Lithuania

Lithuania's cities invite you to wander their walkable streets, where history unfolds around every corner. Start in Vilnius, the capital, whose UNESCO-listed Old Town brims with Baroque churches like the stunning St. Anne’s Church and the Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral. Stroll Poetry Street to honor local poets, or hike the Hill of Three Crosses for panoramic views—it's free and just a short climb. The city's street art scene is one of Europe's best, popping up on walls along cobblestone lanes.

Head to Kaunas, a short train ride away (about 1.5 hours, 10-15 EUR), for its energetic vibe thanks to the student crowd. Walk Freedom Avenue, the main pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes, then admire Europe's finest Art Deco buildings from the Interwar era—now a UNESCO site. Don't miss the Ninth Fort memorial (6 EUR), a poignant reminder of the city's past.

Both cities are perfect for walking everywhere, saving you euros on transport. Use the Hello app to plan your itinerary, mapping routes between sights like the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (6 EUR). Stay connected with an eSIM for offline maps—no roaming fees while snapping photos of Gothic spires.

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and soul-warming, blending Baltic and Slavic influences with fresh, local ingredients. Dive into cepelinai, massive potato dumplings stuffed with ground meat or mushrooms, served with sour cream and crackling fat—try them at Etno Dvaras in Vilnius for an authentic taste (around 10-15 EUR per plate, or $11-16 USD). Pair it with a glass of kvass, a fermented rye drink that's refreshingly tangy.

In Kaunas, sample šaltibarščiai, cold beet soup with yogurt, cucumbers, and dill—ideal for summer (5-7 EUR). For something sweet, grab šakotis, a tree-like layered cake perfect for sharing.

Markets like Vilnius' Hales Turgus offer fresh cheeses, smoked fish, and berries—great for picnics. When dining with companions, use Hello's expense splitting feature to divide the bill effortlessly after a group feast. Track your spending in euros with the app's budget tracking to keep indulging without worry. Food here is affordable and flavorful, fueling your adventures through castles and forests.

Lithuania's landscapes steal the show beyond the cities. From Vilnius, take a day trip to Trakai Historical National Park (30 minutes by bus, 3-5 EUR), home to the iconic 14th-century Trakai Castle on a lake island—explore its red-brick halls for 8 EUR and kayak around for stunning views.

For beaches, bus to Palanga (about 4 hours from Vilnius, 20-25 EUR round-trip), where 10km of white-sand shores and dunes await—perfect for summer swims. Nature lovers should hit Anyksciai Regional Park (day trip from Kaunas or Vilnius), with its 300-meter treetop walk (1 EUR entry) soaring 35 meters above forests.

Birdwatchers head to Curonian Spit National Park near Klaipėda (park fee 5-30 EUR per vehicle)—spot egrets and cormorants amid shifting sands, a UNESCO gem. Organize these escapes in Hello's trip planning tool, adding transport times and costs. With eSIM connectivity, share real-time photos from dune trails without data worries.

Lithuania runs on euros, making budgeting straightforward for international travelers. Expect affordable stays (hostels 15-25 EUR/night, mid-range hotels 50-80 EUR) and meals (10-20 EUR). ATMs are widespread in Vilnius and Kaunas, but use cards without foreign fees where possible—many spots accept contactless payments.

Public buses and trains are cheap and reliable: Vilnius-Kaunas is 10-15 EUR. Taxis add up, so walk or use rideshares sparingly. Split group costs easily with Hello's expense splitting after beach days or castle tours, and monitor your euro spend via budget tracking—set alerts for daily limits.

Connectivity is key in remote parks; grab an eSIM through Hello for seamless data across Lithuania—no hunting for SIMs at airports. Free activities abound: parks, hikes, and city streets keep costs low. Pro tip: Visit off-season for deals, like cheaper Curonian Spit entry (5 EUR). With smart tracking, your trip stays light on the wallet and heavy on memories.