Kaunas Tourism Information
Previously being Lithuania's capital, now it's second largest city, enjoy's much awaited rejuvenation. The city is home to many universities and institutions. It's a famous city for many foreign students choosing Kaunas for it's academic offerings and lower rental costs. At the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers, Kaunas Castle is a medieval fortress housing historical exhibitions worth exploring. It's all in walking distance to the the city centre, a pedestrianised street lined up with trees, benches, cafes, shops or souvenirs stalls and restaurants which cross the city from west to east.
Kaunas has a humid continental climate. Summers (June to September) are warm, with daytime temperatures often topping 28°C, on the hottest days. Although average temperatures are closer to 23°C. However, it can rain often, June is the rainiest month of the year. Summers are also the high season for Kaunas, but it never feels overcrowded in the city.
Spring and Autumns are nice to visit also for the vegetation colors, since Lithuania is a very green country. Temperatures during the shoulder seasons are pleasant to visit with day time figures reaching 15-18°C but at night it will become chilly, dropping to 8-12°C.
Winters (December to March) is quite cold, with temperatures hovering around 5°C but in occasions it can drop to below -10°C. Lakes and rivers freeze over at this time of year, which provides great ice-skating opportunities. However, with global warming, Winters are not as harsh and each year the snow, although likely, is less heavy and melts within a few weeks.
The best time to visit Kaunas is from April to October for nice temperatures, comfortable outdoor walking and countryside trips.
Arriving to Kaunas by air is easy thanks to direct flights by Ryanair and Wizz Air to 17 European airports. As you arrive you can take bus No. 29 which connects Kaunas Airport with the city centre. The journey takes about 45 minutes. There are also buses from Kaunas International Airport to Vilnius, Klaipėda, Riga and Minsk. Alternatively you can arrive to kaunas by international bus from other capitals like Riga, Tallinn or Warsaw.
The city has frequent links with Vilnius (the major city) by bus or train costing €5 a single ticket. Within Kaunas, there is an extensive bus and trolleybus service. However when you visiting you shouldn't need to take public transport as everything is close by.
You will find lots of history in Kaunas streets and buildings. Walk around the pedestrian streets in the city centre, take a coffee break in the many quaint cafes, go shopping or explore nature in the nearby parks around the city. The highlights of the city are:
- Kaunas Castle, a medieval castle which by it's archeological evidence suggests that it was originally built during the mid-14th century, in the Gothic style.
- Kaunas City Museum and the City Hall Square (Rotuses Aikstes) is a popular place for markets and social activities during the weekends.
- Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, a Roman Catholic cathedral.
- St. Michael the Archangel's Church, Roman Catholic church.
- The House of Perkūnas, is one of the most original and Gothic secular buildings, located in the Old Town.
- Vilniaus street, you can walk the full length of the street till you arrive to the Castle, along the way cafes, traditional Lithuanian houses, shops and other cultural sights!
- The Vytautas the Great,War Museum, established in 1921, it hosts historical artefacts belonging to Lithuania and Kaunas from prehistoric times to the present day, including a large collection of historical weapons.
- Ninth Fort, part of the Kaunas Fortress, which was constructed in the late 19th century. To get there you will need to go by bus or taxi.
There are many great craft beers in Kaunas, including the immensely popular honey beer (midus). Along the city centre pedestrian street of Kaunas you will find many bars and restaurants offering outside meals and drinks. (weather permitting). Also head to Akropolis Mall for indoor entertainment, restaurants, cafes and the largest cinema.
Laisvės alėja, is the place to go for shopping, it's one of the longest pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe. All the way its spotted not only with trees, but with unique cafés and stores as well. For the best shopping mall in Kaunas head to Akropolis.
Kaunas is cheap when travelling on a budget and staying close to the city centre can cost from €25 per night. There are plenty of Hostels available as the city is popular for students and weekends can get quite busy. Alternative private accommodation via Airbnb is also possible.
Kaunas is a small city and walking around the centre can be done in a day. However visiting around and exploring some of the highlights of the city requires some transportation. Staying 2 nights would be enough.
Kaunas Photo Slide 📷