6 Days in Vilnius & Kaunas
Vilnius's Baroque old town is Eastern Europe's most atmospheric capital, with its 500-year-old Jewish quarter and atmospheric back alleys. A short train ride to Kaunas reveals a second-city treasure: Art Deco architecture, a riverside citadel, and a younger creative energy. Together they form a route that feels off the beaten path but utterly assured.
What to expect
- Vilnius Old Town's narrow streets, church spires and Gediminas Castle overlooking the Neris River
- Uzupis: bohemian art district with street murals, indie galleries, and a quirky 'republic' feel
- Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History: deeply moving museum in the restored pre-WWII quarter
- Kaunas' Ninth Fort: haunting WWII memorial and concentration camp site, 5 km from city centre
- Art Deco architecture in Kaunas town centre: one of Europe's finest concentrations (1920s-30s)
Day by day
Arrive; check into Old Town; walk Cathedral Square and climb Gediminas Castle tower.
Explore Pilies Street and Renaissance merchant houses; visit St. Anne's Church.
Dinner at Forto Dvaras for traditional Lithuanian cepelinai (potato dumplings).
Visit Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History; walk the quiet streets of the former ghetto.
Cross the Neris River to Uzupis; explore galleries, murals and the 'Uzupis Constitution'.
Craft beer and pica (flatbread) at Užupio Duonos Kepykla; drinks at a bohemian bar.
Train to Trakai (30 min); visit the iconic red-brick castle on an island in Lake Galve.
Walk around the lake perimeter; visit the Karaite cultural museum; kayak if available.
Return to Vilnius; dinner at Aušrine for fresh lake fish.
Train to Kaunas (90 min); settle into accommodation; walk Freedom Avenue (Laisvės alėja).
Tour Art Deco buildings (Santara, Post Office, Vytautas Magnus University); visit Town Hall.
Dinner atOut of Chaos for modern Lithuanian cuisine.
Bus or taxi to Ninth Fort (Ninth Fort), 5 km north; guided tour of the WWII memorial.
Return to Kaunas; visit Kaunas Castle (13th-century ruins) overlooking the Nemunas River.
Drinks and live music at a riverside café or Kaunas jazz bar.
River walk or boat ride along the Nemunas; visit the Santaka Park viewpoint.
Last-minute shopping at Independence Square market; lunch and depart or extend.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free