Are you planning to visit Lithuania in 2025? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new destination to explore? Lithuania has many amazing places to visit, from the white sand dunes in the west to the charming capital, Vilnius, in the southeast. Here are six must-see locations in Lithuania that should be on your travel list.
Vilnius
Time to spent in Vilnius: 2 – 4 days
Best time to visit Vilnius: May – September
Vilnius is the top destination you should visit when in Lithuania. The capital city of modern Lithuania, as well as the historical capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, offers something for everyone: city breaks, business trips, history, food, adventure, architecture, and even nature lovers will find something to enjoy! The easiest way to get to Vilnius is by flying into Vilnius Airport, but it's also common to travel by bus from nearby countries. Vilnius is a great starting point for exploring Lithuania.
© GO Vilnius. A panoramic view of Vilnius from Gediminas Tower - one of the must see places in Lithuania
What makes Vilnius truly amazing? The city is rich in history and culture. Most visitors are captivated by the Old Town, which is one of the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some travelers spend their entire visit exploring the Old Town, and it’s easy to see why. The narrow winding streets, beautiful churches (like St. Peter and St. Paul, famous for its interior), and hidden courtyards offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and photography. Vilnius has always been a multicultural city surrounded by powerful neighbors, making it an interesting place to learn about the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the tragic times of occupation and Jewish history.
Even though the Old Town is a main attraction, there’s much more to discover. Just a short walk from the Old Town is Užupis, a quirky artists’ republic with its own constitution, rules, and lots of art. If you're a fan of street art, check out the Open Gallery, an open-air space showcasing over thirty murals by artists from around the world, or wander through the New Town (Naujamiesčio), where you can find more murals, sculptures, and cool new restaurants and cafes. On rainy days, Vilnius also has interesting museums to visit. Some popular options are the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights, which focuses on post-WWII history, and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, showcasing the history of the Grand Duchy. For art lovers, the MO Museum is a local favorite. Don’t miss the chance to taste Lithuanian dishes in traditional restaurants and enjoy Vilnius' nightlife on Vilniaus and Islandijos streets. During summer, you can even fly over the city in a hot air balloon or go kayaking on the Vilnia or Neris rivers.
© Vilnius with Locals tours. One of the unique attractions in Lithuania - hot air balloons taking off at Vingis Park for a flight over Vilnius.
If you’re new to the city, consider joining a free walking tour. It’s a great way to learn about Vilnius and its history in just two hours. Our local guides also offer valuable tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your time in the city. Check out our blog for more posts about things to do in Vilnius, including events, local activities, and travel tips.
If you have just a few days to visit Lithuania, Vilnius is the place to go!
Trakai
Time to spent in Trakai: half a day
Best time to visit Trakai: early morning
Trakai is a charming small town, about 30 minutes from Vilnius, surrounded by picturesque lakes. The town is famous for its red-brick Trakai Castle, which sits on an island in the middle of a lake. This historical castle, once home to the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The town offers stunning views as it is surrounded by lakes, making it a great place to relax and take photos.
© Vilnius with Locals tours. The most visited place in Lithuania - Trakai with its red brick castle in the middle of the lake
Trakai can get crowded, especially during the summer months (May-September), particularly on weekends when locals also visit. To avoid the crowds, we recommend going early in the morning. If the weather is nice, rent a boat and enjoy the views from the water. Many people offer boat rentals around the lakes. If you prefer staying on land, you can visit the museum inside the castle (entrance fees are 10-12 EUR, with discounts for students and seniors). However, if you’ve visited other castles in Europe, don’t expect to see a lot inside, as many parts were lost during Lithuania’s troubled history.
Another must-try in Trakai is the kibinas, a traditional dish from the local Karaites community. The Karaites, who were brought to Lithuania from Crimea more than 600 years ago, have preserved their unique traditions. You can find kibinas and other Karaites dishes in restaurants around the castle. To enjoy the experience fully, we recommend picking up a few kibinas to take away, renting a boat, and savoring them on the lake!
Kibinas is great food to take on a picnic. Photo by Senoji kibinine
Getting to Trakai from Vilnius is easy by public transport, or if you’re feeling active, you can cycle there. A half-day is enough to explore the castle, try the kibinas, and enjoy the lake. Check our recommendations on How to get to Trakai.
The Hill of Crosses
Time to spent in the Hill of Crosses: around 1 hour
Best time to visit the Hill of Crosses: daytime
The Hill of Crosses is a symbol of Lithuanian resistance during the Russian Empire rule and the Soviet era. People began placing crosses on the hill to preserve their faith and identity in times of oppression. It’s located a bit off the beaten path, so getting there by public transport is a challenge, but it’s worth the visit. Check out our Blog post How to get to the Hill of Crosses.
© Vilnius with Locals tours. Visiting one of the unique tourist attractions in Lithuania - Hill of Crosses - with Vilnius with Locals tour guide
Lithuania is a relatively flat country, so don’t expect a towering mountain. However, walking through the small paths among thousands of crosses, some of which were brought from all over the world, is an unforgettable experience. You’ll even find a cross sent by Pope John Paul II after his visit to Lithuania in 1993.
The Hill of Crosses is a great stop if you’re traveling between Lithuania and Latvia. It’s located in a remote area, so we recommend including it in your itinerary between Vilnius, Kaunas, and Riga. You can visit it on a short trip from these cities.
Kaunas
Time to spent in Kaunas: 1-2 days
Best time to visit Kaunas: May - September
Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city and former capital, is located about 1 hour 15 minutes from Vilnius. It’s a unique city, offering a different perspective on Lithuania’s culture and history.
Kaunas is known for its modernist architecture, which developed during the interwar period when it was the provisional capital of Lithuania. In fact, Kaunas was the first city in Eastern and Central Europe to be named a UNESCO City of Design. In 2024, Kaunas’ modernist architecture was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can admire this architecture along Laisvės Avenue and in the surrounding streets. To begin your explorations, check out this map featuring the most important modernist buildings, complete with descriptions.
© Gintaras Vitulskis. One of the examples of modernist architecture in Kaunas
Kaunas is also the heart of Lithuania’s "second religion": basketball! If you get the chance, attend a game at the Žalgirio Arena to experience the local passion for the sport.
While Kaunas is often associated with modernism and basketball, it also boasts a charming Old Town, a vibrant street art scene, and many interesting museums. One of the most unusual museums is the Devil’s Museum, which houses over 3,000 devil-related artifacts. Not far from here, you can visit one of the oldest funiculars in Europe and take a ride to the Christ’s Resurrection Church, which offers stunning panoramic views of Kaunas.
© Vilnius with Locals tours. One of the main streets in Kaunas city centre
On the outskirts of Kaunas, visit the Ninth Fort, a memorial and museum dedicated to the Jews who perished there during WWII.
IX Fort - a memorial museum to the victims of Holocaust
If you're looking for more inspiration, the Kaunastic maps and guides are a great resource. They offer various themes such as sports, street art, Art Deco, and more, helping you tailor your visit to your interests. Kaunas has something for everyone and is definitely worth including in your travels around Lithuania.
Aukštaitija National Park
Time to spent in Aukštaitija National park: from one day to one week
Best time to visit Aukštaitija National Park: July-August
Aukštaitija National Park is perfect for nature lovers. Located in northeastern Lithuania, the park is popular among locals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers beautiful lakes, forests, hills, and traditional villages. The park is perfect for hiking, cycling, and water activities, though it can be challenging to navigate without a car due to limited public transportation.
© Birutė Simanavičienė. A wooden church of Palūšė with a view to Lūšys lake - one of the attractions in Aukštaitija National Park
The main attraction of the park is Palūšė, a small tourist village that is a great place to start exploring the area. One of the highlights of the village is the oldest wooden church in Lithuania, which is full of history.
In Palūšė, you can stay in cozy accommodations, follow hiking trails, and relax on the beaches by Lake Lūšys. The village can get busy on weekends, but it is still a wonderful spot to enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere. The park also offers many activities for visitors. You can join a guided tour or explore on your own. Rent a boat, kayak, or bike to enjoy the nature around you.
Make sure to visit the Ancient Beekeeping Museum to learn about traditional beekeeping or go to Ladakalnis Hill. From there, you can see an amazing view of six different lakes. Aukštaitija National Park is perfect for anyone who loves nature, history, or just wants to relax in a beautiful place.
Information in English about this natural gem in Lithuania might be limited. However, the Aukštaitija National Park Visitor Centre has created a detailed brochure in English. It includes a variety of hiking, cycling, water, and road transport itineraries to help you explore the park. Most routes conveniently start in Palūšė, making it an excellent base for your adventures. If you’re a nature lover, be sure to check it out and include one of these routes in your travels around Lithuania!
Lithuanian Seaside (Curonian Spit)
Time to spent on the Lithuanian seaside: 3-7 days
The best time to visit Lithuanian seaside: May - September
Lithuania has only about 90 km of coastline, but it is used very well! You’ll find charming fishing villages, long white sand beaches, an ice-free port in Klaipėda, the party town of Palanga, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Curonian Spit.
The seaside is quiet in winter, but during summer it becomes lively. Palanga turns into Lithuania’s party capital, with nightclubs relocating there from Kaunas and Vilnius. It’s often compared to Miami for its vibrant nightlife.
If you prefer a quieter experience, Klaipėda or one of the fishing villages on the Curonian Spit are great options. Klaipėda, Lithuania’s main port, has a German-influenced Old Town and fewer crowds as its beaches are farther from the center. A highlight here is the “Sea Festival” (Jūros Šventė) in late July, offering fun local events.
© Vilnius with Locals tours. Empty white sand beaches of Lithuanian Seaside
A short ferry ride from Klaipėda takes you to the Curonian Spit, a 98 km stretch of land listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its width ranges from 400 m to 4 km, with the Curonian Lagoon on one side and the Baltic Sea on the other. Half of the spit belongs to Lithuania, and the other half to Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
The Curonian Spit is home to peaceful fishing villages like Nida and Juodkrantė. Nida, the largest, is famous for its white sand dunes, which resemble a desert and offer views of the Russian border. The village also has a sculpture of Jean-Paul Sartre, who visited in 1965, and the former home of German writer Thomas Mann.
Juodkrantė is quieter and features the Hill of Witches, an open-air museum of wooden sculptures depicting folk tales. Nearby is the eerie “Dead Forest,” where cormorants’ acidic droppings have killed pine trees.
© Vilnius with Locals tours. 'Dead Forest' close to Judkrante where you can find the colony of cormorants
The Curonian Spit also has the Lithuanian Sea Museum and Dolphinarium, one of the country’s most popular attractions.
For active travelers, cycling is a great way to explore. Ride from Klaipėda to Nida (50 km one way) or Klaipėda to Palanga (30 km). The routes are flat and easy, even for beginners.
The Lithuanian seaside is a must-visit destination, offering something for everyone, from lively parties to tranquil nature.
Lithuania may be small, but it offers a variety of experiences. From exploring Vilnius’ historical sites to relaxing on the Curonian Spit or hiking through Aukštaitija National Park, Lithuania offers something for everyone. Whether you visit for a short weekend or a longer holiday, you’re sure to make unforgettable memories.
Vilnius with locals team ready for road trip. Are you?