Why Lithuania should be the next destination on your travel wishlist

Lithuania, a lesser-known jewel nestled along the Baltic Sea and just a quick hop from the Nordics, offers plenty to explore and fall in love with, melding natural splendour and rich history. From the cobblestone streets of Vilnius and Kaunas to the lush forests, pristine lakes, and windswept dunes along its coastline, Lithuania invites travellers to immerse themselves in its storied past, relish hearty cuisine, and unwind in tranquil landscapes. Whether you’re a culture buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Lithuania has something for everyone.

Not sure where to begin? Don't worry – Vogue Scandinavia has curated your insider guide to this charming country, featuring must-visit destinations, the best places to stay, top culinary spots, and more.

While every corner of Lithuania is worth exploring, there are a few must-see locales that should definitely make your travel itinerary. The country’s cities, like the capital, Vilnius and the vibrant Kaunas, with all their stunning historical glory, are the perfect starting points for your Lithuanian adventure. Here, you can delve deep into the country’s diverse history, savour world-class cuisine, and treat yourself to a bit of shopping along the way.

Tracing its origins to 1323, Vilnius is steeped in Lithuania’s past. This profound sense of heritage is echoed throughout the city, which boasts one of the largest and best-preserved medieval Old Towns in Europe – a Unesco World Heritage site. Its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture, along with its narrow, winding streets, makes it a true visual treasure beckoning to be explored.

Did you know Vilnius is also one of the greenest cities in Europe? Embracing Lithuania’s close connection with nature, the city is filled with expansive parks, and it’s compact enough to explore on foot – just one more reason to love the capital. As you traverse through cobblestone streets lined with charming cafes and restaurants ranging from fine dining to more rustic spots, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, pop into one of Vilnius’ museums, like the contemporary MO Museum, for a dose of culture.

A more modern counterpart to Vilnius, Kaunas enchants with its buzzy creative energy – think colour-bursting street art, fascinating museums (our favourites are the Devil’s Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts), and a cityscape dotted with Modernist and Bauhaus architecture. Like Vilnius, Kaunas is easily walkable, so grab a steaming cup of coffee from one of the city’s hip roasteries and stroll through its artistic streets. Be sure to cap off your day at the Aleksotas observation deck, where you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the city.

While Kaunas and Vilnius are Lithuania’s most popular urban destinations, one shouldn’t overlook Klaipėda, a quaint port town where the Baltic Sea meets the Danė River. With its 18th-century wood-framed buildings, a unique fusion of German and Prussian influences, inviting restaurants and cafes, and nearby beaches, Klaipėda offers a seaside excursion perfect for a day trip. It also serves as the gateway to the Unesco-listed Curonian Spit, a breathtaking 98-kilometre-long sand dune formation that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea – allowing you to experience both Lithuania’s only port city and one of its most scenic natural wonders in a single visit.

Nature is a cornerstone of Lithuania’s cultural identity, seeping into everything from art and food to music. The country’s landscapes are abundant with majestic forests, glistening lakes, and rolling meadows, while even the urban areas are rich with greenery. The best way to immerse yourself in Lithuania’s outdoors is by hitting one of the many hiking trails that crisscross the country – some more challenging, others perfect for a leisurely stroll. Along the way, you’ll discover observation towers offering sweeping views of the stunning scenery.

Among the most popular trails is the famed Baltic Forest Trail, stretching an impressive 747 kilometres and forming part of the E11, one of Europe’s longest hiking routes. Conveniently, it’s divided into manageable 20-kilometre sections, each rated by difficulty, making the Lithuanian portion – easily accessible from cities like Kaunas – ideal for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Other top destinations to experience Lithuania’s landscape in full bloom include nature reserves like the Kamanai Reserve in the north and the Viešvilė State Nature Reserve, one of the country’s key ecological sites.

One of the most important things to sort out when planning your travels is, naturally, where you’ll be staying. Luckily, Lithuania offers a wealth of high-end accommodation options.

Vilnius boasts a range of luxurious hotels that deliver the best of both worlds: prime locations paired with top-tier amenities. Among our favourites is Hotel Pacai, a five-star oasis tucked in the beating heart of the city’s Old Town. Lodged in a historic 17th-century mansion, the hotel promises a lavish experience with beautifully designed rooms that fuse old-world glamour and modern sophistication, a restaurant serving mouthwatering Lithuanian bites, and a decadent spa offering tailor-made treatments.

Another standout is the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, set in a grand Baroque building in the centre of the Old Town. Over the years, it has welcomed everyone from Swedish and Spanish royalty to Billy Idol and Andrea Bocelli. The hotel features elegant and artful rooms with mesmerising views of the Old Town, a French-style brasserie, a full-service wellness centre, and the country’s only five-star concierge. It’s the perfect elite base for your next urban escape.

For travellers bound for Kaunas, look no further than Hotel Monte Pacis, a boutique haven located within the Pažaislis Monastery Complex – widely regarded as one of the finest examples of mature Baroque architecture in Northern and Eastern Europe. This truly unique hotel offers both standard rooms and luxury suites, each exuding a moody Baroque atmosphere that nods to its heritage. Surrounded by nature and only a short drive from the city centre, Monte Pacis is ideal for those on the hunt for serenity without straying far from Kaunas. For a more central option, the Park Inn by Radisson offers contemporary style, spa facilities, and fine dining, just steps from Liberty Avenue and Kaunas Castle.

In search of something a little different? For adventurers seeking a nature-centric escape, there’s no shortage of options that combine rural charm with modern comforts, all within easy reach of the city. Just a stone’s throw from Vilnius, you’ll find luxe glamping spots like Glamping Vilnius, nestled among pine trees and featuring private bathrooms, cloud-soft beds, and cosy fire pits. Over in Trakai – only 30 minutes from the capital – Lakeview Glamping offers breathtaking views of Lake Galvė and the historic Trakai Island Castle.

If glamping is not your thing, you might prefer one of the many forest cabins near Vilnius. Surrounded by fragrant woodlands, these cabins offer a peaceful getaway where hiking trails and pure bliss await. If you’re keen on kayaking or fishing, the Neris Riverside Cabins, perched on the crystal-clear river, are the perfect fit.

For a genuinely elevated forest retreat – quite literally – why not stay in a treehouse? Cradled by the woods near the capital, there are plenty of whimsical treehouses available via Airbnb and GlampingHub. One of the most sought-after is the Kernavė Treehouse, just a 40-minute drive from Vilnius, nestled among ancient hills and deep forests.

Though still somewhat under the radar, Lithuania is a bona fide culinary mecca. Restaurants and their talented chefs have been pouring heart and soul into reimagining traditional dishes like the tangy, fuchsia-hued cold beet soup šaltibarščiai or the comforting cepelinai, the hearty potato dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms. Organic, farm-to-table dining is woven into the very fabric of Lithuanian food culture, taking centre stage in the country’s ever-evolving gastronomic scene. Lithuania has a flair for mixing up bold and unexpected flavours – think cucumber jam, apple cheese, nettle ice cream, and amber tea – and we suggest you leave your culinary preconceptions at the door when trying out local delicacies.

For fine-dining foodies, you’ll find a handful of Michelin-starred eateries in Vilnius. Džiaugsmas, in the city centre, serves up modern sharing plates bursting with flavours plucked from Lithuania and beyond, while Demo, a café on weekdays and restaurant on weekends, offers inventive set menus in a relaxed, fun-loving setting to craft lasting memories. Elsewhere, the intimate Pas Mus hones in on seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes that showcase chef-owner Vita Bartininkaitė's boundless creativity – if it’s on the menu, the raspberry snow dessert with white chocolate ganache is a must-try.

On the serpentine streets of the capital's Old Town sits another Michelin-starred spot: Nineteen18. Headed by acclaimed chef Andrius Kubilius, the snug restaurant's 10-course tasting menu whisks guests on a flavourful journey through Lithuanian cuisine, showcasing the freshest local ingredients.

Lithuania takes wellness seriously, and there’s no better place to experience it than in the countryside’s idyllic spa towns, Birštonas and Druskininkai, where wellness traditions date back to the 19th century. Both towns are less than a two-hour drive from Vilnius, making them the perfect pit stop for a rejuvenating overnight stay.

As for the treatments? You're in for some serious relaxation. Thanks to the mineral-rich springs nearby, these towns have perfected the art of water-based therapies, with Lithuania’s spas renowned for their restorative baths, incorporating healing mud and salt alongside the mineral waters. And while the treatments are rooted in history, they’re anything but outdated – the wellness experts there are constantly blending cutting-edge techniques with time-honoured practices to bring you the best in medical-grade therapies.

Autumn and winter bring a host of unmissable events across Lithuania, and we’ve curated our top picks for you to pencil into your calendar:

Gastronomy Week 2024– This November, Vilnius transforms into an even greater culinary hotspot, with the 2024 Gastronomy Week taking over the capital. For seven days, acclaimed chefs will present exclusive tasting menus, turning locally sourced ingredients into imaginative plates. Expect dishes so creative they double as works of art, reflecting the country’s blossoming food scene.

Vilnius Jazz Festival 2024 – Jazz lovers, mark your calendars for October 16-20th, when the 37th edition of the beloved Vilnius Jazz Festival sweeps through the capital. Get ready for a lineup of international and local jazz masters, from beloved classics to exciting up-and-comers, set to deliver a string of unforgettable performances. Even if you’re not a seasoned jazz enthusiast, we highly recommend stopping by for the laid-back, soulful vibes.

Vilnius International Theatre Festival’ Sirenos’ – ‘Sirenos’ is back this autumn from September 25th to October 13th, celebrating its 21st edition in true theatrical style. Visitors are invited to dive into the magic of theatre, with special performances, installations, concerts, exhibitions, and inspiring discussions that nurture a lively exchange between global artists and their audiences. Consider it a space where everyone can be a creator, spectator, and critic. A multi-sensory experience, the festival aims to stir our consciousness, create new cherished memories, challenge our thinking, and ignite the imagination.

Juozas Statkevičius spring/summer ’25 runway show – Lithuania’s most prominent fashion designer, Juozas Statkevičius, will unveil his SS25 collection in grand style on November 15th, morphing Vilnius’ Twinsbet Arena into the backdrop for a spectacular runway extraordinaire. Statkevičius’ elegant and avant-garde designs have graced the likes of our former cover star Björk, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and burlesque icon Dita Von Teese. In addition to the runway show, guests will have the opportunity to purchase Statkevičius’ books, signature fragrances, and bespoke T-shirts.

Legendary Hits with symphony orchestra Universe Orchestra – All-time bangers reimagined by a symphony orchestra? Count us in! On November 1st in Vilnius and November 7th in Klaipėda, the renowned Universe Orchestra presents Legendary Hits, a concert breathing fresh life into iconic tracks with modern symphonic twists. Prepare for goosebumps as they take on classics from Nirvana, Queen, and Metallica, alongside epic soundtracks from films like Harry Potter and Gladiator.