‘This feels like falling in love…’, Ed Sheeran once sang, and the line pretty much sums up your upcoming stay in Kaunas on the first weekend of August. Of course, your agenda is to see Ed Sheeran in the Darius and Girėnas Stadium, but we have put together a few other things to make the weekend truly memorable.
I’ve got no plans at all to leave
First things first! If you clicked this link, we bet you already know that on August 3rd and 4th, 2024, the multiple award-winning superstar Ed Sheeran will perform in Kaunas. The concert is part of his “+ – = ÷ x Tour” (“The Mathematics Tour”) which features a unique jaw-dropping 360-degree production. Before and after the concert, the time is yours to spend wisely!
Due to Kaunas’s comfortable size and multilayered history, you can actually see a lot in just a couple of days. The best place to start is at the Kaunas castle, overlooking one of the city’s largest examples of street art. The location is a good example of the kaunastic vibe—a unique combination of healthy nostalgia and a forward-looking approach.
Architecture and urbanism lovers will enjoy the Old Town (do visit the recently renewed Town Hall with an extensive city museum exhibition, surrounded by lovely pubs and cafes at the Town Hall Square) and the UNESCO-protected dense network of modernist architecture, with most objects of interest lined in downtown Kaunas and Žaliakalnis (where the stadium is located).
Planning a trip to the magnificent baroque monastery complex of Pažaislis is also mandatory. Maybe you’re actually staying there? Helen Mirren did it while shooting the Catherine the Great series there! At least try to get a table for a tasting dinner in Monte Pacis, which, together with Kaunas restaurants Dia, Arrivée, Nüman and Uoksas, is included in the Michelin guide.
Kaunas is a museum city, too – from the intriguing world’s only Devils’ museum and the mesmerising National M. K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art to charming little flats Art Deco Museum and Amsterdam School Museum (pre-booked tours only – totally worth the hassle!), the 20+ public and private institutions offer something for everyone.
Street art lovers, don’t forget to make some space on your mobile phone, as, for the past 8 or so years, Kaunas has been becoming one big open-air street art gallery. Start your neverending street art tour in Yard Gallery, an actual yard on E. Ožeškienės street full of interesting artistic interventions.
I got sinning on my mind
Centrally situated pubs like RePUBlic, Genys Taproom and 2 1/2 Obuolio kišenė are go-to places to celebrate pretty much everything, including a great gig.
Located near the main pedestrian boulevard, Vingiu Dubingiu and Kultūra are more sophisticated yet offer a laid-back atmosphere. They are extended with generous outdoor seating areas.
For unique cocktails, choose Kamerinis. For dancing, head to O kodėl ne?, an industrial music park near the train station.
The closest to the stadium are Kiemas and Kuhne, two lovely authentic Žaliakalnis bars offering drinks on tap and finger-licking street food.
And tomorrow’s a brand new day
We bet you will be craving eggs, bacon, avocado, toast, and a large Coke. How about pancakes with whipped cream instead?
Some of the best brunch spots in Kaunas, favourited by the local party animals, include Marsas Mieste, Holy Donut, Boheme House, and (not bad at all) Habits Bakery. It’s better to reserve a table in advance—many like-minded individuals will be in the city this weekend.
We keep this love in a photograph
No trip is complete without a shopping session. Truth is, your one-stop shop for all things Kaunas, starting from miniature pins, fridge magnets and posters and topping it up with stylish tshirts, sweatshirts and bags, is located at Laisvės al. 36. The Kaunas IN Tourism Information Centre is where we’ll meet you in person and share some more kaunastic tips, including the best-kept secrets of the nightlife map and even more delicious Sunday brunch spots. If you want to dress Kaunas-style beforehand, we’ve got everything online, too.
For more information on everything you need to make your concert in Kaunas unforgettable, click here (available in Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, and English).
