Overview
Kaunas is Lithuania's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site with a population of around 289,000. Positioned at the confluence of two rivers in the country's heartland, it has served as a significant cultural and political centre across multiple eras. Today it balances authentic historical architecture with contemporary Lithuanian life, offering visitors a genuine sense of the nation's character.
The city's compact layout makes exploration straightforward, with its museums, theatres and older quarters readily accessible on foot. Kaunas International Airport lies just 13 kilometres away, ensuring convenient access, whilst the nearby capital Vilnius is within reach for those planning a wider Lithuanian itinerary.
Key facts
| Country | Lithuania |
|---|---|
| Population | 289,380 |
| Timezone | Europe/Vilnius |
| Nearest airport | Kaunas International Airport (KUN), 13 km |
| Currency | EUR |
Things to Do
Kaunas Castle stands as one of the city's defining landmarks, a medieval fortification that charts the area's strategic importance across centuries. The structure embodies the layered history that characterises the city itself.
For art lovers, the Nacionalinis M. K. Čiurlionio dailės muziejus (National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum) holds extensive collections, whilst the Velnių muziejus (Museum of Diabolic Art) offers an unexpected and distinctive angle on cultural expression through its focus on devil imagery and representations from various traditions. These institutions reflect Kaunas's serious commitment to preserving and presenting Lithuanian artistic heritage.
The House of Perkūnas is a notable museum occupying a building steeped in local significance, providing insight into the city's past. Equally worth visiting is the Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy, which traces the development of medical practice and pharmaceutical knowledge in the region—a subject less commonly explored but revealing of everyday historical progress.
The Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum presents natural history through its collections, whilst the Lithuanian Sport Museum documents the country's athletic traditions and achievements. Both offer thematic depth beyond typical tourist attractions.
Eigulių piliakalnis serves as a viewpoint where the landscape opens up, affording perspective on the city's geography and setting. The Knygnešių sienelė is a monument of cultural resonance, whilst the Popiežiaus Jono Pauliaus II paminklas stands as a point of reflection in the urban fabric.
For performance, Kaunas State Musical Theatre and Kaunas Chamber Theatre provide opportunities to experience Lithuanian theatre and music culture. These venues host regular programming and represent the city's living artistic scene rather than static heritage.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kaunas and the Kauno evangelikų reformatų bažnyčia (Evangelical Reformed Church in Kaunas) are both active places of worship reflecting the city's religious architecture and history. The Historical Presidential Palace functions as a museum, offering access to spaces of former political significance.
Experiences you can book in Kaunas
Tour from Kaunas to Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, BauskaFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
This Kaunas to Riga day trip covers major sightseeing stops along the way: the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, the stunning Rundāle Palace, and the historic town of Bauska in Latvia. If you're traveling on a tight schedule and want to make the most of your transfer, this tour is…
from £192.23Book on Viator →
Best of Kaunas: A Modernism and Medieval History Self Guided tourFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Explore the vibrant heart of Kaunas on this 90-minute self-guided walking tour, where history, art, and architecture come alive. Begin at the Freedom Avenue Fountain and stroll through Vienybės Square past the Vytautas the Great War Museum. Admire the city’s modernist buildings…
from £10.15Book on Viator →
Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS)Free cancellationAbout this experience
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…
from £43.69Book on Viator →
Private Kaunas Sightseeing Tour with transfer from VilniusFree cancellationAbout this experience
During this tour, we will visit Kaunas, the provisional capital of Lithuania during the interwar period and now the second-largest city in the country. It’s worth exploring the Old Town, the castle grounds, and the modernist buildings while discussing pre-war independent…
from £262.13Book on Viator →
Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in KaunasFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Kaunas can sometimes feel overlooked by visitors. Take the mystery out of the city by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized experience lets you admire the exterior of landmarks, including museums, while learning about Kaunas’ history and culture. If…
from £61.16Book on Viator →
Private Kaunas Tour Rumsiskes Museum and Pazaislis MonasteryFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
If you have a short break and want to do the maximum of your stay – explore authentic Lithuanian village life at Rumšiškės and admire one of the finest baroque complexes in the region at Pažaislis. Explore Lithuania’s cultural heritage and traditions during this inspiring day…
from £192.23Book on Viator →
Experiences are sold and operated by Viator and its local suppliers. Head Your Way is an affiliate: we may earn a commission, but your booking, payment, cancellations, refunds and any insurance are handled entirely by Viator under their terms. Head Your Way is not the seller and is not a party to your booking. Prices and availability shown are from Viator and can change — confirm full details on Viator before booking.
Exploring the City's Neighbourhoods
Kaunas's various neighbourhoods each possess distinct character. Aleksotas, Šilainiai, and Birutė represent different residential and commercial zones across the city's expanse. Freda, Linkuva, and Maironiškiai form other populated areas, whilst Rokai, Jiesia, Sargėnai, and Gintariškės round out the municipal landscape. Walking between these districts reveals how the city extends beyond its historical core, with each neighbourhood contributing to the broader urban character.
Dainava, located just 4 kilometres from the city centre, is close enough to visit as part of a day exploring Kaunas itself, making it accessible for those interested in the city's wider metropolitan area.
When to Visit
Kaunas experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. July is the warmest month, with average temperatures around 18°C and occasional highs reaching 22°C, whilst also being the wettest period. Winter months, particularly January, bring considerably colder conditions averaging around -3.6°C, with lows dropping to -5.7°C. February is the driest month overall.
The summer season offers milder weather for walking and outdoor exploration, though visitors should prepare for rain. Winter visits suit those comfortable with cold conditions and seeking a quieter atmosphere. Spring and autumn, falling between these extremes, provide moderate temperatures and can be pleasant for city exploration without summer crowds or winter severity.
Getting There
Kaunas International Airport (KUN) is located 13.2 kilometres from the city centre, making it the most direct entry point for international visitors flying into Lithuania. The airport offers convenient access to the city itself.
Vilnius International Airport (VNO), the country's largest airport, lies 93.2 kilometres away. Whilst further than Kaunas's own airport, it may offer more frequent international connections depending on your origin point. From Vilnius, onward travel to Kaunas is straightforward.
Flights from £69 to Kaunas →from London · arrives KUN (13.2 km away) · recently-found fare — price & availability change
Day Trips from Kaunas
Several destinations within the wider region make practical day trips from Kaunas. Jonava, just 30.7 kilometres away, is close enough for a brief excursion. Kėdainiai, at 43.1 kilometres, and Marijampolė, 52.4 kilometres distant, offer further options for exploring neighbouring towns.
Alytus sits 56.9 kilometres south, whilst Panevėžys lies 96.6 kilometres north. Vilnius, the capital, is 91 kilometres away and warrants a full day of exploration given its scale and significance as a cultural centre. Taurage, 110.2 kilometres to the northwest, represents a longer journey but remains feasible for dedicated travellers.
The wider region also contains several historical sites of interest. Aukštieji Šančiai hillfort, Veršvai hillfort, and Marvelė hillfort are prehistoric fortified settlements in the surrounding area. Kauno tvirtovės VII fortas is a museum housed in a fortress structure, offering military and historical context. Napoleon's Hill is another historic location within reach. The Lithuanian Aviation Museum and Lietuvos zoologijos sodas (Lithuanian Zoo) provide additional thematic options beyond purely historical exploration.
Good to Know
Kaunas uses the Euro as its currency and operates on Europe/Vilnius timezone. Lithuanian is the official language; whilst English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases or carrying translation tools is prudent for interactions outside major venues.
The city's UNESCO World Heritage status reflects its architectural and cultural significance, and this recognition shapes how the historical areas are maintained and presented. Kaunas covers an area of 157 square kilometres across its municipal boundaries, making it a city of considerable geographic spread despite its population of around 289,000.
Journeys through here
Where to stay in Kaunas
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Getting around Kaunas
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Common questions
- Is Kaunas worth visiting if I'm going to Vilnius?
- Kaunas is worth dedicating time to—it is Lithuania's second city and a UNESCO World Heritage site with distinct character. At 91 kilometres from Vilnius, it can be reached as a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary. The city offers museums, theatres, and historical sites that provide insight into Lithuanian culture beyond the capital.
- What is the best time of year to visit?
- Summer offers milder conditions around 18°C average, though July brings rain as the wettest month. Winter (January averaging -3.6°C) is considerably colder. Spring and autumn provide moderate temperatures without summer crowds or winter severity. Your choice depends on comfort with cold and preference for outdoor versus indoor activities.
- How do I get from the airport to the city?
- Kaunas International Airport is just 13.2 kilometres from the city centre, making transfers straightforward. If arriving at Vilnius International Airport instead (93.2 kilometres away), onward travel to Kaunas is available through various transport options.
- What language do I need to speak?
- Lithuanian is the official language. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas and major venues, but it's helpful to carry translation tools or learn basic phrases for interactions outside central locations.
On the map
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Nearby places
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Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.