Are you thinking about visiting Kaunas, Lithuania? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Kaunas worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to two days because of the many great activities. Kaunas sits at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas Rivers. It's home to the Kaunas Castle and the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica. The city has a nice pedestrian area with treelined streets. We first visited in 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with wonderful atmosphere and feeling of authenticity.
Kaunas
Reasons to Visit Kaunas
Food
It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.
Historical Sights
The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.
Authenticity
Kaunas has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Kaunas worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Kaunas, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to discover the big city activities, browse around the old town, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Kaunas
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| August | 17°C (63°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| September | 13°C (55°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Kaunas worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Kaunas. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Kaunas can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Kaunas
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 8°C (46°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| November | 2°C (36°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| December | -2°C (28°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Kaunas worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Kaunas can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -5°C (23°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Kaunas is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to sample the delicious cuisine, admire the historic sights, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Kaunas
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -5°C (23°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| February | -4°C (25°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| March | 0°C (33°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Is Kaunas worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Kaunas. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Kaunas can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to browse around the old town and dance the night away.
Spring Weather in Kaunas
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (44°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| June | 16°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Kaunas
Shopping: Kaunas isn't exactly a shopper's destination. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Kaunas might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Kaunas here or see if Kaunas is expensive here.
Related
What is Kaunas most famous for?
Kaunas is most famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. The city is very popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. It is often described as young, vibrant, cultural, and active.
What is the most famous sight in Kaunas?
The most popular sight in Kaunas is The Kaunas Old Town. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kaunas on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Kaunas Old Town and other attractions here.
How touristy is Kaunas? Is it a popular city to visit?
Kaunas is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
- Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
- Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $54
- Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $64
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76
- Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
- Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
- Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
How long should I spend in Kaunas?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kaunas is one to two days. Since Kaunas has activities such as historical sights, dining, and nightlife, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kaunas? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kaunas?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.