5 Best Day Trips from Vilnius: Explore Trakai, Kaunas & B…

5 Best Day Trips from Vilnius: Explore Trakai, Kaunas & Beyond While the cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and hidden courtyards of Vilnius can captivate you for days, the city's true magic is that it also serves...

# 5 Best Day Trips from Vilnius: Explore Trakai, Kaunas & Beyond While the cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and hidden courtyards of Vilnius can captivate you for days, the city's true magic is that it also serves as the perfect gateway to the rest of Lithuania. Thanks to the country's compact size and excellent transport links, some of the most stunning sights are just a short journey away. Planning a few **day trips from Vilnius** is the best way to enrich your visit, offering a deeper look into Lithuania's diverse history, culture, and nature. From fairytale castles to modern art hubs, there are countless **things to do near Vilnius** that will make your trip unforgettable. Getting out of the city is remarkably simple. The main bus and train stations are conveniently located next to each other, just a short walk from the Old Town. With frequent, affordable, and comfortable connections, you can easily wake up in Vilnius and find yourself exploring a completely different world by mid-morning. So, if you have an extra day or two, here are the five best day trips to take from the Lithuanian capital. ## The Fairytale Escape: Trakai Island Castle No list of day trips from Vilnius is complete without mentioning Trakai. This is the postcard image of Lithuania for a reason. Imagine a stunning, red-brick Gothic castle rising from an island in the middle of a sparkling lake. That’s Trakai. A visit here feels like stepping into a storybook. You can cross the wooden footbridge to explore the castle's museum, learn about the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, and even try your hand at archery. Beyond the castle, the town of Trakai is a destination in itself. It’s the historic home of the Karaim people, a small Turkic-speaking ethnic group who have lived here for centuries. Their influence is most deliciously felt in the local cuisine. You absolutely must try a *kibinas* (plural: *kibinai*), a traditional savoury pastry filled with meat or vegetables, available at nearly every restaurant and café. For the full experience, rent a paddleboat or yacht to see the castle from the water. **How to get there:** The **Trakai from Vilnius** journey is effortless. Buses run every 20-30 minutes from the Vilnius Bus Station and take around 40 minutes. Trains are also an option, though slightly less frequent. From the Trakai bus or train station, it’s a pleasant 20-30 minute walk to the castle. ## The Modern Heartbeat: Kaunas, European Capital of Culture If Vilnius is the historic soul of Lithuania, Kaunas is its modern, beating heart. As a former European Capital of Culture, Lithuania’s second-largest city buzzes with creative energy. It’s famed for its unique interwar modernist architecture, with entire streets of beautifully preserved Art Deco buildings that have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. Stroll down the pedestrian-only Laisvės Alėja (Freedom Avenue) and admire the blend of historic charm and contemporary cool. Kaunas is also a city of art and quirks. You’ll find incredible street art, including giant murals, hidden in its courtyards. For something truly unique, visit the Devil's Museum, which houses thousands of sculptures and carvings of devils from around the world. Don’t miss the confluence of Lithuania's two largest rivers, the Nemunas and Neris, at Santaka Park—a beautiful and symbolic spot. **How to get there:** The **Vilnius to Kaunas** trip is best made by train. Modern, comfortable trains depart from Vilnius Train Station every 30-60 minutes, and the journey takes just over an hour, offering scenic views of the Lithuanian countryside along the way. ## Beyond the Big Two: More Unforgettable Day Trips While Trakai and Kaunas are the most popular choices, several other destinations offer incredible experiences just a short trip from Vilnius. **1. Kernavė – The 'Troy of Lithuania'**: For history enthusiasts, Kernavė is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site was the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today, you can explore the impressive complex of five ancient hill forts overlooking the Neris River valley. The panoramic views and palpable sense of deep history make this a powerful and serene escape. **2. Europos Parkas (Park of Europe) & The Centre of Europe**: Combine geography and art with a trip to this unique destination. Just 20 kilometres north of Vilnius, you can stand at the officially recognised geographical centre of the European continent. Nearby is Europos Parkas, a stunning 55-hectare open-air sculpture park featuring over 100 works by artists from all over the world, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. **3. Rumšiškės Open-Air Museum**: Step back in time at one of Europe's largest ethnographic open-air museums. Situated on the picturesque shore of the Kaunas Lagoon, this museum has recreated historic villages from all of Lithuania's major regions. You can wander into authentic farmhouses, windmills, and churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional Lithuanian life. ## Your Lithuanian Adventure Awaits Vilnius is a fantastic city, but its true potential is unlocked when you use it as a base to explore the wider wonders of Lithuania. Whether you're drawn to the medieval romance of Trakai, the modern energy of Kaunas, or the ancient whispers of Kernavė, these **day trips from Vilnius** offer something for every traveller. So, pack a small bag, check the bus schedule, and get ready to discover that the best of Lithuania is just around the corner.