Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has rapidly become a top destination for British travellers seeking affordable and unique European getaways. According to KAYAK’s Summer Savings 2025 Report, Vilnius tops the list of trending destinations. The travel company found a 105% increase in flight searches from the UK compared to last year, and average flight prices around £185. A return Ryanair flight costs £87 on the weekend spanning the end of May and the beginning of June.
The city’s appeal lies in its combination of low costs and rich cultural experiences. The Post Office’s City Costs Barometer ranks Vilnius as Europe’s best-value city break. For two, it estimated a typical two-night stay to cost approximately £236.51, including meals, drinks, sightseeing, and transport. On average, this translates to £118 per person.
According to the firm, costs in Vilnius are more than 10% lower than the runner-up: Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. It was also less than half those of 18 other cities. Financial tech firm Wise, which calculates living costs in international cities, estimates that a pint of domestic beer in Vilnius will set you back between 3 and 5 euros, (£2.53 and £4.21).
Vilnius is one of Europe’s greenest capitals and spring is an ideal time to visit. The season begins with Sakura tree blossoming, a feature impossible to miss. In case you miss it, you can still head to the Vilnius University Botanical Garden in Kairėnai and admire hundreds of brightly coloured rhododendrons.
A local who studied in the UK but left the country to return to Vilnius told the Daily Express: “I have lived in Vilnius for most of my life, except for a couple of years in the UK and yet every spring in this city, filled with blooming flowers and abundant green spaces, takes my breath away.
“If you visit Vilnius during the warm season, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a slower pace of life. The city is compact and uncrowded, offering a perfect balance of a historically rich and beautiful Old Town, quality culture, exciting events, great coffee shops and places to grab a drink, and plenty of green areas for relaxation or active pursuits.
“Could anything be more Lithuanian than taking a refreshing evening swim in one of the many forested lakes around Vilnius on a hot summer day?”
However, she added, “I think tourists shouldn’t enter Vilnius in winter. It’s dark, cold, and everyone is at home.”
Just a walking distance from Vilnius Old Town, you’ll find Vingis park – a 162 hectares serene forested park popular for walking, cycling, roller-skating and hosting music stars including Björk or Elton John. In 1993, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene. The UNESCO-listed Old Town features baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and landmarks like the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral. The bohemian Užupis district, known for its artistic community and self-declared independence, adds to the city’s charm.