Highlights
Vilnius, the capital, boasts one of Europe's largest and loveliest baroque old towns (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) — a warren of cobbled lanes, church spires, the cathedral and Gediminas' Tower, plus the bohemian, self-declared 'Republic of Užupis' artists' quarter with its own tongue-in-cheek constitution. It's an atmospheric, affordable and creative city.
Nearby, the fairytale island castle of Trakai, set on a lake and reached by causeway, is the classic day trip, home to the Karaim minority and their cuisine. The eerie, moving Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai — a hillock covered in hundreds of thousands of crosses — is a powerful symbol of Lithuanian faith and resilience.
On the coast, the Curonian Spit — a UNESCO-listed sliver of towering sand dunes, pine forest and fishing villages between lagoon and sea — is a magical, unique landscape, reached via the port city of Klaipėda and the charming resort of Nida. Add Kaunas (a rising cultural city with striking interwar modernist architecture) and vast forests and lakes for a country of history, nature and character at great value.
When to go
May to September is the best time — mild to warm, with long, bright days ideal for Vilnius, the coast and the countryside, and lively Midsummer (Joninės) celebrations in June.
Summer (June-August) is warmest and busiest, perfect for the Curonian Spit's dunes and beaches and outdoor festivals. Autumn brings golden forests and crisp air. Winter (December-March) is cold, snowy and dark but atmospheric, with Christmas markets and cosy cafés. Spring is a fresh thaw. For the baroque old town, the coast and nature at their best, aim for the long-lit months from late spring through summer.
Visa & entry
This country is part of the Schengen Area. Many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and others) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa in advance. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is being phased in, so check whether it applies by your travel date. A passport valid at least three months beyond your stay is required. Always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and the ETIAS status on official EU/national sources before you travel.
Health & safety
Lithuania is a safe and stable country with low violent crime, and Vilnius is an easy, welcoming city. The main issues are petty theft and pickpocketing in the busiest tourist areas and around transport hubs, and occasional overpriced tourist bars — check prices and use official taxis or ride-hailing (Bolt).
The genuine risks are seasonal — winter cold, ice and short daylight. Healthcare is good, and English is widely spoken by younger Lithuanians. Roads are decent, with winter conditions to note. Check your government's advisory before departure, though Lithuania is generally very safe and easy for tourists.
Getting around
Lithuania is compact and easy to explore. Vilnius's old town is walkable, and the city has buses and trolleybuses plus cheap, ubiquitous ride-hailing (Bolt). Comfortable, affordable intercity buses and trains connect Vilnius with Kaunas, Klaipėda (for the coast), Trakai (an easy train/bus trip) and the regions, and link to the other Baltic capitals.
For the Curonian Spit, the Hill of Crosses and rural areas, a hire car adds flexibility on good, quiet roads (winter tyres mandatory in the cold months); reaching the Spit involves a short ferry from Klaipėda. Given the short distances, buses and trains cover the main sights, with a car ideal for the coast and countryside.
Money
Lithuania uses the Euro and is highly card-friendly — cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, from cafés to transport, so you rarely need much cash, though a little is handy for markets, small vendors and tips. ATMs are widely available.
Lithuania is moderately priced — more affordable than Western Europe and the Nordics, offering good value. Tipping is customary but modest — around 10% in restaurants for good service (check if already added), and rounding up for taxis and guides. Vilnius offers excellent value for dining, drinks and its lively café culture.
Lithuania