#NInjaVerdict: Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania’s past capital city and second largest (and often overshadowed by Vilnius), felt like an undiscovered destination. A city where history, creativity, and modern revivalism co-exist. With just four days to explore, I was curious to see how much the small city could offer, from the optimism expressed through architecture, to its food and local spirit.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Ryanair fly direct to Kaunas from Belfast International Airport twice a week on its current service which runs to October this year. The early morning flight made security and boarding much easier. Belfast International has had a stunning facelift recently, with noticeably more concessions and upgraded spaces (especially going through security), which made the wait for boarding more enjoyable than expected.

The flight to Kaunas was a surprisingly busy one, this route has grown in popularity. With just under three hours in the air, it was the perfect duration to switch off and relax for a while and before we knew it, we on our Lithuania descent. We were kindly met by our pre-arranged transfer, which was super convenient. That said, Kaunas Airport is impressively well-connected. The city is only 15 to 20 minutes away, and we noticed plenty of fellow passengers heading straight to the frequent buses. It’s always a good sign when a place is that easy to access via public transport, it gives an immediate sense of how compact and navigable Kaunas might be.

Our base for the trip was the Moxy Hotel Kaunas. A vibrant and modern spot right in the heart of the city. The hotel’s design and funky interior were a welcomed surprise. It’s one of those places that manages to feel both stylish and casual simultaneously, with a central location that makes it easy to walk to restaurants and sights, and even just wander the streets when we had downtime.

Hungry for lunch, we headed to Goodman. A local burger joint that offers more than just your average fast-food stop: interactive tables, strong cocktails, and a menu that hits the spot whether you’re craving comfort or curious bites. What surprised me was that Goodman doubles as a ghost kitchen for MrBeast’s Burgers, yep, the viral YouTuber’s fast-food brand is alive in Kaunas. Located along K. Donelaičio Street, the place is perfectly positioned for a midday stop during a day of exploring. When the sun’s out, grab a seat outside. The food was solid, and the vibe felt youthful and laid-back. It was a great introduction to Kaunas’ local twist on global food culture.

With full bellies, our tour of the city started. Our guide Linas quickly went from a stranger to a friend. His deep knowledge of the city was matched by an easy, engaging style that made history feel alive. We were in for a surprise though. Spring in Lithuania is unpredictable. Just the day before it had been 20 degrees, but by the time our tour began, we were caught in sleet and snow! We ended up doing a half-walking, half-driving tour instead. Honestly, that change worked out for the best. With the car, we were able to cover more ground and see a wider range of sights than we originally planned.
We explored a variety of neighbourhoods, moved quickly between architectural landmarks, and ducked into warm spaces to escape the sudden cold. Kaunas is full of contrasts, with Soviet-era remnants, vibrant interwar architecture, and unexpected artistic flourishes around nearly every corner. Linas had a way of weaving stories that gave each building and street a sense of meaning. He helped us understand the city’s layered identity, both past and present.

Kiemo Galerija 10 Metų, a hidden community art space tucked inside a courtyard. Created to honour past and present residents, it’s a beautiful example of Kaunas’ creative spirit and sense of community. We also stopped by St. George the Martyr Church, a striking Roman Catholic church near Kaunas Castle.

To wrap things up, we grabbed dinner at 400 Degrees, hands-down one of the best pizza spots in the city. The atmosphere was lively with a stylish young crowd, and the pizzas were genuinely exceptional, crispy and full of flavour. It’s a must-visit if you’re in town, especially since it stays open late on Saturdays until 1 AM …. perfect after a drink or two!

Day 2: Innovation and Energy

We started Day 2 with a short walk from our hotel to Nemunas Island. The futuristic design of Science Island, you won’t miss it. A building that looked like it had landed straight out of a sci-fi movie. It could easily be the hero shot for our trip, something bold that encapsulated the revival of Kaunas. Inside, the exhibits were hands-on and immersive, and while it’s great for all ages, it’s especially suited for kids and young science enthusiasts. Families would love it here.

Before heading off to the arena, we made a quick pit stop at one of my personal favourites, Habits Coffee House and Bakery. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for an Instagram worthy afternoon pick-me-up. I had a peanut and raspberry pastry with a strawberry matcha.

Fully-caffeinated, we took on Kaunas IN’s Street Art Walking Tour, which was one of the most surprising parts of the whole trip. Kaunas has embraced its walls as storytelling tools, and some of the pieces are truly powerful. A house covered in glowing window art lit up one side of the river, while a towering, red-suited man puffing on a pipe, and a bold peace sign mural dedicated to Ukraine all made lasting impressions. The art brings life, humour, and activism to the city’s ageing buildings, an easily digestible and engaging way to understand Kaunas’ evolving identity.

For lunch, we opted for Bernelių Užeiga inside the Akropolis Shopping Centre, which turned out to be a great decision. The restaurant has a traditional Lithuanian menu, and we went for the potato dumplings, hearty, comforting, and just the kind of food you crave when travelling. Also …. Beer lovers take note: the local craft beer here is a must-try!
Akropolis itself is huge mall, well worth exploring, with popular brands like Zara, Mango, and Nike, it’s clear that shopping is a big part of modern life in Kaunas. If shopping is your thing then you could spend a long time there!

In the evening, the excitement ramped up with VIP courtside seats at the Žalgiris Basketball game. This wasn’t just a sporting event; it was a full-on cultural experience. Žalgiris isn’t just a team, it’s a point of pride for the city, and judging by the roaring crowd, you’d be hard-pressed to convince anyone in Kaunas that they aren’t the best team in the world – its as close to a HUGE NBA game as youd get outside of the USA. The atmosphere was electric. Cheerleaders hyped the crowd between quarters, and the fans never missed a beat. Sitting courtside gave us an up-close view of the action. The court is much smaller in real life than it seems on TV, which makes the game feel even faster and more intense. That said, there’s not a bad seat in the whole arena. After the game, it was just a 15-minute walk back to the hotel, still buzzing from the game experience!

Day 3: Nature, Nostalgia and Modernism

Day 3 started with the Lithuania Zoo, recently renovated, tucked into a green forest area of Kaunas not far from the city (we took a Bolt / Uber for only 3 Euros).
Fun Fact, shared by Linas, Kaunas loves its pine! Ikea use it to build our furniture, and it helped the British during World War 1. So, pay the trees some attention!
The zoo features a range of animals from native species to more exotic residents, all kept in thoughtfully maintained habitats. There’s a subtle charm to the place. It’s not flashy or overly commercial. For anyone travelling with children or just looking for a slower-paced morning, it’s a perfect stop.

In the afternoon, we headed to Nuogas. It would be ideal for a Friday or Saturday night out. The menu is Asian-inspired, full of bold, hearty dishes that are packed with flavour and texture. It’s the kind of food that feels comforting but elevated. On top of that, Nuogas has what might be the best cocktail menu in Kaunas. The space has a low-lit, stylish energy that makes it perfect for a relaxed evening with good company and even better drinks. One to bookmark if you’re into vibrant, thoughtful cuisine with a creative edge.

One of the most immersive experiences of the whole trip followed. A visit to the Art Deco Museum. Rather than a traditional museum setup, this is a fully preserved 1929 apartment in the heart of Kaunas’ uptown district. From the minute you step inside, it feels like you’ve slipped through time. Every detail, from the smells, to the wallpaper and furniture, to the glassware and lighting, is era-authentic. The music played, from a radio that was one of the first ever made. We walked through the rooms, offered sparkling wine, and were impressed by artefacts after artefacts representing Kaunas’ luxury. A time people there now love to shout about as it was forgotten by so many during their relentless hardship.

Day 4: Art, Reflection and a Final Dip

With our bags stored at the hotel and a full day still ahead, we started our final morning in Kaunas with a visit to the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art. This museum is dedicated to one of Lithuania’s most beloved artists, painter, composer, and all-around visionary, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The collection spans both his ethereal paintings and original musical compositions, inviting visitors to step into his world where sound and image blend into one. The current exhibition, From Amber to the Stars: Now and Then, was carefully considered, tying together Čiurlionis’ iconic cosmic themes with responses from modern artists. It was a thoughtful, introspective way to start our final day.

For lunch, Vista Puode, a charming and atmospheric spot that felt like a local favourite. The name translates to “Hen in a Pot,” and the menu follows suit, full of hearty, seasonal dishes that are comforting but never boring. It was the kind of place where you could taste the freshness in every bite, with thoughtful portions and a relaxed, almost homely feel. The kindest staff offered us gooseberry wine to accompany our bread and burnt sugar ice cream. In my opinion, this place was my favourite spot.

We had a few hours to unwind before our evening flight, so we made the most of it with a visit to the Žalgirio Arena Swimming Pool and Spa, located right on Nemunas Island (right back near the basketball arena and science museum). The facility was modern and clean, featuring an Olympic-standard 50-meter pool, a training pool, and a beautiful spa area. We alternated between jacuzzis and saunas, with views of the river adding a final bit of calm to the trip. It was the perfect way to wind down, both physically and mentally.

As we grabbed our bags and caught our taxi to the airport, there was a quiet sense of satisfaction. Kaunas had delivered everything we didn’t know we were looking for: art, history, good food, and a whole lot of heart. Small enough to feel manageable, but big enough to surprise you around every corner. What started as a relatively under-the-radar destination quickly became a place that delighted me. Kaunas has a quiet confidence about it. It doesn’t shout for attention, but if you give it even a little time, it rewards you with depth, charm, and a real sense of place.

You can check out the FULL highlights from this NInja trip over on the NInja Insta page – on the homepage under the Kaunas highlight tab – CLICK HERE

Why not visit your LOCAL NInja travel agency and ask them to plan your next NInja adventure to Kaunas, you can contact them via Holiday NInja – CLICK HERE – and we can easily make that connection for you!!