Šiauliai
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Lithuania
Did you know?
- The Hill of Crosses is a pilgrimage site north of the city.
- The Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral has a 75-metre spire.
- Specialist museums cover bicycles, photography and cats.
See also
Overview
Šiauliai combines a pedestrian centre with museums and churches. It also serves as a base for visiting the Hill of Crosses outside town.
Languages: Lithuanian
Why go?
Šiauliai is Lithuania's fourth-largest city (population 40,434 in 2023) and the practical gateway to the Hill of Crosses, one of the country's most significant pilgrimage sites 12 km north. The compact pedestrianized centre along Vilniaus gatvė offers museums, churches, and Soviet-era architecture without the crowds of larger cities. It's a slower, cheaper alternative to Kaunas or Riga for backpackers exploring Samogitia.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The bus station is 500 m west of the railway station within Saulės Miestas shopping centre. Bus carriers include Toks and Kautra for domestic routes; see Autobusubilieta for timetables and fares. The railway station is central; for times and online tickets see LTG Link. No specific cross-border fares are mentioned in the article.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city sprawls but most points of interest are within a compact walkable area. City buses run 05:00-23:00; single tickets cost €1 on the bus (senior €0.50), or €0.50 with an e-ticket (e-card costs €1.50 upfront, break even on third journey). Taxis are best booked through accommodation or via eTAKSI, Taxify, or Uber; 2023 official rates were flagfall €0.70 plus €0.70/km and €6/hr waiting.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The Flower of the Sun folk music and dancing festival takes place over a week in early July. The Hill of Crosses can be visited year-round (24/7, free entry) though the pilgrimage site is most atmospheric during quieter weekdays. Šiauliai experiences a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers typical of the Baltic region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options in the city centre include Turnė (Rūdės g 9, B&B double €50), a basic central hotel offering value for money, and Hotel Šaulys (Vasario 16-osios g 40, B&B double €90), an upscale option with dated but clean rooms, TV and safe. Hotel Šiauliai is a Soviet-era behemoth near the Bicycle Museum but no price is given.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Vilniaus gatvė and surrounding streets concentrate most eateries. Budget travellers head to Senasis Sodzius (Stoties g 3, by bus station, M-F 10:00-15:00), a cash-upfront canteen serving traditional Lithuanian food where pointing may be needed as staff speak only Lithuanian. Mid-range options include Kapitonas Morganas (Vilniaus g 183, M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa-Su 12:00-midnight) and Juone Pastuoge (Aušros al 31, M-Th 10:00-21:00, F-Sa until 01:00) with live music and traditional dishes. Tilžės gatvė has pubs and bars including Rock n' Roll, Bottoms Up, and Black Bar. Brewery Gubernija (Dvaro g 179, 2 km north, daily 09:00-19:00) offers tastings and may have been brewing since 1665, revived in 2019.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) 12 km north is the standout attraction: a hillock packed with over 100,000 crosses, free entry, open 24/7. Take a bus towards Joniškis, get off at Domantai (hourly, 15 min), then walk 2 km signed to the site. The Franciscan Hermitage is 300 m northeast. Within the city, the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (Aušros takas 3) has a 75 m spire and dates to the 1620s. Museums include the Bicycle Museum (Vilniaus g 139, adult €5), the Photography Museum (Vilniaus g 140, adult €5), the Chaim Frankel Villa (Vilniaus g 74, adult €5) showcasing Art Nouveau and Jewish history, and the quirky Cat Museum (Žuvininkų 18). The Rooster Clock Square at the intersection of Vilniaus g and Tilžės g has a clocktower that squawks in several languages at 12:00 and 18:00. Evening entertainment includes the Saulė Concert Hall (Tilžės g 140) and State Drama Theatre (Tilžės g 155).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
No specific safety concerns are highlighted in the article. Standard urban precautions apply regarding personal belongings in crowded areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
As of August 2023, Šiauliai and its approach highways have 4G coverage from Bite and Tele2, and 5G from Telia. Local SIM cards are likely available from these providers for prepaid data.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Backpackers can manage on €40-60/day: dorm beds or budget rooms from €15-25, simple meals at canteens €5-10, city bus rides €1, museums €2-5 each. The Hill of Crosses is free. Mid-range options add €20-40 for hotel doubles and restaurant meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
The Hill of Crosses 12 km north is the primary day trip, easily combined with the nearby Franciscan Hermitage. The city makes a practical base for exploring Samogitia region, with Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit reachable as overnight trips to the west.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Klaipėda (west) is Lithuania's third-largest city with many points of interest and a short ferry to the Curonian Spit. Palanga is a beach resort north of Klaipėda. Kaunas (southeast) is Lithuania's second city with Russian and Polish architectural heritage. Riga (north, Latvia) has a fascinating old town centre and is about 3-4 hours by bus or train.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Hotel Šaulys
Upscale hotel in town centre. Rooms feel a bit dated, but clean with TV and safe. The hotel has a restaurant and conference facilities.
Recorded price: B&B double €90
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Šiauliai
Soviet-era behemoth in town centre near the Bicycle Museum; no price given.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Turnė
Basic hotel, central, decent for what you pay.
Recorded price: B&B double €50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Arkos
Decent filling food, service spasmodic.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Brodvėjaus Pica
It's pronounced "Broadway Pizza" and has a wide selection, but slow service lets it down.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Juone Pastuoge
Tavern with live music and trad Lithuanian food, fun atmosphere, occasional malfunctions of cooking and service.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kapitonas Morganas
They've given up the pirate decor so it doesn't much resemble the rum advert, but it's one of the better spots in town centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Senasis Sodzius
Budget canteen for trad Lithuanian food, you pay cash upfront. They only speak Lithuanian so some pointing and grunting is needed to order. Lunch hour gets busy.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget options include Turnė (B&B double €50) and Hotel Šaulys (B&B double €90). Hotel Šiauliai is a Soviet-era option near the Bicycle Museum.
Connectivity
4G from Bite and Tele2, 5G from Telia as of Aug 2023. Local prepaid SIMs available from these providers.
Food
Budget canteen Senasis Sodzius near bus station serves traditional Lithuanian food cash-only M-F until 15:00. Vilniaus gatvė has mid-range restaurants.
Money
Lithuania uses the Euro (€). Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Cash still useful at local markets and smaller establishments.
Museums
Key museums include Bicycle Museum (€5), Photography Museum (€5), Chaim Frankel Villa (€5), Angel Museum (€2), and Radio/TV Museum (€2). Many closed Mondays.
Transport
City buses cost €1 cash or €0.50 with e-ticket (buy e-card at bus station on Tilžės gatvė). Taxis via eTAKSI app or accommodation booking.