Kaunas is Lithuania’s second-largest city and one of the country’s main centres of student life, sport and culture. Compact, green and easy to explore, it offers everything students need within convenient reach – from universities and sports facilities to cafés, concerts, parks and riverside spaces.
Located near the city centre and next to Ąžuolynas Park, Lithuanian Sports University is an ideal place for students who want to combine their studies with an active lifestyle.
A city of sport
Kaunas is widely known as the capital of Lithuanian basketball, but the city’s sporting life goes far beyond basketball. It has a major football and athletics stadium, a modern athletics arena, swimming pools, ice arenas, sports clubs, outdoor courts, cycling routes and spaces for water sports.
Major national and international competitions regularly take place at Žalgirio Arena, Darius and Girėnas Stadium and other venues across the city. Whether you want to compete, train or simply support your favourite team, sport is an essential part of life in Kaunas.
Green spaces and an active lifestyle
You do not have to leave the city to spend time in nature. Ąžuolynas Park, located next to LSU, is popular for running, walking and outdoor activities.
Students can also explore the paths along the Nemunas and Neris rivers, relax at their confluence or visit Panemunė Forest and Kaunas Reservoir.
The city’s relatively compact size makes it easy to travel on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.
Culture, events and city life
Kaunas has a lively cultural and social scene, with concerts, festivals, museums, theatres, street art, cafés, bars and creative spaces.
Laisvės Alėja, the city’s main pedestrian avenue, connects the city centre with the Old Town and is one of the most popular places to meet, eat and spend time with friends.
Žalgirio Arena hosts major sports events and concerts, while annual events such as Kaunas Jazz, Kaunas City Day and contemporary art and music festivals bring the city’s streets and public spaces to life.
For current events, places to visit and recommendations, see the official Visit Kaunas website.
Where history meets contemporary culture
Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in the 14th century and later became an important centre of trade. Between the First and Second World Wars, it served as Lithuania’s temporary capital. During this period, the city developed a distinctive modernist architectural identity.
In 2023, the modernist architecture of Kaunas was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, the Old Town, interwar modernism, contemporary street art and modern public spaces form a city that combines history with an active and youthful atmosphere. More about Kaunas modernism.
Getting around and exploring Lithuania
Kaunas has a well-developed network of buses and trolleybuses. The city centre and many student areas are also easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Kaunas International Airport connects the city with destinations across Europe. Regular train and bus services provide convenient connections to Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities, making Kaunas a good starting point for exploring the country.
