Lykkers, are you searching for a city break that blends history, cozy old streets, and lakeside tranquility? Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is the perfect weekend getaway. Known as the cultural and academic heart of the country, Kaunas charms visitors with its lively boulevards, open-air museums, and elegant architecture.

Whether you’re into history, food, or scenic nature walks, this guide maps out the top 10 attractions and a 3-day DIY itinerary to make your trip unforgettable.

Rumsiskes Museum

Start your trip learning about Lithuania’s traditions at the Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum, one of Europe’s largest ethnographic museums. Founded in 1966, its 80-hectare grounds feature authentic homesteads, wooden and nearly 91,000 exhibits from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Entrance tickets cost around $6–8 per person, with reduced fees for children. It’s an ideal half-day trip for families and culture lovers.

Ninth Fort

On the outskirts of Kaunas lies the Ninth Fort, a museum and memorial site that’s both sobering and magnificent in scale. The complex includes underground chambers, exhibitions, and a towering monument commemorating Lithuania’s past. Entrance is about $4–5 per person. Visiting here gives a deeper perspective on the city’s role in European history.

St. Peter & Paul

Lithuania’s largest structure. Its Baroque-style details and intricate interior make it worth a quick stop during your walking tour. Entry is free, and it’s conveniently located near other landmarks, making it easy to combine with a cafe stop nearby.

Juniper Valley

Need fresh air? Head to Juniper Valley (Kadagiu Slėnis), a peaceful hiking path with views over the Kaunas Reservoir. A scenic wooden boardwalk meanders through juniper trees, offering photo-worthy vistas. It’s about 30 minutes from Kaunas by car or bus, making it a great nature escape during your weekend.

Laisvės Aleja

Kaunas’s main pedestrian boulevard, Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue), stretches nearly 1.6 km. Packed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and bookstores, it’s perfect for a leisurely evening walk. Street performances and seasonal markets give it a lively charm. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best restaurants recommended below.

Kaunas Old Town

With cobbled streets, colorful houses, and the Town Hall square, it feels both historic and contemporary. Shops sell local crafts, while trendy coffee houses give it modern energy. Spend a morning here exploring Kaunas Castle, strolling to Vilniaus Street, or shopping for souvenirs.

Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Begin with Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum, learning about traditional Lithuanian villages. Spend the late afternoon at Juniper Valley for nature views. End your evening on Laisves Aleja, enjoying dinner at a local trattoria.

Day 2: Dedicate the day to history with tours of Ninth Fort and Sugihara House. In the evening, relax at Pazaislis Monastery with a lakeside walk before returning to the city center for dinner.

Day 3: Wander through Kaunas Old Town, visiting Kaunas Castle, St. Gertrude’s, and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Stop by boutique shops for souvenirs before heading home.

Where to Stay

Backpacker Hostels: The Monk’s Bunk ($12/night), R Hostel ($12/night), Chocolate Hostel ($15/night, free cancellation).

Budget Stays: Oak House Apartments ($30/night), Hotel Metropolis ($36/night with breakfast), Nemuno Apartment ($36/night, free cancellation).

Luxury Comfort: Best Western Santakos Hotel ($61/night with breakfast), Europa Royale Kaunas ($63/night with spa access), Hotel Kaunas ($65/night, indoor pool and breakfast).

Where to Eat

Jurgis ir Drakonas – Italian-style pizzas, from $8, open daily till 10 PM.

Piccola Italia – Mediterranean and vegan-friendly, mains $9–15.

Casa Della Pasta – Pasta and pizza, open until 11 PM weekdays, midnight weekends.

MOMO Grill – Steaks and European dishes, mains $15–20.

Amber Grill – Affordable barbecue favorites, with plates averaging $10–15.

Getting There

From the UK, the easiest option is flying with Ryanair from London Stansted to Kaunas Airport. Flights start from £28 ($35) one way, lasting around 2 hours 30 minutes. From the airport, the city center is a 20-minute taxi ride (around $15) or an affordable bus ride.

Conclusion

Kaunas is a city that rewards every traveler, whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or modern urban charm. A weekend here allows you to explore open-air museums, serene monasteries, cobbled Old Town lanes, and vibrant boulevards. Friends, which part of Kaunas would make it to your own DIY itinerary — the peaceful Juniper Valley hike, or the atmospheric Old Town stroll?