Weekend Travel Guide to Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is often overshadowed by Vilnius — but this riverside destination deserves your attention. With a walkable Old Town, quirky museums, and emerging food and art scenes, **Kaunas is perfect for a weekend getaway**.

This guide breaks down what to see, do, and eat over 48 hours in Kaunas, whether you're visiting solo, as a couple, or with friends.

---

Getting to Kaunas

- **Airport**: Kaunas International Airport (KUN)
- **From the airport**: Use Bolt, local taxis, or direct buses to the city center
- **By train**: Frequent routes from Vilnius (1.5–2 hours)

---

Where to Stay for the Weekend

| Hotel | Type | Perks |
|-------|------|-------|
| Kaunas Hotel | Mid-range | Central location, great breakfast |
| Hof Hotel | Boutique | Stylish and close to Old Town |
| Moxy Kaunas | Budget-friendly | Trendy vibe, ideal for weekenders |

Stay near **Laisvės Alėja** or the **Old Town** to maximize walking access.

---

Day 1: Old Town, Castles, and Coffee

Morning: Explore Kaunas Old Town
Start at **Town Hall Square**, then visit:

- **Kaunas Castle** – A small, restored medieval castle
- **St. George’s Church**
- **Vilniaus Street** – Cobbled and café-lined

Lunch:
Try **Etno Dvaras** or **Uoksas** for modern Lithuanian cuisine.

Afternoon: Museums and Markets

- **Devils’ Museum** – A quirky collection of devil figurines
- **M.K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum** – Classical + modern art by Lithuania’s famed composer-painter
- **Kaunas Central Market** – Cheap eats and local flavors

Evening: Sunset and Craft Beer

- **Aleksotas Hill**: Take the funicular for sweeping views
- **Dinner + drinks**: **BO Bar**, **Spurginė**, or **Hop Doc** for Lithuanian brews

---

Day 2: Street Art and Nature

Morning: Street Art Walking Tour

Kaunas is famous for murals — pick up a street art map from the tourism office.

- Don’t miss: **The Wise Old Man** mural, **Pink Elephant**, and **Yard Gallery**

Brunch:
Stop at **Holy Donut** or **Vingiu Dubingiu Café**

Afternoon: Outdoor Escape

- **Pazaislis Monastery**: A beautiful Baroque site by the Kaunas Reservoir
- **Oak Grove Park**: Perfect for a peaceful stroll or quick jog

Bonus: Ninth Fort Museum

A bit outside the city but incredibly moving — this former Nazi execution site is now a memorial and museum.

- **Entry**: ~€3
- **Getting there**: Taxi or Bolt ride (15–20 min)

---

Where to Shop and Snack

- **Akropolis Shopping Center** – Great for fashion and souvenirs
- **Rūta Chocolate Boutique** – Lithuanian chocolate since 1913
- **Local bakeries** – Try kibinai (savory pastries) and šakotis (tree cake)

---

Weekend Travel Tips for Kaunas

- **Currency**: Euro (EUR)
- **Language**: Lithuanian (English is widely spoken)
- **Transport**: Walk or use Bolt ride-share app
- **Weather**: Pack layers — spring and fall can be brisk

---

Final Thoughts

Kaunas is compact, cultured, and quietly cool. You can soak up centuries of history, snap photos of street art, and sip coffee at riverside cafés — all without the tourist crowds.

If you’re looking for a unique weekend in the Baltics, Kaunas is your ticket to an affordable, art-filled adventure.