Although proper clothing is the key to any weather, there are more and more days when you simply don’t want to venture outside. However, there’s no need to keep your nose shut at home - the cultural, gastronomic, and entertainment worlds of Kaunas have something to offer during the rain and cold. Here’s what you can do in the European Capital of Culture this autumn.
Autumn is the perfect time for movie marathons. The country’s oldest cinema, Romuva, on Laisvės Avenue, boasts an authentic interior and a high-quality repertoire. By the way, Romuva is also the venue for several nights of the international dance festival AURA 32, starting on 12 October.
This month, Romuva also presents European festival favourites with the “Lokys, liūtas ir šakelė” (Bear, Lion and Palm) programme and the most exciting documentaries from all over the world with the “Nepatogus kinas” (Uncomfortable Cinema festival. The festival will also hold screenings in modernist buildings to celebrate the European Capital of Culture. Of course, the screenings will be themed and accompanied by special tours.
Photo by G. Jovaiša
A new food place opens in Kaunas almost every week. One of the newcomers is a serious lunch and dinner spot Filosofai is already open by the iconic Kaunas Garrison Club. WokHouse on K. Donelaičio Street offers Asian treats. And have you tested the ramen bar Umami on J. Gruodžio street?
A cup of coffee doesn’t have to be boring, either. Koffee Lab, Kavalierius, New York Café, Habits, Vagabond - all of these spots in the city centre and the Old Town are still relatively new, and all have unique interiors and characters already popular with the people who live and work in the area. Perhaps the most photogenic setting for your pumpkin spice latte is Caffeine, located in an old bookshop near Soboras.
Photo by Caffeine
There’s no shortage of spots for activities under the roof in Kaunas. For example, you can play beach volleyball on the sand all year round in the RIO Arena, swim in Girstutis (even with a wakeboard) and, of course, in the new Žalgiris Arena swimming centre, also offering a wide choice of saunas. Or maybe it’s time for a skate session in the Kaunas ice palace?
Photo by Žalgirio arena pool
We can’t forget the basketball season. The Lithuanian battles are already underway, and the Euroleague in Kaunas will again attract thousands of fans from Lithuania and neighbouring countries.
And if you’re not afraid of the weather, Kaunas S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium finally opens on 16 October! The LFF Cup will be followed by a concert. Those woollen socks will come in handy, right?
Photo by Kaunas city municipality
A massage or other body treatment doesn’t just light up your eyes; it also warms up your heart. All you have to do is book the treatment that suits your needs. For example, the East Island SPA concept offers over a hundred different massage, body care, spa services, and cosmetic treatments based on Eastern wisdom and philosophy. The salon is conveniently located in the Akropolis mall.
We’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s an oasis of relaxation in the very centre of Kaunas especially appreciated by Scandinavian travellers and business people who like to stay in one of the city’s finest hotels, Radisson Kaunas. The good news is that everyone else can use the Saulėja SPA saunas, book a massage (we especially like the hot stone massage in autumn and winter!) or enjoy other treatments. Alone, as a couple or with a group of friends.
Photo by Saulėja SPA
Find more spa ideas here.
With over a thousand events this year, the Kaunas - European Capital of Culture 2022 programme is already moving towards the end. The final part of the trilogy of major events - “The Contract” - will take place at Žalgirio Arena on 26 November, and tickets are on sale now. October is packed with the CityTelling Festival, reminiscent of multicultural Kaunas, and we also recommend visiting the International Design Festival at various venues around the city.
Photo by E. Kinaitis
Exhibitions are some of the key elements of the Kaunas 2022 programme. Only until 14 October, the Kaunas Artists’ House is exhibiting avant-garde 20th-century carpets, Yoko Ono’s art has taken over the Kaunas picture gallery, and the Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum is hosting a sensitive story about Dalia Grinkevičiūtė. This is just a small part of the current events that are open in all weathers - for a complete list, visit the online calendar at kultura.kaunas.lt.
For even more ideas for rainy days in Kaunas, check out the It’s Kaunastic itineraries at www.kaunastika.lt.
