Kaunas is full of surprises—an ideal city for exploring on foot or by bike, with a mix of historic sites, lively neighborhoods, and stories that stretch back centuries. What makes Kaunas stand out is its ability to blend deep history with modern vibrancy, offering options from private tours that uncover hidden stories to guided visits that focus on its Jewish heritage. We’re especially fond of the guided Jewish heritage day trip for its respectful depth and the custom city walk for its flexibility—both give a real sense of the city and its complex past.
For travelers who want a meaningful, tailored experience, Kaunas has plenty to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or ghost stories, the city’s diverse tours make it easy to find an experience that fits your interest and schedule. Below, we’ve compiled the top options, with details to help you decide which tour aligns best with your travel style.
1. From Vilnius: Guided Jewish Heritage Day Trip to Kaunas
Explore Lithuania’s Jewish past on this full-day trip from Vilnius to Kaunas. The tour visits critical cultural sites like the Kaunas Synagogue, the Ninth Fort museum, and the Kovno Ghetto. This is a private, flexible tour that allows you to focus on the stories that interest you most, making it a perfect choice for anyone interested in Jewish history or Holocaust remembrance.
What sets this tour apart is its respectful approach and personal touch. Guide Cyrus brings over 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of Lithuania’s Jewish history, sharing stories with sensitivity and insight. The tour is rated 5/5, with reviews praising Cyrus’s knowledge and respectful manner. Visitors often comment on how it’s an unforgettable experience that balances historical education with emotional depth.
This trip is ideal for those with a full day to spare, especially if you’re traveling from Vilnius and want an in-depth, private exploration of Lithuania’s Jewish heritage. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, Holocaust memorial visitors, or anyone seeking a meaningful cultural experience.
Bottom Line: A deeply informative, respectful tour that brings Lithuania’s Jewish history to life. Book early, as this is popular among those wanting a personalized, in-depth experience.
2. Kaunas : Sightseeing Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide
For a personalized introduction to Kaunas, this custom walking tour with a local guide offers flexibility and local insights. Your guide Nomeda or Paul will tailor the experience to your interests, covering main landmarks and hidden corners of the city.
This tour lasts about 3 hours and has received a rating of 4.7/5 from satisfied travelers. Guests love how guides show the most beautiful spots and answer questions with enthusiasm. Many reviewers point out that this is their best way to understand Kaunas’s mix of historic buildings and modern vibe. The guide’s knowledge makes the city’s stories come alive, whether you’re interested in architecture, local stories, or popular hangouts.
What makes this tour a standout is its customizable nature—you can focus on the Old Town, the new developments, or specific interests like art and culture. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule and want to ask lots of questions.
Bottom Line: An intimate, tailored experience that turns a quick walk into a personalized discovery. Ideal for visitors who prefer flexibility and local insights.
3. Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour
If you’re pressed for time but want a solid overview of Kaunas, this 2-hour sightseeing tour hits all the highlights. On foot, you’ll explore the Old Town, see historic churches, the town hall, and admire architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Rated 5/5 from two reviews, this tour offers a quick but rich summary of Kaunas’s significance as the capital of the First Lithuanian Republic. Your guide will introduce you to the city’s distinctive character and traditions, giving context to its streets and buildings.
This tour is well suited for travelers who want a bite-sized, informative experience without sacrificing depth. It’s particularly good before a flight or as a first introduction to the city. The walk is easy and accessible, with plenty of photo stops and stories.
Bottom Line: A concise, well-rounded introduction to Kaunas’s historic core—perfect for travelers short on time or as a prelude to a deeper exploration.
4. Kaunas: Private custom tour with a local guide
For those who want to craft their perfect day in Kaunas, this private, customizable tour offers the flexibility to focus on your interests, whether that’s history, food, or local neighborhoods. The guide will tailor the experience based on your preferences, helping you see the city through a local’s eyes.
Pricing starts at $54 per person, with durations from 2 to 8 hours, making it suitable for everything from a quick city overview to a full-day adventure. The guide’s local knowledge is a strong asset, including recommendations for restaurants, lesser-known spots, and the main sights.
Guests love the personal touch—one reviewer notes how the guide’s familiarity with the area and the personalized attention made the experience special. This tour is great for families, couples, or small groups wanting a flexible, private experience that can be as casual or comprehensive as they like.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private way to discover Kaunas based on your interests. Perfect for travelers who want a tailored experience with local advice.
5. Kaunas: Old Town Private Ghost Tour
Explore the mysterious side of Kaunas on this 2-hour ghost tour through the Old Town. Led by a private guide, you’ll hear legends and chilling stories about Kaunas’s haunted sites, including the castle catacombs and secret legends.
Rated 4.4/5, this tour appeals to those interested in local legends, spooky stories, and hidden secrets. The guide’s storytelling style makes the creepy tales come alive, creating an engaging atmosphere that’s both fun and slightly spooky.
While not suitable for very young children or those sensitive to ghost stories, this tour offers a different perspective on Kaunas’s past, revealing its supernatural lore and dark tales. It’s ideal for adventurers or night-time explorers wanting a bit of thrill.
Bottom Line: A fun and atmospheric way to experience Kaunas’s darker stories—perfect for those interested in legends and ghostly tales.
6. Kaunas: 1 Day Self-Guided Bike Tour with Train Tickets
For active travelers, this self-guided bike tour from Vilnius offers a flexible way to explore Kaunas at your own pace. Included are round-trip train tickets, so you can split the day between two cities without the hassle of planning transportation.
Choose between two scenic routes that take you through the Old Town, Nemunas River, and notable sites like the Pažaislis Monastery. Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking and stop whenever something catches your eye, making this a great choice for adventurous, independent travelers.
The ratings are high—4.9/5—and reviews mention how easy it is to navigate and enjoy the city’s sights by bike. The itinerary gives a good balance of historic landmarks and relaxing scenery, including the Kauņas Žalgirio Arena.
This tour suits those comfortable on a bike and wanting an independent, active day exploring Kaunas and beyond.
Bottom Line: A fun, flexible way to see Kaunas at your own pace, combining transportation, scenery, and exercise.
7. Kaunas Private Tour: Love Stories
Discover Kaunas’s romantic side on this private 2-hour tour focused on love stories and intimate corners of the Old Town. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore hidden yards, charming streets, and discover secrets of romance in Kaunas.
Rated for its private, personalized approach, this tour is perfect if you want a cozy, intimate experience. It’s especially suited for couples or anyone interested in the city’s more romantic and secretive aspects.
Your guide will reveal romantic legends and local secrets, creating a charming atmosphere. This tour is a great way to add a special touch to your visit, with the guide sharing stories that aren’t in the guidebooks.
Bottom Line: A charming, personalized tour for lovers of romance and secret stories, ideal for couples or those looking for a cozy experience.
8. Tours in Kaunas Old Town
If you want a fun, lively introduction to Kaunas Old Town, this 2-hour tour promises a mix of storytelling, humor, and secrets. Led by a charismatic guide, you’ll learn about love stories, ghost legends, and the city’s hidden corners.
Rated 4.7/5, this tour emphasizes a lighthearted approach while sharing fascinating stories. It’s suitable for travelers who want a relaxed but engaging experience that combines history with entertainment.
The tour is adaptable, so your guide can tailor the experience to your interests, whether it’s exploring specific sights or hearing local stories that bring the city to life.
Bottom Line: A lively, fun way to learn about Kaunas Old Town, perfect for travelers who want a mix of stories and sightseeing with a humorous twist.
9. Virtual reality movie – experience I AM LITHUANIA
Finish your trip with a unique virtual reality experience that transports you across Lithuania. In just 25 minutes, you’ll see over 30 locations through a 360-degree VR film.
Rated 3.7/5, this is the only VR film captured with a 360-degree camera in Lithuania. It provides a bird’s-eye perspective on the country’s landscapes, cities, and culture, delivering an unforgettable sensory experience.
This experience is accessible and affordable at $18 per person, making it a great option for families or tech enthusiasts. It’s particularly suitable if you want a low-effort, high-impact way to deepen your understanding of Lithuania’s scenery and spirit.
Bottom Line: An innovative, immersive experience that showcases Lithuania’s beauty from a new perspective, ideal for ending your visit on a memorable note.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Kaunas
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, time constraints, and budget. For a deep dive into history and culture, the Jewish Heritage Day Trip offers a thorough, respectful exploration. If you prefer a more personal and flexible experience, the private custom tour or Love Stories tour will suit you well.
For short visits, the 2-hour sightseeing tour provides quick highlights, while active travelers can enjoy the self-guided bike tour for a more independent adventure. Those interested in the spooky side will find the Ghost Tour a fun add-on.
Finally, don’t forget the VR experience for a modern twist on Lithuania’s scenery. Book early, especially for popular tours, and consider your preferred pace, interests, and the kind of stories you want to take home.
Kaunas offers a versatile range of tours and experiences to suit different tastes and schedules. Whether you’re drawn to history, personal stories, or active exploration, you’ll find an option that makes your visit memorable. For a deep cultural dive, the Jewish Heritage Day Trip is a powerful choice, but if a customized city walk sounds appealing, the private tour will give you the flexibility you want.
Whatever your style, these tours help you see Kaunas through local eyes and uncover stories you might never discover on your own. Be sure to book early, so you don’t miss out on experiencing this fascinating Lithuanian city at its best.