Exploring Lithuania: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Places To Visit

Are you interested in discovering all the amazing places that Lithuania has to offer? Located between Eastern and Central Europe, Lithuania is considered one of the hidden gems of the Baltic Sea.

If you’re looking for an ultimate guide to explore this beautiful country, then look no further! This article provides insights on some of the best places to visit, activities to do, culture and history to discover – all accompanied by plenty of tips about travel costs & resources.

With so much information available in one place, let's dive into Exploring Lithuania - The Ultimate Guide To The Best Places To Visit!

Key Takeaways

• Lithuania requires a Schengen visa valid for 180 days, with travelers needing to present valid travel documents and proof of accommodation during the application process.
• Euro is both the official currency used in Lithuania making it cost - friendly as $1 equals €1. But make sure to check exchange rates & any fees associated when exchanging cash.
• Late spring or summer (May & August) are ideal times to visit Lithuania as average temperature stays around 16-17 degrees Celsius. English speaking staff can be found in establishments such as universities, modern museums and hotels.
• Popular places include Vilnius Old Town, Kaunas' architecture & castles like Trakai Castle; while Kernave offers prehistoric settlements, early Christian burials & important artifacts highlighting ancient heritage - all listed under UNESCO world Heritage Sites!

Essential Travel Information for Lithuania

Planning a trip to Lithuania requires you to familiarise yourself with the country's visa requirements, currency, and best time to visit in order to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Visa requirements

Traveling to Lithuania requires a visa for most nationalities, and the Lithuanian embassy website provides up-to-date information about their visa policy. A Schengen visa valid for 180 days is required to visit Lithuania, allowing travel around Europe with stays of up to 90 days within any 180 day period.

Different types of visas are available with specific application forms and document requirements based on the purpose of stay. Generally applicants must present validtravel documents such as a passport or ID card in addition to sweetening proof of accommodation, past travels etc. The application process should be done well in advance before traveling as processing times vary depending on nationality and the volume applications received by embassies at any given time.

Therefore it’s important travelers have all necessary documents ready when submitting their applicaiton form.

Currency

Lithuania has adopted the euro as its official currency since January 1st, 2015. The exchange rate is €1 for about $1.06 US dollars making it a cost-friendly European destination! To get the most from your money, look for ATMs that offer favorable international exchange rates and fees – these can usually be found around major banks and tourist spots.

When exchanging cash in Lithuania make sure to check both the buy back rate and ask if there are any added fees or commissions associated with it - this way you’ll know exactly how much money you’ll receive back in your own currency.

Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted throughout Lithuania however Amex may not always be well received so consider bringing alternative payment methods when traveling there just in case!

Best time to visit

For the ideal Lithuania travel experience, late spring or summer (May to August) is the best time of year to visit. During this window of opportunity, travelers will enjoy pleasant temperatures and explore stunning attractions with ease.

May and September are especially popular as they offer a quieter atmosphere for visiting old cobbles in town or dunes along beaches – perfect for those looking for a relaxing getaway! Average temperature levels throughout these months stay close to 16-17 degrees Celsius but can range from 6-18 degrees Celsius depending on location.

Furthermore, during this season there are many cultural festivities taking place around America which make it an even more delightful period to explore Lithuania.

Language

Lithuania's official language is Lithuanian, a closely-related language of Latvian and part of the Baltic branch of the IndoEuropean family. Even though English may not be widely spoken among locals in everyday conversations, it is understood by most people throughout the country.

It's common to find some establishments such as universities, modern museums, hotels and tourist locations with staff that are fluent in English. Therefore tourists should not face any communication problems while visiting Lithuania as they can expect to rely on speaking English when necessary during their trip.

Top Places to Visit in Lithuania

From the stunning Vilnius to the picturesque Trakai Castle, explore Lithuania’s rich history and culture through its must-see places.

Vilnius

The bustling capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is as cultural and vibrant as it gets. It offers a wealth of fascinating history and grand architecture with plenty of tourist attractions to explore.

Visitors should expect to walk through the quaint old town and be immediately taken by its picturesque atmosphere. Explore monuments such as Uzupis, St Anne's Church, the Gates of Dawn or wander around in one of the cemeteries while you experience all that this city has to offer including traditional cuisines where shocking dishes await you! Take some time to take in panoramic views from Giedyminas' Tower or any other bell tower and don't miss out on some free activities like admiring wacky statues scattered throughout Vilnius - a unique feature found only here!

Kaunas

Kaunas is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore Lithuania. Located in central Lithuania, it is considered one of the top places to visit in the country, packed with attractions and activities that are perfect for tourists.

Highlights include Kaunas’ old town and architecture – street art covers many walls here, while modernist designs dominate certain districts – as well as its castles like Trakai Castle and Vilnius Castle.

Kaunas is also a UNESCO city of design which explains all its cultural festivals taking place around the year. In addition, visitors can enjoy exploring the market or Town Hall Square during their stay and spending time at Santakos Park when they need some rest and relaxation.

Kernave

Kernavė is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Lithuania’s cultural heritage. Located on the banks of the Neris River, Kernavė was once considered Lithuania's first capital and offers tourists the chance to explore ancient settlements, medieval architecture and uncover its rich ancestry.

The Kernavė Archaeological Site provides evidence of human life spanning over 10 millennia with prehistoric settlements, early Christian burials and important artifacts highlighting its historical significance.

Popular attractions in this small town also include The Mounds of Kernave which is an archaeological site containing burial mounds dating from 5th century BC;The Kernavė Museum-Reserve which showcases evidence of long-forgotten civilisations as well as Tourist Information Centre providing insight into local history and culture and Svc.

Trakai Castle

Situated on an island in Lake Galvé, Trakai Castle is one of Lithuania’s most iconic monuments. A rose-colored Gothic fortress rebuilt in the 1950s-1960s and originally constructed by Grand Duchy of Lithuania as a defense fort during Medieval Ages, this impressive structure showcases fairytale-like architecture with grand towers and ramparts for visitors to explore.

Its strategic importance means it was central to controlling the surrounding region, now offering incredible views across the lake from its lakeside location. At Trakai you can discover relics from Lithuania’s past while enjoying traditional cuisine such as kibinai – a pastry filled with meat or cheese - before taking in beautiful scenes that stretch out onto nearby islands dotted with ancient castles.

It makes for an amazing day trip destination from Vilnius less than an hour away making it one not to be missed when travelling around this beautiful Baltic country!

St. Anne's Church

St. Anne's Church is a stunning piece of Lithuania’s cultural heritage. Built for Anna, the Grand Duchess of Lithuania in 1495, this breathtaking gothic church features an architectural masterpiece full of undulating lines and red-brick arches that make it stand out among other churches built during that era.

The burning down in 1419 and subsequent rebuilding gave the Church an outstanding example of historical restoration with beautiful artworks inside. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage listing as part of Vilnius Old Town making St.

Anne's one of the top tourist attractions in Europe, drawing thousands each year who come to admire its uniqueness and explore its enchanting courtyard gardens from where you can find amazing views over Vilnius skyline.

Not only is it a great place to visit by itself but being situated within the city center offers easy access to get around other sights including old Cathedrals or magnificent castles like Trakai Castle which can be visited on sightseeing tours.

Things to Do in Lithuania

Discover the vibrant culture, explore UNESCO sites and hike in national parks to see the beauty of Lithuania!

Explore UNESCO sites

Exploring the UNESCO sites in Lithuania is a great way to uncover some of its rich history, culture and heritage. Trakai Castle, an incredible medieval island castle located in central Lithuania near Vilnius, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1994 for its unique example of early 15th-century Gothic architecture and is one of four places on the list.

In addition, Vilnius's Old Town is another place listed as a world heritage site due to its impressive Baroque style features that have been preserved throughout centuries like its cathedral built between 1387–1427.

The other UNESCO sites are Kernave which consists of archaeological ruins from past settlements representing over 3000 years of Lithuanian history; Curonian Spit with sand dunes that have remained untouched since prehistoric times; and Struve Geodetic Arc -all protected due to their cultural traditions worthy of preservation!

Visit serene villages

Lithuania is home to some truly beautiful landscapes and charming villages. From the rolling hills of Kernave, to St. Anne's Church in Vilnius - not to mention coastal delights like Palanga - there's plenty of places perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape during their travels around this vibrant country.

When exploring here visitors can expect an array of colorful wooden architecture, centuries-old churches and striking monuments, small-town traditions that time has blessed with authenticity and memorable locals who still adhere to traditional ways of life.

This is perhaps one of the best things about traveling in Lithuania; landing your feet on serene ground steeped in genuine character still largely off-the-beaten path!

Hike in national parks

Lithuania is an ideal destination for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts, with myriad national parks to explore. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed Curonian Spit National Park to Vilnius County's popular Simnas-Gaižiūnai Regional Park, there are plenty of breathtaking forests and rolling hills that offer great hiking opportunities.

For example in the stunning Trakai Historical National Park you can trek up mount Karaimu and admire views across the tranquil lake landscape.

Nature trails meander between bright blue streams, lush valleys and woodlands full of wildlife, while ancient forests provide peaceful hideaways from city bustle. Travelers can quickly dive into natural beauty throughout Lithuania – take a look at Žemaitija National Park with its endless rows of sagebrush or Labanoras Regional Park for campfire-Scale adventures! Whether discovering hidden waterfalls or following nature chattered paths, travelers are sure to find something special within these wilder corners of Lithuania.

Try traditional Lithuanian cuisine

Lithuania's cool and moist climate is perfect for growing root vegetables, which are used to make a variety of dishes in traditional Lithuanian cuisine. These include soups and potato-based recipes like kugelis, cepelinai, and skilandis.

Meat-based meals such as sultinys or cold cuts are also commonly found on local menus, alongside dairy products like curd cheese that's included in popular dishes like the kiduoklis cake.

Berries from the country's forests can be added to desserts too! Seafood lovers will find plenty of fish caught locally by fishermen all over Lithuania. Explore this bounty of delicious food when traveling around different parts of the country - you'll always have something unique and flavorful to dig into wherever you go!

Learn about the country's history and culture

Lithuania has a rich history and culture that draws travelers from all across the world. Its traditions, festivals, food, architecture and historical sites offer visitors many opportunities to learn about Lithuanian culture.

Visitors can explore UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites like Kernave Archaeological Site or Vilnius Old Town, where historic churches and buildings have remained untouched for centuries.

They can also visit Trakai Castle – a red brick riverside fortress with its 14th century Lithuanian castle gardens - as well as vast national parks filled with hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Accommodation, Transportation, and Budget Tips for Traveling in Lithuania

Get detailed information and essential tips on finding the best places to stay, transportation methods, and budgeting for your trip so you can make sure you have a vacation in Lithuania that’s tailored to your needs.

Where to stay

Vilnius offers travelers a wide range of accommodation options, with hotels ranging from budget-friendly hostels to high-end boutique accommodations. Hotels in the city center offer more luxurious stays while those located on the outskirts provide an opportunity for a more affordable option.

Smaller towns in Lithuania also have lodging available, although these may be limited compared to Vilnius as larger cities will tend to have more availability and variety of accommodation.

One great budget option in Lithuania is staying at one of its many hostels which are often closer to town centers than most budgethotels, offering guests access to amenities such as restaurants pub crawls or walking tours for free or within nominal cost.

For travelers looking for something which provides greater comfort or privacy there are also luxury hotels or even private rentals scattered around the country that come with extra features like hot tubs or saunas contained within them.

How to get around

Lithuania offers plenty of options for transportation, from public buses and rail to convenient private car shuttle services. Getting around the country is easy with its comprehensive network of public transport systems that are affordable and reliable.

Depending on where you plan to go in Lithuania, most travelers would opt for taking a bus or train as they’re widely available all across the country and can take you easily between major cities such as Vilnius and Kaunas.

Taxis are also an option but tend to be more expensive compared to other methods of transportation due to pricing agreements by companies throughout each region. To plan a trip in advance without any stress involved, using travel resources like KAYAK or booking private tours with local guides might prove beneficial when navigating through Lithuanian networks offering audio-guides too!

Average travel costs

Traveling to Lithuania doesn't need to be expensive; the average daily travel expenses in the country were only EUR39.40 / USD44.14 per person according to online sources. That estimated budget covers accommodation costs, transportation and all other miscellaneous fees such as meals, souvenirs or entertainment activities.

Hence, if you're planning a vacation in Lithuania it is advised that you set aside around USD50 per day for your trip in order to have a comfortable experience during your stay. The average daily price for a vacation there stands at €92 ($97).

A recommended amount of €74 ($79) should be enough for travelers who want to cover their expenses while staying here - covering costs related to food, sightseeing attractions and other recreational activities like local tours or sports events etcetera.

Ways to save money

Exploring Lithuania can become a financially rewarding experience with smart planning and strategies. Shopping around for accommodation is the best way to ensure efficient spending, as prices can often vary between locations due to tourist season or special offers.

Moreover, making use of city passes, like Vilnius City Card that gives access to tourist attractions at discounted prices helps save money on public transportation while exploring the capital city.

Transportation in Lithuania usually includes minibuses (marshrutkas) or train but renting a car could also be an option if travel covers multiple cities or remote areas unavailable by bus routes.

For budget travelers, strategically using lodging options such as hostels and guesthouses apart from hotels adds up significantly to cost reduction of your overall trip expenses while meeting other travelers along the way.

Recommended travel resources and guides

When planning a trip to Lithuania, it is essential to use reliable and up-to-date sources for travel information. Popular resources such as the "Lithuania Travel Guide" by Nomadic Matt, the "Lithuania Travel Tips and Useful Info" resource, and the "Lithuania Travel Guide: Requirements & Restrictions" provide comprehensive guides on travelling in the country.

Itineraries and activity suggestions can be found via publications like Rough Guides’ “Lithuania Travel Guide | Places to Visit in Lithuania". The “27 Top ThingsTo Do in Lithuania (+Insider Tips & Map)" guide includes local insights on beautiful places worth visiting or activities which could be enjoyed by travelers.

Moreover, travelers are advised to review useful posts such as “Lithuania travel costs and money tips” which detail daily expenses people should keep in mind when planning their budget for this trip.

Conclusion

Lithuania offers a magnificent and unique travel experience, with its stunningly diverse landscape dotted with illustrious churches, fortresses, ancient sites UNESCO World Heritage Sites - and local villages just waiting to be explored.

Whether you're looking for exciting activities like hiking or cycling through national parks, or visiting grand monuments set deep in the country's rich history and vibrant culture - there is something special awaiting anyone who visits this fascinating European gem.

And the insider knowledge of a local author ensures that visitors are provided with updated information on all the top places to visit in Lithuania. With helpful tips for accommodation, transportation, budgeting and useful resources included too; this guide is sure to provide all travelers a comprehensive itinerary full of amazing experiences to make the most out of their time in The Baltic Pearl!