- Šiauliai is known as the City of the Sun due to the 1936 battle of Saule which took place nearby and the city's prominent solar-themed monuments.
- The city once housed the Frenkel leather factory, which was the largest of its kind in the Russian Empire during the early 20th century.
- The city's urban planning is unique in Lithuania for its focus on pedestrian-only zones in the downtown area, established as one of the first in the Soviet Union.
- The local bicycle industry has deep roots here; the Baltik Vairas factory makes the city a traditional center for bicycle manufacturing in the Baltics.
About Šiauliai
Šiauliai serves as the industrial and cultural hub of northern Lithuania, defined by its distinctive solar-themed urban design and legacy as a former center of leather production. Visitors often explore the architectural refinement of Chaim Frenkel's Villa, which houses exhibits on the city's pre-war history. The skyline is dominated by the twin towers of the Cathedral of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, while public spaces like Sundial Square showcase the city's mathematical connection to the sun. Travelers can also relax in the lush, diverse landscapes of the VUŠA Botanical Garden. These landmarks collectively narrate the transformation of the city from a historical trade settlement into a modern regional center.
Highlights of Šiauliai
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
This metal sculpture of a fox has become a modern symbol of the city for locals and visitors alike.
Museums
This museum is housed in a grand Art Nouveau villa that highlights the region's rich industrial heritage.
Places of interest
The square features a massive sundial that serves as a landmark dedicated to the city's solar identity.
Temples
This 17th-century Renaissance cathedral features distinct, high-reaching towers that are visible from across the city.
Parks
The garden offers a curated collection of plant species and serves as an important site for botanical research and leisure.
Museums
Visitors can explore traditional rural Lithuanian life and examine the workings of an authentic wooden windmill.
Museums
This gallery hosts rotating exhibitions that showcase contemporary Lithuanian visual and installation art.
Parks
The city park provides expansive green space for walking and contains several historical commemorative markers.
Top things to do in Šiauliai
The 61 highest-rated places in Šiauliai, ranked by travellers.
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Around Šiauliai
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Jump straight to what you're into.
Šiauliai on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Šiauliai
Late May to early September, as the mild Baltic climate allows for comfortable outdoor exploration of parks and historical sites.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the main museums, religious sites, and nearby outdoor attractions.
The city center is highly walkable, with a main pedestrian boulevard serving as the primary thoroughfare; local buses cover the wider metropolitan area.
Stay near the central pedestrian boulevard (Vilniaus gatvė) to remain within walking distance of most museums and cafes.
Šiauliai is generally a budget-friendly destination compared to Vilnius or Western European cities, with affordable dining and entry fees.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 61 curated attractions in and around Šiauliai, ranked by traveller ratings.
Iron Fox is the highest-rated place to visit in Šiauliai right now.
The largest category is temples, with 20 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
