Whether you think digital nomads are grasshoppers (sucking up the globe’s free wifi and swarming on its cheap digs) or revolutionaries (freedom, equality, four hours a workweek!), No one can deny that the allure remote work is growing.

While the pandemic has kept many new henchmen from joining the movement, it freed up many to work more independently, made working outside the office more culturally acceptable, and paved the way for an even greater flow of people. digital nomadism across the world. once the trip returns to normal.

It seems that many tourism operators and national tourism boards around the world are anticipating this. As DMARGE reported last year, everyone from Portugal to Bermuda has launched tempting offers to attract this new wave of self-employed workers, offering everything from special visas (in some cases) to healthcare. health and even monetary subsidies.

Lithuania is now also recognizing this (slow) resurgence of travel, inviting visitors (digital nomads and regular tourists) to come and see some of the country’s most overlooked gems. As Lithuania Travel (the country’s national tourism agency) recently announced, as part of an effort to promote their country, “remote working options now allow millions of people to stay longer. in their travel destination ”.

“Combining both the duties of work and the pleasure of traveling, people have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and to experience it like a real local.

To this end, Lithuania Travel has prepared a list of favorite places and activities for locals in each of the country’s three largest cities – Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda.

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Find out what’s on offer, courtesy of Travel to Lithuania (who recently published the list below of “Secret places to visit in the biggest cities of Lithuania – as recommended by locals,”) below.

Vilnius – the warm capital

Filled with culture and life, Vilnius city center is just a 15-minute drive from the airport. This is where Paupys flourishes, one of the historic districts of the old town and one of the most culturally diverse. While still off the radar of most tourists, a freshly opened space – the Paupys Market – has already grown into an acclaimed modern gastronomic space that is home to many cultural events.

The old favorite of the locals, Barbakanas, is a place within walking distance of the Paupys district. This original Renaissance bastion – which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List – offers a full view of the red-roofed Vilnius Old Town and serves as a meeting place for residents and visitors. Another short walk, surrounded by picnic lawns, basketball courts and a skate park, White Bridge Square draws countless spectators as hot air balloons rise daily to watch the sunset. .

The MO Museum is residents’ favorite place for a modern art experience offering a collection of over 5,000 modern and contemporary pieces dating from the 1960s to the present day. For those who wish to spend time surrounded by nature, Belmontas – a common choice of local joggers and hikers – offers a showcase of waterfalls on the dam and verdant forest trails. It is also home to a host of unique geological wonders, such as the Pučkoriai outcrop – the largest in Lithuania.

Kaunas – an open-air urban museum

Lithuania’s second largest city has a lot to offer as a city destination. Recently redesigned, Unity Square serves as a skate park for local skateboarders and families, and is full of restaurants for students and local workers. Marked by its extravagant architecture, it received a prestigious iF Design award. Finally, the square is littered with 40 fountains, a spectacle that the youngest visitors to the country particularly appreciate.

Book Ministry is a café-bookstore loved for its unique selection of books and the seven types of Arabica coffee – a selection that is sure to please every taste. The Bookstore Terrace is located on the city’s main pedestrian boulevard – Liberty Avenue. Just steps away, Courtyard Gallery is a tiny self-managed open-air gallery that was built in cooperation with resident neighbors and perfectly captures the city’s unique charm.

For a green break, Panemunės Šilas is a short distance (by bike) from the city center. Being the largest park in Kaunas, it is frequented by local joggers and cycling enthusiasts for its beautiful scenery of Nemunas – the largest river in Lithuania.

Klaipėda – among pine forests and white sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea

Sitting on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Klaipėda offers a variety of nature activities for its residents (and tourists) and is perfect for those looking to spend more time in nature. The Baltic breeze on the white sand beaches of Giruliai and Melnragė accompanies those sunbathing, swimming or cycling along the sea – the most common choices for a weekend activity, especially on sunny days. Just minutes away, Melnrag Pier is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Located by the Dan River, Žvejų Street offers its visitors the chance to experience the lesser-known charm of the city’s old town, and it is where many locals gather to dine or just enjoy a drink. warm afternoon. This cobbled street leads to the Smiltynė terminal, the only place to catch the ferry and visit the beautiful dunes of Curonian Spit which attracts people from all over the country and abroad.

By balancing various natural and urban attractions, Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, according to Tourism Lithuania, offer visitors a different life experience.

Their slogan? Feel the real authentic soul of these cities and immerse yourself in the real urban environment by living this real local experience – because “the real is beautiful”.

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