Don’ts of Lithuania – 8 Things NOT To Do!
Lithuania is such a fantastic country to visit, whether you’re visiting to understand the history better or to visit its fantastic beaches. If you’re visiting the amazing country of Lithuania, then check out these 8 don’ts of Lithuania to make your stay amazing!
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Contents:
Why Visit Lithuania?
Why visit Lithuania? Lithuania is a vibrant, modern country that offers a unique travel experience. There are many reasons to visit Lithuania, such as its stunning coastal landscapes, vibrant city life, fascinating cultural heritage, and intriguing history.
Lithuania is a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as well as its many nature reserves and parks. Travellers can enjoy traditional Lithuanian food and explore the rich cultural offerings such as the many museums and art galleries. From vibrant cities to Gothic castles, Lithuania offers an incredibly diverse range of activities and attractions for all types of visitors.
What is Lithuania Most Famous For?
What is Lithuania most famous for? Lithuania is most famous for its picturesque Baltic Sea coast, its historical capital of Vilnius, and its vibrant culture. It is also known for the beautiful hills and forests of the countryside, which are full of lakes and rivers, as well as urban centres like its buzzing capital city.
Lithuania is also home to Baroque and Gothic architectural masterpieces, such as Trakai Castle, Hill of Crosses, and the Curonian Spit. Lithuania is also well-known for its local food and traditional folk dancing.
Things To Do in Lithuania:
If you’re interested in some of the best things to do in Lithuania, then check out these great activities:
- From Vilnius: Half-day Tour to Trakai – Venture out of the city on a half-day tour to Trakai from Vilnius! Discover the beauty and historical significance of this ancient castle, its picturesque lakes, and the serene forests surrounding it. Experience the best of Lithuania in just half a day!
- The Hill of Crosses Full-day Tour – Explore Lithuania’s magical landscape aboard a full-day tour of the Hill of Crosses and its remote villages. Experience the history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique charm of this ancient site and marvel at the inspirational sight of thousands of crosses.
- From Vilnius: Kaunas, Trakai and Paneriai Forest – Discover the history and beauty of Lithuania through its vibrant cities, iconic castles, and tranquil forests. Join this memorable tour of Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai, and the Paneriai Forest – a perfect way to explore Lithuania’s unique culture and natural wonders!
8 Don’ts of Lithuania:
1. Don’t forget to learn a bit of Lithuanian
Tourists should consider learning some Lithuanian when visiting Lithuania to make the most of their experience in the country. Lithuanian is the native language of the country, and understanding it will allow travellers to converse with the locals and get to know the culture and people of Lithuania.
Furthermore, knowing some of the language will open up a variety of activities and experiences, and understanding the language will give tourists a deeper appreciation of Lithuanian culture – and if you can speak Polish, then you might even understand some Lithuanian. Learning a few words of Lithuanian will enrich any visit to Lithuania and make for an unforgettable experience!
2. Don’t call a Lithuanian, Russian
Tourists should be aware of the mistake of mistaking Lithuanians for Russians. While Lithuania has a history of being part of the former Soviet Union, modern Lithuania is an independent nation with its own language, culture, customs, and laws.
Lithuanians take great pride in their distinct identity and should be recognized as such. While visitors from Russia are warmly welcomed, distinguishing Lithuanians from other foreigners is an important way to show respect for the nation and its people.
3. Don’t forget to make use of the trams and trolleybuses
Tourists should make use of the trams and trolleybuses when visiting Lithuania. These vehicles are a great way to get around the cities while avoiding traffic and costs. They offer direct routes to many popular areas and attractions. They also have fixed timetables which make them convenient and easy to use – and are very cheap!
Additionally, they offer a great way to explore the cities, as they are often quite scenic and offer a great way to experience the culture. Taking trams and trolleybuses in Lithuania is definitely a great way to enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience – and one of the biggest don’ts of Lithuania to not forget!
4. Don’t cross the road without a sign
Tourists should avoid crossing the road in Lithuania to stay safe and not get fined! Lithuania has a very unique traffic system, and with traffic lights, crosswalks, and even tram tracks, crossing the streets safely can be complicated.
It’s important to pay attention to the traffic signs, use the crosswalks, and never cross the road unnecessarily, even when walking on the sidewalks. If tourists don’t feel confident about navigating the roads, it’s always best to take public transport to get around. Following these simple tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone!
5. Don’t stick to food you can find in your own country
Lithuania is known for its traditional cuisine – rich flavours, hearty dishes, and an emphasis on using the freshest ingredients possible. Tourists should definitely try Lithuanian food in Lithuania because it offers a unique experience of trying something truly authentic, influenced by a diverse culinary history.
There is something to satisfy every taste, from the mild to the more daring. Traditional dishes include potato pancakes, potato dumplings, various fish dishes, meat dishes, and sweet treats. There is also a variety of cold dishes, such as herring salads and soups.
For tourists who are looking for something unique, try the Zeppelin- a type of dumpling which is filled with ground pork or mushrooms. Lithuanian cuisine often showcases the best of local ingredients, from foraged herbs and bright berries to locally made cheeses and pickles.
The food is usually served in generous portions and for a low price. Traditional Lithuanian dishes have been passed down from generation to generation and are still enjoyed today – so one of the biggest don’ts of Lithuania is to remember not to stick to food you’re familiar with, but to be more daring and try some tasty Lithuanian food!
6. Don’t miss out on the museums
Lithuania is home to a wealth of unique museums, many of which are great attractions for tourists looking to get a glimpse into the country’s rich culture and history. From art museums to museums of modern history, there is something for everyone. Tourists can learn about Lithuania’s role in history and experience important artefacts and artwork from the past.
The Museum of Occupation and Freedom is one of Lithuania’s most popular museums – here, visitors can learn about the harrowing experiences faced by Lithuanians during the occupation and war times.
Meanwhile, the Lithuanian National Museum provides a fascinating insight into the country’s art, culture, and science, while the Vilnius Picture Gallery is ideal for anyone looking to explore Lithuanian art. No matter what sort of museum is chosen, visitors to Lithuania’s museums are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime.
7. Don’t talk badly about Catholicism
When visiting Lithuania, it is important to remember that Catholicism is a major religion in the country. This means that tourists should not speak ill of the Catholic religion or Church. Lithuanians take pride in their religious history – which you will notice when travelling around; therefore, insulting their religious beliefs could be considered offensive and disrespectful.
Additionally, it could cause unnecessary tension or awkwardness between the tourist and any local people they are visiting and could lead to negative experiences. As such, tourists should remember to be respectful when discussing the Catholic faith in Lithuania.
8. Don’t just stay in Vilnius
One of the biggest don’ts of Lithuania is that although Vilnius is the capital city of Lithuania and a beautiful destination, tourists should not limit themselves to just staying in the city. Lithuania is full of charming towns, stunning nature, and iconic monuments, which offer an amazing insight into Lithuanian culture and history.
Tourists should also take the time to explore Lithuania’s coastal cities, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, sailing, and kayaking.
For those looking for a change of scenery, there are plenty of small villages and rural areas where visitors can take a step back and appreciate Lithuania’s rural beauty.
Moreover, tourists should also take advantage of the many outdoor activities that Lithuania has to offer, such as hiking, biking, and even skiing in the colder months. Therefore, by planning ahead, there’s plenty to do in Lithuania, and it’s worth venturing out to explore some of the highlights outside of Vilnius.
Lithuania FAQ
Lithuanians are most known for their culture, especially their agricultural history and arts.
Yes, you can speak English in Lithuania, but not everyone will understand you, so it is best to try and learn a few Lithuanian phrases beforehand.
Most places in Lithuania won’t expect a tip; however, it is almost always taken in a nice way if you decide to.
Don’ts of Lithuania – Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ve learnt about the 8 major don’ts of Lithuania to make your trip to the fantastic country as best as possible! Which don’ts of Lithuania surprised you the most? Are there any don’ts of Lithuania that you know of but weren’t mentioned in this post? Let me know in the comments section down below! If you liked this post, and would like to read some other similar posts, then check out these other ones:
