Lithuania is a charming and underrated Baltic gem that combines historic intrigue, quirky traditions, and raw natural beauty. From the cobbled streets of Vilnius Old Town to expansive forests, Gothic architecture, and vibrant street art scenes, Lithuania manages to blend medieval elegance with a cool, creative edge.
Once part of the Soviet Union, this small country now boasts a dynamic, youthful energy – especially in its capital, where centuries-old churches and castles sit beside hip cafés and alternative art spaces. Lithuania is also a surprisingly affordable European destination, with great food, welcoming locals, and fewer crowds than many Western hotspots.
Just a short flight from the UK (around 2.5 hours from London), Lithuania is perfect for a cultural city break or a longer trip through the Baltics. Whether you’re here for history, nature, or to discover a new favourite European city – Lithuania might just surprise you.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
Vilnius – The quirky and walkable capital known for its baroque Old Town, bohemian Užupis district (an unofficial “republic”), and mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Soviet architecture.
Trakai – A fairytale-like town known for its island castle on Lake Galvė – great for day trips from Vilnius.
Kaunas – Lithuania’s second-largest city, packed with street art, riverside charm, and interesting interwar architecture.
Klaipėda & Curonian Spit – A coastal city and UNESCO-listed sand dune peninsula with cycling paths, beach vibes, and unique landscapes.
Hill of Crosses – A hauntingly beautiful pilgrimage site in northern Lithuania with thousands of crosses.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–August): Warm, long days – ideal for festivals, lake swims, and exploring cities.
Autumn (September–October): Cooler but peaceful, with stunning autumn colours.
Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy – magical if you’re into festive markets and frosty architecture.
Spring (April–May): A fresh and green time to visit, before peak crowds arrive.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Use public transport in cities or rent a bike to explore like a local.
Taxis are cheap, but apps like Bolt are popular and often cheaper.
🧳Good For:
Culture & history lovers
Budget-conscious travellers
Solo travellers or couples
Fans of quirky, off-the-beaten-path destinations
Architecture enthusiasts
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
Cepelinai – Hearty potato dumplings filled with meat or cheese, often topped with sour cream and bacon.
Šaltibarščiai – Bright pink cold beetroot soup, perfect in summer!
Kibinai – Savoury pastries from the Karaim community, traditionally filled with meat.
Meduolis – Spiced honey cake, often served during the holidays.
Local beer – Lithuania has a proud craft beer scene worth exploring.
✈️ How to Get There:
Main Airport: Vilnius International Airport (VNO)
Flights from London, Manchester, and other major UK cities take around 2.5–3 hours.
Trains and buses connect Lithuania to Latvia and Poland if travelling overland.
🚍 Getting Around:
Public transport in Vilnius and Kaunas is affordable and reliable – buses and trolleybuses are the norm.
Bolt app is widely used for taxis.
Intercity trains and buses are well-connected, and many routes are scenic and inexpensive.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Language: Lithuanian – but many younger locals speak English.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected; rounding up or 10% is a good guide.
Lithuanians value politeness and personal space. A friendly “Laba diena” (good day) goes a long way!
My Lithuania Highlights
I visited Lithuania in December, mainly drawn by the Christmas market in Vilnius. While it was smaller than some of the big festive markets elsewhere in Europe, it still had that lovely twinkly magic and fewer crowds, which is always a win!
Vilnius itself is super walkable (I barely needed public transport), and packed with great little places to eat and warm up. One unexpected gem? A cat café! I popped in mostly to defrost, but the cakes were actually so good, and it made for a cosy little pit stop surrounded by snoozing cats. Big vibe.
I also did a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, which I really recommend – it was thoughtful, informative, and a good way to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history.
As a day trip, I headed to Trakai, which felt like stepping into a storybook. The castle, perched on its own little island in the lake, looked even more magical in the frosty December light. It’s super easy to reach from Vilnius by bus, and makes for a really chilled half-day escape.
Overall, Lithuania is such a great spot for a long weekend – affordable, easy to get around, and full of charm. I’d definitely go back to explore more!
Whether you’re dreaming of castle day trips or quirky local tours, you’ll find a curated selection of Lithuania’s best activities below.
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