Is it its unique place as the first capital of independent Lithuania from the early 1920s to 1939? Or the fact that it is home to a unique and distinctive architectural style, Kaunas Modernism, that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list? Maybe it’s the fact that Kaunas has earned its reputation as the heart of culture, becoming a dynamic and colourful home to an amazing array of street art, so much so that there’s even a map dedicated to it (find it here)?

So, Kaunas is modernist, contemporary, and classic. Or, as locals would call it, Kaunastic

Read on to discover why Kaunas is truly a great place to settle for professionals yearning not only for an international career but also an equally dynamic social life.

A calendar chock full of cultural highlights.

Justly recognised as the European Capital of Culture in 2022, the city boasts an imposing roster of cultural events throughout the year. Starting in April, there’s the yearly Jazz Festival. A longstanding national tradition, it attracts the cream of both local and international talent.

Then with the onset of summer, you can luxuriate in the relaxed and pensive surroundings of the Pažaislis Music Festival, where classical music meets classic interiors.  For those looking for more of an experimental edge, there’s the Audra festival in June which celebrates the best in electronic music.

One of the greatest encapsulations of the Lithuanian spirit of innovation and playfulness is the mid-twentieth-century art movement Fluxus, which was conceived by emigre Lithuanian artist, George Maciunas. And keeping alive the rebellious spirit of Fluxus is the annual festival in the city that takes its name. Here costumed dancers collide with performance art, poetry, music and an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s all crazy fun.

And keeping this celebratory spirit alive is the annual Aura dance festival that happens in October. Troupes from across the world descend on the city’s famous dance studio with performances designed to inspire.

That’s quite the calendar, but only a taste of what the city has to offer.

Cultural quantity and quality.

The cultural calendar might be teeming with highlights, but the city itself can offer even more. Take a walk through the streets of the Old Town, and you’ll not only be faced with examples of Kaunas Modernism, a style so distinctive it has been UNESCO listed, but also a little touch of Art Nouveau, and Baroque as well. But that’s just the buildings themselves.

Kaunas is fast becoming a centre for street art. A walk around the city, even further out than the picturesque old town, will find you faced with both intimate and monumental paintings. From the famous pink elephant to a truly gigantic old man in red pyjamas smoking a pipe.

Cafes and intriguing eateries abound. There’s Spurgine, the famous local doughnut joint. Meanwhile, you can ample locally crafted brews at Hop Doc, savour delectable vegan cakes and premium coffee at Kiras, unwind with late-night drinks at Klimas, experience authentic Mexican flavours at Agave, and explore an impressive craft beer selection at Nisha. For even more culinary delights, be sure to check out the comprehensive Kaunas Gastro Guide.

Had enough culture? Why not escape to nature.

Lithuania could easily be described as a land of lakes and forests. In fact, the country has one of the highest proportions of lakes in Europe. What does that mean for someone living in a city like Kaunas? It means that the escape to nature, in particular, to the shores of a crystal clear and calm lake, is never more than a short drive, or hike from your door. And this is such a huge part of the culture that you’ll find plenty of places to set up a barbecue and gather with friends.  Not only that, there’s a growing infrastructure for water sports like wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

And the forests that line Kaunas are also great places to explore. Autumn is especially enticing, as it’s then that the longstanding traditions of mushroom gathering really kick into gear. Something that you’ll definitely want to try your hand at.

And what about parks? Of course, Kaunas has many to choose from. There’s Nemunas and Neris confluence park, located funnily enough in the location where these two great rivers meet. Here, you’ll also find the city’s distinctive red brick castle. 

Then there’s the romance of Panemune Park with its towering pines and riverside beaches where you can sunbathe in the long summers. And that’s just two of many.

A spectacular work-life balance with a cost of living that’s more than affordable.

Did you know that Lithuania is ranked #1 in the world on the World Happiness Index of those under 30?  Kaunas is a clear illustration of why the country ranks so highly. Not only is there a rich cultural scene, and innumerable opportunities for unwinding, but there’s also nature at your back door, wherever you live. And when it comes to cost of living,  it won’t cost the earth. At 45.05 points on the Numbeo Cost of Living Index, the city ranks over 1pp lower than Vilnius, and considerably lower than other European cities like Prague (49.4) and Berlin (63.58).

Career opportunities that you simply can’t afford to miss.

And for those looking to kick start their career, Kaunas has much to offer. The city is making waves in Europe’s business scene! The Financial Times FDI Intelligence report ranks the city 7th among small cities for both Business Friendliness and Human Capital & Lifestyle, outshining Cambridge and Reykjavik. It’s also 8th for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy, sandwiched between Polish and Lithuanian competitors. Meanwhile, for professionals eyeing a dynamic European hub, Kaunas offers a compelling mix of business opportunities and quality living. It’s not just a city on the rise – it’s already competing with the best.

There’s a real buzz about the city’s growing start-up scene, with hubs emerging around hotspots like Kaunas Innovation Park. Meanwhile, driving innovation in and around R&D are Kaunas Science and Technology Park and Santaka Valley.  There are also global names like Continental, Hella and Dassault Systemes. In short, whether you’re after a career in an established international company, or want to test yourself in the dynamic world of startups, Kaunas has an opportunity for you.

To sum up. If you’re looking for a great work-life balance, a rich cultural life, and rewarding career opportunities, Kaunas is waiting for you!