Location: Kaunas
Top Things to do in Kaunas
What to do and see in Kaunas, Kaunas County: The Best Sightseeing Tours
Kaunas (/ˈkaʊnəs/; Lithuanian: [ˈkɐʊˑnɐs] ( listen); also see other names) is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the centre of a county in Trakai Municipality of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. In the Russian Empire, it was the capital of the Kaunas Governorate from 1843 to 1915. It served as temporary capital of Lithuania during the interwar period, while the traditional capital of Vilnius was part of Poland between 1920 and 1939. During that period Kaunas has been nicknamed the Little Paris because of rich cultural and academic life, fashion, construction of countless Art Deco, Lithuanian National Romanticism architectural style buildings as well as popular furniture, interior design of the time and widespread café culture. The city interwar architecture is regarded as one of the finest examples of the European Art Deco and received the European Heritage Label, it also resulted in naming Kaunas the first city in Central and Eastern Europe as a UNESCO City of Design. In 2022, Kaunas will be the European Capital of Culture, together with the Luxembourgish city of Esch-sur-Alzette.
Restaurants in Kaunas
1. Day tour out of Vilnius: Paneriai holocaust park,Trakai castle, Kaunas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Day tour out of Vilnius to see most interesting surounding sites, from different time and history periods.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Fuel surcharge, Landing and facility fees
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Williams_Id
I was lucky to be the only person taking this trip on that day. My Guide Jurata was very friendly, and insightful. We spent time at the Kaunas Rumsiskes, where we visited various old Lithuanian settlements. We also toured the Pazaislis monastry as well as Kaunas Old town and castle. She took time to present the cultural and historical background behind the settlements. That did help in appreciating Lithuanian history as well as Lithuanian society historically and in contemporary times. Personally, it was one of the most insightful tour I have ever experienced. For me it was an amazing experience.
2. Riga-Vilnius Sightseeing Tour Bus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Take a trip from Riga to Vilnius and on the way learn about the history and people of two countries. Our knowledgeable local guides take a small group, maximum of 8 people, for a fun filled 12 hour road trip through Latvia and Lithuania. Visit the monumental Salaspils Memorial Ensemble to victims of Fascism near Riga to learn about the II World War in the Baltic countries. Be amazed by the Rundāle Palace that is considered the grandest stately home in the Baltics and a true gem of Baroque architecture and of South-Latvian countryside. Once in Lithuania we’ll visit the Hill of Crosses that is a famous pilgrimage destination and a site of resistance against Soviet occupation. Walk the streets of Kaunas, the once capital of Lithuania and a city that is rich with history and culture. See the beautiful riverside and the many lovely churches in the Kaunas Old Town.
Inclusions: Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 873adelaided
Andres was a wonderful guide and knew a lot about Estonian nature, history and culture to share with us. We saw some beautiful nature sights (the Jägala waterfall was fantastic!) and ate a delicious lunch at a traditional Estonian tavern. You should definitely book this tour to see a variety of fun sights outside of Tallinn!!
3. Vilnius-Riga One-Way Sightseeing Tour Bus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Take a trip from Vilnius to Riga and on the way learn about the history and people of two countries. Our knowledgeable local guides take a small group, maximum of 8 people, for a fun filled 12 hour road trip through Lithuania and Latvia. Important: Tour duration from October 15th to April 1st is 10 hours.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By NormanKing8421
My husband and I took a day trip with lovely Kamile to Druskininkai and Grutas Park with several stops along the way including an overlook which was originally thought to be the highest point in Lithuania, about 292 meters. However, according to updated research, the highest point is actually Aukstojas Hill at 293.84 meters where Kamile regaled us with the quest to identify the absolutely highest point in Lithuania. We stopped at Mendininkai Castle, a charming ruin with an array of torture instruments on display, and in the small village for my husband to photograph. On to the quiet spa town of Druskininkai with the dancing fountain, and finally to Grutas Park, home of the exiled statues of Soviet rogues. Kamile made this day so rewarding and delightful with her excellent knowledge of Lithuanian and European history, her excellent English, her informed observations, her thoughtfulness (special treats after lunch), excellent driving skills, and her awareness of what we were interested in, and not, and how she arranged the day to accommodate us. We couldn't have been more satisfied.
4. Kaunas Rumsiskes and Pazaislis Monastery Full Day Tour from Vilnius
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 7 reviews
Combine cultural and nature attractions during a private full-day tour. Explore Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum, with an exposition on the ethnographic regions of Lithuania; visit the historical sites of Kaunas, and wonderful 17th-century Pazaislis Monastery.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All activities
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Barry K
The company offers either a guided trip including castle museum @ 40 euros or an audio trip only @ £20 euros, the castle entrance fee is included on the former and excluded on the latter. We decided on the cheaper version and the recorded commentary was quite audible and reasonable. The castle is well worth seeing, I think it is the most visited place in Lithuania. You can take a boat trip on the lake around the castle for a reasonable 5 euros, it takes about 30 minutes. Comfortable, modern minibus and ran to the advertised times. It leaves from the Cathedral Square with a couple of other pick ups by prior arrangement. The Castle closed to the public on 13 March along with all other museums in Vilnius until further notice due to coronavirus but you can still walk round the outside on the island, hopefully the closure will not be for too long
5. Private Open-Air Folk Life Museum of Rumsiskes Tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Situated 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the northwest of Vilnius and 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Kaunas is the Rumsiskes, an Open-Air Museum of Lithuanian Folk life, located on a 40-acre park.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Hotel pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Vilnius
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Williams_Id
I was lucky to be the only person taking this trip on that day. My Guide Jurata was very friendly, and insightful. We spent time at the Kaunas Rumsiskes, where we visited various old Lithuanian settlements. We also toured the Pazaislis monastry as well as Kaunas Old town and castle. She took time to present the cultural and historical background behind the settlements. That did help in appreciating Lithuanian history as well as Lithuanian society historically and in contemporary times. Personally, it was one of the most insightful tour I have ever experienced. For me it was an amazing experience.
6. Private Kaunas and Pazaislis Monastery Tour
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania and lies within 100 kilometers of Vilnius. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris. Kaunas is charming not only for its historical buildings, green parks, but it is well known for its museums, counted over twenty with all their branches.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by car for 1-2 pax, Transport by air-conditioned minivan for 3+ pax, Hotel pick-up and drop-off from hotels in central Vilnius
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Williams_Id
I was lucky to be the only person taking this trip on that day. My Guide Jurata was very friendly, and insightful. We spent time at the Kaunas Rumsiskes, where we visited various old Lithuanian settlements. We also toured the Pazaislis monastry as well as Kaunas Old town and castle. She took time to present the cultural and historical background behind the settlements. That did help in appreciating Lithuanian history as well as Lithuanian society historically and in contemporary times. Personally, it was one of the most insightful tour I have ever experienced. For me it was an amazing experience.
7. Kaunas tour with transfer from Vilnius
During this tour we will visit provisional capital of Lithuania- Kaunas. Kaunas was the capital of Lithuania between two world wars. Now it is second largest city in Lithuania. It’s worth to explore old town, castles territory, modernism buildings and speak about prewar independent Lithuania and life of the people of that time. We will explore Kaunas old town with a castle, cozy streets, remains of the several churches, old president palace. Kaunas modernism is unique and becoming more and more famous. We will reach panoramic view of the city by old funicular. It’s possible to visit the Devils museum or Pazaislis monastery. I provide this tour from Vilnius with pickup and drop off to your hotel. If you stay in Kaunas, I can meet you at your hotel in Kaunas. Lunch and entrance tickets are not included in the price.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Vilija T
As a royal city, it was first mentioned in 1323, by Grand Duke Gediminas. Everyone who visits Vilnius, learns the legend about the Iron Wolf and Gediminas, the founder of the city. No wonder, the Gediminas Tower on the hill serves the emblem of Lithuania. Today the Old Town of Vilnius covers a large area. Its attractive lanes and enclosed backyards are easy to reach from the main Cathedral or Town Hall squares. The reconstructed Royal Palace in Cathedral Square recalls the local nobility and royal figures, and their simple human passions. The country's rulers stayed here - Grand Lithuanian Dukes and Polish Kings, the successors of Gediminas-Jagiellon house. Through relationship by marriage, they were connected to the outstanding royal families of Habsburg in Austria, Sforza in Milan, the Vasa dynasty in Sweden and others. Amazingly, a real love story took place here in the 16th century between king Sigismund August and the beautiful widow Barbara Radziwill (Barbora Radvilaite) from an influential Lithuanian noble family. The Queen Barbora nowadays was elected the most prominent woman of Lithuania of all times... Having passed the Church of St. Ann, a tiny masterpiece of Gothic style, you will reach the Republic of Uzupis, situated on the banks of the River Vilnia (Uzupis means "the place beyond the river"). This is Vilnius Montmartre, an area of artists and people with a sense of humour. You can find the key postulates of the Republic of Uzupis Constitution, displayed on the street wall, likewise: "Everyone has the right to be happy. Everyone has the right to be unique...", etc.
8. Small Group Lithuania in 7 Days (Guaranteed departure)
We have prepared an agenda of local best hits to spend a week in Lithuania. Not superficial, but full of authentic and memorable details. You will meet our biggest cities and get a grip on history and culture. Go off the beaten track, meet locals and get authentic experiences like smoked fish in the picturesque Curonian region. HIGHLIGHTS • Cities of Vilnius and Kaunas • Authentic castles • Authentic food of Karaims and smoked fish from a fisherman • Picturesque villages of the Curonian lagoon • Curonian spit with its dunes and broad horizons • The biggest in a world Amber Museum • Bird ringing station • Hill of Crosses • Countryside architecture in Rumsiskes
Inclusions: 5 overnights at centrally located 3* hotels, 5 buffet breakfasts, 1 night in a countryside homestead with homemade breakfast, Transportation during the tour, Sightseeing with a local guide in English (or other language if prefered) to all sights mentioned, Breakfast
Exclusions: Plane ticket to and from Lithuania, Gratuities, Other food and drinks
Reviewed By Paul M
The trip was very well organised, fascinating tour around the nuclear power plant, and also seemed very safe. The guides, both inside and outside the plant were interesting and well informed,
9. Kaunas Old Town tour
During Kaunas Old Town tour you will be introduced in rich history and culture of one of the oldest cities in Lithuania. Kaunas Old Town is full of magnificent different architectural styles buildings from XIV to XVIII ages. It is very cozy and calm place to relax and explore one of the most amazing places in whole Lithuania. Tour lasts 1,5 hour.
Inclusions: Guide services
Exclusions:
10. Kaunas Tour: Love Stories
On this 2 hours tour you discover Kaunas old town and get to know a romantic, cozy and mysterious city. Follow your guide and walk through Laisvės avenue, which has always been the most popular place for dating and visit the “White Swan”. You will also find out about the honeymoon and the love story of two young people – Aleksota and Kaunas. Your guide will reveal the secrets of Kaunas castle and old cloistral buildings, as well as Bona Sforza’s secrets and the recipe of Bernardinai fish pie. You also will try to solve mystery of the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
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