- Kaunas served as the provisional capital of Lithuania from 1920 to 1939, a period during which it rapidly developed its unique Bauhaus and Art Deco architectural styles.
- The city is home to one of the oldest funicular railways in Europe, the Aleksotas Funicular, which has been in continuous operation since 1935.
- Kaunas hosts an annual festival dedicated to its status as the 'City of the Confluence,' celebrating the unique geological point where the two largest Lithuanian rivers merge.
- During the interwar period, Kaunas was known as 'Little Paris' due to its sophisticated cafe culture and intellectual atmosphere.
- The city's street art scene, particularly the 'Wall of the Courtyard' mural, is internationally recognized and has become a landmark of local civic identity.
About Kaunas
Kaunas, situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, serves as Lithuania's second-largest city and a center for modernist architecture and interwar history. The city is defined by its strategic military past, exemplified by the imposing 9th Fort of the Kaunas Fortress, and its preserved medieval roots visible at Kaunas Castle. Visitors can explore a vast network of green spaces, including the expansive Oak Grove Park and the VDU Botanical garden, which anchor the city's urban layout. The city's cultural pulse is centered around venues like the Kaunas State Musical Theater, while the modern Žalgirio arena showcases its status as a premier sports hub in the Baltic region.
Highlights of Kaunas
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
Visit this multi-purpose arena to catch a EuroLeague basketball game in the city's premier sports venue.
Parks
Walk to the point where the Nemunas and Neris rivers meet to see the city's most significant natural landmark.
Historical places
Tour the ruins of this 14th-century Gothic castle located strategically at the river junction.
Museums
Reflect on the city's complex history at this former fortress site turned memorial museum.
Places of interest
Take the historic funicular to this deck for an elevated view over the confluence and the city rooftops.
Parks
Stroll through the extensive plant collections and tranquil greenhouses of Lithuania's largest botanical garden.
Museums
Examine a massive collection of military artifacts detailing Lithuania’s struggle for independence.
Venues
Experience live opera or operetta performances in a historic theater reflecting the city's cultural heritage.
Top things to do in Kaunas
The 230 highest-rated places in Kaunas, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
Žalgirio arena is the largest indoor multipurpose venue in the Baltic States, located on an island in the Nemunas River...
2
Parks
Nemunas and Neris Confluence Park is located at the geographic meeting point of Lithuania's two largest rivers, the Nemu...
3
Museums
Raudondvaris Manor is a 17th-century Renaissance castle ensemble situated on the right bank of the Nevėžis River. The si...
4
Historical places
Kaunas Castle is a 14th-century Gothic defensive fortress situated at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. It...
5
Parks
Oak Grove Park, locally known as Ąžuolynas, is the largest urban stand of mature oak trees in Europe. The park spans app...
6
Parks
Kalniečių parkas is a prominent 24-hectare urban park located in the Kalniečiai residential district of Kaunas, Lithuani...
7
Museums
The 9th Fort is a significant historical site and Holocaust museum serving as a memorial to the thousands murdered there...
8
Places of interest
The Aleksotas Observation Deck provides a panoramic vantage point over the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers an...
9
Parks
The VDU Botanical Garden in Kaunas is a 62.5-hectare scientific and educational facility integrated into the Vytautas Ma...
10
Venues
The Kaunas State Musical Theater is a historic performance venue situated in the heart of the city's pedestrian promenad...
11
Parks
Panemunė pinewood is a expansive 280-hectare recreational forest situated on the left bank of the Nemunas River in Kauna...
12
Parks
Draugystės Park is a significant urban green space located in the Dainava district of Kaunas, covering a large area prim...
13
Museums
The Vytautas the Great War Museum in Kaunas serves as the primary institution for preserving Lithuanian military history...
14
Museums
The M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art is the primary repository for the complete creative legacy of Mikalojus Konst...
15
Museums
Lietuvos etnografijos muziejus is one of Europe's largest open-air museums, spanning 195 hectares near the Kaunas Reserv...
16
Museums
The Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Museum of Zoology is one of the oldest museums in Lithuania, established in 1919 by biologis...
17
Temples
The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is the largest Catholic church in Lithuania and the primary cathedral o...
18
Parks
Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park encompasses the largest artificial water body in Lithuania, created by damming the Nemunas R...
19
Venues
The National Kaunas Drama Theater is the oldest professional theater in Lithuania, established in 1920. Located on the c...
20
Temples
The Church of St. Michael the Archangel, commonly known as the Garrison Church, is a prominent Neo-Byzantine structure l...
21
Temples
Christ's Resurrection Basilica in Kaunas is a monumental modernist church featuring a rooftop observation deck with pano...
22
Parks
Nemunas Island is a man-made island situated in the Nemunas River in central Kaunas, serving as a primary urban recreati...
23
Parks
Kadagių slėnis (Juniper Valley) is a botanical preserve located on the steep slopes of the Nemunas River valley near the...
24
Museums
The Devils' Museum, located in Kaunas, is a specialized institution dedicated to the collection and display of devil-the...
25
Amusement parks
DeadTown nuotykių parkas is a Wild West-themed amusement park located in the Kaunas district of Lithuania. The park feat...
26
Places of interest
The Marvelė cascade is a series of artificial stone terraces built to manage the flow of the Marvelė stream as it descen...
27
Venues
Kaunas Town Hall, known locally as the White Swan, is an iconic 16th-century building located in the heart of Kaunas Old...
28
Places of interest
The Bridge of the Three Virgins (Trijų Mergelių tiltas) is a 38-meter-high pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Ne...
29
Temples
The Church of Vytautas the Great is the oldest church in Kaunas, dating back to the early 15th century. It stands on the...
30
Natural attractions
The Žiegždriai geological trail is a 1.6-kilometer educational hiking route situated within the Kaunas Reservoir Regiona...
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Kaunas on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kaunas
Late May to early September, when the city's numerous parks and outdoor riverfronts are fully accessible and weather permits walking tours.
2-3 days to cover the Old Town, major historical forts, and the primary parkland areas.
The city is highly walkable in the center, supplemented by an extensive network of trolleybuses and the historical funiculars.
The Old Town (Senamiestis) is ideal for historical atmosphere, while the Naujamiestis district offers proximity to the best interwar architecture and modern amenities.
Mid-range; Kaunas is generally more affordable than Vilnius for dining, accommodation, and cultural activities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 230 curated attractions in and around Kaunas, ranked by traveller ratings.
Žalgirio arena is the highest-rated place to visit in Kaunas right now.
The largest category is temples, with 54 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vilnius, Klaipėda, Alytus.
Explore more of Lithuania
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
