A few years ago, there was a risky marketing campaign in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, to promote it internationally. Risky because it was called The G-Spot of Europe and because, as their brilliant strapline suggested, “Nobody knows where it is but when you find it – it’s amazing.”Riskiness realised results though, as the campaign not only won awards, but also got a lot of people turned on to the capital city of Vilnius, while encouraging them to be more adventurous in their explorations too. We’re also delighted to have won over many adventurers with a love for Lithuania, its national parks nirvanas and river deltas. Before we attempt to seduce you any further, however, there are a few tips for travelling in Lithuania that are worth knowing, so that you can keep your finger on the pulse.
Know your Baltics from your Balkans
First and foremost, Lithuania is a Baltic state not a Balkan one and yes, lots of people really do get confused. Quick recap: the Baltic countries are in northern Europe, on the Baltic Sea, and the Balkan countries are much further south, on the Balkan Peninsula. Lithuania is one of a triumvirate of natural and cultural wonders, the other two being Latvia and Estonia. Similarly, people do also mix up Latvia and Lithuania and, trust us, that’s a quick way to rub local people up the wrong way.
Learn a little Lithuanian lingo
Lithuanians are patriotic and proud, in the best way possible and, consequently, the most wonderful hosts. So, do take time to learn a little Lithuanian, which is actually one of the oldest languages in the world, starting with labas (pronounced lah-bahs) meaning hi, ačiū (pronounced ah-choo) for thank you, and prašau (pronounced prah-show) meaning please. It’s also worth noting that Lithuanians sometimes need a bit of time to warm up to strangers, and they don’t always smile and talk to you straightaway. They’re not being rude, just reserved and biding their time.
Embrace traditional and tech
Lithuanian people’s pride of place in the 21st century has largely emanated from their progressive outlook. They are traditional in that they value foraging and folk traditions, nature and literature, but they are also forward-thinking technological giants relative to the size of their country, which is start-up central bursting with ideas.
“I think generally visitors expect the country, and our neighbours, to be quite an old-fashioned place with a strong post-soviet country vibe. And then they get surprised by how modern, creative and quirky it is.” – Neringa Rackauskaite, our Marketing Director and proud Lithuanian.
Lithuania by the litre
Lithuanian beer, although not known internationally, has been the real deal when it comes to artisan and craft beer for centuries. In true Lithuanian tradition they also concoct their own brews, and don’t seek to emulate other pilsners or porters of the world, trusting their ancient handed-down recipes. There are around 80 breweries in Lithuania and, with names ranging from Tanker Father Midnight stout to Green Monster IPA, you are going to have fun in the pub learning about one of Lithuanians finest traditions. While you’re at it, remember to keep hydrated, and you’ll have no problem doing that as Lithuania’s tap water is safe to drink.
Note the al fresco fine
In contrast, drinking outdoors is forbidden, except in bars and restaurants. So don’t get all laissez-faire in Lithuania with your picnics, otherwise you risk paying a fine.
Seek out Lithuanian artisans
Buy local gifts such as traditional knitwear, especially multi-coloured winter socks and hats, or Lithuanian honey, with bees playing an important role in the country’s agricultural heritage. You will also find plenty of beeswax products such as candles or lip balms. Hand carved wooden gifts are very popular, as are ceramics, which are beautifully illustrated in this short film, The King of Potters. In particular, seek out artisans such as the ‘king’ who have kept alive the secret of Lithuanian black ceramics which, although they date back centuries, look contemporary and cool with a metallic black finish.
Be political but polite
Be sensitive and empathetic when talking about history and the current geopolitical situation. Lithuanians are generally open to discuss political issues, but bear in mind that you might be talking to people who were affected by Soviet deportations (which is pretty much every family in one way or another).
Get to know Vilnius’ green side
Vilnius was chosen as European Green Capital of 2025 and one of its greatest features is the 140km of cycling lanes, on top of all the wonderful green networks beyond the city. In fact, cycling is very much at the heart of Baltic culture, which you can read more about in this blog, 10 reasons to go cycling in the Baltic States.
Get to know the country’s pink side
Don’t miss out on pink soup (šaltibarščiai) – especially if it’s hot outside. Some travellers get intimidated by the colour but Lithuanians are obsessed with it. The first šaltibarščiai of the season is a sure sign that spring has arrived, a seasonal milestone that’s marked by the annual Šaltibarščiai Festival in Vilnius.
Pack your binoculars
Birds of a feather stick together on Lithuania’s Curonian Spit, coming in every year during spring and autumn to relax in the dunes and pine forests. A good bird watching spot is Nagliai Nature Reserve, where species include peregrine and red-legged falcons, brown kites and pink starlings, as well as gaggles of geese, swans and ducks during September. And at Nemunas Delta, Ventė Cape is home to Golden Oriole and yellowhammers, cuckoos and corncrakes before they head south.
Pack your bathers
People are often surprised when they visit Lithuania’s beaches, and they really are gorgeous. As is the cycling path that clings to the coast. As well as the Baltic Sea there are also numerous lakes to swim in, such as Galvė in Trakai, which features on these holidays, and Plateliai, in Žemaitija National Park, which you can hike to on this tour.
Give back your bottles
When you buy drinks in supermarkets (in plastic bottles, cans or glass bottles) you always pay a deposit. Once you finish your drink, you can bring your bottles to taromats, which are reverse vending machines (RVMs) that are part of a deposit refund system for drinks containers. They are normally located next to supermarkets and this is where you get your deposit back.
Join the summer party
Vilnius’ beating heart is loud and clear in summer months, when there are a plethora of music events. Such as Street Music Day in May, Culture Night in June, and the Kristupo Festivals which take place throughout July and August. This event kicks off in Vingis Park on 25 July, which is the feast day for St. Christopher, the patron saint of the city, and the namesake of the festivals. And, as the summer comes to a close, the first weekend of September brings concerts, sports events, street food and other cultural events to the streets in the Vilnius City Festival.
Give back to nature
Rewilding Europe has earmarked the country’s Nemunas Delta region, which is still intensively farmed in parts, to make sure that it protects its fragile ecosystems. Read up on its work in Lithuania, not only in the Delta, but also around the restoration of rare bison habitats. You can donate to Rewilding Europe’s vital work in these regions where they keep much more than an eagle eye on things.
Do the neighbourly thing
Meet Lithuania’s wonderful neighbours in Latvia and Estonia, as we offer several Baltic beauties in one pretty passage. Combine capitals and coasts on this Lithuanian and Latvian walking holiday, or tri-cycle your way through three Baltic beauties of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia which also takes in three national parks: Lahemaa National Park in Estonia, Gauja National Park in Latvia and Curonian Spit National Park in Lithuania.
If you enjoyed reading about Lithuania, you may also enjoy these blogs on the Baltic region: Ten reasons to go cycling in the Baltic States and An insider guide to Lithuania. And staying north but heading to the Nordic rather than the Baltic countries, here are some insights into Finnish sauna etiquette, Finland in winter and exploring West Sweden.
