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Vilnius is the colourful capital of Lithuania, although you wouldn’t suppose it whenever you arrive. This can be a small and charming metropolis, with solely 500,000 residents, it boasts a small city vibe, however nonetheless has tons of fascinating issues to do.
It boasts a wealthy historical past, charming Baroque and Gothic structure, an artsy district, and thriving bar and cafe scene, and a few tranquil parks and pure landscapes – there isn’t any scarcity of issues do in Vilnius to go well with any vacationers model and funds.
Nestled within the coronary heart of Japanese Europe, Vilnius is a vacation spot that not many travellers add to their itinerary – which is strictly why that you must uncover it.
You may step again in time and wander by the UNESCO-listed Previous City, the place cobblestone streets and Gothic-style buildings transport you to a bygone period, or delight within the culinary choices from Lithuanian dishes resembling cepelinai.
That can assist you determine on what to do in Vilnius, we interviewed Ele Pranaityte, an area who was born in Vilnius in 1981, who shares her insider recommendations on one of the best sights, the place to eat, keep, drink, and discover.
Issues to do in Vilnius
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for the highlights of Vilnius otherwise you need to uncover some hidden gems, we now have all this in our record under.
1. Go to The Lithuanian Nationwide Museum
Vilnius is among the least visited European cities, so little is written about its historical past and tradition – if you wish to study it, my recommendation can be attempt to study this on the Lithuanian Nationwide Museum, in any other case referred to as The New Arsenal of Nationwide Museum of Lithuania.
It has an intensive assortment of artifacts, paperwork, and artworks from prehistoric occasions to the current day, and it’s sufficiently small you can delve into the nation’s previous and study its cultural heritage with out feeling overloaded with info.
Additionally, behind the Nationwide Museum of Lithuania is the long-lasting Gediminas Citadel Tower, which affords breathtaking views of Vilnius.
You may climb to the highest of Gediminas Tower and soak up panoramic vistas of town whereas immersing your self within the historic context of this landmark.
The tower has been a staple monument in Vilnius since 1409, and is the one remaining construction from the Higher Citadel, and was rebuilt in 1933.
One other nice museum in case you have extra time and have an curiosity in artwork is the Nationwide Artwork Gallery, which homes collections by Lithuanian artists.
2. Discover the impartial state of Uzipis
Vacationers normally benefit from the bohemic Republic of Uzupis, an impartial state the place loads of artists reside and work – you possibly can even see some examples of avenue artwork on this space.
They think about themselves as a separate republic and even have their very own Structure, their very own flag, and even its personal forex. Don’t fear although, there’s no border management. Simply snap a photograph of the signal by the bridge to indicate you’ve been there.
As you stroll round, look out for the myriad of sculptures that conceal in slender alleys and avenue corners. I like the sculpture of a mermaid sitting in a window by the river (see if yow will discover it).
For wood structure lovers, I additionally suggest trying out the Zverynas (Menagerie) neighrborhood for its wood homes heritage.
3. Strive some Lithuanian delicacies
If you wish to strive a number of the nationwide dishes, you need to strive Fried Bread Sticks, Cepelinai (a sort of Lithuanian dumpling) or Kibinai (much like a pasty).
You also needs to ensure to pattern some native cheese and honey.
Vilnius has additionally seen a lot of worldwide eating places opening and it’s not unusual to search out your own home favourites. There are sushi locations, Chinese language eating places, and Italian eating places all around the metropolis with low-cost meals in massive parts.
That is nonetheless Europe although, so anticipate European costs regardless of the place you go.
Vegetarians will love Radharane in Heart. I might not suggest consuming avenue meals from avenue distributors as they normally promote quite greasy and troublesome to digest meals when it comes to international guests stomachs. And Cepelinai is kind of heavy at one of the best of occasions!
4. Expertise the Vilnius nightlife
Vilnius has a buzzing nightlife scene. For relaxed vibes, I like to recommend Sky Bar on the Radisson Lodge. Skyscrapers and excessive rises are in brief provide in Vilnius, so there’s not too many rooftop bars with unbelievable views.
Sky Bar is the exception. It‘s acquired a panoramic view of the Previous City and Neris River, and good cocktails which can be mid-priced. Do put on a scarf or a jacket because the air con is perhaps loopy cool.
There‘s a great pub known as The Portobello within the Previous City close to the Gates of Daybreak – they’ve good beer, however can get crowded when there‘s a match on TV.
Virtually all cafes and eating places serve wine, beer and stronger drinks, so you’ll not be thirsty in Vilnius.
5. Attend an annual pageant
Vilnius is a vigorous place and stuffed with enjoyable and thrilling occasions, all yr spherical.
Kristupas Summer season Competition is held yearly between July and August, and affords a lot of live shows to everyones style. If you happen to’re visiting in the summertime, do test their free live shows occasions and venues.
“Skamba skamba kankliai“ is an annual people music and dance pageant that’s held on the final weekend of Might, and options native teams and friends from overseas.
Various festivals takes locations, one of the best identified is St. Casimir‘s Truthful in early March. Additionally, don‘t miss out on Palm Sunday.
6. See wonderful views from St John’s Church Bell Tower
In excessive season, you possibly can see a tremendous Vilnius panorama from the highest of St. John‘s Church Tower.
Standing at a powerful peak of 69 meters (226 ft), the St. John’s Church Tower affords gorgeous panoramic views of Vilnius Previous City and its environment.
Whether or not you like climbing the genuine wood stairs or taking the fashionable raise, reaching the commentary platform is definitely accessible for guests of all ages.
From the commentary platform, you possibly can admire town’s historic rooftops and picturesque landscapes.
The tower itself is a masterpiece of structure, with its 5 step by step reducing parts. It stands because the tallest constructing in Vilnius Previous City and is a outstanding landmark within the metropolis.
7. Try The Church of St. Peter and Paul
Head over to Antakalnis and see the Baroque Pearl of Church of St. Peter and Paul.
The church is broadly thought of one of the stunning Catholic church buildings on the earth. Its gorgeous Baroque structure and complex design make it a sight to behold.
Step contained in the church, and also you’ll be mesmerized by its particular inside. Crammed with round two thousand statues, the church’s inside is a testomony to inventive craftsmanship.
The Church of St. Peter and Paul has a wealthy historical past courting again to its building, which began on June 29, 1668, and was accomplished in 1676. It stands as an emblem of Lithuania’s cultural heritage.
Whether or not you’re a believer or not, the church radiates a peaceable and serene environment. Many guests discover solace and inspiration inside its partitions.
8. Eat cake at Mint Vinetu Bookshop
Pay a go to to Mint Vinetu, a second hand bookshop that provides a very scrumptious mint tea and carrot cake (sells out rapidly, so be early).
In addition to having an amazing cafe, Mint Vinetu affords an intensive assortment of latest and used books masking varied genres, from literature to philosophy, historical past to artwork.
You’ll discover hidden gems and uncommon editions that can delight any avid reader.
The bookshop offers a heat and welcoming environment, with cozy nooks and cozy seating the place you possibly can lose your self in a great ebook.
It’s the right place to flee the hustle and bustle of town.
9. Try the Trakai Island Citadel
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a day journey from Vilnius, head over to Trakai Citadel.
The citadel is known for its gorgeous gothic structure. It stands on an island in Lake Galvė, making a picturesque and fairy tale-like setting.
Being located on an island in one of many deepest lakes in Lithuania makes Trakai Island Citadel a very distinctive attraction. The encircling pure magnificence provides to the attraction of the citadel.
It was constructed within the 14th and fifteenth centuries, and performed a big position because the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Exploring its halls and chambers affords a glimpse into the historical past and grandeur of the previous.
Trakai Island Citadel isn’t just a historic web site; it’s an emblem of Lithuania’s wealthy heritage and a testomony to the architectural prowess of the previous.
10. Wander round The Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace is the official workplace of the President of Lithuania, and sits within the Simonas Daukantas Sqaure.
The constructing was constructed within the 18th and nineteenth century in a Classical model, and was as soon as a a former nobleman’s home.
If you happen to’re visiting Vilnius on the weekend, be sure you head over to the palace on Sunday’s at 12pm, when a flag hoisting ceremony takes place.
You may witness troopers of the Honour Guard Firm of the Lithuanian Armed Forces wearing reconstructed uniforms worn by the guards of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania within the 14th century, hoist the flag.
There are additionally free excursions of the palace on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am – 3pm, although you must register at the very least 3 days earlier than.
11. Marvel at Vilnius Cathedral
One other placing monument in Vilnius is the Vilnius Cathedral. The cathedral holds immense historic and cultural significance, making it a real gem of Lithuania.
With its gorgeous architectural design and grandeur, the cathedral stands as an emblem of the nation’s wealthy heritage.
Contained in the cathedral, you possibly can discover the fantastically embellished chapels, admire the intricate paintings, and be taught in regards to the fascinating tales behind every factor.
The crypts beneath the cathedral maintain the stays of assorted notable people, including to the sense of reverence and significance.
12. Go to the KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
The KGB Museum, often known as the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, is a big historic web site in Vilnius.
It’s located within the former KGB headquarters, the place crimes of the Soviet regime had been deliberate and executed for 50 years.
The museum affords guests a glimpse into Lithuania’s tumultuous previous, showcasing artifacts, information, and reveals from the Nazi occupation interval and the Soviet Period dictatorship.
One of many highlights of the KGB Museum is the exploration of the previous KGB places of work, which offers perception into the operations and strategies of the key police.
13. Take the youngsters to Museum of Illusions
If you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do in Vilnius with youngsters, then a go to to the Museum of Illusions is a should.
The Museum of Illusions in Vilnius is an enchanting and mind-bending attraction that guarantees to problem your notion and ignite your curiosity.
This distinctive museum affords an immersive expertise the place actuality appears to bend, twist, and defy logic.
Visiting the Museum of Illusions lets you discover quite a lot of optical illusions, interactive reveals, and mind-boggling installations.
From rooms that seem to alter dimension to gravity-defying shows, every exhibit is designed to trick your senses and provoke marvel.
It’s a enjoyable and entertaining solution to spend a time out with your loved ones.
14. Stroll as much as the Hill of Three Crosses
For one more viewpoint of town, head as much as the Hill of Three Crosses, which can be an essential non secular web site in Vilnius.
Legend has it, that three wood crosses sat on high of the hill, which had been positioned there within the seventeenth century as a memorial to seven Franciscan friars that had been beheaded there.
The Soviets eliminated them within the 50s throughout their occupation of Vilnius, by which all faith was banned.
When the Soviet regime fell, a memorial was rebuilt within the late Nineteen Eighties, which has no longer solely change into an emblem of non secular significance but additionally to represent the nation’s stand up in opposition to the Soviets.
15. Chill out within the peaceable squares
Vilnius can be dwelling to a number of enjoyable and exquisite squares, the place you possibly can sit again in a restaurant and admire the structure and ambiance.
Cathedral Sq. and City Corridor Sq. are two iconic squares in Vilnius which can be steeped in historical past and attraction.
Cathedral Sq. is the principle sq. of Vilnius and is surrounded by a number of vital buildings, together with Vilnius Cathedral and the Gediminas Tower.
It serves as a gathering place for locals and vacationers alike, with its open house and exquisite structure creating a way of grandeur and tranquility.
City Corridor Sq., alternatively, is positioned within the coronary heart of Vilnius Previous City and is dwelling to the historic Vilnius City Corridor.
The sq. is adorned with charming cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and out of doors cafes, making a vigorous and welcoming environment.
It’s a vibrant hub for occasions, festivals, and markets, the place guests can expertise the native tradition and immerse themselves within the metropolis’s vibrant power.
Each Cathedral Sq. and City Corridor Sq. provide a pleasant mix of historical past, structure, and a bustling environment.
16. Marvel at The Gate of Daybreak
The Gate of Daybreak, referred to as “Aušros Vartai” in Lithuanian, is a big non secular and historic web site positioned in Vilnius.
It is among the most essential pilgrimage locations in Lithuania and holds immense cultural and non secular significance.
The gate is a part of town’s defensive partitions and is the one remaining gate from the unique 9 that when encircled Vilnius.
The Gate of Daybreak is famend for its miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, referred to as the Mom of Mercy.
The icon attracts hundreds of tourists every year who come to pay their respects and search solace. It’s believed to have therapeutic powers and is taken into account an emblem of hope and safety.
17. Take a free strolling tour of Vilnius
A good way to expertise town in case you are quick on time is by taking a free strolling tour, which is among the greatest free issues to do in Vilnius.
The Previous City free strolling tour is a 2.5-hour tour that takes you previous a number of the most iconic websites, resembling Cathedral Sq., Vilnius College, The Presidential Palace, The City Corridor, The Republic of Uzupis, and the St Anne Church, which is claimed to be so stunning Napoleon Bonaparte stated he needed to take it again to Paris with him.
Merely rock as much as Cathedral Sq. any day of the week at 10.30am and look out for the free strolling tour flag.
18. Stroll across the lush parks and gardens
Vilnius is surrounded by nature, so if you wish to go for a tranquil stroll within the gardens, you will have a number of choices to select from.
The 162 hectare Vingis Park boasts woodland strolling trails, a big garden typically used for occasions, an amphitheatre, and a restaurant. You could find plenty of individuals rollerblading, scooting, and biking on this park because it’s principally flat.
Kalnų parkas is nearer to the Previous City behind Uzipis, and has a forested, hilly terrain you possibly can wander round. Subsequent to this park is Bernardine Backyard, which has a musical fountain, vibrant flower beds, and manicured lawns to sprawl out on.
A lot of individuals come right here in the summertime to paddle within the Vilnia River, or play Chess beneath the timber.
Pavilnys Regional Park is a bit out of town, and will require a bus or an Uber to get to, but it surely has miles of mountain climbing trails and picnic spots, in addition to wood bridges over rivers and playgrounds for teenagers.
19. Dine at Vilnius’s solely pancake restaurant
If you happen to love pancakes, you’ll love Pirmas Blynas, which interprets to First Pancake, a pancake restaurant in Previous City Vilnius.
Not solely do they serve each candy and savoury pancakes the dimensions of a pizza, however the restaurant itself is positioned in basement and has rustic, unpretencious vibes.
They’ve additionally partnered with the native organisation, Along with the Affiliation of Individuals with Down Syndrome and Their Caregivers, which promotes hiring employees with disabilities.
When is one of the best time of yr to go to Vilnius?
The perfect time to go to Vilnius is in the summertime and early autumn, particularly round Might till early October. That is when the climate is heat and sunny, with much less likelihood of rain.
My final go to was in Might, which boasted great climate however had only a few travellers. When staying in my hostel, I had a dorm to myself. If you wish to go to when Vilnius is a bit livelier, the height season is July and August, in addition to early September.
Usually, the winter has a moist local weather with rain and snow, and the Spring can be moist and run on late.
Summers could be sizzling and humid, however Autumn could be very heat and has stunning foliage. Vilnius is a remarkably inexperienced metropolis, with plenty of timber, so that you would possibly love the scenes throughout leaf peeping season.
Keep in mind it will get darkish early in late autumn and winter, at 3:00pm – 4:00pm, which may restrict the quantity of hours within the day it’s important to discover.
How do you get to and round Vilnius?
Vilnius within reason simple to get to, since most main European cities have direct flights to Vilnius Worldwide airport. The airport is barely a 25 minute bus trip to the guts of Vilnius.
The LTG Hyperlink is the bus service which departs exterior the principle exit of the airport (it’s a small airport, there’s just one constructing and one bus cease, you gained’t miss it) and drops you off on the essential railway station in Vilnius, which is positioned only a 10 minute stroll exterior the Previous City. There are two buses, 1 and a pair of, and each go to the Railway Station.
From right here, you possibly can stroll or take public transportation to your lodge. Thoughts that baggage on public transportation is payable if it exceed limits of 60x40x20 cm.
Schedule for Buses 1 and a pair of could be checked right here. The buses are 24 hours, and you may get 72 hour tickets obtainable.
If you’re based mostly within the Previous city, you’ll not want to make use of any public transport in your complete keep in Vilnius as it’s simply walkable.
Sizzling tip! You have to to pay round 2 Euros for the bus, so be sure you have money on you as they don’t settle for card on the bus! I had a form stranger give me cash for the bus as I had solely simply arrived and hadn’t withdrawn money but. It’s the one a part of Vilnius the place I couldn’t pay by card.
The place to remain in Vilnius
In the case of discovering a spot to remain in Vilnius, you don’t must look too arduous. The perfect neighborhood to remain in is the Previous City, or as near the Previous City as attainable.
Vilnius within reason small and could be walked round fairly simply, so it doesn’t matter if you happen to ebook lodging out of city as you possibly can nonetheless stroll in.
Observe that Heart just isn’t the Previous City. That is the “official middle” of Vilnius, but it surely’s a studenty space and has only a few vacationer sights. It has some lodges, however is a little bit of a stroll to the Previous City.
Vilnius additionally has quite few funds lodging, in comparison with the variety of those who go to within the excessive season, so in case you are visiting on a funds do ebook your hostels prematurely. If you happen to want funds lodging, try Downtown Forest Hostel & Tenting, Bali home Vilnius, or Previous City Trio Hostel Rooms.
If you’re able to splash out, Vilnius has some stunning 4 and 5 star lodges to supply. Amongst them are The Narutis Lodge, Radisson Blue Astorija, Amberton or Lodge Congress.
See extra lodging choices on the next map:
Is Vilnius Value Visiting?
If you happen to’re unsure whether or not you need to be visiting Vilnius, then earlier than you go, listed here are some explanation why it’s completely price visiting!
This charming Baltic capital affords a singular mix of historical past, tradition, and sweetness that you just gained’t discover in some other Japanese European metropolis.
Vilnius was based in 1323, and has a historical past courting again to the Stone Age. It housed a lot of cultures, religions and traditions, in addition to obtained one of the best architects and artists from throughout Europe. To not point out it’s your gateway to Užupis, a self-proclaimed impartial state identified for its artwork studios.
Vilnius affords a mixture of stunning nature, historic landmarks, good meals, artsy vibes, and type individuals, making it completely price a go to.
Vilnius has been praised as one among Europe’s most underrated cities, and because it’s a metropolis that may be explored on foot, you possibly can simply go to for a protracted weekend metropolis break.
It could be small, but it surely’s a spot that can depart enormous reminiscences.
Remaining Ideas
I like Vilnius as a result of it’s one of the stunning cities in Europe, but it surely hasn’t misplaced it’s attraction to over-tourism.
There are many free sights, permitting guests to spend a day sightseeing with out breaking the financial institution.
To not point out town exudes a singular attraction with its cobblestone streets, baroque buildings, and quaint cafes.
Whether or not you’re eager about historical past, tradition, artwork, or just exploring a captivating European metropolis, Vilnius has one thing to supply anybody who visits.