Tourist Attractions in Kaunas

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Kaunas

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Kaunas

Kaunas is a city with a rich history, impressive nature, many architectural and cultural monuments. Occupying a strategically important position, it has seen a lot of history and has been destroyed several times. Nevertheless, many of its ancient buildings have survived to this day. Architecture here is represented by different styles. Kaunas Castle and Perkūnas House are Gothic, the Town Hall and Pazaislis Monastery are Baroque, the Church of Michael the Archangel is Neo-Byzantine, and the Soviet buildings are Neoclassical.

The city is considered the cultural capital of Lithuania. There are 4 theatres, about 40 museums and galleries. Festivals, musical, theatre and sporting events are regularly held. Kaunas is also the home of the basketball club “Zalgiris”, one of the strongest in Europe.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Kaunas

Kaunas Castle

 4.6/5

6491 reviews

An ancient defence fortress, the only one of its kind in Lithuania. It was built in the 13th century to repel attacks of the Teutonic Knights and was of great strategic importance. It was built at the confluence of two rivers. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Only one third of the castle with 2 towers has survived to this day. There is a museum on the history of the town and the castle, as well as exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. Santakos Park is located nearby.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Laisvės alėja

 5/5

5 reviews

It is the most popular pedestrian street in Kaunas. Translated from Lithuanian, it means Freedom Alley. It was founded in the 19th century. It is 1.7 km long and 24-27 metres wide. There are no motor vehicles here and smoking is prohibited. Along the alley are planted rows of trees, flowerbeds, many benches for recreation. There is a wide range of shops, restaurants, theatres, hotels, museums, night clubs. There are many monuments and old buildings of historical value.

Open time

9th Fort of the Kaunas Fortress

 4.7/5

4863 reviews

The Kovno defence fortress around the city was built in the late 19th century and consisted of 8 forts. The last, ninth, was built on the eve of the First World War. In Soviet times it was used as a prison. And during the Nazi occupation the fort turned into a concentration camp where Jews and Poles were shot en masse. Today, a museum of genocide and mass murder has been created here, and a large memorial to the thousands of victims of the Nazis has been erected.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kaunas Town Hall

 4.8/5

1326 reviews

Rises in the heart of the historic part of the city – in the Town Hall Square. It was built in the 16th century and was often rebuilt, so it combines elements of different styles. The Town Hall housed a prison, trade warehouses, an Orthodox church, a royal residence, a fire station, a theatre, a city archive and an institute. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2005. Today, a city museum dedicated to the history of Kaunas is opened here, and an observation deck is equipped.

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Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul

 4.8/5

1935 reviews

An architectural monument. One of the largest Catholic churches in Lithuania. It started to be built in the XV century in the Gothic style. 2 centuries later a rectangular basilica was built, 100 years later a 55-metre bell tower was completed, and in the XIX century a chapel was built. Baroque interior decoration has been preserved since the XVIII century. There are 9 altars of great artistic value. The temple is famous for the ancient image of the Suffering Mother of God who gives healing.

Open time

Monday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM
Tuesday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM
Wednesday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM
Thursday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM
Friday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM
Saturday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM
Sunday: 7:55 AM – 6:55 PM

Church of St. Francis Xavier

 4.8/5

309 reviews

The white stone Baroque building was erected in the XVII-XVIII centuries. It belongs to the Jesuit Church. It is located on the central square, near the Town Hall. It has two high bell towers. On the roof there is a viewing platform. Repeatedly the church was passed from hand to hand – first to the Franciscans, then to the Orthodox Church, to the gymnasium. During the Soviet times it housed a gymnasium with a sauna. It was returned to the faithful and re-consecrated in 1992.

Open time

Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Kaunas

 4.6/5

2045 reviews

The grandiose white stone cathedral was built at the end of the XIX century by order of Alexander II. It was intended for the Russian garrison. The height of the building is 50 metres, one of the 5 domes has a diameter of 16 metres and is considered to be the largest in Lithuania. The temple is built in Neo-Byzantine style and can accommodate up to 2000 people. It is decorated with a large number of columns, sculptures, mouldings and gilding. During Soviet times it was given to a museum. Since 1990 it belongs to the Catholic Church.

Open time

Church of Vytautas the Great

 4.8/5

1017 reviews

It was built in 1400 by order of Prince Vytautas the Great for the Franciscan monks. It has a high bell tower. It is built of small red bricks in the Hanseatic Gothic style. All geometric patterns and decorative elements on the facade are exclusively regular in shape, which is characteristic of this style. The interior decoration has not been preserved. Everything contained in the church was made in the XX century. The church is active and can be visited, but not during services.

Open time

Church of St. Gertrude

 4.8/5

946 reviews

Compact Gothic building in one of the corners of the Old Town. An architectural monument. One of the oldest brick churches in Lithuania. It was built in the XV century, later the bell tower was completed. The most valuable shrine is the cross with the crucifixion of Christ, which is attributed miraculous powers. During Soviet times the church was used as a warehouse. In the 80’s it was going to be completely demolished, but the public prevented it. Today the church has been restored and services are held there.

Open time

Christ's Resurrection Church

 4.7/5

1739 reviews

It was built in the 30s of the last century. It is a majestic stylish white stone structure 70 metres high. It seats up to 5000 people. During Soviet times it was turned into a workshop of a radio factory, where TV sets were produced. At present it belongs to the Catholic Church, divine services are held. On the roof of the church there is a viewing platform, one of the best in the city. The temple is located on Jaliakalnis Hill, which can be reached by funicular railway.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Pažaislis Monastery and Church

 4.7/5

4682 reviews

One of the most beautiful Baroque monasteries in Europe. It was founded in 1667 and was intended for the Camaldolese monks. It was built by Italian craftsmen. The main pearl of the complex is the magnificent church with two symmetrical towers and an impressive central dome. Inside the temple is generously decorated with paintings, frescoes, bas-reliefs, stucco, marble walls. The monastery is currently active, female, and open to tourists.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

National Kaunas Drama Theater

 4.8/5

2023 reviews

The first professional drama theatre in Lithuania. It was established in 1920. It is located in a building built in 1928 on the famous Laisves Alley. After extensive reconstruction, it is one of the most modern theatres in the Baltic region. Its current repertoire consists of 30 successful productions, including productions for children and young people. Some productions use audio-visualisation for the visually impaired as well as simultaneous interpretation.

Open time

Monday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Kaunas State Musical Theater

 4.8/5

2742 reviews

Year of creation – 1940. It is located in the building of the city theatre, built at the end of the 19th century. The best theatre directors from Lithuania and other European countries stage musical performances here. Every season the theatre pleases its audience with at least two premieres. Its modern repertoire includes operas, operettas, musicals, ballets and children’s productions. The theatre’s symphony orchestra holds an annual instrumental concert featuring famous performers.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art

 4.8/5

2142 reviews

It was opened in 1921. The name of the talented artist and composer Mikalojus Čiurlionis was given to the museum in 1944. The museum contains his paintings, manuscripts, letters and personal belongings, as well as recordings of his most famous musical works. There are also collections of Lithuanian paintings from the past centuries, wooden sculptures, numismatics and folk art objects. The museum’s collections now number about 330,000 exhibits.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Devils' Museum

 4.3/5

1737 reviews

It was opened in 1966 thanks to the artist A. Zmuidzinavicius, who collected statuettes and masks of various evil things for 60 years. The museum was organised in the artist’s house after his death. There are figurines of devils made of different materials – ceramics, leather, metal and wood. And also a lot of things in the form of devils – mugs, pipes, candlesticks, ashtrays, etc. The unusual collection consists of 3000 exhibits brought from 23 countries of the world and continues to be enlarged.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Vytautas the Great War Museum

 4.7/5

2793 reviews

Lithuanian military history from the earliest times is presented in the expositions of this museum. It was founded in 1919. Its collections contain about 200,000 exhibits. Samples of military equipment, cold and firearms, ammunition and all kinds of military paraphernalia, archaeological finds, paintings, books and documents testify to the past military actions. The museum’s memorial exposition in the black marble hall is dedicated to all those who died for Lithuania’s independence.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery

 4.6/5

380 reviews

One of the best art museums in the country. It is named after the Lithuanian art collector Mikolas Žilinskas. It is located in a modern building specially constructed for the gallery in 1989. Unique samples of ancient Egyptian art, works by Dutch, German and Italian painters, as well as Baltic authors, magnificent collections of porcelain and ancient tapestries are presented here. An exhibition for blind people has been organised.

Open time

Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy

 4.8/5

182 reviews

It was established in 1936. It is located on the Town Hall Square, in an old mansion of the 16th century. The museum houses over 17,000 exhibits. Among them are old apothecary utensils, medicine bottles, scales, medical instruments, books, personal belongings of doctors and pharmacists, furniture and equipment for medical rooms and many other things. A reconstruction of a 19th century Lithuanian pharmacy is of interest. It is advisable to visit the museum with a guide.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Lithuanian Education History Museum

 4.6/5

204 reviews

A complex of old houses and outbuildings in the picturesque place Rumšiškės, 18 kilometres from Kaunas. The largest ethnographic museum in Europe. It was opened for visitors in 1974. On the territory of 175 hectares the life of a traditional Lithuanian village of the past centuries is recreated. Visitors have the opportunity to see the interior decoration of dwelling houses, get acquainted with folk crafts, take a ride on a breech, taste national cuisine, and buy Lithuanian souvenirs.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Lithuanian Museum of Aviation

 4.4/5

1213 reviews

It was established in 1990 on the territory of the oldest aerodrome in Lithuania. The exposition has about 40 pieces of equipment: gliders, aeroplanes, helicopters. The exhibits include models of aircraft, engines, pilots’ uniforms, personal belongings of famous pilots, aviation signs of many countries, photographs and documents. Visitors have an opportunity to try out a real flight simulator. The pride of the museum is a rare ANBO-I aircraft, created in a single copy.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Diplomats for Life

 4.7/5

286 reviews

During the war years, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara helped escaped prisoners of Nazi camps to leave the country by issuing them life-saving transit visas. In doing so, he saved the lives of more than 6,000 Jews, for which he received the title “Righteous Among the Nations”. The museum dedicated to him is located in the building of the former Japanese Consulate. It was opened in 2001. It recreates the consul’s office, living room, library, and presents numerous photo and video documents.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

House of Perkūnas

 4.4/5

261 reviews

The powerful late Flame Gothic building was erected in the 15th century by Hanseatic merchants and served as their warehouse. It was named after the pagan thunder god, whose statue was found in the 19th century in the brick wall. The house has been reconstructed several times, but the facade has remained unchanged. Nowadays the building belongs to the Jesuit order. It houses a gymnasium, a museum of the poet Adam Mickiewicz, and a hall for exhibitions and concerts.

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Historical Presidential Palace, Kaunas

 4.7/5

1045 reviews

The two-storey mansion in neobaroque style was built in 1846. Later, a small garden was laid out around it. Since 1918, it has been the property of the Lithuanian government and the residence of the head of state. Until 1940, when Lithuania became part of the USSR, 3 presidents worked and lived here. Monuments to them were erected in the garden. Today the palace building belongs to the Art Museum. There are exhibitions about the former presidents and the history of the palace.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Žalgirio arena

 4.7/5

20356 reviews

The largest multi-purpose indoor arena in the Baltic States. Built in 2011 on the bank of the Neman River. Designed for 15,000 spectators. The home court of Zalgiris Basketball Club, the most titled Lithuanian club, multiple winner of Lithuanian and former USSR championships, and the winner of the Euroleague in 1999. It is used not only for basketball matches, but also for other sports, as well as for spectacular events and concerts.

Open time

VDU Botanical garden

 4.7/5

4050 reviews

Year of foundation – 1923. The area is 63 hectares. Located on the territory of the former estate of the XIX century, where the house, a small fort, statues, ponds with bridges are preserved. Belongs to the local university. The outdoor garden consists of 5 thematic zones: flowers, fruits and berries, local rare plants, medicinal flora, dendrological collection. The greenhouses contain warm-loving exotic plants from all over the world. In total, about 7000 species of plants are represented in the botanical garden.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Oak-Wood Park

 4.7/5

5032 reviews

Located in the picturesque sleeping area of Jalakalnis. The area is 84 hectares. The oak grove in the park is the largest in Europe. Some of the giant oaks are over 300 years old. This is all that remains of a large oak forest that surrounded the city but was cut down in the past centuries. Other deciduous trees are also found here. The valley of the Hirtstupis River flowing through the park is named after the poet Adam Mickiewicz. He liked to visit here.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Lithuanian Zoo

 4.2/5

5874 reviews

The only zoo in the country. It is located in the Ažuolinas Park. It was founded in 1938. On an area of 16 hectares there are about 3000 animals. Among them there are kangaroos and hippos, giraffes and reindeer, monkeys and bison, numerous representatives of felines. The pride of the zoo is llamas, they participate in city parades and events. There are also a bird house, serpentarium, terrarium and aquarium. There is a pet museum, children’s attractions and a souvenir shop on the territory of the park.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Aleksotas Funicular Railway

 4.6/5

441 reviews

In the whole territory of Lithuania, this type of urban transport has been preserved only in Kaunas. Today there are two lines that have been running for more than 80 years. One of them, the oldest one, runs to the hill of Žaliakalnis, the second one leads to the top of Aleksotas Mountain. In the early 90s, the boarding stations and carriages were thoroughly renovated. Music is played during the journey. Kaunas funiculars have been declared a cultural monument.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 7:00 PM

Aleksotas Observation Deck

 4.7/5

4317 reviews

Aleksotas Hill has one of the best panoramic platforms in Kaunas. From here you can see the Neman and Neris rivers, Town Hall Square, Kaunas Castle, bell towers and spires of churches, and Jaliakalnis Hill. You can get to the observation deck by a funicular railway, which has been operating here since 1935. It connects the top of Aleksotas with the Old Town. The journey time is about 2 minutes. If you wish, you can climb the stairs on foot, for which you will have to climb 250 steps.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Juniper Valley

 4.7/5

743 reviews

It is located on the bank of the Neman River, in the vicinity of the village of Arlaviškės. Juniper bushes cover an area of 5 hectares and are recognised as a natural monument. Some of the bushes are over 100 years old and 12 metres high. The hiking trail through the valley above the cliff is recognised as the most picturesque sightseeing trail in Lithuania. Its length is more than 1 kilometre. Rare plants and some species of butterflies can be found between the juniper bushes.

Place is closed permanently