Top Things to See
The majority of Lithuania’s top sights of interest to tourists are located in Vilnius and other centuries-old cities. The heart of old Vilnius is a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces, and Kaunus boasts ruins dating from the 11th century. Kernave was an ancient capital of Lithuania, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site today.
 Gediminas Square This picturesque square is located in the heart of Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius. The focal point of the square is its cathedral, a masterpiece of the classical style. A number of churches are located in and around the square, including St Ann’s, built in the Gothic style, and also the church of Sts Peter and Paul. The latter is the final resting place of one of Lithuania’s most revered dukes, St Casimieras. For incredible views of the city, a climb to the top of Gediminas Tower is well worth the effort.
 Kaunas Kaunas boasts a number of museums, and in fact is frequently referred to as Lithuania's 'City of Museums.’ Highlights include the Devil Museum, the memorial to Lithuanians persecuted by the Nazis and the museum housing the works of Ciurlionis, one of the greatest of Lithuanian painters. Additional attractions include the city’s three theatres, the old City Hall and ruins of a castle dating from the 11th century.
 Kernave
Lithuania’s ancient capital boasts a series of five unusually-positioned grassy mounds, and some buildings and monuments that were preserved by a covering of peat moss. The earliest records of this important site date to the late 13th century. One of Lithuania's UNESCO World Heritage sites today, Kernave comes to life during the summer months, when folk festivals are held. Archaeological digs have been ongoing for over two decades, and more information about the past continues to be unearthed.
 Trakai This historic town is a lake resort located 28kms to the west of Vilnius, and is a popular tourist destination.This is another of the country’s ancient capitals, situated in the midst of more than 200 lakes, on the shores of the scenic Lake Galve. A number of churches and a 14th century castle are the main tourist attractions here, but visitors also come for boat rides on the lake and for hikes in the nearby forest.
 Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius was founded in 1323, in the centre of a picturesque valley, surrounded by forested hills. The original city was built on the bank of the Neris River, and the Old Town is Europe’s largest. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers plenty of historical attractions. In fact, most styles of European architecture can be found in the buildings here, although the Baroque style actually predominates.
 Vilnius University The city’s historic university dates from 1579 when its charter was granted. The establishment of this educational institution was an important part of the ‘Golden Age’ of Vilnius. One of the oldest universities in central Europe, the style of construction reflects the Renaissance period.
Top Things to Do
Experience the nightlife. Since emerging from Soviet domination in 1990, the nightlife and entertainment scene in Lithuania, and particularly in Vilnius, have developed significantly. Cinemas typically feature the latest from Hollywood, played in English with Lithuanian subtitles. Live theatre performances are mostly found in the capital, where concerts and plays are regular staged. Ballet and opera are featured at the Vilnius Opera Theatre, and musical theatre is a regular feature of the scene in Kaunas. Restaurants often act as venues for live music, and there are normally groups that play nightly. Visitors will also find a good selection of clubs, but the club scene is largely limited to Vilnius.
 Go on a castle tour. If you have an interest in castles, there’s plenty to see in the Baltic region. In Lithuania, a visit to Trakai, known as the ‘Town of Lakes,’ is in order. The enormous Trakai castle, built by Grand Duke Vytauas Magnum, houses the Trakai History Museum. The interior of the castle is quite impressive, boasting an excellent representation of murals and stained glass from the period.
 Sample some local cuisine. Lithuanians tend to be very proud of their culture and their culinary heritage. Since the country regained its independence, a flood of new restaurants has opened up in the major cities and tourist areas. Local cuisine is on offer at many of the newer and trendy restaurants, which offer up not only some of the finest local dishes, but also service that is exceptionally attentive. Some of the more popular restaurants in Vilnius that specialise in Lithuanian fare include Cili Kaimas, Forto Dvaras and Marceliukes Kletis.
 Shop for amber and handicrafts. Jewellery and ornaments crafted from amber are some of the top items to shop for in Lithuania. Pure amber stones can also be purchased in shops and at many of the markets that are held across the country. Native handicrafts are also quite popular with tourists, due to their unique design and intricate detail.
 Soak in the healthy waters of Druskininkai. One of the top places to visit during the summer is the village of Druskininkai, where the mineral streams are reputed to have significant health benefits. Many visitors come to this lovely spot for a summer holiday and a soak in the curative waters here. There are also plenty of activities on offer for tourists during the season
 Take part in a festival or two. There’s a festival somewhere in Lithuania most months of the year. Cultural festivals, music and theatre events, historic and religious festivals all feature on the annual calendar. A visit to a smaller village during festival time, such as the crafts festival in Dzukija, will ensure an experience of Lithuanian traditions that will not be forgotten.
 Visit Grutas Park. The park is filled with sculpture, including statues dating from the Soviet period and numerous other ideological leftovers. Established by a local entrepreneur, Viliumas Malinauskas, the park is located near Druskininkai, which is around 130kms to the southeast of Vilnius. Unofficially known as ‘Stalin World,’ the park’s statues were at one time situated in other parts of Lithuania, and moved to this site in 1990 after the country regained independence. Visitors will also see re-creations of Soviet prison camps, which have been set up to educate and to amuse. Grutas Park also features playgrounds, a small zoo and cafés where refreshments are available.
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