A first-time guide to Lithuania
One of Europe’s smaller gems, Lithuania is speckled with lakes, covered by forests and lapped at by the Baltic Sea.
Yet the country is rich in more than just natural beauty. The cobblestone medieval lanes of its capital, Vilnius, are packed with spired churches that beckon with their baroque finery, while the unparalleled art deco architecture of its second city, Kaunas, has recently earned a UNESCO designation.
Beyond its main two cities, Lithuania’s charms are many and varied. Pagan culture still permeates Europe’s last country to be Christianized – a legacy traces you can see in the krikštai (wooden grave markers) an folkloric carvings dotting the country; the wrought-iron craftsmanship decorating the poignant Hill of Crosses in Šiauliai; and the medieval-style music of alternative music festivals such as Mėnuo Juodaragis and Jotvos Vartai.
And there’s more. Pamper yourself in the spa resort of Druskininkai. Seek out vestiges of Lithuania’s Soviet past at Grūto Parkas sculpture park; Kaunas’ Atomic Bunker; the Cold War Museum at Žemaitija National Park; and the Ignalina nuclear-power station. Seek out traditional villages in Dzūkija National Park, party all night in beachfront Palanga and explore the coastline, forests and sand dunes of the bewitching Curonian Spit on foot and on two wheels.
At these sites and beyond, you’ll discover that spark that makes Lithuania so compelling.
Lithuania is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.
