Kaunas

Lithuania

Lithuania's lively second city.
Kaunas might just top your list.

Kaunas' population is about two thirds that of Vilnius. It's often referred to as a city of museums, and you'll certainly find a great number and variety of them. Kaunas has played a significant role in the history of Lithuania. It was the capital of the First Republic of Lithuania from 1920 to 1939, after Russian Bolsheviks, then Polish soldiers, occupied Vilnius. Prior to WWII, around a quarter of the population of Kaunas was Jewish. These days, Kaunas features a mixture of architectural styles. The charming Old Town, plus inter-war functionalism, Soviet-era buildings, and more modern developments provide diversity. The city buzzes in summer with pavement cafes, terraces, and beer gardens.

The place to start your exploration of Kaunas is definitely Town Hall Square. It's at one end of Vilnius Street, the Old Town's main artery. Nearby are the ruins of the Gothic 14th century Kaunas Castle, which was partially restored in 2010. Just past the castle is the confluence of the two largest rivers in Lithuania, the Nemunas and the Neris (the latter also flows through Vilnius). From here, the Nemunas continues to the Baltic Sea. A stroll along cafe and restaurant-lined Vilnius street takes you to New Town. While in Kaunas don't forget to take at least one of the two funicular railways to get a panoramic view. We suggest spending at least one night in Kaunas if your schedule allows. Spend one or two more if you plan on concentrating on Lithuania. UNESCO buffs shouldn’t miss Rumsiskes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find wooden architecture from around pre-industrial Lithuania, covering an area the size of Monaco, or four times the Vatican City.

Where to stay in Kaunas

Kaunas's compact city center has several hotels but from our experience these are the best in their respective price categories. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Central Business Hotel

Nestled in between the town hall square and the river. Beautiful glass connects the hotel's old and new spaces; great view from the rooftop bar.

Large Modern Hotel

Nice and comfortable hotel in the newest part of the city, walking distance to the Old Town. This is a traditional big hotel chain with amenties to meet everyones needs. Although it's a bit further from the Old Town, it's in a nice area with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Follow the newly restored pedestrian boulevard to reach the old town while windowshopping or enjoying some food and drinks along the way.

Classic Central Hotel

Cozy hotel right in the Old Town, close to all the attractions and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Renovated in 2017, the rooms of the Amberton Cozy are spacious and elegantly decorated.

Things to do in Kaunas

Start your exploration of Kaunas at the Town Hall, outside the architecturally eclectic swan-like Old Town Hall. From there you can visit the partially reconstructed ruins of the 14th century Gothic Kaunas Castle, then head back to the square to walk along Vilnius Street, pausing for a snack or a coffee in one of the many cafes and eateries that line this artery of the Old Town. Before you reach the New Town area, you'll come across the Historical Presidential Palace. Beyond is the New Town area, where you'll find functionalist and Soviet-era buildings, and the city's main commercial district. If you'd prefer not to walk, we can offer a private driving tour, alongside our walking tours. To get a better view of the city there are two funicular railways you can take that scale the hills on the opposite side of rivers. Often referred to as a city of museums, Kaunas has something for most interest areas, whether you're interested in aviation, sports, medicine or folk music instruments and plenty more besides. UNESCO buffs shouldn’t miss Rumsiskes, a world heritage list site, where you’ll find a village of wooden dwellings representing the whole country. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.

Kaunas Private Adventure with Tasting

Jewish Kaunas Private Day Tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Kaunas

Spend some time in Kaunas on a tour that takes in other cities in Lithuania and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Kaunas and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

The Width of Lithe Lithuania

Vilnius, Klaipeda, Kaunas

8 Days

Extensive Baltic Exploration

Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Liepaja, Riga, Cesis, Tartu, Narva, Tallinn, Saa ...

22 Days

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our Kaunas vacation packages

Based on 7 reviews

John, Kathleen, MaryAnn & Ron

North Carolina

If you are looking for a travel experience that exceeds your expectations, than JayWay Travel is the only way to go! Professional and knowledgeable - they deliver on what they promise!"

Year : 2019
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia
Itinerary : Vilnius, Esperanza Hotel and Spa, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Riga
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2019
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia
Itinerary : Vilnius, Esperanza Hotel and Spa, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Riga
Rating :

5 / 5

Susan

Texas

Finding our grandparents' home villages was at the top of the trip, but the whole experience was fantastic. JayWay Travel was thorough, thoughtful, and flexible. They know how to make a trip enchanted.

Year : 2018
Visited : Lithuania
Itinerary : Vilnius, Klaipeda, Kaunas
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2018
Visited : Lithuania
Itinerary : Vilnius, Klaipeda, Kaunas
Rating :

5 / 5

Kristen & Avery

Connecticut

The tours were amazing as were the guides. All were so knowledgeable and willing to share. All seemed to like Americans and were happy to have us. Jayway made the trip for my daughter and me so easy and so memorable. We felt safe, we learned an incredible amount and had the best time.

Year : 2018
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia
Itinerary : Vilnius, Kaunas, Riga
Rating :

4.8 / 5

Year : 2018
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia
Itinerary : Vilnius, Kaunas, Riga
Rating :

4.8 / 5