Lithuania
Europe · Vilnius · LT
Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic states, a green country of lakes, forests and the striking baroque capital of Vilnius, a city of many steeples that the locals love to count. The old town of Vilnius, one of the largest in Europe, mixes the cathedral, the narrow lanes of the old Jewish quarter and the cheerful bohemian district of Užupis, which declared itself a republic with its own constitution. Trakai, the island castle half an hour away, floats in its lakes among the wooden summer houses of the shore, and the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai stands as a moving forest of metal and wood and faith. The Curonian Spit, the long dune of sand and pine that reaches along the Baltic, holds the old fishing villages and the great moving dunes. Quiet, green, well-priced and genuinely welcoming, Lithuania rewards the slow traveller.
Overview
Lithuania is a country in Europe. Its capital is Vilnius and the international dialling code is +370. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Lithuanian. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). We also list 1 city in Lithuania: Vilnius.
Getting around Lithuania
Vilnius is a walkable city with a compact old town and an efficient bus/trolley network; the airport is just 10 minutes from the centre by bus. Intercity coaches from Vilnius reach Kaunas, Klaipėda, and the seaside resort of Palanga and the Curonian Spit (separated by the waters of the lagoon, reached by ferry).
Driving is on the right and roads are good; during the summer holidays the ferry to the Curonian Spit (Smiltynė) fills up, so pre-book a slot or arrive early. Bicycles are popular in the Curonian dunes areas. A small rail network (including Vilnius–Kaunas) is useful, though buses are more frequent to the coast.
When to visit Lithuania
June to August is the warmest season: perfect for picnics on the Curonian Spit's white-sand dunes, the beaches near Palanga, and summer festivals. July is the peak. Spring and early autumn (May, September) are green and pleasant, with milder temperatures for old-town walks.
Winter is cold, snowy, and magical around Vilnius's old cathedral and Christmas markets, and is a good time to see the country cheaply. The traditional Midsummer (Joninės, 23–24 June) and Independence Day (16 February) add local colour to trips coinciding with them.
Eating and drinking
Lithuanian food is hearty: cepelinai (potato stuffed with meat or cheese), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup, perfect in summer), kugelis (potato pudding), smoked fish from the Baltic and the lagoon, and a great tradition of rye bread with caraway.
Lithuanians are proud of their Baltic heritage in food; local craft beer, mead, and desserts made with cottage cheese deserve a try. In modern Vilnius you'll find excellent farm-to-table spots and a strong café culture — albertina and espresso by the old town. Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is normal.
Money and local customs
Lithuania uses the euro and there is very little cash culture in the cities — cards and contactless payment work universally, but keep some cash for country markets.
The widely told "1001 nights" doesn't apply here: greetings are "labas" (informal) or "labas rytas" (good morning, in shops). Eye contact and a firm handshake are expected. Whereas many European countries are quick, Lithuanian service style is calm and correct; watch for the crossing signs in Old Vilnius.
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- Capital
- Vilnius
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Lithuanian
- Calling code
- +370
- Internet TLD
- lt
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Lithuania.
Which nationalities can enter Lithuania?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Lithuania?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Lithuania visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Lithuania?
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Lithuania?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Lithuania. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Lithuania?
The languages we list for Lithuania are Lithuanian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Lithuania?
The dialling code for Lithuania is +370 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which cities in Lithuania do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Lithuania: Vilnius (capital).