Know before you go : Lithuania Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Lithuania, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Lithuania is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and southeast, Poland to the south, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest. The Baltic Sea is situated to its west.

As one of the Baltic countries, Lithuania shares strong cultural and historical ties with its neighbors, Latvia and Estonia.

The capital is Vilnius, Lithuania’s largest city, situated in the southeastern part of the country.

As of 2024, Lithuania covers approximately 65,300 km² and has a population of around 2.8 million people.

The best time to visit Lithuania depends on the experiences you’re seeking. For pleasant weather and long daylight hours, summer (June to August) is ideal, with temperatures typically ranging from 16°C to 25°C. If you’re looking to enjoy beautiful winter landscapes, consider visiting between December and February, as there is often snow and Christmas markets around this time of year.

During winter, temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower, so pack warm clothing. In summer, evenings can be cool, so bringing layers is a good idea, especially if you plan to visit coastal areas.

I visited in June, and the weather was perfect for enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Plus, in June there are not many tourists, you can visit everything peacefully !

In Lithuania, the currency is the Euro (€). The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western European countries. A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs around €10-15, while mid-range dining options usually start at €20-30 per person.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country, and for ATMs without fees, look for ones at bank branches.

Accommodation options vary widely, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. Prices for budget hotels and hostels typically start at around €20-40 per night, while mid-range hotels generally range from €60-110 per night for two people in central locations.

To save on accommodation, you might consider booking an Airbnb or a guesthouse slightly outside the city center. For example, you can often find comfortable options for around €50-60 per night for two people, providing a cozy stay in a pleasant neighborhood.

Clothing: Pack layers when visiting Lithuania, as temperatures can be cool even in summer. For a visit in July or August, bring a light jacket or sweater. In winter, prepare for chilly weather with thermal layers, gloves, hats, heavy socks, and a warm coat, especially if you plan to explore the countryside. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring on foot or hiking in nature.

Rain gear : Be sure to pack an umbrella and rain jacket, for unpredictable weather in spring and autum.

Adapter: Lithuania uses Type C and F power outlets. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter. A power bank is also useful to keep your devices charged on the go.

Lithuania offers a variety of unique souvenirs to bring back home!

Traditional Items: Handwoven linen textiles, pottery, and traditional straw ornaments are local souvenirs you can easily find everywhere. You can also consider buying amber jewelry, referred to as “Baltic gold”.

Food: You can bring back black rye bread, šakotis (a unique tree-shaped cake), or jars of local honey as typical local food. Alcohol wise, craft beers, or meads also make great gifts !

Design Goods: When it comes to design goods, consider hand-carved wooden utensils or ceramic home decor.

In Lithuania, Lithuanian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas and major cities.

Here are a few Lithuanian phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Labas [LAH-bahs]

Thank you: Ačiū [AH-choo]

You’re welcome: Nėra už ką [NAY-rah oosh kah]

I (don’t) understand: Aš (ne) suprantu [ahsh (neh) soo-prahn-TOO]

Sorry: Atsiprašau [aht-see-prah-SHOW]

My name is…: Mano vardas yra… [MAH-noh VAR-dahs EE-rah]

Yes / No: Taip / Ne [TAIP / NEH]

As we came from Europe, our mobile plan included internet and calls in Lithuania, but if you plan on buying one on arrival, you can find Bite, and Tele2 SIM cards at the airport for around €10.

Lithuania’s public transportation is reliable and affordable.

If you’re traveling to more remote areas or want to explore Lithuania’s nature, renting a car is a convenient option. As we did a roadtrip from Tallinn to Vilnius, renting a car was the easiest solution and we booked through Europcar. It was both the most financially interesting and practical option.

Be sure to check rental requirements, as credit cards are often needed.

Lithuania offers a wealth of nature and sightseeing. Here are some of the best things to do in the country :

That’s it for my Lithuania travel tips! To get more detailed information and pictures about these places, be sure to check out my other articles A day in Vilnius and The top places to see in Lithuania.