Welcome to Lithuania — the land of rain! Spring in Lithuania is especially unpredictable and usually quite cold as well. So, you might be wondering what to do in Vilnius on a rainy day. Our first tip is to join one of our city tours — we are out there every day, rain or shine! But if you’d rather stay indoors, we also have a few other ideas to help you enjoy the city while staying dry.
Visit a museum
Museum of Culture and Identity of Lithuanian Jews in Vilnius
Visit museums in Vilnius for history, culture lessons or even for fun without getting wet! There are a lot of them and they are really cheap. Prices vary from 5 EUR to 10 EUR. But if you're a student, bring your ISIC card - it gives you 50% discount for almost all museums! You can also consider getting a Vilnius Pass card, which helps save money if you plan to visit lots of museums. If you happen to be in Vilnius on the last Sunday of any month, most of the public museums are free to visit for everyone. Keep in mind that most of them are closed on Mondays though. There are exceptions: check this blog post: Museums in Vilnius open on Mondays.
Now you know we have a lot of good museums in Vilnius, but which one to choose?
For history lovers we recommend Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania to learn more about the old history of Vilnius and Lithuania from the very beginning till the end of 18th century.
Another museum for travellers who are more interested in recent history - museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (also known as KGB museum). It is located in the former headquarters of KGB. You can visit the former prison where KGB used to torture "enemies of the people" and learn more about the cruel Stalinist regime and what was going on in Lithuania after WWII under Soviet rule. This museum is closed not only on Mondays, but also on Tuesdays.
For art lovers we recommend MO museum - one of the most popular museums among Vilnius locals. This museum holds temporary modern and contemporary art exhibitions. What makes it special is the unique way they present the art and history in those exhibitions. Even if you do not know much about art you feel welcome here.
If you are not into usual museum stuff and looking for fun things to do in Vilnius, you can check a private VILNIL - museum of illusions. The price is 13 EUR, so it is a bit more expensive than most of the museums in Vilnius, but it is perfect to have a laugh with friends or enjoy a family time with you kids.
Check the list of the other Vilnius museums, if you have more time in Vilnius.
Ideal tour for a rainy day: Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour
Photo from Vilnius Cathedral crypts
This medieval history walking tour is a great choice if it's grey and rainy! It starts outdoors with a short walk through the oldest part of Vilnius, the Cathedral Square, where you’ll see important landmarks and learn about Lithuania’s early rulers and traditions. Then you go inside the Cathedral and explore the crypts hidden below. Your guide will share stories of royal burials, pagan beliefs, and how Vilnius grew into a powerful city. With part of the tour inside and full of fascinating facts, it’s the perfect mix of learning and staying dry!
More info: Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour
Go on a shopping spree
Wondering what to do in Vilnius, if you are not so much into museums? In Lithuania shopping malls are one of the top places for having fun and staying dry when the weather outside is not very pleasant. They serve not only as shopping places but also centers of entertainment.
The biggest mall in Vilnius is called Akropolis, just like the famous ancient citadel in Athens. Inside you can find many shops and restaurants, a bowling alley, a cinema (most movies are in English) and even an ice skating rink! Akropolis is easy to reach by public transport, just catch the bus No. 53 in the city center and get off at "Šeškinės kalvos".
Where? Akropolis Ozo str. 25, Vilnius
Panorama is another big shopping mall in Vilnius closer to the city center and Vilnius Old town. You can find a very cool shop over there called LOCALS LT. They sell cool stuff made by Lithuanian designers only. From clothing, accessories, jewellery to home essentials and souvenirs. Definitely check it out if you want to buy something special from Lithuania. Some cool brand admired by Lithuanians: labàdienà, shmutke, Solidu. You can also find LOCALS LT in smaller shopping mall G9.
Where? Panorama Saltoniškių str. 9, Vilnius or G9 Gedimino av. 9, Vilnius
Check other Vilnius shopping malls.
Whatch a movie
A brand new boutique cinema in Vilnius - Pasaka at Paupys neighbourhood
Good news for you - most of the movies are not dubbed in Lithuania. You can enjoy movies in the original language with Lithuanian subtitles. There are two great independent cinemas in Vilnius Old Town and city center:
Pasaka is a small cozy boutique cinema in two locations of Vilnius Old Town. You can watch the trending movies here as well as lesser known but pretty cool ones.
Where? Šv. Ignoto str. 4, Vilnius or Paupio str. 26, Vilnius
Skalvija is the oldest operating cinema in Vilnius. It is quite small (1 screen and 121 seats) art-house cinema, but it is well known amongst film lovers for its distinctive repertoire.
Where? A. Goštauto str. 2, Vilnius
The biggest and the most popular cinemas are a bit out of the city center in the major shopping malls (we already mentioned Akropolis). There is a big cinema 15 min walk from Vilnius Old Town - Forum Cinemas Vingis. Go there if you want to catch most popular Hollywood movies. Just note, if it is a rainy day in Vilnius, locals will flood the biggest cinemas and might be hard to get a ticket to a premiere of popular movie last minute.
Where? Savanorių av. 7, Vilnius
Experience something out of this world
Photo by organisers angelutakais.lt/
Experience an award-winning magical journey through the art of Lithuania’s most famous artist and composer, M. K. Čiurlionis. “Trail of Angels” and “Creation of Worlds” feel like more than just films — they are experiences that move people beyond words.
Visitors often return for a second or even third time, bringing friends and family with them. While exploring more than 60 paintings in a VR space, with a soundtrack inspired by M. K. Čiurlionis, you enter a world of harmony and calm. It is a moment of inspiration that helps you relax and escape from today’s busy world.
Where? Immersive Art Center A. Vienuolio st. 4
Other indoor activities
If, on the other hand, you don't feel like hiding from the rain at the mall or watching a movie at the cinema, there are plenty of other perfect activities to do in Vilnius, especially if you're travelling with a group of friends:
Test your patience at escape rooms. There are plenty of them in Vilnius Old Town and city center: InsightOut escape room, Break Free
Compete in a game of laser tag. There is a laser tag arena in the city center on Goštauto st. Megazone. Their website is only in Lithuanian, but you can drop them an e-mail to learn about availabilities, prices and conditions;
Feel as though you're on a tropical island by going to the Vichy Water Park. Bus No 53 will get you the closest if you're departing from the station. Or just simply use Trafi app to plan your route by setting the destination as "Vichy Vandens Parkas";
Do some bouldering. Even if you did not bring your friends to Vilnius, you can do some activities just by yourself. Climbing or bouldering is getting quite popular in Lithuania. You can find climbing gym Montis Magia quite close to the city center in Loftas.
Photo: 15min.lt
Have a nice dinner!
Our guides enjoying the best treats Lithuanian cuisine has to offer
You have plenty of restaurant choices in Vilnius - from the ones focused on traditional Lithuanian food to fully vegan restaurants or cuisines of lands as far away as the Caribbean! So if it's raining outside treat yourself to a nice long dinner at a local restaurant. For restaurant and bar recomedations check our blog post Vilnius with Locals tour guides recommend: bars and restaurants
Relax at the SPA
If you're just too tired to wander around in the rain, take a chill day and have a massage in Vilnius! There are quite a few spa salons in Vilnius Old town like top-ranked Thai Massage salon, You can also relax in the floating studio Only Good Vibes right in the city center or go to the earlier mentioned Vichy Water Park to enjoy many saunas as well as great swimming pools.
Relax time at one of the saunas in Vilnius
Go to a concert
Summer evenings in Vilnius are full of music, and you might be able to enjoy a concert if one is happening during your visit. You can always check the upcoming concerts and other events on Vilnius events website. You can catch a concert in Tamsta. During 19 years of its existence this music club became a beloved place for live music lovers and performers. If you are more in to alternative music, check if there are any concerts happening in the Art Factory LOFTAS. Another unique place for music is Lukiškės Prison 2.0. From pop to techno, check their events to make sure you don't miss out!
Enjoy a quiet afternoon with a book
Did you know that Vilnisu is one of the a UNESCO Cities of Literature? Literary genres have developed here, and the whole city is marked by literary symbols. So maybe it's not the worst idea to spend a rainy afternoon with a book? Grab your book or buy a book about Vilnius (check the recommendations here ↓ below) and hide from the rain at the cozy cafe or the local library. Our National Library is known for its' comfortable chairs and cozy nooks. There is a cafe inside, so you can also grab a coffee. The Adomas Mickevičius Public Library, located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, has recently been renovated and features stunning historical interiors. These libraries also serve as cultural spaces, where you can enjoy art exhibitions or even live music performances.
Book suggestions:
Vilnius. Wilno. Vilna. Three Short Stories - a wonderful history and fiction blend by Kristina Sabaliauskaitė;
Vilnius: City of Strangers - the fascinating history of our capital city by Laimonas Briedis;
Vilnius Poker - called one of the best Lithuanian books ever, it's a novel about the Soviet era in Vilnius.
Vilnius with Locals tour team in front of the National Library in Vilnius
Take a day trip
If you don't feel like exploring Vilnius Old Town in the rain, why not consider a day trip, maybe it's not raining in another part of Lithuania? As it is a relatively small country, almost nothing in Lithuania is too far away for a day trip. Visit towns such as Trakai, Kernavė, Druskininkai or Anykščiai, cities like Kaunas or Klaipėda, discover the wonderful nature of our national parks or spend half a day at the Lithuanian seaside. Check our blog post out and choose the best day trip destination for you!
Bird's eye View picture of Kaunas
So, don't get disappointed if it rains during your stay in Vilnius - your trip is far from ruined. Just choose one, two or more recommendations on what to do in Vilnius. Whatever you choose to do on a rainy day in Vilnius, we truly hope it will help you to see our capital city in a different, yet lovely light. As they say, you can't have a rainbow without a little rain! Just grab your raincoat and umbrella and jump to a rainy adventure in Vilnius!