Located 100km to the west of Lithuania’s capital Vilnius, Kaunas is a great value destination with more than its fair share of great restaurants, interesting museums and green leafy spaces.
Read on for tips on how to make the most of a short break in this city…
Walking Tours: By far the best way to explore Kaunas is by foot – a walking tour with local guides gives you the inside track. Some highlights you’ll encounter along the way include the funicular train and the inspiring local community art space.
Keep your eyes peeled as you wander – the city’s architecture tells the story of Kaunas’s past, from its medieval origins right through to the era of Tsarist rule, Nazi occupation and the Soviet takeover after WWII.
Cycling: Cycling in Kaunas is easy, with plenty of city bikes to rent around the city – look out for the orange City Bee bikes.
Buses: The local bus service is fast, frequent and cheap, with real-time information displayed on bus stops.
For a heaven-sent lunchtime experience, head to Monte Pacis Hotel and Restaurant which is located just 10 minutes from the city centre and can be easily reached by taxi or the number 9 and 12 trolleybus.
It’s a fully-functioning monastery, filled with fruit trees that supply the restaurant with the freshest ingredients.
Agave – chef and owner Rodrigo brings an authentic taste of Mexico to the heart of Kaunas. Sample some of the 90 incredible tequilas and don’t miss the ‘drunk chicken’, so called because of its deliciously tender texture – best enjoyed as it falls straight off the bone.
Hop Doc – A hip little haunt with hundreds of beers from around the world and new selections every month. Try the pork ribs with smoked scotch whiskey BBQ sauce and parmesan and truffle chips. Divine.
Vista Puode – ‘The Hen in the Pot’ is run by husband and wife team Greta and Egidijus who took inspiration from their childhoods, which were spent in their grandparents’ homes in the countryside.
The menu is a hearty home-cooked dishes with a modern twist. Sit under the linden trees outside or enjoy the bright spacious interior laid out across three different areas.
The Devil’s Museum is home to a unique collection of devils from nearly every country in the world – along with fascinating folklore and fairy tales.
The National M.K. Ciurlionis Art Museum is dedicated to Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionas, one of the pioneers of abstract art in Europe and also a prolific composer and poet.
Kaunas Castle is the city’s pride and joy, a restored medieval castle located near the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris. Check out the museum of medieval artefacts, from the basement, right up to the top of the round tower where there are spectacular views from the balcony.
Visit during the Kaunas Hanseatic Days Festival and experience medieval re-enactments, real-life duels between knights in full costume, medieval song and dance, archery and craft workshops.
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