Vilnius

• Vilnius Old Town: One of the largest baroque old towns in Northern Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with streets and courtyards perfect for aimless wandering. (Half a day or more)
• Gediminas Tower: The highest point in the old town, offering views of red-tiled roofs and church spires. (1 hour)
• Gates of Dawn: The only surviving old town gate, featuring a Madonna icon that is a pilgrimage site for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. (30 minutes)
• Užupis District: A self-declared artists' republic, with its wall constitution and riverside studios adding unique charm. (1.5 hours)
• St. Anne’s Church: A masterpiece of brick Gothic architecture, said to have been so admired by Napoleon that he wanted to take it back to Paris. (30 minutes)

Around Vilnius

• Trakai Castle: A red-brick castle built on a small island in Lake Galvė, an iconic sight of Lithuania. (Half a day)
• Hill of Crosses: A pilgrimage site covered with hundreds of thousands of crosses, both awe-inspiring and solemn. (2 hours)

Kaunas and the Seaside

• Kaunas Old Town: Features the Town Hall Square, Kaunas Castle, and peaceful historic neighborhoods. (Half a day)
• Curonian Spit / Nida: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site with shifting sand dunes, pine forests, and lagoon villages. (Half a day to a full day)
• Palanga Amber Museum: An amber-themed museum housed in a palace, with exhibits including the famous Sun Stone. (1.5 hours)
• Druskininkai: A southern spa town ideal for soaking and cycling. (Half a day)

Museums and Nature

• Vilnius Amber Museum: Explores the formation, mining, and trade history of Baltic amber, complementing the region’s reputation as the “Land of Amber.” (1 hour)
• Kaunas Ninth Fort: A WWII-era fortress and memorial with a solemn atmosphere, suitable for learning about this period of history. (1.5 hours)
• Anikščiai: A town surrounded by forests and featuring a treetop walkway, great for light hiking and cycling.
• Druskininkai Spa: Wellness facilities in the southern spa town, which remains lively even in winter.

Travel Tips

The main sights in Vilnius Old Town are closely clustered, allowing you to cover the key churches and districts in a full day on foot. Trakai and the Hill of Crosses each deserve half a day to a full day and can be combined with visits to Kaunas or Šiauliai. If time is limited, prioritize Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, and the Hill of Crosses—these three best represent Lithuania’s history and character.

In summer, Palanga and the Curonian Spit offer another highlight, ideal for travelers who love the seaside and nature. In winter, focus on Vilnius Old Town, museums, and the Christmas market, supplemented by a relaxing soak in Druskininkai’s thermal spas.