Kaunas sits at the meeting point of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, and its centre is compact enough to cover on foot. The city is known for its interwar architecture, which earned it the European Heritage Label and a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and for its café culture, which dates back to the same period. As a visitor, you will spend most of your time in two adjacent central districts: the Old Town, around the castle and the confluence, and New Town, the grid of streets centred on Laisvės alėja.
For accommodation, the practical choice is between basing yourself in the Old Town, in New Town, or near the transport hubs south of the centre. A few options sit further out, in quieter residential districts or by the reservoir, and suit travellers with a car or a specific reason to be there. This guide covers the areas worth considering, what kind of place you will find in each, and how they connect to the rest of the city.
Best areas to stay in Kaunas
1. Old Town
The historic core, built around the confluence of the two rivers and the remains of Kaunas Castle. This is where the city's oldest streets, squares and churches are, and it puts you within walking distance of the main sights. It suits first-time visitors who want to step out of their accommodation and into the historic centre, and it has a good spread of places to eat and drink.
Accommodation here ranges from basic rooms in restored historic buildings to comfortable mid-range hotels. Note that some buildings are old conversions, so you may find no lift to upper floors or no on-site parking; ask before booking if either matters to you.
2. New Town
The central grid centred on Laisvės alėja, the city's main pedestrian avenue. This is the commercial and everyday heart of Kaunas, with shops, cafés and restaurants along and around the avenue, and it is where much of the interwar architecture is concentrated. It suits visitors who want to be central, close to dining and shopping, and within easy walking distance of the Old Town.
You will find the widest choice of accommodation here, from budget rooms to large full-service hotels. It is also the most convenient base if you plan to use public transport, as the main routes run along and near the avenue.
3. Around the bus and railway stations
The area immediately south of the centre, around Vytauto prospektas, where the bus and railway stations face each other. It suits budget travellers and anyone arriving or leaving by bus or train, since you can walk to either station in a few minutes. It is also a practical base for early departures.
Accommodation is mostly budget and mid-range, including hostels and chain hotels. The trade-off is that this is a transport district rather than a scenic one, though the centre is a short walk or bus ride away.
4. Žaliakalnis
A quieter district of the city, away from the central bustle. It suits travellers who prefer calm surroundings and do not mind being slightly removed from the main sights, and it can work well for those with a car. Accommodation here is limited and mostly mid-range, often with a restaurant or conference facilities attached.
5. Vilijampolė
A residential district across the river, quiet and local in character. It suits visitors who want a peaceful base and are comfortable using public transport or a car to reach the centre. Accommodation is small-scale and mid-range, with a handful of comfortable rooms rather than large hotels.
6. Eastern outskirts and the reservoir area
The area east of the centre, towards the Kaunas Reservoir and the Pažaislis district. It suits travellers with a car, or those who want to be near the water and away from the city streets. Accommodation here includes motel-style rooms by the yacht club and small hotels near the reservoir.
Be aware that public transport and nearby facilities are limited in parts of this area, so plan to have supplies or eat before you arrive. The centre is a short drive away.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels with shared kitchens and bunk beds, basic rooms in the Old Town, guesthouse-style rooms, and simple motels on the outskirts. Expect room-only rates and few extras.
- Mid-range: chain and independent hotels in the Old Town, New Town and near the stations, typically with en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi and breakfast available. Some are in restored historic buildings.
- Splurge: larger full-service hotels in New Town and the centre, with fitness facilities, restaurants and conference space, plus a few small hotels on the eastern outskirts near the reservoir.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the Old Town for a first visit. It puts the castle, the riverside and the historic streets within walking distance, and the cafés and restaurants of New Town are a short walk away along Laisvės alėja. If you prefer a more everyday, central setting with more accommodation choice, New Town works almost as well.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by bus or train?
The streets around Vytauto prospektas, where the bus and railway stations are close to each other. You can walk to either in a few minutes, and the centre is a short walk or bus ride away.
Where should I stay if I want to be close to the main sights?
The Old Town. It contains the historic core around the castle and the river confluence, and the main central sights are within walking distance.
Are there quiet areas to stay outside the centre?
Yes. Žaliakalnis and Vilijampolė are quieter residential districts with a small number of hotels, and the eastern outskirts near the reservoir are calm but need a car or planning, as public transport and nearby facilities are limited.
What should I check before booking in the Old Town?
Some properties occupy restored historic buildings, so check whether there is a lift to upper floors and whether parking is available on site, as not all have either.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.