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Travel guide

Lithuania holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors

A baroque capital, a windblown sand-dune coast and a proud, layered history — Lithuania is the largest of the Baltic states and a characterful Baltic cruise call.

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Why visit Lithuania

Lithuania has a quieter, more soulful feel than its Baltic neighbours. Vilnius, its inland capital, boasts one of Europe’s largest baroque old towns — a UNESCO-listed sweep of churches, courtyards and pastel façades, with the bohemian republic of Užupis tucked across the river. On the coast, the port of Klaipėda opens onto the Curonian Spit, a remarkable ribbon of shifting sand dunes and pine forest shared with Russia and protected by UNESCO. It is a country of deep forests, amber-strewn beaches and a fierce sense of independence, and a rewarding stop on Baltic itineraries.

Best time to visit

June to August offers the warmest weather and the long, light days that suit the old towns and the dune-backed coast best — the core of the Baltic cruise season. May and September are cooler and less crowded but still agreeable, while winter is cold and dark, softened by Christmas markets in Vilnius.

Top things to do in Lithuania

  1. 1

    Explore Vilnius’s baroque old town

    One of Europe’s largest and best-preserved baroque centres, Vilnius’s UNESCO-listed old town is a walkable wealth of churches, cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards, crowned by the hilltop Gediminas Tower and its city views.

  2. 2

    Visit the Curonian Spit

    From the port of Klaipėda, a short crossing reaches the Curonian Spit — a UNESCO-protected sliver of towering sand dunes, pine forest and fishing villages, one of the most distinctive landscapes on the Baltic coast.

  3. 3

    Discover Lithuania’s spirit and history

    From the quirky artists’ republic of Užupis in Vilnius to the moving Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, Lithuania wears its history and independence with feeling, offering depth beyond its handsome architecture.

The cheapest Lithuania holidays right now

Lowest lead-in prices first, from live availability. Open one for its dates, and book directly with its operator.

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Lithuania travel questions

When is the best time to visit Lithuania?
June to August is the prime season, with the warmest weather and longest days for exploring the old towns and the coast — the heart of the Baltic cruise season. May and September are quieter but still pleasant.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Lithuania?
No. UK passport holders can visit Lithuania without a visa for tourism and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What currency does Lithuania use?
Lithuania uses the Euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Vilnius and Klaipėda, though it is worth carrying a little cash for markets and rural areas.
Is Lithuania expensive to visit?
Lithuania offers good value compared with Western Europe, especially for food and drink. Central Vilnius can be pricier in peak season, but everyday costs remain modest.
Do they speak English in Lithuania?
English is widely understood in tourism and hospitality, particularly among younger people. Russian is also commonly spoken, but English is generally enough for visitors in cities and at the ports.
How many hours ahead is Lithuania compared with the UK?
Lithuania is two hours ahead of the UK on Eastern European Time, and adjusts for daylight saving on the same dates, so the two-hour difference holds all year round.
Is Lithuania safe for tourists?
Lithuania is a safe and welcoming destination with low crime. The usual care with valuables in busy areas of Vilnius and Klaipėda is all that is needed for a relaxed visit.
Do I need a travel adaptor for Lithuania?
Yes. Lithuania uses Type F sockets at 230V, so a standard European travel adaptor will fit your UK three-pin plugs. UK devices work fine on the local voltage.
Which Lithuanian port do cruises use?
Klaipėda is Lithuania’s cruise port, the gateway to the Curonian Spit, and usually appears on Baltic itineraries alongside cities such as Riga, Tallinn and Gdańsk.
What is the Curonian Spit?
The Curonian Spit is a long, narrow sand peninsula of towering dunes and pine forest stretching along the Baltic coast, protected by UNESCO and reached by a short crossing from Klaipėda.

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