Five days in Lithuania is enough to explore Vilnius, visit the famous castle in Trakai, and spend some time in Kaunas. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one capital or change hotels every day. Just plan your route well and decide whether it’s more convenient to fly into Vilnius or Kaunas.
If you want to see several places in one trip, a car provides great freedom. You can mix city sightseeing with shorter trips outside the centers without worrying about public transport schedules. Below is a suggested five-day plan that lets you see the main attractions without turning your journey into a race against time.
Vilnius or Kaunas - Where to Start Your Lithuanian Adventure?
Your airport choice mainly depends on how you want to arrange your route. Vilnius and Kaunas are both good starting points, but each city offers a slightly different beginning to your trip.
Vilnius (VNO) is a natural choice if you want to explore the Lithuanian capital, its historic Old Town, and nearby sights. From here, it’s easy to plan a visit to Trakai, followed by a ride to Kaunas.
Kaunas (KUN) works well if you prefer to start in Lithuania’s second-largest city and experience its unique interwar architecture. You can then head to Vilnius and finish your trip in the capital.
The distance between Vilnius and Kaunas is about 100 km. Driving the main A1 route typically takes just over an hour, though actual time depends on traffic and road conditions.
If you fly into one city and return from the other, check in advance about the possibility to pick up and drop off your rental car at different locations. That way, you don’t have to return to your starting point just to drop off the vehicle.
Day 1: Vilnius - Discover the Lithuanian Capital
Spend your first day in Vilnius. This city is best explored on foot—especially if you want to see the Old Town, visit cozy cafes, and discover hidden corners away from the main streets.
Start with the Old Town. Take a stroll down Pilies Street, visit Cathedral Square, and explore the area around the Gate of Dawn. Along the way, you’ll find historic churches, townhouses, and small courtyards. Vilnius has a layered history, and its architecture reflects influences from different eras and cultures.
Then head up to Gediminas Hill. From the tower, you get a panoramic view of red rooftops, churches, and the Old Town streets. This is one of Vilnius’s most iconic vistas.
Save Užupis—a bohemian district across the Vilnelė River—for the afternoon. Here you’ll find galleries, murals, small venues, and a distinctive atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a relaxed walk and dinner.
One tip: you don’t need a car to get around central Vilnius. It’s best to park once and explore on foot. The car will come in handy for longer drives later on.
Day 2: Trakai - Island Castle and Karaim Cuisine
On day two, visit Trakai, one of Lithuania’s most recognized landmarks. The town lies about 27 km from Vilnius, and driving there takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
The main attraction is the Island Castle, located on Lake Galvė. A wooden bridge leads to the castle, which looks especially stunning from the shore or on a boat ride across the lake.
You can tour the history museum, stroll along the lake, or simply spend some relaxing time nearby. If the weather permits, consider renting a boat or taking a short cruise.
Trakai is also connected to the Karaim community—a small group that settled here in the Middle Ages. Be sure to try kibinai, traditional pastries usually filled with meat. They are one of the area’s most distinctive local treats.
If you have extra time, visit the palace in Užutrakis or take a walk in the Varnikai Reserve. But don’t try to cram everything into one day. Visiting the castle, lakeside stroll, and local lunch already makes a great plan.
Day 3: Kaunas - A Different Side of Lithuania
On the third day, head toward Kaunas. Lithuania’s second-largest city often lives in Vilnius’s shadow but has a completely different character deserving attention.
Start with the Old Town. See Kaunas Castle, the Town Hall, and the area around Town Hall Square. It’s also worth walking down Vilniaus Street, which connects the historic center with newer parts of the city.
Later, take a stroll along Laisvės Avenue—one of Kaunas’s main streets, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to feel the city’s everyday rhythm.
Kaunas is especially interesting for architecture lovers. During the interwar period, it served as Lithuania’s temporary capital, leaving many modernist buildings from that era. In 2023, Kaunas’s modernist architecture was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Pay attention to areas around V. Putvinskis Street and the Žaliakalnis district. You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the distinctive shapes and details of the buildings.
For a city view from above, consider riding the Aleksotas funicular. Across the Neman River is a viewpoint offering a splendid panorama of Kaunas.
Day 4: Kaunas and Surroundings - Explore Beyond the City Center
On day four, you can continue exploring Kaunas or choose one of the attractions outside the immediate city center.
If you’re interested in 20th-century history, the Ninth Fort is a good choice. It’s part of the former Kaunas Fortress and now serves as a memorial site and museum. The exhibits tell about the tragic events related to Nazi and Soviet occupations. It’s a sobering but important place for understanding Lithuania’s history.
Another option is the Pažaislis Monastery, located on the Kaunas Reservoir. This Baroque monastery complex stands out for its architecture and peaceful surroundings. You can combine a visit here with a lakeside walk.
If you prefer a lighter day, stay in the city. Visit a museum, seek out street art, or relax at a café. Kaunas has plenty to offer even without a tightly packed sightseeing schedule.
Day 5: Last Moments in Lithuania and Return to the Airport
Adjust your last day according to your flight time. If you depart from Kaunas, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final stroll through the city. If you’re flying back from Vilnius, allow time to travel from Kaunas to the capital.
Don’t plan any long trips on this day—especially if you have checked luggage or need to return your rental car. Leave buffer time for refueling, vehicle return, and any transfer to the terminal.
If you have a late flight, you might use a few hours for a short activity near where you’re staying. But it’s better to pick one plan than try to add another location last minute.
Is Exploring Lithuania by Car Worth It?
For a five-day trip covering Vilnius, Trakai, and Kaunas, a car can greatly simplify your travel plans. Especially if you’re traveling with others, have larger luggage, or want to combine city visits with locations outside the centers.
That doesn’t mean a car is necessary all the time. Many attractions in Vilnius and Kaunas are within walking distance. Trains and buses also connect the cities, and public transport reaches Trakai.
However, a car provides more flexibility. You can leave your hotel at a convenient time, stop along the way, and change your plans if you find a place that catches your interest. It’s also easier to combine several sights in one day.
If you’re flying into Lithuania, you can pick up a rental car at Vilnius Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN). Which to choose depends on where you start and end your trip. Check available cars at YourRent at Vilnius Airport or YourRent at Kaunas Airport.
Is Five Days Enough for Lithuania?
For Vilnius, Trakai, and Kaunas—definitely yes. Five days allow you to see key sights, try local cuisine, and experience different facets of the country. You don’t have to spend hours driving daily or change accommodations every night.
It’s worth saving Riga for another trip. The Latvian capital is an interesting destination, but adding it to a five-day Lithuanian itinerary means longer travels and less time for sightseeing.
The simplest plan is two days in Vilnius, one day in Trakai, and two days in Kaunas. You can start in any of these cities—it’s important to align your route with flights and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Lithuania is a great choice for a short break, especially if you enjoy a mix of history, architecture, and leisurely sightseeing. And five days is enough to come away feeling you’ve experienced more than just the capital.