Follow our travels on Instagram
Discover the perfect 5-night Baltic itinerary from Vilnius to Riga with kids. Explore castles, Old Towns, and powerful museums, with tips on family-friendly travel in Lithuania and Latvia.
If you’re planning a family holiday to the Baltics, this 5-night itinerary through Lithuania and Latvia offers the perfect mix of culture, history, and scenic charm. Travelling from Vilnius to Riga, we explored castles, wandered cobbled Old Towns, visited impactful museums—and stayed cosy with plenty of hot mulled wine (a treat for adults, of course). Here’s how we spent our time and what we’d recommend for other families visiting the region.
Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius – Exploring the Old Town
We landed in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and were immediately struck by its relaxed pace and charming streets. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ideal for walking with children—full of winding lanes, colourful façades, and street musicians.
We sampled local dishes, admired the mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and discovered our favourite Baltic ritual early on: a mug of warm mulled wine, served at cafes and outdoor stalls. The kids enjoyed hot chocolate and sweet pastries while we soaked up the atmosphere.
We checked out this cool pub-style spot called Šnekutis, which a friend had recommended—and it definitely lived up to the hype. It’s the perfect place if you’re into beer, with a huge selection of local brews and a laid-back, quirky atmosphere that makes you want to hang out for a while. The food was also great—really hearty, traditional stuff and super reasonably priced, which made it even better.
Day 2: Trakai Castle Day Trip & KGB Museum in Vilnius
In the morning, we took a family-friendly day trip to Trakai, about 30 minutes from the city. We used the Bolt app to get a taxi as we were short on time. Really easy and quick. The highlight here is the stunning Trakai Island Castle, perched on Lake Galvė. It’s a real-life fairytale setting, and the kids loved crossing the footbridge and exploring the towers.
Back in Vilnius, we visited the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, also known as the KGB Museum. Housed in the former Soviet secret police headquarters, it offers a powerful and emotional look at Lithuania’s 20th-century history. It was fascinating for us as adults—but definitely difficult for the children, who found the prison cells and historical stories quite intense. We had some thoughtful conversations afterwards, but it’s something to be aware of for younger visitors.
Day 3: From Vilnius to Riga by Coach
On day three, we travelled from Vilnius to Riga by FlixBus. The coach journey took around four hours and was comfortable, scenic, and budget-friendly costing us around £60 for the five of us. Travelling by road also gave us a chance to see the Baltic countryside, which I loved.
We arrived in Riga, Latvia’s capital, in the afternoon and took a leisurely stroll around the Old Town, which immediately impressed with its grandeur. And yes, we found more hot spiced wine—a must-try in this region, especially during the cooler months.
That night, we were just looking for somewhere to grab a bite and found Ala Pagrabs on Google. It was this underground spot—super cosy and a nice little surprise.
Days 4–5: Discovering Riga with Kids
Our two full days in Riga gave us time to experience the city’s mix of medieval history and Art Nouveau elegance. Highlights included:
- Climbing the tower at St Peter’s Church for panoramic city views
- Wandering through the Art Nouveau District (one of the finest in Europe)
- Visiting the Central Market, located in former Zeppelin hangars, which was great fun for the children with all the food stalls and local produce
We also made time for the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which, like the one in Vilnius, tells the story of Latvia under Soviet and Nazi rule. Again, the exhibits were incredibly informative but emotionally heavy—especially for the children, who found parts of the visit upsetting. We made sure to balance these serious moments with light-hearted activities afterwards, including park walks and relaxed dinners in cosy local restaurants.
Day 6: Flying Home from Riga
After five memorable nights, we flew home from Riga with a deeper understanding of the Baltic states, which is what travel is all about for us. The trip gave us a balance of history, culture, and adventure. From Vilnius’ medieval charm to Riga’s architectural beauty, and from fairytale castles to hard-hitting museums, it was a journey that challenged and educated us but also deepened my love and obsession with Europe. What a great place to live.
Top Tips for Travelling the Baltics with Children
- Best time to go: Spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Transport: FlixBus is a convenient way to travel between Baltic cities
- Food & drink: Try the mulled wine (adults) and honey cake or rye bread ice cream (for the kids!)
- Museums: The occupation museums are meaningful, but may be too intense for younger children
- Pack for layers: Weather changes quickly—bring jumpers, waterproofs, and comfortable shoes
Is the Baltics a Good Family Holiday Destination?
Absolutely. This 5-night Baltic itinerary from Vilnius to Riga is perfect for families looking to combine education with exploration. The cities are safe, walkable, and full of cultural richness—and travelling between them is refreshingly easy.
Kitchen Family Travels 