City in Kaunas County, Lithuania
Kaunas
Lithuania's second city: interwar modernist architecture, big student population, riverside walks and low prices. Quieter and cheaper than Vilnius, with a small expat community and limited nightlife.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,250Comfortable, one person · €1,400–2,000Details
- Value for money54/100Better value than 53% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Jul, 23°CDetails
- Air quality13.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet188 MbpsFixed broadband, Lithuania medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$45–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work almost everywhere; keep some cash for markets and small cafés.Details
Where to stay in Kaunas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| New Town (Naujamiestis) | Laisvės alėja, modernist buildings, cafés and student life |
| Old Town (Senamiestis) | Cobblestone lanes, castle and the river confluence |
| Žaliakalnis | Hilltop villas, funicular and quiet residential streets |
Apps that work in Kaunas
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Messenger, WhatsApp
- LTG Link: Train tickets
- Taxis: Use Bolt; street taxis are few. Everything central is walkable.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Lithuania.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work almost everywhere; keep some cash for markets and small cafés.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (Swedbank, SEB, Luminor) are fine; avoid Euronet and decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants for good service; round up taxis.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in cities.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a face photo to the Entry/Exit System (EES) on first entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation isn't required yet and has no confirmed start date; check the EU site before you fly.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs (Labas, Pildyk, Ežys) sell at Narvesen and Lietuvos spauda kiosks and supermarkets; cheap, with EU roaming. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Lithuania
Going to Kaunas solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.