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Kaunas [1] is the second biggest city in Lithuania.

[edit] Understand

Kaunas is Lithuania's second city but is in no way a poor relation. For a time it acted as temporary capital and as such benefited from investment and the status.

A visit in February is not everyone's idea of peak holiday time but it may add to the city's appeal. Yes it will be -15 degrees C outside, and yes there was snow and ice and it takes 10 minutes to dress before venturing out and another 10 to undress when you go back inside but when else do most of us get to experience that? It's not like England where one snowflake brings the transport network to a halt. Don't forget the people of Kaunas are used to it and life goes on with great efficiency. Museums have cloakrooms, everywhere is well heated and draft proofed, supermarkets have lockers to leave your coats, hats, scarves, gloves, sledges and so on and nobody minds you sipping vodka from a 200 ml bottle to keep your insides warm. As well as the usual attractions this time of year allows you to go sledging (sledges from 3 LTL in supermarkets) or across the bridge to the park on an island in the river to build snowmen, have snowball fights and drag huge chunks of ice up to the bridge to send crashing onto the frozen river below. You will notice that some couples had attached padlocks to the bridge with their names scratched or painted on - a custom one may have observed in Riga. The gist is pretty clear and the bridge to the park is an ideal location to continue this eastern European (?) custom. There is a locksmith who sells padlocks in a courtyard off the northern side of Laisves Aleja towards the eastern end - reasonably priced too. Go for the ones with the longest hasp (loop) as the bars of the bridge are really thick. Failing that attach yours to one that is already there!

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Kaunas can be reached with the low cost airline Ryanair to the Kaunas airport,[2] which is located ~30 minutes drive from the downtown. Or fly via Riga with AirBaltic, the Latvian airline. [3] New modern terminal for passengers was opened in March 2008. There are some vendors in the terminal building, including restaurant, bars, and duty free shops, as well as car rentals. From the airport bus #29 - found right outside - takes you into the center of Kaunas (tickets 2.0 LTL from the driver). Shuttle bus #120 goes by route: Kaunas Airport - Savanoriu Avenue - Kaunas castle bus stop.

Vilnius airport [4] is just 100 km away from Kaunas.

[edit] By road

There is 100 km motorway from Vilnius (capital city) to Kaunas. Buses serve this route every 30 to 60 min.

There is 210 km motorway from Palanga (city by the Baltic sea).

The international road Via Baltica (connecting Warsaw to Tallinn) crosses Kaunas just after about 70 km from the Lithuanian-Poland border.

[edit] By train

There are many trains from Vilnius and Klaipeda to Kaunas. Some trains are going from Vilnius to Sestokai, and, Poland, through Kaunas. Recently renovated Kaunas railway tunnel near Kaunas central railway station built in 1861 is worth attention for tourists.

[edit] Get around

Kaunas has well developed public transport system. Buses and trolleybuses tickets can be bought at press kiosks and in the transport. Price for one journey is 1.8 LTL (0.52 EUR) or 2.0 LTL (0.56 EUR) if ticket is bought in the bus or trolleybus. You must validate your ticket on entry in one of the machines. The Kaunas Public Transport [5] site offers useful information and a downloadable map [6] of the bus and trolleybus routes. Since 2007 electronic monthly tickets are being introduced for public transport in Kaunas. Until 2010 regular paper tickets, witch are valid for single journey in Kaunas public buses and trolleybuses, can be purchased from newspapers stands and public transport drivers.

Shuttle (microbuses) service charges 2.5 LTL (0.72 EUR) per journey.

Taxi prices varies from 1 LTL (0.29 EUR) to 2.5 LTL (0.72 EUR) per kilometer.

[edit][add listing] See

• Pažaislis monastery and church form the largest monastery complex in Lithuania, and one of the most magnificent examples of Italian baroque architecture in Eastern Europe.

• Kaunas castle is now reopened for the visitors.

• Laisvės Alėja - Kaunas' most famous walking street is fully pedestrianised and runs from the Old Town for a distance of alomost 2 km to the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. Two lines of Linden trees, seating and flower beds run the length of the avenue. There is a good assortment of shops, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, a cinema, casinos, night clubs, museums, tourist information office, places to stay and a post office. It would be possible to spend your entire stay on Laisves Aleja and not get bored. It is kept clean and snow free (in the winter) with great efficiency and is a great place to spend time. In the late morning and afternoon various stalls selling foods, souvenirs hats etc. appear and are worth a look.

• Devil's museum, [7]. Contains the A. Zmuidzinavicius collection of sculptures and carvings of devils, and a unique collection of devils from the whole world. Putvinskio 64 Tel: 22 15 87 Open Tue-Sun 11.00-18.00

• Vytautas the Great War Museum (K. Donelaicio gatve). A history of Kaunas from prehistoric times to the present day. It houses an immense collection of weapons through the ages. The highlight is the complete, but tragic, remains of the plane Lituanica in which S. Darius and S. Girenas crossed the atlantic in 1933 (see the 10 Lita note). Open Tu-Su 11AM-5:30PM. Admission - adult 2 LTL, child 1 LTL. When you finish Ciau Pizza is on the corner ahead and to your right. Tasty and welcoming but don't expect lightning fast service - a relaxed pace and a chance to watch the world go by while your food is cooked.

• Lithuanian Zoo Park, [8].

• Catacombs/ enter the Church of St. Michael the Archangel (the beautiful domed building at the eastern end of Laisves Aleja) sand the entrance to the catacombs (katakombos) is on your right. Ask at the sacristy (right of the main altar) and they will let you in for free. You descend a spiral staircase into total darkness then begin a journey using your remaining senses which takes you through an underground assault course. When you make it through you ascend a similar spiral staircase on the opposite side of the church entrance. Not for the fainthearted, small children or anyone with difficulty moving around. They appreciate a donation to the church afterwards in one of the boxes scattered around.

• Funicular railways. The Žaliakalnis Funicular Railway (V. Putvinskio gatve) is an electrically operated funicular railway. The oldest funicular in Lithuania and one of the oldest in Europe. It was constructed by AEG and began operating on 5 August 1931. The funicular has wood panelled coachwork and is serviced by an English speaking operator in uniform. It climbs the 75 m up from behind the Vytautas the Great War Museum to the Church of the Resurrection for some of the best views in Kaunas. The ticket costs 0.5 LTL.

• Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum, Laisves Aleja 106. Houses a collection of thousands of stuffed and preserved animals. In winter make use of the cloakroom to the left of the main hall on the ground floor as the museum is well heated. Arranged over several floors the collection ranges from full grown giraffes to butterflies and is well worth an hour or two of your time. 11AM-7PM daily except: Mon. Closed.

• Church of the Resurrection, follow V. Putvinskio gatvě from the Devil Museum or walk up behind the War Museum and turn right to find the Žaliakalnis Funicular Railway. This takes you up to the Church of the Resurrection. The door on the right hand side of the church (as you face it) takes you in and from 12PM you can climb the satirs (3 LTL) or take the lift (5 LTL) to the terrace at the top. Spectacular views of Kaunas and beyond. The church itself is also open to visitors. If you arrive too early and the terrace is not open then carry on north-west along Žemaičiu gatvě and at the junction you'll find an IKI supermarket that has a coffee bar/restaurant upstairs.

• The Park (Nemunos salos parkas), accessed across a footbridge at the southern end of S. Daukanto gatvě. A huge open space minutes from the bustle of Laisvės Alėja. A great place to sledge when there is snow and of course the place to leave your padlocks. They are now building a sport stadium on that island.
• The city hall square and the surrounding buildings.

• Kaunas cathedral - being 84 m long and 34 m wide is the largest Gothic church in Lithuania. It was first mentioned in writing sources in 1413.

[edit][add listing] Do

Kaunas is home to a variety of festivals, including famous Pažaislis Music festival [9], Kaunas Jazz festival and International Modern Dance Festival.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Supermarkets - Maxima, IKI, Rimi, Norfa

• Vodka (Degtiné) - a whole range of flavoured vodkas starting at 5 LTL for 200 ml. Try cherry, cranberry, lemon, blackcurrant, raspberry and of course classic. The pepper was an acquired taste - but got easier the more you drank.

• Do not forget to visit the outdoor markets.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Arena Pizza, Laisves 57 and Savanoriu 363, [10]. Offers a huge range of pizzas and side dishes at good prices and is very centrally located.

• AJ šokoladas, Rotuses sq. 26. Chocolate restaurant offers marvelous snacks, nice coffee, and, beautiful atmosphere in the heart of Old Town of Kaunas near City hall square.

• Bernelių Užeiga, Valančiaus 9, [11]. Tasty traditional Lithuanian dishes, soup in bowls made of bread and home brewed beer. Cosy and atmospheric and very convenient if yo are in the Old Town as it is just a minute from the tourist info. center.

• Ciau. Closest eating place to the Vytautas the Great War Museum (see above) - tasty, warm, good value but a little slow.

• Čili Pica, [12]. One at Laisves Aleja 76 - good value, tasty and comfortable. Also at Mega shopping center (see below).

• Čili Kaimas, at Mega shopping center. Traditional Lithuanian food in a country themed surroundings including live chickens in glass cabinets - great for kids.

• Pizza Jazz, Laisves Aleja 68, Laisves Aleja 106 and others, [13]. Great pizzas and other dishes and good beer in very comfortable surroundings.

• Zalias Ratas, Laisvės 36b behind tourist info. center. A traditional country inn recreated in the city. Roaring fire, costumed waitresses, and tasty traditional Lithuanian food make this a great place to visit.

Try these dishes: Cepelinai(didžkukuliai) su spirgučiais - potatoes balls with meat(~11 LTL); Vėdarai(~10LTL); Plokštainis - meal of potatoes(~8-12LTL); Bulviniai blynai(grated potato pancakes) with different sauces(~8-11LTL); Virtinukai - curd patties(~10LTL);

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Beer (Alus) - Utenos, Švyturys and Horn are to be recommended - expect to pay around 5 LTL per 0.5l in tourist bars and restaurants (Around 2 LTL in local bars e.g. Geru Alu Gerti Gera - has a red awning outisde and is situated on Birštono gatve. Worth a vist just to see the wild boar skin and wild boar head on the walls).

• Avilys, [14]. A great place to get a beer - all home brewed - but does not allow children in.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Mega [15]- a huge shopping complex just outside the city centre with shops, multiscreen cinema, restaurants and a spectacular aquarium in the main entrance stocked with tropical fish including sharks. Stairs and an escalator take you up beside it for a better view. You can even watch them feed the fish (twice a day in the week, once at weekends). Served by bus #38 and #21 from the city centre (journey time about 20 minutes).

• Akropolis [16]- shopping mall built in 2007 and located in a 4-storey building in the centre of the city. There are lots of retailers, restaurants and cafés, entertainment providers. The shopping centre also comes with an ice skating arena surrounded by a food court, a bowling alley and a cinema.

• Urmas [17]- “Urmas” shopping area located at the eastern part of the city, comprises of more than 65000 m², and, is equipped with specialized meat, fruit & vegetable and fish markets. The business area is divided into separate units: Yellow, Green, Grey, Western and Eastern galleries and the Red passage. “Urmas“ center features a 2.500 parking lot which surrounds all galleries. “Urmas” shopping area is reachable from the city center by taxi, minibus #99 or troleybusses #15,16.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Hostel 10, Neries krantine str. 16, tel/fax.: +370 37 30 22 18 fax.: +370 37 30 22 19 [mailto: info@hostel10.lt] [18]. There are 116 beds: 14 eight-seater and 1 four-seater rooms. Breakfast (extra charge). Prices: bed – €10;

• Apple Economy Hotel, M. Valančiaus str.19, tel./fax: +370 (37) 321 404; [mailto: info@applehotel.lt] [19]. Hotel is located in Kaunas Old Town area and has 14 double rooms. Breakfast is not included in room price. Prices: bed – €40.

• Metropolis Hotel, S. Daukanto str. 21, tel.: +370 37 20 59 92; fax: +370 37 20 62 69 [mailto: metropolis@greenhillhotel.lt] [20]. The location of the oldest city's hotel is in the very heart of the downtown of Kaunas. Buffet breakfast is served. 74 rooms. Prices start from €32.

[edit] Mid-range

• Babilonas Hotel, Raseinių str. 25, Kaunas; tel.: +370 37 20 25 45; fax.: +370 37 20 91 56; [mailto: babilonas@hotel.lt] [21] Hotel is located in a quiet district of Kaunas, named Žaliakalnis. Hotel offers 10 modern arranged rooms. Prices from €49.

• Kunigaiksciu Mene Hotel, M. Daukšos str. 28; tel.+ 370 37 320800; fax: +370) (37) 320872; [mailto: mene@takas.lt] [22] Three-star hotel is located in the city of Kaunas, close to the historic centre and its 13th century castle. The hotel consists of 8 single and double rooms. Prices from €58.

• Hotel Magnus, Vytauto str. 24, tel.: +370 37 340 000; fax.: +370 37 240 804; [mailto: info@magnushotel.lt] [23] A new 3-star hotel in the centre of Kaunas, near recently renovated Central railway station of Kaunas. 82 rooms. Hotel has parking space for 30 cars and at least 3 buses. Prices from €70.

• Pažaislis park Hotel, T.Masiulio str. 18E, tel.: +370 614 63664; fax.: +370 37 351554; [mailto: pphotel@hotmail.com] [24] Hotel is located in the service and entertainment park, Pažaislis Park, consisting of the Svarstyklės European and Chinese restaurant. 10 rooms. The prices start from 58 EUR per night.

• Alanta Hotel, Alantos str. 33; tel.+ 370 37 731 142; fax: 370 37 733 871; [mailto: hotel@alanta.lt] [25] Three-star hotel was opened in 1997 in quiet area of Žaliakalnis district, 2 km from the city centre.8 rooms. Prices from €52.

• Centre Hotel Nuova, Savanoriu Avenue 66/ Zemaiciu str.31; tel./fax: +370 37 321 418 [mailto: info@centrehotel.lt] [26] It is a new three-star hotel situated in the very heart of Kaunas city. Located in the quiet surroundings on the green slope of Žaliakalnis hill the hotel yet is very close to the city’s main artery — Savanoriu Avenue. 28 rooms. Prices from €45.

[edit] Splurge

• Perkūno Namai Hotel, Perkuno av. 61, Kaunas; tel.: +370 37) 320 230; fax.: +370 37 323 678; [mailto: hotel@perkuno-namai.lt] [27] The hotel is the first private hotel in Kaunas. It is located in a residential district named Žaliakalnis adjacent to the old oak forest. Hotel offers 29 modern rooms. Prices start from €64.

• Kaunas Hotel, Laisves Avenue 79, tel: +370 37 750850, fax +370 37 750851 [28]. It offers comfortable rooms with views directly onto the avenue, has an elevator and provides a sumptuous breakfast in its cellar restaurant for the more discerning traveller. 85 rooms. Prices from €74.

• Europa Royale Kaunas Hotel, Misko str. 11, tel.: 370 37 407 500; fax.: +370 37 407 501; [mailto: kaunas@europaroyale.com] [29] A very fresh 4 star hotel of 91 spacious rooms is situated in the centre of the city and near the shopping mall with lots of shops and restaurants. Free parking lot for cars and busses (60 parking spaces) in the back yard of the hotel and another one in front of the hotel . Prices start from €75 per night.

• Best Western Santaka Hotel, J. Gruodžio st.. 21, tel.: .+ 370 37 302 702; fax.: +370 37 302 700; [mailto: neris.sales@revalhotels.com] [30] Hotel is located in the heart of Kaunas center, and, offers 92 stylish and well-equipped rooms with air conditioning systems. In the Hotel’s enclosed back yard there is a free parking lot and parages. Prices start from €105.

• Daniela Hotel, A. Mickevičiaus str. 28, tel.: .+370 37 321 505,; fax.: +370 37 321 632; [mailto: daniela@danielahotel.lt] [31] 4 stars hotel is located in the very heart of the city, next to the main pedestrian street Laisves Avenue. 75 rooms. Prices start from €85.

• Reval Hotel Neris, K. Donelaicio str. 27, tel.: .+ 370 37 306 100 ; fax.: +370 37 306 200; [mailto: office@santakahotel.eu ] [32] Kaunas’ largest hotel in very central location with largest Conference and Event centre in Kaunas. 4 star hotel has 208 air-conditioned guestrooms in Scandinavian Northern European style.

• Daugirdas Hotel, T.Daugirdo str. 4, tel.: .+370 37 301 561; fax.: +370 37 301 562; [mailto: hotel@daugirdas.lt ] [33] New business class four stars hotel and restaurant "Daugirdas" is situated in the very Old Town of Kaunas, in a restored XVI - XIX century building, 50 m from the Town Hall, in the confluence of the biggest Lithuanian rivers. 48 rooms. Prices start from €75 per night.

• Klaipeda Hotel, Rotuses square 5 / V. Kuzmos str. 8, tel.:+ 370 37 229 981; fax.: +370 37 220 355; [mailto: kaunas@klaipedahotel.lt] [34] 4 star hotel is newly renovated, situated in the Old Town, and, surrounded by architectural monuments – Kaunas Castle, Cathedral Basilica, Vytautas Church, Town Hall, St. Francis Xavier Church, gothic Perkūnas House. 28 rooms. Prices start from €86.

[edit] Bed & Breakfast

• Solo B&B, [35] Dysnos 10, tel.+370687 54443; +37037 743839 info@solohotel.lt. Solo B&B is newly built, in 2006, annex in the private territory, which provides excellent lodging facilities. Currently offering 2 homelike and modernly designed (27sq.m.) rooms with the separate entrances and outside terraces that lead to the spacious private garden.

[edit] Get out

Everyone, while in Kaunas, should take some time and make a short trip to Birstonas - one of the oldest balneology resorts in Lithuania. Birstonas is located about 30 km (19 miles) south from Kaunas among the beautiful forests in the Great Loops of Nemunas (Neman) river. Buses leave often from Kaunas central bus station, cost a few Litas and take about 40 minutes.

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