Things To Do
in Joniškis

Joniškis is a charming town in northeastern Lithuania, known for its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage. Located near the border with Latvia, it offers a blend of Lithuanian and Latvian influences. The town is famous for its beautiful parks, historical buildings, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors can explore local traditions and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Joniškis
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Joniškis Museum to learn about the town's history and culture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local café, then take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Joniškis Park, where you can relax and take in the scenery.

evening
:

Finish the day with dinner at a traditional Lithuanian restaurant, followed by a walk around the town to see the historic architecture illuminated at night.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Nearby Attractions
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby town of Rūdiškės to hike in the surrounding natural areas and enjoy the fresh air.

afternoon
:

After your hike, have lunch at a local eatery in Rūdiškės and then visit the nearby historical sites, such as the Rūdiškės Church.

evening
:

Return to Joniškis for dinner and perhaps enjoy a local cultural event or live music performance if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🚍Public transport ticket$1
🛒Grocery shopping (weekly)$30
🏨Budget hotel (per night)$40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Friendly and welcoming locals.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Less international cuisine variety.
  • Public transportation may be infrequent.
  • "Labas" - Hello
  • "Ačiū" - Thank you
  • "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Prašau" - Please

Places to Visit in Joniškis

Visit one of these nice places.

Joniškis Park

A picturesque park ideal for capturing nature and relaxation scenes.

Historic Town Square

The heart of Joniškis, featuring beautiful architecture and lively local atmosphere.

Local Churches

Several historic churches in the area provide stunning backdrops for photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Joniškis

Joniškis offers a delightful culinary experience, showcasing traditional Lithuanian flavors and local ingredients.

Joniškis Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cepelinai

These are potato dumplings filled with meat, served with sour cream and bacon.

Must-Try!

Šaltibarščiai

A refreshing cold beet soup, perfect for warm days, served with boiled potatoes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Joniškis Market

A vibrant local market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and homemade pastries.

Street Food Stalls

Various stalls offer quick bites like kibinai (savory pastries) and grilled sausages.

Climate Guide

Weather

Joniškis experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers are warm and pleasant, averaging around 20°C (68°F). Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild temperatures and occasional rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is a common greeting, and it's polite to greet everyone in a group.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start eating before you begin your meal.

Dress Code

Dress modestly when visiting churches or formal settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Joniškis is generally a safe place for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it’s always wise to stay alert in crowded areas and keep personal belongings secure. Emergency services are accessible, and it's advisable to have travel insurance.

Tipping in Joniškis

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated in restaurants, typically around 10%. In bars, rounding up the bill is common.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for smaller vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and photography.

Summer

Summer is warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring parks and enjoying festivals.

Autumn

Autumn showcases colorful foliage, making it a great time for hikes and nature walks.

Winter

Winter can be cold with snowfall, offering opportunities for winter sports and cozy indoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Joniškis at Night

Joniškis offers a relaxed nightlife scene with a few local bars and cafés where you can enjoy drinks and socialize. Live music performances and cultural events occasionally take place, providing a glimpse into local traditions. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploration.

Hiking in Joniškis

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rūdiškės Trails

A network of trails perfect for hiking, offering stunning views and a chance to explore local flora and fauna.

Šušvė River Trail

A scenic trail along the Šušvė River, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Joniškis by plane.

Šiauliai Airport

Located approximately 40 km from Joniškis, it serves a limited number of domestic flights and is the nearest airport for international travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Joniškis is a compact town, making it very walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and parks are within a short walking distance of each other, allowing visitors to explore comfortably on foot. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and the town's layout is easy to navigate.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Lithuanian Nationals

The majority of the population consists of ethnic Lithuanians, who maintain strong cultural traditions.

Latvian Minorities

There is a small but significant community of Latvian nationals due to the town's proximity to the border.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is widely popular in Lithuania, and local teams often compete in regional leagues.

Football (Soccer)

Football enjoys a substantial following, with local clubs engaging in community matches.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Joniškis is generally light, making it easy to navigate the town by car or on foot. Public transportation consists mainly of buses connecting to nearby towns, though schedules may vary. During peak hours, minor congestion can occur, but it is usually manageable.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Joniškis.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's best to check with the staff.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options may be limited, so it is advisable to inquire about specific dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Joniškis is satisfactory, with local clinics providing basic medical services. For more serious conditions, larger hospitals are available in nearby towns. Travelers are advised to have health insurance that covers overseas medical expenses.

Discover Lithuania

Read more in our Lithuania 2025 Travel Guide.

Lithuania Travel Guide