←Lithuania travel guide
Vilnius County, Lithuania
Vilnius
Baroque spires and cobbled lanes in a UNESCO Old Town
ArchitectureCultureHistory & Heritage
Vilnius is Lithuania's capital and home to one of the largest and best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Its skyline of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque church towers rises above a compact, walkable centre packed with museums, cafes, and courtyards.
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Best time to visit
May to September
Region
Vilnius County
Main airport
Vilnius (VNO)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Vilnius
History
Trakai Island Castle
Trakai Island Castle is a striking Gothic red-brick fortress built in the 14th and 15th centuries on an island in Lake Galve, just 30 kilometres west of Vilnius. It is the only island castle in Eastern Europe and once served as the seat of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania under Vytautas the Great. Today the restored castle houses the Trakai History Museum, with exhibits on medieval armour, coins, and the multiethnic history of the Karaim community who have lived in the town for centuries.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Kernavė Archaeological Site
A wooded river-valley reserve northwest of Vilnius preserving the remains of medieval Lithuania's first capital. Its prehistoric hill forts, ancient settlements and burial grounds span some ten millennia of human habitation, from the late Paleolithic through the Middle Ages.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Vilnius
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Lithuania
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Lithuania page at Yoogo.
Lithuania uses the euro (EUR), having joined the eurozone in 2015. Card payments are widely accepted in Vilnius, Kaunas, and larger towns, though it is worth carrying some cash when visiting rural areas, markets, or smaller establishments.
Lithuania is generally considered a safe destination with low levels of violent crime. As in any European city, travellers should take standard precautions against pickpocketing in busy tourist areas and on public transport.
Lithuania has a reliable network of inter-city buses connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, and other towns, with Lux Express and Eurolines among the main operators. Trains are available on some routes, and renting a car is a practical option for exploring rural areas such as Aukstaitija National Park or the Curonian Spit.
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the most pleasant conditions, with long daylight hours, temperatures of 15–25 degrees Celsius, and the Baltic coast at its most inviting in July and August. Winter months bring snow and Christmas markets, though days are short and temperatures can fall well below freezing.
Lithuanian is the official language, spoken by around 85% of the population. English is widely understood in Vilnius and Kaunas, particularly among younger people working in tourism, hospitality, and retail, though it is less common in smaller rural towns.
No vaccinations are required by regulation for entry into Lithuania, but travellers are advised to ensure routine immunisations are up to date. Tick-borne encephalitis is present throughout the country, particularly in forested areas, so vaccination is recommended for those planning outdoor activities between spring and autumn.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good restaurant service, with around 10% being the accepted norm. Be aware that saying 'thank you' when a server collects your bill is interpreted as an instruction to keep all the change, so withhold your thanks until you are ready to leave.
Lithuania has good 4G coverage across most of the country, with 5G available in major cities. Travellers can purchase a local SIM on arrival or use an eSIM from a provider such as Airalo, which offers Lithuania-specific data plans starting from 1 GB.