Must-See Tourist Attractions in Lithuania

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Lithuania is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking authenticity and cultural diversity.

This country, rich with a fascinating history and breathtaking landscapes, offers a palette of unique experiences ranging from its picturesque beaches along the Baltic Sea to its enchanted forests and sparkling lakes.

Lithuanian cities, such as the capital Vilnius, captivate with their architecture blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, while sites like the Hill of Crosses or Trakai Castle immerse visitors in a past filled with legends and mysteries.

Explore the hidden treasures of Lithuania and let yourself be amazed by the richness and diversity of its must-see tourist attractions.

Lithuania’s Hidden Gems: Must-See Tourist Sites

Site	Description	Cultural/Historical Aspects	Best Time to Visit	Activities/Events
Hill of Crosses	Hill covered with hundreds of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues, and rosaries, near Šiauliai. Unique atmosphere, impressive place of reflection.	Symbol of peaceful resistance and Catholic faith. Pilgrimage site since the 14th century. Pope John Paul II visited in 1993.	Spring, Summer, Fall	Quiet wandering, meditation. Observing religious ceremonies, especially during Catholic holidays.
Curonian Spit	100 km sand bar, UNESCO World Heritage site, separating the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. Dune landscapes, pine forests, colorful villages (Nida). Limited lodging to preserve the environment.	Ancient geological formation (5000 years). Important for migratory birds. Parnidis Dune (52 m).	May to September	Hiking on the dunes, bird watching, bike rides, discovering traditional houses in Nida.
Palanga & Botanical Garden	Lively seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. Famous for its Botanical Garden (over 500 plant species), Tiškevičiai Palace (Amber Museum), and long pier. Friendly and family atmosphere.	Center of Lithuanian seaside culture since the 19th century. Amber Museum, summer festivals, historical walks.	June to August	Swimming, walking on the pier, music festivals, visiting the botanical garden and amber museum.
Trakai	Picturesque small town surrounded by lakes, famous for its medieval castle on an island, accessible by boat or on foot. Colorful houses of the Karaites, an ethnic minority.	Former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. History of the Karaites (Turkic community). 14th-century castle.	May to September	Castle tour, boat rides, tasting kibinai (local specialty), medieval festivals in summer.
Druskininkai	Renowned spa town, surrounded by forests (Dainava). Modern spa resorts, indoor water park, Grūtas Park (Soviet statues outdoors).	Popular spa resort since the 19th century, rich in mineral waters. Grūtas Park, memory of the Soviet era.	Year-round (avoid extreme cold)	Spa treatments, water park, forest hikes, visiting Grūtas Park, zip-lining, wellness festivals.
Žemaitija National Park	Mystical forests, lakes (Plateliai), remarkable biodiversity. Former secret Soviet base (Cold War museum). Authentic villages.	Ghost stories and treasure tales. Natural and military heritage. Visitor center in Plateliai.	Late spring to early fall	Hiking, water sports, visiting the Cold War museum, traditional bread-making workshops with locals.
Pažaislis Monastery	Baroque masterpiece on a lake shore near Kaunas. Church adorned with frescoes, golden domes and altars. Spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.	Founded in the 17th century by Camaldolese monks. Concert venue (Pažaislis Music Festival in summer).	May to September	Guided tour, garden walks, summer concerts, stroll along Lake Kauno Marios.

Practical Tips:

• For the Hill of Crosses, prefer an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds and enjoy the silence.
• On the Curonian Spit, book accommodation in advance, especially in summer.
• In Palanga, summer evenings are lively, perfect for discovering local life.
• Trakai is very busy on weekends: prefer a weekday visit.
• Druskininkai offers activities year-round, but the spa is especially appreciated in fall and winter.
• In Žemaitija National Park, don’t forget binoculars for bird watching.

Not to Miss During Your Visit:

• Taste kibinai in Trakai.
• Climb to the top of Parnidis Dune in Nida (Curonian Spit).
• Attend a music festival in Pažaislis or Palanga.
• Explore the Cold War museum in Žemaitija National Park.
• Enjoy a spa treatment in Druskininkai.
• Discover local traditions in villages around Plateliai or Nida.

Lithuania holds hidden gems where nature, history, and traditions combine to offer an authentic experience, away from the crowds. Exploring these sites means immersing yourself in the soul of a country at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe.

Advantages and Challenges of Each Iconic Site

Iconic Site	Advantages for Visitors	Challenges and Constraints
Vilnius (Historic Center)	– Historical Importance: UNESCO World Heritage site, rich medieval and Baroque heritage. – Architectural Beauty: Neoclassical Cathedral, Gothic churches, Užupis district with artistic atmosphere. – Cultural Appeal: Numerous museums, lively ambiance, cafes and art galleries.	– Crowds: High attendance in summer, especially in the old town. – Traffic: Some narrow streets, less accessible for people with reduced mobility. – Climate: Very cold winters, outdoor visits less pleasant.
Trakai Castle	– Historical Importance: Former residence of the Grand Dukes, symbol of Lithuania. – Natural Beauty: Castle on an island in the middle of a lake, fairy-tale panoramas. – Cultural Appeal: Medieval museum, discovery of Karaite culture.	– Access: Requires a shuttle or walk/bike ride from Vilnius. – Crowds: Very popular in high season, possible wait at the entrance. – Climate: Access to the island more difficult in bad weather.
Curonian Spit	– Natural Beauty: Sand dunes (Parnidis), pine forests, colorful villages like Nida. – UNESCO Heritage: Unique landscapes, peaceful atmosphere. – Cultural Appeal: Local fishermen traditions, Thomas Mann Museum.	– Access: Ferry required from Klaipėda, limited number of vehicles in summer. – Climate: Strong winds, changing weather, access to dunes restricted at times. – Crowds: Villages overcrowded in July-August.
Hill of Crosses	– Spiritual Importance: Pilgrimage site, symbol of Lithuanian resistance. – Unique Atmosphere: Impressive landscape of thousands of crosses, moving site at sunrise/sunset.	– Access: Isolated site, requires a vehicle or organized tour. – Climate: Sometimes muddy or cold conditions, few shelters on site. – Crowds: Quiet place off-season, but busy during religious holidays.
Kaunas	– Cultural Appeal: European Capital of Culture in 2022, numerous museums and festivals. – Architectural Beauty: Art Deco city center, medieval castle, Laisvės Alėja pedestrian boulevard.	– Crowds: Lively center, sometimes packed during events. – Traffic: Parking difficulties in the city center. – Climate: Outdoor visits less comfortable in winter.
Aukštaitija National Park	– Natural Beauty: Lakes, forests, hiking trails, traditional villages. – Ecological Appeal: Wildlife observation, outdoor activities (canoeing, biking).	– Access: Some remote areas, limited access without a car. – Climate: Muddy paths in spring/fall, mosquitoes in summer. – Services: Few tourist infrastructures, need to plan ahead.

Concrete Examples and Descriptions:

• Vilnius: Stroll along Pilies Street to admire Renaissance facades, climb Gediminas Tower for a view of the red roofs, explore the galleries in the Užupis district.
• Trakai Castle: Cross the wooden bridge to reach the fortress and rent a boat to tour the island.
• Curonian Spit: Climb Parnidis Dune in Nida to observe the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon, visit the painted wooden houses and craft workshops.
• Hill of Crosses: Walk among the thousands of crosses planted on the hill, some decorated with personal messages and photos.
• Kaunas: Discover the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art, walk around Town Hall Square, admire the Art Deco buildings on Laisvės Alėja Street.
• Aukštaitija National Park: Hike from lake to lake, visit Palūšė village with its wooden church, rent a canoe to explore the rivers.

General Challenges for Tourists:

• Infrastructure outside major cities can be limited.
• English is not always spoken outside tourist areas.
• Seasons strongly influence travel: wet springs and autumns, harsh winters, very busy summers.

Practical Tips for Traveling to Lithuania

Transportation Options and Recommendations for Getting to Lithuania

Lithuania is mainly served by three international airports:

• Vilnius (VNO): The country’s main airport, located 7 km from the capital’s city center.
• Kaunas (KUN): 14 km from Kaunas center, often used by low-cost airlines.
• Palanga (PLQ): On the Baltic coast, convenient for reaching the sea.

Airlines:

Air Baltic, Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, and SAS regularly serve Lithuania.

Getting to the City Center from Vilnius Airport:

Transportation Method	Average Duration	Indicative Fare	Frequency	Remarks
Bus (lines 1, 2, 3G, 88)	15-25 min	~€1	Every 10-20 min	Payment on board or via app
Train	7 min	~€0.70	Every 30 min	Station accessible on foot from the terminal
Official Taxi	10-20 min	€10-20	24/7	Take taxis recommended by the airport
Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber)	10-20 min	Variable	24/7	Smartphone app required
Car Rental	15-25 min	Variable	By reservation	Practical for exploring the region

Visa Requirements

• EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: No visa required, ID card or passport sufficient.
• Third-Country Citizens (non-EU):
  • Short stay (up to 90 days): Schengen Visa required for many countries.
  • Long stay: National Visa required, procedures to be completed at the Lithuanian consulate.
• Transit: Check requirements based on nationality and transit duration.

Tip: Always check specific conditions with the embassy or consulate before departure.

Best Times to Visit Lithuania

Season	Average Temperatures	Advantages	Local Events
Spring	5-15°C	Flowers, nature awakening	St. John’s Festival (June)
Summer	17-23°C	Mild weather, festivals, swimming	Sea Festival in Klaipėda
Autumn	5-15°C	Colorful forests, fewer tourists	Harvest Festival, craft fairs
Winter	-5 to 2°C	Snow, Christmas markets	National holidays, winter sports

Recommendation: June to August for mild weather, December for winter ambiance.

Local Currency, Payments, and Currency Management

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Common Payments:
  • Bank cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard).
  • Cash useful for markets, small shops, or rural areas.
• ATMs: Present in all cities.
• Currency Exchange: Competitive rates in banks and official exchange offices.
• Tip: Notify your bank before departure to avoid card blocking.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation Type	Description	For Whom?
Hotels (1 to 5 stars)	International standards, varying comfort	All audiences
Hostels	Friendly atmosphere, low prices	Youth, backpackers
Short-term Rentals	Apartments, studios via platforms	Families, groups, long stays
Bed & Breakfasts	Local welcome, breakfast included	Travelers seeking authenticity
Camping	Mainly summer, close to nature	Outdoor enthusiasts

Cultural and Social Particularities

• Lithuanians are generally reserved but very welcoming.
• Punctuality is appreciated.
• It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Respect for the environment: do not litter, prioritize recycling.
• Tips (5-10%) are appreciated but not mandatory in restaurants.

Local Transportation

• Public Transport: Efficient buses and trolleybuses in major cities, single tickets or rechargeable card.
• Mobile Apps: “Trafi” for schedules and routes.
• Car Rental: Recommended for exploring the countryside or coast, national or international driver’s license accepted.
• Bikes and Electric Scooters: Available for rent in urban centers.
• Taxis/Ride-hailing: Prefer apps (Bolt, Uber) or official taxis to avoid scams.

Health Precautions and Recommended Vaccines

• No mandatory vaccines for travelers from Europe.
• Recommended vaccines: DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-polio) update, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), hepatitis A (depending on stay conditions).
• Tap water is drinkable in most cities.
• Well-stocked pharmacies, efficient healthcare system.
• Travel insurance covering health and repatriation is advised.

Additional Tips

• Learning a few basic words in Lithuanian facilitates communication.
• Electrical outlets are European type (220 V, type C or F plug).
• Stores close early outside major cities, especially on weekends.

Staying Comfortably: Accommodation Options in Lithuania

Accommodation options in Lithuania are varied, suited to all budgets, and distributed in major tourist cities such as Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.

Accommodation Type	Price Range (per night)	Main Cities	Services and Quality
Hostels	€9–11	Vilnius, Kaunas	Dormitories, shared kitchen, Wi-Fi
2–3 Star Hotels	€40–70	Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Baltic Coast	Private rooms, bathroom, Wi-Fi, sometimes breakfast
4–5 Star Hotels	€85–200	Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, seaside resorts	High-end services, spa, restaurant, parking
Guesthouses/B&Bs	€35–112	All cities	Family welcome, breakfast (often extra), Wi-Fi
Vacation Rentals	€27–124	Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, countryside, coast	Apartments, houses, villas, equipped kitchen, possible pool
Unique Accommodations	From €50	Rural areas, lakes	Forest cabin, floating house, traditional farm

Generally Offered Services:

• Free Wi-Fi connection in most hotels and rentals
• Breakfast included mainly in hotels; extra in guesthouses and B&Bs
• Parking sometimes paid (€4–7 per night)
• Pets accepted in some vacation rentals
• Apartments and houses often equipped for cooking

Booking Tips:

The high tourist season (June to August on the Baltic Coast and in cities) sees prices increase, sometimes doubling. It is strongly advised to book in advance during this period to guarantee availability and affordable rates.

Off-season, prices drop significantly and some accommodations close temporarily, especially on the coast.

Vacation rentals and B&Bs are very popular in the low season, especially from October.

Unique and Unusual Experiences:

• Stay in a forest cabin for a nature immersion
• Floating houses on the lakes, offering peace and exceptional views
• Farm stays to discover the Lithuanian countryside

For a memorable stay, prioritize charming or unusual accommodations, often located outside urban centers, and book early during peak periods.

Key Takeaways:

• Lithuania offers a wide range of accessible accommodations, with prices generally lower than in Western Europe.
• Main tourist cities have all categories of accommodation, from budget dormitories to luxury hotels.
• Nature stays and atypical accommodations are recommended for a different experience.