Interwar modernism and street-art walls
The temporary capital between the wars left Kaunas a remarkable modernist centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, wrapped around a lively pedestrian avenue.
Official city tourism siteCultural highlights
Laisvės alėja
A 1.6 km pedestrian avenue of cafés, linden trees and modernist facades.
Old Town & castle
Where the Nemunas and Neris rivers meet, with a red-brick round tower.
Street art
The Wise Old Man and Kaunas' mural trail are scattered through courtyards — worth an afternoon.
Travel tips
- The Žaliakalnis funicular is a working 1930s cable car and costs pocket change.
- Museums are often closed Mondays.
- Kaunas is an easy day trip from Vilnius by train (about 1h10).
Getting around
From the airport
Bus 29 or 120 to the centre in about 40 minutes; Bolt around €12.
City transport
Trolleybuses and buses cover the hills; the centre and Old Town are an easy 25-minute walk apart.
Between cities
Intercity buses are the backbone (autobusubilietai.lt); trains (traukiniai.lt) are cheaper and comfortable on Vilnius–Kaunas–Klaipėda.
Tickets
Buy bus and train tickets online or from the driver. City buses accept a contactless bank card tapped on the validator.
Taxis & apps
Bolt is the default app in every city and costs a fraction of Western European taxi fares.
Driving
Dipped headlights on at all times. Winter tyres are compulsory 10 Nov – 1 Apr. City parking is paid by app (mPay) or meter.
Opening hours
Žaliakalnis funicular
Runs roughly 07:00–19:00 on weekdays, shorter hours at weekends.
Museums
Most Kaunas museums close Monday and Tuesday, not just Monday.
Shops
Weekdays roughly 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00. Many small shops close Sunday.
Shopping centres
Usually 10:00–21:00 or 22:00, seven days a week.
Supermarkets
Maxima, Iki, Rimi and Lidl typically 08:00–22:00 daily; some Vilnius and Kaunas stores run 24h.
Restaurants
Lunch menus (pietūs) 11:00–15:00 on weekdays. Kitchens often stop at 22:00, earlier in small towns.
Pharmacies
09:00–19:00 typically; every larger city has at least one 24-hour pharmacy.
Banks & post
Weekdays 09:00–17:00, closed weekends. Cash machines are everywhere.
Public holidays
Most shops and museums close on 1 Jan, 16 Feb, 11 Mar, Easter, 24 Jun, 6 Jul, 1 Nov and 24–25 Dec.
Typical hours — always check the venue's own page before travelling.
Practical info
Getting around
Compact centre on foot; trolleybuses cover the hills.
Money
Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including buses and markets.
Emergency
112 for police, ambulance and fire — English is understood.
Useful Lithuanian
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