Šiauliai, Lithuania
Museums
If you're in Šiauliai and interested in visiting museums, I would suggest checking out the "Aušros Museum" or the "Šiauliai Regional Museum." If you're looking for similar types of museums nearby, you might want to consider visiting the "Radviliskis Regional Museum" or the "Joniskis Regional Museum," both of which are within a reasonable driving distance from Šiauliai.
Food
In Šiauliai, some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people include:
1. Cepelinai - potato dumplings usually stuffed with meat or curd cheese and served with sour cream and bacon.
2. Kugelis - a traditional Lithuanian potato pudding made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and sometimes bacon.
3. Skilandis - a smoked meat sausage made from pork, garlic, and spices.
4. Saltibarsciai - a cold beet soup served with boiled potatoes, dill, and sour cream.
5. Kepta Duona - deep-fried rye bread served with garlic sauce.
These dishes are widely available in restaurants and cafes throughout Šiauliai and are definitely worth trying if you want to experience local Lithuanian cuisine.
Activities
There are several fun activities that locals in Šiauliai enjoy doing. Here are some suggestions:
1. Visit the Hill of Crosses - a unique pilgrimage site just outside Šiauliai, where visitors can see thousands of crosses placed on a small hill.
2. Explore the city's historical sites and landmarks, such as the Chaim Frenkel Villa, the St. George Church and the Sundial Square.
3. Go for a walk or bike ride in the nearby forests - Šiauliai is surrounded by beautiful natural areas like the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve and Raudonė Castle Park.
4. Enjoy traditional Lithuanian cuisine at local restaurants such as "Šilinė" or "Klubas".
5. Attend cultural events like concerts, theater performances or festivals - there's always something happening in Šiauliai, especially during the summer months.
6. Visit the Akropolis Shopping Center - one of the largest shopping centers in Lithuania with a wide selection of shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
