From Manors and Restaurants to Sound Journeys: What to Visit and Experience in Lithuania in 2025

More and more Lithuanians are choosing to spend their leisure time or vacations rediscovering their own country rather than traveling far, often finding pleasant surprises along the way. Recently, new tourist attractions have been emerging across Lithuania one after another, and 2025 is no exception. With an incredible variety of experiences, events, and places to visit, now is the perfect time to start planning your travels around Lithuania for the year ahead.

The year 2024 was exceptional for Lithuanian tourism, with the country receiving two significant international recognitions. Lonely Planet named Lithuania the second-best travel destination in the world and the best in Europe for 2025, while the prestigious Michelin guide awarded stars to four Lithuanian restaurants, granted a Green Michelin Star to one, and recognized four more with the Bib Gourmand distinction. Over 1.4 million foreign tourists visited Lithuania last year, a 6% increase from the previous year, with the highest numbers coming from Poland (138,000), Germany (126,000), and Latvia (106,000). Particularly notable was the rise in visitors from new markets such as the Netherlands (+141%), Belgium (+115%), and the United States (+29%).

Domestic tourism also showed positive growth. Over 2.6 million Lithuanian tourists stayed in accommodation facilities over 11 months, marking a 1% increase from 2023 and a remarkable 25% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to Olga Gončarova, head of the national tourism promotion agency "Lithuania Travel”, this year presents even greater opportunities for Lithuanian tourism.

"The growing interest and well-earned international recognition give the tourism sector the prospect of an exceptionally successful year. This is not only a huge opportunity for the tourism industry but also a great chance to present Lithuania as a modern, innovative, and welcoming country. It is especially exciting that we have something to offer for every type of traveler – whether they seek culture, nature, or modern entertainment," says O. Gončarova.

"The prestigious Lonely Planet guide did not choose Lithuania as the world's second-best travel destination and Europe's best travel destination for 2025 by chance – our country truly offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. We know how to tell the most fascinating stories of our past using modern tools, while also integrating innovation and contemporary advancements without losing touch with our roots," adds Neringa Sutkaitytė, a domestic tourism expert at "Lithuania Travel”.

Recently, Lithuania has not only received recognition from industry giants like Lonely Planet and the Michelin guide but has also earned two special titles for its capital. Vilnius has been named the European Christmas Capital 2025 and awarded the title of European Green Capital 2025.

"From the newly opened Science Island in Kaunas to AI-led tours at Raudondvaris Manor, from events celebrating Čiurlionis Year to the launch of a new Aviation Discovery Center, this year promises unforgettable experiences for visitors. What’s especially exciting is that modern technology and innovation in our attractions do not overshadow our history, art, and culture, but rather enhance the way we understand and appreciate them," emphasizes "Lithuania Travel” head Olga Gončarova.

Innovation and Heritage

The latest intersection of innovation, science, and tourism is the newly opened Science Island in Kaunas—the largest center of its kind in the Baltic region. Spanning 13,000 square meters, it features interactive laboratories, virtual reality rooms, and experimental zones. Visitors can test the laws of gravity in a special Zero Gravity chamber, create holograms, and even control robots.

A unique journey through history and technology awaits at Raudondvaris Manor Complex. The audio experience Raudondvaris Dramaturgy is Lithuania’s first-ever tourist route narrated by artificial intelligence, telling the love story of Sigismund Augustus and Barbara Radziwiłł. During the tour, visitors equipped with special headphones explore the manor grounds while the AI-generated narration adapts to their location and even the time of day. This innovative project was awarded Lithuania’s Most Innovative Tourist Experience of 2024.

Speaking of Sigismund Augustus and Barbara Radziwiłł’s love story, visitors are encouraged to take a romantic walk through 16th-century Vilnius with an audio guide. The Secret Love route leads through significant sites in the city where the famous couple lived, loved, and shaped history between 1520 and 1549.

Meanwhile, Anykščiai is set to unveil another romantic attraction – the Museum of Feelings, opening this spring.

History and Gastronomy

This year, some well-known tourist attractions are set to offer even more exciting experiences. For example, the Stasys Museum in Panevėžys invites visitors to explore new exhibitions and gain a deeper understanding of artist Stasys Eidrigevičius’ work.

Recently awarded Lithuania’s Most Successful Tourism Project of 2024, Kaimelis Manor is a remarkable fusion of history, culture, architecture, and passionate restoration efforts. While major renovation work is still ahead, the manor’s owners aim to open its doors this summer to those eager to explore its rich history and surroundings.

Merkinė and Kernavė are two other must-visit locations, always offering new discoveries. In 2025, Kernavė will unveil an upgraded visitor center featuring virtual reality exhibitions. Meanwhile, Merkinė’s Factory is redefining the culinary identity of the Dzūkija region, hosting gastronomic experiences alongside various cultural events.

Celebrating M. K. Čiurlionis in Druskininkai

Marking the 150th anniversary of M. K. Čiurlionis’ birth, Druskininkai has been named Lithuania’s Cultural Capital of the Year. The city, closely associated with the country’s most famous artist, has chosen “Touched by Čiurlionis” as its cultural theme for the year. A wide array of events will explore innovative ways to showcase his artistic legacy.

The program includes events such as the social campaign “Don’t Be Angry”, the Druskininkai Stained Glass Symposium: Čiurlionis’ Reflections, the creative workshop “Tea with M. K. Čiurlionis”, the exhibition “Nudite”—an artistic interpretation of the human figure, and the immersive virtual reality experience “The Creation of Worlds”, among others.

Great News for Music Lovers!

On June 6, global music superstar Justin Timberlake, a four-time Emmy winner, is bringing his "The Forget Tomorrow World Tour" to Lithuania. With over 54 million albums and 63 million singles sold worldwide, and more than 23 billion audio and video streams, Timberlake is set to deliver an electrifying performance at Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas.

Rock and hip-hop fans have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on July 10, when Guns N’ Roses will perform their only Baltic show at the same stadium. Sharing the stage will be legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, formed in 1985.

Less than a month later, on August 1, Robbie Williams, known for his charisma and energy, will rock Darius and Girėnas Stadium once again. Expect to hear his biggest hits alongside songs from "Better Man", the 2024 biographical film about his life. Planning to attend? Don’t wait too long—his 2022 concert in Kaunas sold out within the first hour of ticket sales!

A Wide Range of Experiences

2025 has been declared the Year of Lithuanian Aviation Pioneers, offering a unique chance to explore the country's aviation history and even experience what it’s like to be a pilot. The Lithuanian Aviation Museum invites visitors to its brand-new Flight Exploration Center, where state-of-the-art simulators let you fly over Kaunas, experience weightlessness, or paraglide.

Exciting updates await those who love the Lithuanian seaside. The Nida Tourism Information Center has moved to a new, more spacious location at Taikos g. 4, Nida. Meanwhile, the newly opened "Stebuklai SPA" offers a blend of relaxation and wellness in Nida.

New accommodations are also available across the country. In Tauragė, the "Tauragė Hotel" welcomes guests, while Šiauliai now boasts the "Sun City" Hotel. In Molėtai, the "Molėtai Hotel" was just awarded Lithuania’s most successful hospitality provider at the "Tourism Success Awards."

Finally, in Vilnius, a brand-new "AC Hotel by Marriott" will open its doors in early August at Vasario 16-osios st. 5, offering another stylish stay in the capital.

The Meaning of Travel is Changing

As highlighted in the recently published Euronews Travel 2025 report, tourists in Europe are increasingly seeking more meaningful experiences. This year, tourists will no longer be passive consumers, but active participants aiming to have a positive impact on the places they visit.

Trends also show that cooler travel destinations, particularly in Northern Europe, are becoming more popular, which opens up even more opportunities for Lithuania. According to the analytics firm Tourism Economics, the tourism growth rate in Southern Europe from 2025 to 2029 will decrease by 2.9% compared to the 2014-2019 period.

Another obvious tourism trend this year is the railway renaissance. Train travel is gaining popularity, especially among Generation Z and Millennials, who are looking for more sustainable alternatives to flying.

Travel habits are also being influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). AI is increasingly integrated into the tourism industry – from customer service to personalized recommendations. Technology is helping optimize resource management, reduce waste, and monitor environmental impact in real-time.

"Global tourism trends for 2025 open up unique opportunities for Lithuania. Our country’s cooler climate, compact size, rapidly developing railway infrastructure, and authentic community experiences are exactly what today’s traveler is looking for. We see that not only are travel methods changing, but the very meaning of travel itself: tourists want not only to visit lesser-known regions, but also to contribute to the well-being of the countries they visit. Lithuania has all the ingredients to become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for those seeking sustainable, authentic, and meaningful travel experiences," says O. Gončarova, Director of “Lithuania Travel”.