Kaunas.
Flight from TLV
3h 57m
Best season
מאי–ספט
Avg temp
11°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
זהה לת״א ברוב השנה
Language
ליטאית; אנגלית נפוצה בשירותי תיירות
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום באזור שנגן; נדרש אישור ETIAS כשייכנס לתוקף
Safety
יעד בטוח בדרך כלל; במרכז, בתחבורה ובאירועים עמוסים מומלץ להישמר מכייסות ולהימנע מהפגנות
Overview
🇱🇹Kaunas
🇱🇹Lithuania
Kaunas is a compact, good-value city break combining a lively pedestrian avenue, striking modernist architecture and Jewish history with particular resonance for Israeli travelers. Begin on Laisvės Avenue, continue through the Old Town to Kaunas Castle and the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers, then visit the Ninth Fort Museum and the Sugihara House. Shoppers head to the large Akropolis mall, while basketball fans can catch Žalgiris at Žalgirio Arena. It is an excellent choice for a relaxed weekend, a heritage trip or an affordable stop on a wider Lithuanian itinerary.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Kaunas
Each area and who it suits best.
Old Town, Senamiestis
This is the easiest base for a short break: Vilniaus Street links Town Hall Square, Kaunas Castle, and intimate bars, while hotels such as Daugirdas and Amberton Cozy place you right in the center. Streets around Rotušės aikštė can be noisy on Friday and Saturday nights, rates are slightly higher than elsewhere, and the railway station is not especially close on foot.
New Town and Laisvės Alėja, Naujamiestis
The long Laisvės alėja promenade is the best-balanced choice, with cafés, shops, the Devils’ Museum, and St. Michael the Archangel Church within walking distance; Moxy Kaunas Center and Kaunas Hotel are reliable addresses. Its eastern end is closer to Akropolis and Žalgirio Arena but farther from Kaunas Castle, and promenade-facing rooms may catch weekend nightlife noise.
Akropolis and Žalgirio Arena District
Israelis visiting for a EuroLeague game or concert appreciate being close to Žalgirio Arena and Akropolis mall, home to Zara, Massimo Dutti, Reserved, H&M, and sports stores. Victoria Hotel Kaunas is conveniently placed, but the district feels more commercial and less romantic than Old Town; traffic and noise build along Karaliaus Mindaugo prospektas after events.
Žaliakalnis
This leafy hillside neighborhood showcases authentic modernist Kaunas around Christ’s Resurrection Basilica, Darius and Girėnas Stadium, and wooden houses on quiet side streets; the Žaliakalnis funicular connects it with downtown. Apartments are generally larger and cheaper, but the slopes are noticeable with a stroller or luggage and nightlife is sparse.
Freda
South of the river, Vytautas Magnus University Botanical Garden, parks, and quiet residential streets make this a good choice for travelers prioritizing greenery and parking over nightlife downstairs. There is no major concentration of hotels or restaurants, and reaching Old Town requires a bus or a roughly 10 to 20-minute drive, longer during rush hour.
Birštonas
This spa town on a bend of the Nemunas River, about 40 kilometers south of Kaunas, suits one or two nights of mineral pools, riverside walks, and forests; Vytautas Mineral SPA and Eglės Sanatorija are the standout properties. It is not a Kaunas neighborhood but a peaceful base for a combined trip, so a car is highly convenient and nightlife is almost nonexistent.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Kaunas
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
2°
-2°
Cool
פבר
3°
-2°
Cool
מרץ
9°
1°
Cool
אפר
14°
5°
Cool
מאי
18°
7°
Recommended
יונ
22°
12°
Excellent
יול
24°
15°
Excellent
אוג
24°
15°
Excellent
ספט
22°
13°
Excellent
אוק
12°
6°
Cool
נוב
5°
2°
Cool
דצמ
3°
0°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: יונ · יול · אוג · ספט
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט. Israelis enjoy Kaunas most from May through September, when daylight is long and the city is pleasant to explore on foot. July and August peak with the Israeli school holiday, while June and September are calmer and often cheaper.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Kaunas · Open-Meteo
This week in Kaunas
Measured in Kaunas
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Things to do
Things to do in Kaunas
On the map
Kaunas on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Kaunas itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Old Town and the Nemunas
Begin at Rotušės aikštė, continue to the House of Perkūnas and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, then follow Vilniaus Street to Kaunas Castle. Walk through Santaka Park at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers, allowing time for the city museum inside Town Hall if open. For a light lunch, choose a café around the square with a vegetarian or fish option according to your kashrut requirements. Toward evening return to the riverfront, followed by the bars of Vilniaus Street or the square, choosing sealed drinks if strictly observant.
- 2
Day 2
Modernist Kaunas, Art, and a Funicular
Start at 09:00 at the eastern end of Laisvės alėja by St. Michael the Archangel Church, then walk west among the Bauhaus and modernist façades that earned Kaunas UNESCO status. Visit the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art and the neighboring Devils’ Museum, an unusual combination that also works well on a rainy day. Ride the Žaliakalnis funicular to Christ’s Resurrection Basilica and, if its terrace is open, continue up for a panorama over the rooftops. In the evening, reserve a basketball game or concert at Žalgirio Arena, then stop at Akropolis for shopping and a simple meal consistent with your dietary requirements.
- 3
Day 3
Jewish Heritage and the Ninth Fort
Arrange a visit in advance to the Kaunas Choral Synagogue at E. Ožeškienės Street 13, approaching respectfully because it is an active community institution rather than a conventional attraction. Continue to Sugihara House at Vaižganto Street 30, which recounts how life-saving visas were issued to thousands of Jews in 1940. In the afternoon, take a Bolt or car to the Ninth Fort Museum and allow at least two hours for the fortress, Holocaust exhibitions, and monumental memorial; it is emotionally difficult and unsuitable for very young children. Finish with a quiet evening on Laisvės alėja rather than crowding another sight into this demanding day.
- 4
Day 4
Pažaislis Monastery and Kaunas Reservoir
Drive to Pažaislis Monastery in the morning, a striking Baroque complex beside the Kaunas Reservoir, and check opening hours in advance because ceremonies and events can restrict entry. Then walk the Kauno marios shoreline trails; in summer, continue to Pažaislis Monastery Beach or Lampėdžiai Beach, although the water remains cool even on pleasant days. Families can bring a supermarket picnic, while couples may reserve a treatment or meal at Monte Pacis, verifying ingredients carefully and without assuming kosher status. Return before rush hour and watch sunset from Aleksotas Observation Deck, also accessible via the Aleksotas funicular when operating.
- 5
Day 5
Rumšiškės and Rural Lithuania
Leave by 09:00 for the Lithuanian Open-Air Museum at Rumšiškės, about 25 kilometers from Kaunas; a rental car is the easiest option for families. This vast outdoor museum contains wooden homes, farms, mills, and villages reconstructed from Lithuania’s four ethnographic regions, so comfortable shoes and a picnic matter more than another museum checklist. Allow four to five hours and check whether craft demonstrations, a market, or a seasonal festival are scheduled. On the way back, stop at Mega for international brands and the large aquarium inside the mall, or choose a relaxed evening in Old Town.
- 6
Day 6
Birštonas and a Spa Finale
Drive roughly 45 to 60 minutes to Birštonas and begin at Birštonas Observation Tower before noon, when visibility is often better and crowds lighter. Continue along the Nemunas promenade to the Kneipp Garden and Druskupis mineral-water evaporation pavilion, a pleasant local experience that does not require a full spa day. Prebook pool access or a treatment at Vytautas Mineral SPA, and pack suitable food because the town has no permanent kosher provision. Return to Kaunas for the final evening, or stay overnight if you prefer a quiet, romantic ending to another city bar.
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Budget
How much does Kaunas cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Tel Aviv return flight
₪650-1,650 (usually connecting)
4-5-night package
₪1,900-3,600 per person
Mid-range hotel night
₪280-520 (double room)
5-star hotel night
₪520-950 (double room)
Restaurant meal
₪55-110 per person
Local beer
₪14-25
Coffee
₪10-18
Short taxi ride
₪16-35
Rental car per day
₪120-240 (before fuel)
Museum or tour
₪15-85
Daily budget per person
₪260-520 (excluding hotel)
Family, 5 nights
₪8,500-14,500 (including flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Kaunas
Getting around
From the airport
Kaunas Airport, KUN, lies about 14 kilometers northeast of the center. A regular taxi or Bolt to Old Town or Laisvės alėja usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs about ₪45-80, while a prebooked private transfer is around ₪100-170 per vehicle. City bus 29G links the terminal with central Kaunas and the railway station in roughly 35 to 50 minutes for about ₪4-6 per person, with some late services coordinated with flight schedules. There is no direct airport train; travelers landing in Vilnius can take a train to Kaunas in about 70 to 90 minutes, plus the transfer to Vilnius station.
Need a car?
A car is unnecessary within Kaunas: Old Town, Laisvės alėja, Akropolis, and many museums are walkable, while buses, trolleybuses, and Bolt cover almost everything else. Families planning the Rumšiškės open-air museum, Pažaislis Monastery, Birštonas, or castles along the Nemunas will save time and transfers by renting for two days. Couples on a city break and younger visitors coming for basketball and bars are better off without the cost and hassle of parking.
Tips
Bolt is the most useful taxi app, and it is best to book through it after a game at Žalgirio Arena rather than entering a random car. Use Žiogas for public transport payments and Trafi for journey planning, validating as instructed onboard. Central parking is divided into paid zones, and one-way streets around Senamiestis are confusing; confirm hotel parking in advance and avoid accidentally entering the Vilniaus and Laisvės pedestrian zones.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Kaunas does not have an active tourist-oriented Chabad house of the kind found in major resort cities, so visitors should not rely on Shabbat meals or a daily minyan without advance coordination. The principal Jewish address is the Kaunas Choral Synagogue at E. Ožeškienės Street 13, close to Laisvės alėja; opening and prayer schedules vary, so contact the Kaunas Jewish community beforehand. For a more structured Shabbat, Chabad Lithuania in Vilnius generally offers broader facilities, but advance booking is still essential.
Kosher food
The city has no permanent supervised kosher restaurant suitable as the basis of a trip, and a menu description such as “Jewish” does not indicate kashrut. Kosher-observant Israelis usually choose an apartment with a kitchenette and shop for sealed products at the Maxima XXX in Akropolis, Rimi, or Lidl; kosher stock is inconsistent, so bringing meat, bread, and Shabbat snacks from Israel is sensible. Fruit, vegetables, eggs, and packaged products carrying a recognized certification are easier to source, while any community meal or catering must be arranged well in advance.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Kaunas 🇱🇹
A hospital day in Kaunas can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Gadgets & pre-existing conditions
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Kaunas 🇱🇹
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום באזור שנגן; נדרש אישור ETIAS כשייכנס לתוקף
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Kaunas
- 💳Nearly everywhere in Kaunas accepts cards and Apple Pay, but keep €10–20 in cash for stalls, markets and the funicular, and always choose to be charged in euros rather than accepting terminal conversion to shekels.
- 🚌From KUN Airport, bus 29G runs to the center and railway station, while the Žiogas app validates public transport journeys and Bolt is particularly convenient at night.
- 🏨For a first weekend, choose a hotel around Laisvės Alėja or Vienybės Square, a central base that is generally quieter than the busiest section of Vilniaus Street on Friday and Saturday nights.
- 🏀EuroLeague tickets for Žalgiris Kaunas sell quickly, especially against Maccabi Tel Aviv, so book through the official site as soon as fixtures are released rather than using touts outside Žalgirio Arena.
- 🕯️Kaunas does not have a dependable selection of permanently operating kosher restaurants, so contact the local Jewish community or the Choral Synagogue at 13 Ožeškienės Street in advance about meals, and never assume a vegetarian dish is kosher.
- 🎧People generally arrive at Lizdas after midnight, and entry can be more selective during major events, so check the program, dress neatly and save the football shirt for an arena night.
- 🪙Service is not automatically included at most cafés and restaurants; if it was good, leave 5–10 percent and check whether the card terminal allows a tip before confirming payment.
- 🌧️Rain and cool river winds can arrive even in July, while winter pavements become icy, so bring a waterproof layer and shoes with proper grip rather than relying on a stylish city coat.
- 📱Activate a European eSIM before leaving Israel and download Bolt, Žiogas and an offline Kaunas map in Google Maps, as mobile data can weaken inside the Ninth Fort and on trails beyond the center.
- 🛡️Central Kaunas is generally safe, but after a major event at Žalgirio Arena keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket and request Bolt from a side pickup point instead of crowding onto Karaliaus Mindaugo Bridge.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Kaunas is a city that reveals itself gradually: you begin at the cafés along Laisvės Alėja, ride the historic funicular up to Aleksotas Observation Deck, and suddenly realize how green and elegant the city is. Israelis fall for its combination of good value, profound Jewish history and the electric basketball atmosphere at Žalgirio Arena. My favorite moment comes near sunset, looking down from Aleksotas over the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers and the rooftops of the Old Town."
Loves
My local secret is Lampėdžiai Beach, a forest-fringed lake where Kaunas residents swim, sunbathe and rent paddleboards without a touristy atmosphere. Go on a warm weekday between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., when the sun is softer and the beach feels lively but still relaxed.
Skip
I would not choose a spontaneous dinner on Rotušės aikštė simply because the square is beautiful: several restaurants are geared toward tourists, and the food does not always justify the price. Walk a few minutes toward Vilniaus Street or Laisvės Alėja and check the menu before sitting down.
Boutique pick
I start at 9:00 a.m. with coffee on Laisvės Alėja, continue at 10:30 to the Ninth Fort Museum for a visit that gives proper time to its Jewish history, and return at 1:30 p.m. for the Old Town and the House of Perkūnas. In the afternoon, we take the Aleksotas Funicular, reach the viewpoint during golden hour and walk back beside the river. I reserve seats in advance for an evening Žalgiris game at the arena, or, when there is no game, finish with drinks and electronic music at Lizdas.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Kaunas
"We rode the Aleksotas funicular at sunset and got the best view over Kaunas and its rivers. The next day we explored Pažaislis Monastery, and it felt like discovering a wonderfully peaceful couples' getaway without Western European prices."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 3 nights · June
"The kids did not want to leave Science Island, especially its interactive exhibits, and on the sunny day we headed to the beach at Lake Lampėdis. Kaunas was easy to navigate as a family, pleasantly uncrowded and still felt like a proper trip abroad."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 4 nights · August
"We caught a Žalgiris game at Žalgirio Arena, and the local crowd turned it into one of our best sporting nights abroad. Afterwards we continued to Lizdas and discovered that Kaunas has a small but excellent electronic music scene."
Roi, Tomer and Yuval, Be'er Sheva
Friends · 3 nights · March
"Visiting the Sugihara House was especially moving as Israelis, and we devoted almost half a day to the Ninth Fort Museum to understand the history properly. Kaunas is not a flashy city, but it is deeply human, absorbing and stayed with us long after we returned."
Rachel and David, Haifa
Older couple · 3 nights · September
FAQ
Common questions about Kaunas
Do Israelis need a visa for Kaunas?
Israelis do not need a visa for a tourist visit to Kaunas or Lithuania for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided their passport meets Schengen validity rules. Before flying, check whether the ETIAS travel authorization requirement has already taken effect for Israeli citizens.
Are there direct flights from Tel Aviv to Kaunas, and how long is the flight?
Kaunas does not have a reliable year-round direct route from Tel Aviv, although seasonal direct services take about four hours when offered. A practical alternative is flying to Vilnius and continuing to Kaunas by train in roughly 75 minutes, so it is worth comparing both routes before booking.
When is the best time to visit Kaunas, and what should I pack?
The most pleasant time to visit Kaunas is from May through September, with the peak in July and August, while December offers festive markets but genuinely cold weather. Even in summer, pack a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes for Kaunas; in winter, bring a heavy coat, layers, gloves and waterproof footwear.
How many days do you need in Kaunas, and what other destination should you combine it with?
Two nights are enough for central Kaunas, the Old Town and the Ninth Fort, while three nights also allow time for Pažaislis Monastery and a Žalgiris game if the schedule works. The most natural pairing is Vilnius, with the option of adding Trakai Castle or continuing north by train or bus toward Riga.
How do you get around Kaunas, and is a rental car necessary?
Central Kaunas is easily explored on foot between Laisvės Avenue, the Old Town and Kaunas Castle, while buses, trolleybuses and affordable Bolt rides cover longer distances. A car is unnecessary for a city break and can complicate parking, but it is useful if you continue to Trakai, Birštonas or rural Lithuania.
How much does a trip to Kaunas cost?
For a three-night stay in Kaunas, budget about ₪1,100–₪2,100 per person sharing a double room, excluding flights, depending on the hotel, dining and attractions. A central double room generally costs ₪280–₪600 per night, a good meal around ₪45–₪100 per person, and return flights from Tel Aviv usually range from ₪600 to ₪1,500 depending on season and routing.
Is Kaunas safe for Israeli travelers?
Kaunas is generally a safe city, particularly around the center, Old Town and Laisvės Avenue, with occasional pickpocketing being the main visitor concern. At night, use Bolt after leaving bars rather than walking alone around poorly lit station areas, and during sensitive periods it is prudent to keep conspicuous Israeli symbols discreet.
What should you not miss in Kaunas, and is it better for families or couples?
Kaunas essentials include Kaunas Castle, Laisvės Avenue, the Aleksotas viewpoint, the Ninth Fort and the Sugihara House Museum; families should also add Science Island and the Lithuanian Zoo. Couples will appreciate the Old Town, Pažaislis Monastery and central boutique hotels, while families visiting in summer can also enjoy the beach at Lake Lampėdis.
What is nightlife like in Kaunas, and are there casinos?
Kaunas nightlife is compact rather than wild: evenings usually begin in the bars around Vilniaus Street and Laisvės Avenue before continuing to a live show or Lizdas club. Kaunas does have casinos, including Olympic Casino at the Akropolis complex, but it is not a major casino destination, so check current opening hours and entry rules.
Are there kosher food options or a Chabad House in Kaunas?
Kaunas does not have a dependable selection of kosher restaurants, and travelers should not assume there is a local Chabad center serving daily meals; organized Chabad and kosher services are mainly based in Vilnius and require advance coordination. Kosher-observant visitors to Kaunas should consider an apartment with a kitchen, stock up in Vilnius and contact the Jewish community near the Choral Synagogue on E. Ožeškienės Street before arrival.