.
3. Hill of Crosses
One of the visits that surprised me the most during my trip to Lithuania was the Hill of Crosses. It seemed to me to be a very peculiar place, unique, and with a touch of mystery. This hill has more than 100,000 crosses of various sizes that Catholic believers have left over the years.
The origin of this place is somewhat uncertain. It is believed that the first crosses were left by the relatives of the rebels who died during the uprising of 1831. Later, in 1863, the Tsarist authorities banned the establishment of crosses, which led to more people leaving crosses on the hill.
Over time, the Hill of Crosses has undergone several destructions, but it has always come back to life. Today, it is a symbol of the resistance, faith, and hope of the Lithuanian people, making it a very curious and special place to visit in Lithuania.
4. Visit Klaipeda, a charming city
- Where to eat in Klaipeda: MONAI Restaurant.
- Where to stay in Klaipeda: Guest House Pirklių Namai.
Klaipeda is the most important port city in Lithuania. Although it is not one of the most impressive cities to see in Lithuania, if you are passing through, it is not a bad idea to take a walk through the historic center. It is a city with a lot of German influence, something you will see reflected in many of its houses. I recommend that you visit Theater Square, walk along the Dane River, and eat something in one of the restaurants that you can find in this passage.
I can’t find the name of the street, but if you look for Foxes Restaurant, you will arrive at this little street with such a good atmosphere. From Klaipeda, you can take a ferry across the Curlandia lagoon to the Curlandia isthmus, one of the most beautiful places in Lithuania.
5. Nida (Neringa) – Curonian Spit
- Where to stay in Nida: SPA Nida.
Once you pass the Curonian Lagoon, you will come to one of the most special places to see in Lithuania: the Curonian Isthmus. It is an elongated peninsula 98 km long that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Fifty-two of these kilometers belong to Lithuania, while the rest belong to Russia. The municipality of Neringa, with only about 3,000 inhabitants, is located on the peninsula. The capital of Neringa is Nida, a small town I fell in love with.
Nida is located in the southern part of Neringa. Its great charm lies in its picturesque streets, full of wooden houses with colorful gardens. It is bathed by the waters of the Curlandia lagoon, which many take advantage of to practice water sports. Just 2 kilometers in the opposite direction, you can enjoy a day at the beach on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Another of the great attractions of this Lithuanian town are its beautiful dunes, a perfect place from which to watch the sunrise.
A very curious place to see in Lithuania is also located on the isthmus of Curland: the Witches’ Hill. On this hill, you can find up to 80 sculptures carved in wood representing tales and legends of Lithuanian culture. I found it a very peculiar place with a touch of mystery that I loved. In addition, the walk through the forest is very nice.
6. Visit Kaunas, one of the best things to do in Lithuania
- Where to eat in Kaunas: Višta Puode.
- Where to stay in Kaunas: Best Western Santakos.
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania and stands out for its beautiful old town. As soon as we arrived in the city, we went to the Town Hall Square, where we found a market that continued along Vilniaus Street. Vilniaus Street is the oldest street in the city. This pedestrian street is full of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores. Walking along it is a must-do during your visit to Kaunas.
Another place you can’t miss in Kaunas is Freedom Avenue (Laisvės Alėja). It is the main shopping street in the city. The avenue is separated into two parts thanks to a walkway lined on both sides by trees. At the end of the avenue, you will find the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Other places to visit in the city are the Kaunas Castle and the Pažaislis Monastery, two buildings with a lot of history.
7. Anyksciai and the Treetop Walking Path
- Where to eat in Anyksciai: Perino Food & Wine.
- Where to stay in Anyksciai: Spa Vilnius Anykščiai.
Just over an hour’s drive from Vilnius is Anyksciai. This small town is attracting more and more tourists, both Lithuanians and foreigners. The surrounding nature is one of the main reasons. One of the best places to get close to nature is the Treetop Walking Path, a 300-meter-long footbridge located at a height of 21 meters.
On the walkway, there are a total of 13 stops, accompanied by poems by the famous Lithuanian poet Baranauskas. The last stop is a tower with a lookout located 34 meters high. From the lookout, you can see a sea of trees accompanied and Šventoji river. A beautiful landscape.
8. Palanga, beach and partying during the summer
- Where to stay in Palanga: Palangos Vetra.
If you are visiting Lithuania in the summer, you may be interested in going to Palanga, one of the main beach and party destinations during this time of the year.
The main attraction of this place is its 18-kilometer beach, where you can go swimming during the day or attend one of the musical events held at night. Another of the things you can’t miss in Palanga is going to watch the sunset at its incredible pier.
Although Palanga is more than just a beach and party, The city also has other places to visit for those interested in art and culture. Don’t miss Birute Botanical Park, the Amber Museum, and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
9. Žemaitija National Park, for nature lovers
- Where to stay in Žemaitija: At Tevukus.
The Žemaitija National Park is located in northwestern Lithuania. It has a total of 26 lakes, occupying 8% of the total park territory. The largest lake is Lake Plateliai. Next to this lake is the small village of Platelia, where the park administration and information center are located.
In the village square, you can visit one of the oldest wooden churches in Lithuania, built in 1744. In Plateliai Park, you can also find the largest ash tree in Lithuania.
Žemaitija is the perfect destination for those who are looking for a few days of disconnection from the outside world and connection with nature. Therefore, most of the accommodations inside the park are summer houses, farms, and campsites.
I stayed at Tevukus Farm, a place I highly recommend. It is a family business located next to Lake Berzoras. It has four large wooden houses that are perfectly equipped (including a sauna) for guests. There is the possibility of experiencing a traditional dinner typical of the area in the last century. It was a magical experience.
In the park, you can enjoy activities such as walks, cycling routes, water activities (in the Plateliai, Berzoas, and Iglis lakes), camping, visiting museums and exhibitions, etc.
10. Kedainiai, one of the oldest towns in Lithuania
- Where to stay in Kedainiai: Grėjaus Namas.
If you would like to visit a charming village during your trip, don’t hesitate to visit Kedainiai, one of the oldest towns in the country. As you stroll through the beautiful old town, you can discover its rich history and beautifully preserved cobblestone streets.
Start by walking along Didzioji Street, the main avenue of Kedainiai, where you will find several restaurants on both sides. Then visit the beautiful market square to go and see the beautiful and picturesque little houses that are located there.
Map of most beautiful places in Lithuania
In the following map of Lithuania, I have marked all the places mentioned in this article, so you can get an idea of the locations and distances. As you can see, it is a small country, so I recommend renting a car and exploring it freely.
On the map, I have also marked the recommended accommodations with their respective links to Booking.
I hope this post about the best places to visit in Lithuania has been very useful for you. If you want to add any places or have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. See you next time!
