My Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Kaunas

When I was planning my trip to Lithuania, I’d originally planned to spend most of my time in Vilnius before heading to the coastline and enjoying the beautiful white sand beaches of the Curonian Spit.

However, the more I read about Kaunas, the more it intrigued me. Lithuania is a country you see popping up more and more in the travel industry and with Kaunas also recently being the European Capital of Culture in 2022, it has prompted massive improvements in the city’s tourism infrastructure.

Edgy and artistic, Kaunas manages to pack a significant amount of charm into its “rough-around-the-edges” exterior and I really enjoyed the few days I spent in this underrated city.

If you’re keen to get a bit off the beaten path in Lithuania and explore more of this beautiful country, here’s how I suggest planning a Kaunas itinerary to enjoy one day in the city.

Getting To & Around Kaunas

Kaunas is located about 100 kilometres west of Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius and is easily accessible from most major cities nearby. There are multiple daily bus connections from Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities, as well as Warsaw, Riga and Tallinn.

Kaunas is also home to a small international airport which serves both Ryanair, Wizzair, and LOT Polish Airlines from many destinations across Europe.

Kaunas is a small city and most everything that is of interest to visitors is within walking distance of the compact Old Town. However, if a site lies a bit out of reach, there is an extensive and easy-to-use public transport system.

Taxis are also quite affordable and can be accessed through the Bolt app which functions almost exactly like Uber.

It is worth noting that in Lithuania, along with the rest of the Baltic States, it is not commonplace to hail a taxi off the street. Locals generally call a taxi company or use the Bolt app and if you do this as well, you will almost certainly get a better rate.

1 Day in Kaunas Itinerary

If you’re short on time you can definitely see all of the highlights of Kaunas in one day.

I recommend starting your day by exploring the Old Town and enjoying the laid-back and artistic vibe of the city.

After lunch, venture beyond the Old Town and visit the more modern city centre. This is where the charms of the centuries-old city of Kaunas collide with beautiful modernist architecture and more contemporary amenities.

Kaunas Castle

The most iconic and impressive site in Kaunas would undoubtedly be its imposing castle situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers.

Originally constructed in the 14th century, this red brick castle is reminiscent of others in the region. Surrounded by a large park on the banks of the rivers, it is the perfect place to visit if the weather is warm and sunny.

It is free to walk the grounds and park outside of the castle, but there is an entry fee. I suggest spending the time to tour the castle as it offers a fascinating history of the city throughout time and there is also an art gallery in the largest tower, making it a great option if the weather isn’t cooperating with a stroll in the park!

Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy

Located in the Town Hall Square in the centre of the Old Town, this museum is a great option if you’re wondering what to do in Kaunas.

Though it might seem like a dull subject matter, the museum is packed to the brims with interesting artefacts and gives a fascinating insight into the history of medicine in Lithuania. I spent over an hour here as there is a surprising amount to see.

The museum is open from Tuesday – Saturday and includes a guided tour (available in English) in the entry fee. Admission costs €2 for adults and €1 for students and seniors.

Vilniaus Gatve & Laisvės Alėja

The Kaunas Old Town is fairly small and compact and it is impossible to miss the main pedestrian street, Vilniaus Gatve.

Though this isn’t the longest pedestrian street in the city, it is a perfect place to stroll down or grab a drink or bite to eat and observe the locals on their evenings out.

Lined with numerous restaurants and cafes, this is a fantastic place to people-watch and enjoy the feel of Kaunas. If you’re in the mood for lunch then there are also some great places to eat in this area.

If you want to try some local food, Avilys serves modern Lithuanian cuisine that pairs beautifully with their own craft beer. They have a large outside seating area as well.

If you prefer international cuisine, I really enjoyed the thin-crust pizzas from Casa Della Pasta or alternatively, Radharanė is a fantastic Indian restaurant in the area that is a great option for vegetarians.

From Vilniaus Gatve, continue your stroll to Laisvės alėja which is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. It was recently completed renovated so it’s a great place for a casual stroll after lunch!

Sugihara House

This museum, located in the Žaliakalnis neighbourhood just outside of the city centre, is best reached by either public transit or your own car, but it is well worth the journey.

Located in the former residence of the Japanese ambassador for Lithuania, the Sugihara House explores the life and work of Chiune Sugihara.

While serving as a diplomat in Kaunas during the Second World War, Sugihara is often hailed as the “Japanese Schindler” due to the fact that he issued thousands of transit visas for Lithuanian and Polish Jews fleeing Nazi occupation and saved more than 6,000 people from a horrible fate.

At the time, the only way to escape that area of Europe was to travel overland through Russia, transiting through Japan and fleeing to the Caribbean and onwards. Sugihara recognised the desperate situation these people were in and ended up signing hundreds of visas each day to help as many people as he could.

The museum gives an excellent insight into his life, as well as some personal stories from people whom he personally saved. It also includes a brief film — there are English subtitles.

It took me about an hour to see the museum and entry costs €6 for adults and €3 for students and seniors. This is absolutely one of the best museums to visit in Kaunas.

Street Art

While Vilnius is certainly no stranger to the artistic, alternative scene, it pales in comparison to Kaunas.

Due to a creative population, there is an absolutely thriving street art scene in Kaunas and you can barely walk more than a few hundred metres without discovering some beautiful piece of urban art.

If you’re interested in finding all of the amazing murals and stencil work that scatter the streets of Kaunas, be sure to stop by the tourist information centre and pick up a map.

The basic city map from the tourism board actually has points with all of the most famous works of street art marked so you can curate your own art tour of the city.

Dinner at Uoksas

If you want to treat yourself at the end of the day then consider heading to Uoksas for dinner. This was one of the most memorable meals that I had in the Baltics as they have a brilliant local seasonal menu but in a relaxed casual environment.

There is both a tasting menu and a la carte options available along with an impressive wine list. If you are looking for a special place to eat or are keen for a romantic and inventive meal while in Kaunas, then this is the place to go.

Where to Stay in Kaunas

Hof Hotel – Situated right in the heart of Kaunas, this boutique hotel is what I’d suggest if you want traditional accommodation in the centre of the city. They have double rooms for couples are larger apartments if you’re travelling as a family or group. There is a really nice breakfast available daily.

Maironis Apartment – If you’re looking to have your own space in Kaunas, then this two-bedroom apartment is ideal for a large family or group. It can sleep up to 6 people and you are within walking distance of the main sights.

Monk’s Bunk Hostel – This small and cosy hostel is an excellent option if you are travelling on a budget, solo, or just want to meet some people. They have both dorm and private rooms available, a nice common room and friendly staff to answer any questions about Kaunas.

Kaunas is a fascinating, cool, and artistic city with many interesting things to do. It might not be the first place you consider visiting, but after spending some time here, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary!

Are you planning to visit Lithuania’s second city? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!