Prestigious Lonely Planet Names Lithuania the Second-Best Travel Destination in the World
Lithuania shines among the World’s Best Cities, Countries & Regions to visit in 2025. Lonely Planet, the global travel authority, has acknowledged Lithuania as the second-best among 30 must-see global destinations and the No. 1 country to visit in Europe.
In the renowned travel destination list, eagerly awaited by travelers worldwide each year, Lithuania was surpassed by only one country, Cameroon. Also included in Lonely Planet's top recommendations for the upcoming year were CamoFiji, Laos, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Slovakia and Armenia.
Why Lithuania?
The trending destination hotlist recognized the great value and cultural richness of Lithuania, where tradition, love of nature, and a lively counterculture coexist harmoniously. This recognition highlighted the country's captivating medieval cities, pine forests, lakes, and untouched Baltic sand dune beaches. The capital, Vilnius, adds to the country's charm, set to be crowned the European Green Capital in 2025 for its approach to sustainable living.
This is the highest recognition Lithuania has ever received in Lonely Planet's rankings. Lithuania first appeared on the list a decade ago, in 2015, ranking third among recommended travel destinations. In 2018, Lonely Planet included Vilnius in its top ten must-visit places in Europe.
The largest of the three Baltic states was hand-picked by Lonely Planet’s international team of travel experts, writers, staff, and online community based on relevance, unique experiences, the "wow factor," and a commitment to sustainability, community, and diversity.
Vilnius according to Lonely Planet
As the Lonely Planet guide suggests, the top highlight of visiting Lithuania is definitely stopping by its capital city, Vilnius.
“Vilnius is a big breath of fresh air. From the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Lithuania's capital stands as a bastion of sustainability in the Baltics, with initiatives to protect the environment and its commitment to be climate-neutral by 2030,” Lonely Planet writes.
The guide emphasizes Vilnius’ qualities, such as being a UNESCO World Heritage site, holding the title of European Green Capital 2025, and serving as the cultural hub of Lithuania:
“At 700 years young, Vilnius has become the focal point of traditional Lithuanian culture and cuisine, contemporary theater and dance, national and international auteur cinema, and folk, jazz, or electronic music festivals in the Baltic States. Here’s how to experience the best of Vilnius on your first visit,” Lonely Planet writes.
The guide recommends traveling to Vilnius in any season of the year. Some of the most recommended events include the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, Vilnius International Film Festival, Loftas Fest, the Christmas season, and others.