I visited Kaunas renewed and was surprised: after what I saw, all Lithuania will want to come here

When I heard comments from a friend after a trip to Kaunas that it is impossible to get to know the second largest city in the country, I swore to myself that I would go there this summer and see everything. If you are active on social media and you may have noticed the constant reports that hotels, museums, streets, parks, squares, shopping malls, bars and cafes have been renovated in Kaunas. It seems that everyone has mutually agreed that it is time to undertake a transformation and become the most attractive city. I can safely say that the plan was successful. I predict that if viruses and quarantines do not interfere, Kaunas will be the most visited place in Lithuania this year. He deserves it.

I praised him many times, but once again I will praise the new Kaunas bus station built five years ago. Although I am a true Vilnius resident who loves my city very much, I must admit that Kaunas city guests arriving by bus are much more prepared than the country’s capital. Beautiful and tidy station, a very good first impression of the city.

It is a miracle, but the buses that arrive in Kaunas are not received by antisocial people, there is a lot of protection, everything is handled constantly, so there is no feeling of danger. It’s also great that it’s a ten minute walk from the station to the city center, so I suggest a hike, it will only be more interesting. Look around you, you will see how many news have come up. Kaunas residents themselves laugh that they can no longer capture everything.

And the first stop may be the new Aušra SPA salon near the bus station. Here for those who don’t like to travel intensively and want to pamper and relax from work and worries. The Kaunas recreation and beauty center, which opened earlier this year in the restored buildings of the historic Kaunas print shop, is advertised as a tourist center in the city center. It offers a variety of spa treatments, as well as many relaxation areas: swimming pools, saunas, baths and other treatments.

Let’s start with the heart of the city, where change is seen first. Kaunas seniors even take heart when they see that Laisv alley repairs have finally been completed. The cathedral is still run, in several other places, but the alley itself is beautifully decorated. The most notable, of course, is the famous fountain, which not only delights in water jets, but also plays – the most famous hits sound. Some stop when they pass and start dancing. Delighted to see. But that’s not all, the source also runs a light show program, especially well at sunset. Liberty Alley is finally full again, older couples go together, young couples are exploding, families and young people admire the renovation. Once again, the outdoor terraces of the cafes located in the alley are full.

Going forward from the Cathedral, towards the same fountain, I suggest you turn right. For half an hour or an hour you will get from Kaunas to Berlin or Stockholm, because Unity Square doesn’t really look like Lithuania. Sterile, white, modern: first, forehead descriptions. Anyway, most of those who see it now say that it is very clear that it is the most beautiful place in the new Kaunas. Around the business centers, cafes in them, a playground for skaters, cyclists and scooters, where you can see extreme tricks in the morning, a fountain field where children play and the beauties of the nets are photographed social. There is also a bench area to relax and enjoy snacks outdoors.

It was in a very similar place in the Swedish capital, so I joke that Kaunas now looks like Stockholm. Kaunas residents Marius and Andrius agree with this: extreme cyclists. They say they finally feel the mood of Berlin in Kaunas. The boys come to Unity Square every day for at least a couple of hours. I am glad that it immediately became an important place for youth street culture.

Happy news for all who will visit Kaunas renovated with accommodation. The hotels in the city woke up, realized that I was lagging behind in international fashion, and began to repair and return. “Park Inn by Radisson Kaunas” has changed beyond recognition: the modern interior is now decorated with photos of interwar Kaunas, accommodation here costs around 50 euros per night for two people.

The legendary Kaunas hotel in Laisv Las Alley has perfectly renovated its rooms. A night for two here costs 60 euros. The biggest advantage that I must highlight are its rooms with balconies and terraces: go out and look around and admire the view of the alley from above. Here it will be of interest to those who like to take beautiful photos.

If you are going to Kaunas in August or later, I suggest you try a whole new place: Soon the Moxy city-style hotel with many elements of street art, which belongs to the international network of Marriott, will open its doors. A night in a hotel with a scent of paint will cost around 50 euros for two for at least the first month, according to the reservation system Booking.com. If the options I offer are too expensive (you can spend the night in Kaunas for much less), the cheapest options do not even reach 20 euros for two people.

When I travel, I always try to discover new and interesting services or excursions. This time in Kaunas I received many recommendations to make sure I saw an Art Deco style apartment from between the wars. This is a project of two enthusiastic entrepreneurs, Karolis and Peter, who are named after the house where the apartment is located: “Gedimino 48”. You can easily find it on social media.

How the Kaunas cream lived in the Smetona era, what the furniture was like, the interior details, how the design of the pony floors looked. Carol and Peter invested a lot of money to restore the spirit of those times to the smallest detail, and they were perfectly successful. All the furniture in the apartment is historic, but has been carefully restored, making it look like new.

The Art Deco apartment has even restored the walls and decorations on them. Some interior details are extremely expensive, made by famous artists and interior designers. Interestingly, in those days, the gentlemen also had small rooms for the maids in their apartments, as they saw it, they will see it during these excursions. An in-person visit to the apartment must be arranged with the hosts.

Karolis and Peter also own another exclusive real estate property: an apartment where the HBO series “Chernobyl” was filmed. Tourists have been running for over a year, and their popularity continues to decline. Another international film project will be filmed soon, but the boys cannot name the names.

Kaunas Culture Center has improved and changed significantly. This is an example for all the houses of culture in the country: how beautiful and modern they can be. There is still a large hall for concerts, performances and other events, but in addition, a lot of space has emerged for artists. After swimming, you can get acquainted or even see your studies.

I suggest visiting the inner courtyard of this center, because there is a large terrace with a “Vytautas / Kęstutis” café, where you can eat and drink. And you can also listen to concerts on that terrace or just stroll to the rhythm of dance music DJs. The program takes place every weekend, sometimes and more frequently. Most events are free, but when big music stars appear, you must buy a ticket.

When it comes to culture, I must recommend an exclusive place on E. Ožeškienės Street: this is the “Courtyard Gallery”, which many already know in Kaunas. As the name suggests, this is actually the case, the courtyard gallery is indeed very reminiscent of the Vilnius Užupis district.

It is the courtyard of several old apartment buildings, which has been converted into an open-air museum and, most importantly, free of charge, and can be visited by anyone whenever they want, without prior registration. Both during the day and late at night, when it is convenient for someone. The history of “Kiemo galerija” started more than ten years ago, when artist Vytenis Jakas moved there. He was saddened that the surrounding neighbors barely communicated with each other and were very alienated, so the artist decided to unite them all. On the courtyard walls, the man began to transfer photos of the Jewish families who lived here, and then, along with the drawings, he began to create other installations.

Now “Kiemo galerija” is full of interesting things, it is worth looking not only in the courtyard, but also inside the stairs. In one of them a carpet hangs on the wall, it represents talking chairs and the like. What I like the most is that in this artistic courtyard you can communicate with the local community, listen to their extremely interesting stories about life in Kaunas and about the past of their families.

For those who like to grow, there are a few more deals on renovated Kaunas. Most recently, on July 1, Fortress VI of Kaunas Fortress opened with an exhibition of military equipment, there you can see many different military equipment, hear stories about how, where and when it was used. Here should be fun for the whole family, as everyone can discover something of their own, both older visitors and children.

I was very surprised by the renovated department of folk music of the Kaunas City Museum, visit it. It is one of the most popular and visited places in the city. Not without a reason. I admit that this recommendation was unexpected for me, because I am certainly not a fan and listener of folk music, but I really liked it here. Perhaps because of the very helpful and friendly staff, who tell interestingly not only about the instruments on display, but also about the music itself and the festivals that have taken place and are still taking place in Lithuania.

I liked that in the museum you can try various instruments yourself, not only playing them, but also playing them. Due to the coronavirus, currently only blowers are used. Children love stairs and a smart music machine. Another advantage of this museum is that it has a “Folkas” restaurant in its courtyard. Many people in Kaunas say that this is where they produce the most delicious cold borscht in the city. With a museum entrance to the restaurant, you get a 10 percent discount.

If you visit Kaunas in summer, you must visit one of the most beautiful places in the area: the Pažaislis monastery and the luxurious Monte Pacis restaurant. I was only there once, on the birthday of famous culinary host Alfas Ivanauskas, so I really wanted to go as a tourist and see everything up close.

Many Kaunas residents come for a walk, have a drink in the lime alley, and tourists really like the monastery museum. Foodies will appreciate the Monte Pacis restaurant, as its chefs serve real art on plates. What you order is a cold watermelon soup or an exclusive “rose pillow” dessert. Its flavor is simply impressive with an exclusive drink created in this kitchen: rhubarb kvas. It’s a wonderfully tasty pink soda that you want over and over again.

Not far from the Pažaislis Monastery, I suggest going to the Kaunas Yacht Club, where you can have fun in the water with a paddle board or ask for stretches on water skis. If you don’t want active entertainment, charter a yacht or take a fourteen-person party cruise boat. Spend a couple of hours in the Kaunas lagoon, romantically accompany the sun, then you can return to the city again and continue the nighttime fun.

Kaunas restaurants and cafes, a separate and highly detailed theme. I offer three very different places for breakfast. Of course, it is the legendary “Donut”, where for a few euros you can eat greasy cakes, drink coffee or cocoa and listen to funny stories that the ladies at the bar regularly share. However, if you are looking for innovation, something more interesting and exclusive, be sure to visit the most instructive restaurant “Taste of Taste”. The pink interior, bright and elegant details will turn your breakfast into a small celebration. Traditional French pancakes and lesser-known Gallettes in Lithuania are baked here: pancakes made from buckwheat flour with cheese filling. Pancakes are served with fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, chorizo, etc. Very tasty and truly memorable, you will not find such experience and tastes anywhere else in our country.

The third recommended place for Kaunas came from Klaipeda, Momo Grill, a restaurant that offers brunch. I recommend eating your brand name eggs Benedict or American pancakes with egg and bacon. If you can’t go to breakfast, you can also prepare a very tasty and informal lunch here. Every meal in this restaurant is remembered.

There are also many offers for lunch in Kaunas. A few years ago, I fell in love with the family restaurant “Višta puode”, which prepares homemade food, and the prices are good and the menu is very varied. For fish lovers, I offer the restaurant “Senis ir jūra”, and for those who want to have a quick snack and fly further into the city, a unique sausage place, “ManGi”, opened in the old town of Kaunas ago some years. If you want something more exotic, try the modern Indian restaurant “Moksha”.

If you want to not only eat, but also shop, I suggest you visit the Acropolis of the Temporary Capital, which is located in the center of the city. I can say it openly: after the renovation, it is the most beautiful Acropolis in the country with a special space for restaurants and cafes. Do you know what teens are for? Not just eating, but taking photos. Even stars like Carolina Meschino share personalities from this shopping center.

I like to dine at Kaunas in various places. In my opinion, it is in this city where the best Mexican restaurant in Lithuania, Agave, operates. There you will understand that Mexicans eat not only tacos and buritas, but also chicken, mussels and many other dishes. When you want something more luxurious, I go to the restaurant “Uoksas”, where I offer to try the tasting menu. Kaunas basketball players recommended me to try dinner at the restaurant “DIA”, I could not do it myself, but you can try it.

And now the night starts from where to go and what to do. Kaunas has also recovered strongly in this place, many new places have been opened. One of them is a small and cozy French cafe “One French Warehouse”, where it is recommended to try exclusive cheeses and drink coffee. On the terrace of the Žilinskas Gallery during the summer there is a very elegant place called “Laukas”, where there is a great variety of drinks and concerts. A few years ago I was very impressed at Exhibition Hill, the “Why not?” Cocktail bar. – Young people will especially enjoy it. An elegant setting, good music, many people passed out, an atmosphere like Amsterdam or Paris. I have loved the Culture Bar since ancient times, where fun artists gather. You can also have delicious food here.

It is worth visiting the “Kamerinis” bar, in the courtyard of the Kaunas Chamber Theater, and the “Klimas” bar in the Town Hall Square. This place has also been very renovated, changed in style, created a new menu.

Kaunas is a must see stop this summer, even if you have visited it many times, you will be amazed and see it with new eyes. Deep down, you definitely want to come back again and again. And next week at DELFI Travels I’ll tell you why Klaipeda is worth visiting.