Lithuania is where old legends live alongside modern life. The southernmost of the Baltic states, this country has a quiet confidence. You feel it in the sound of church bells in Vilnius, in the pine-scented stillness of its forests, and in the way locals take their time with a cup of coffee or a walk through a market.

Vilnius, the capital, has one of the largest preserved Old Towns in Europe. Baroque churches rise above cobblestone streets, and hidden courtyards open into cozy cafés. Not far from the city, the countryside shifts into endless forests and lakes, where villages still follow traditions passed down for centuries.

Lithuania was once the heart of one of Europe’s largest empires, but it’s also a nation of quiet resilience. It’s the land of cross-crafting, pagan roots, and centuries-old songs that are still sung at gatherings. It’s a place where people still believe that a forest path or a carved wooden pole might hold a little magic.

In this guide, we’ll take you through Lithuania’s top sights, what to eat, and how to stay connected while traveling.

Must-See Places in Lithuania

Vilnius – A City of Spires and Stories

Vilnius feels like a city built for wandering. Start in the Old Town, where churches, bookstores, and hidden courtyards invite slow exploration. Climb Gediminas’ Tower for a view over red rooftops and the bend of the Neris River. Don’t miss Užupis, the city’s self-declared “Republic of Artists,” with its own flag, anthem, and quirky constitution posted on a wall.

Trakai – Castles and Lake Views

Just a short drive from Vilnius, Trakai looks like something out of a fairytale. The red-brick island castle rises from the middle of Lake Galvė, surrounded by water and forest. Rent a paddle boat or try kibinai, a savory pastry brought by the Karaim people who still live here.

Kaunas – Creative and Proud

Kaunas is Lithuania’s second city, but its charm is no less. Its interwar architecture is sleek and unique, and its main walking street buzzes with life. Street art pops up in unexpected places, and the quirky Devil’s Museum shows off a one-of-a-kind collection of horned figures from around the world.

Hill of Crosses – A Place of Memory

Near the town of Šiauliai stands one of the most haunting and peaceful places in the country. Thousands of crosses, large and small, cover a small hill, placed by generations of visitors in quiet remembrance. No one knows exactly how it started, but the result is deeply moving.

Curonian Spit – Dunes and Quiet Beaches

This narrow stretch of land shared with Russia curves between the Baltic Sea and a calm lagoon. The small towns of Nida and Juodkrantė are known for their colorful wooden houses and slow pace. Walk the towering sand dunes or cycle along forest trails—this is where locals come to breathe.

What to Eat in Lithuania

Cepelinai – The National Comfort Dish

Named after airships, these giant potato dumplings are filled with minced meat or curd cheese, then topped with sour cream and crispy bacon bits. Hearty and delicious.

Šaltibarščiai – Bright Pink Soup

This chilled beetroot soup, bright pink in color, is perfect on a summer day. It’s made with kefir, cucumbers, dill, and sometimes a boiled egg on the side.

Kibinai – A Tasty Trakai Classic

Originally brought by the Karaim community, these baked pastries are filled with lamb, beef, or vegetables. You’ll find them across the country, but they’re best tried in Trakai.

Kepta Duona – Garlic Rye Bread Snack

A popular bar snack, these fried rye bread sticks are rubbed with garlic and served with cheese sauce. Crisp, salty, and perfect with a cold beer.

Meduoliai – Spiced Honey Cookies

These soft cookies are made with honey, cinnamon, and cloves. You’ll see them in bakeries and markets, sometimes shaped like hearts or stars.

Essential Travel Tips for Lithuania

Money & Payments

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and markets.
• ATMs are easy to find in cities and towns.

Getting Around

• Buses and trains connect most towns, and service is reliable.
• In Vilnius and Kaunas, taxis and Bolt (ride-hailing app) are widely used.
• For the countryside or the coast, renting a car gives you the most freedom.

Staying Safe

• Lithuania is very safe, even in the cities after dark.
• Tap water is clean, and pharmacies are well stocked.
• Locals are helpful, though shy—just smile, say “labas” (hello), and ask if they speak English.

Staying Connected in Lithuania

Whether you’re navigating the Old Towns, booking a ferry to the Curonian Spit, or uploading a photo of pink soup, staying online in Lithuania is easy.

Most cafés, hotels, and public buildings offer Wi-Fi—fast and usually free. But public networks aren’t always secure, especially for online shopping or banking.

Local SIM cards are affordable and available in airports and mobile shops. But to skip the setup and enjoy instant connectivity, Lithuania JetSet eSIM is the better option. You can activate it before you arrive—no lines, no paperwork, no SIM swapping.

There are no roaming fees, and you can top up anytime in just a few clicks.

Stay connected and explore Lithuania at your own pace—JetSet eSIM makes it simple.