Lithuania

A mini guide to things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania

(Last Updated On: 04/01/2024)

I believe Central Europe is one of the most fascinating yet underrated regions. Long history, rich culture, delicious food, friendly locals… and every country is so much different than the another!

But while internet is full of various information about most popular tourist destinations (I’m looking at you London or Paris) finding something useful about this part of the world can be sometimes a challenge. I know as I’ve been looking for that info as well! Therefore I’m gonna start a new series of posts with top attractions in my favorite cities in Central Europe.

The first one will be about things to do in Vilnius Lithuania, probably the least known capital of the Baltic countries. I know this is not super original idea for posts but may be useful for some of you going to Lithuania (that was named one of the top destinations in 2015 by Lonely Planet!).

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

I had a chance to visit Vilnius couple of times now, I enjoy the city every single time and I’m always glad to return there. Just for some reason I’m always there in autumn or winter time but if it’s great in the somehow sad months I only can imagine how great it must be there in the middle of spring or summer.

No matter what time the city is simply charming with narrow streets in the UNESCO listed Old Town, beautiful baroque churches and so many quirky, alternative places! It is the perfect mix and I’m sure everyone will find something for him/herself.

Even if recently Lithuania has joined the Euro zone the country is still a pretty good value for money and is a great, somehow unknown, destination that can impress many. Vilnius tourism is doing better than ever, the list of Vilnius attractis is long and everyone will find something interesting there!

Vilnius essentials

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania

The list of Vilnius things to do can be long but I will limit it only to top 10 Vilnius must see attractions as usually travelers don’t have enough time in the city (and it offers so much more than it seems at first!). So without further ado here’re the best places to visit in Vilnius!

Uzupis

An absolute must in Vilnius! The self proclaimed republic and the bohemian heart of the city. Uzupis has its own president, currency, flag, army (around 11 men) and so on – all the attributes that a country should have.

But the biggest attraction is the constitution of Uzupis – 39 articles that tell you the rights of the place, such as everyone has the right to be happy and a dog has the right to be a dog. You can find the whole text, translated into couple of languages, on the wall along Paupio street.

One day might not be enough to wander around Uzupis if you want to explore the area properly, step into courtyards, check all the quirky pubs, spot some original street art around and just enjoy the bohemian feel and slow life of this neighborhood. That’s definitely my favorite part of Vilnius!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Cemeteries

No matter how bad this might sound Vilnius has some really beautiful cemeteries. Two of them that are really worth a visit are Bernardine Cemetery in Uzupis and Rasos Cemetery not far from the train station. Both of them look similar, are located on the hillsides and are equally old (18th-19th century).

I can’t say which one has more stunning tombstones (usually dating back to the beginning of the 20th century) and which one is prettier so I’d just say – visit both of them!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Churches

Vilnius is often called “the city of churches” and this is very accurate. There are so many of them in the Old Town, you stumble across one every few steps, and most of them are so beautiful!

But once you step inside things get even better! The majority of Vilnius churches was built as great examples of baroque style and they are sated with rich adornment. I always feel overwhelmed by the beauty of them and don’t know where to look, every tiny detail seem to be important and so interesting!

Not far from the Old Town there’s one more church well worth visiting – St. Peter and Paul’s in Antakalnis district – another masterpiece known for its 2.000 stucco figures!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

St. Anne’s Church

This little church deserves it’s own point! Built in the Gothic style hasn’t changed for over 500 years! It is so extremely beautiful everyone falls in love with it, including Napoleon Bonaparte. He was so much under the charm of the building that wanted to take it to Paris with him (on the palm of his hand…).

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Gates of Dawn

Another religious place but a very important one (especially for Polish people) and known all over the world. But despite being so famous it’s very easy to miss the place – the shrine is hidden inside the gate (the last remaining one of the Vilnius city walls). To get close to the painting of Blessed Virgin Mary you need to enter the random door on the left side and then go upstairs.

Even if you’re not a religious person the Gates of Dawn will impress you. Try to be there in the evening, when all the tourist groups are gone and there are only older ladies praying in front of the painting.

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Wander around the Old Town

This is a pure pleasure! The Old Town in Vilnius is fairly big and it’s easy to get lost there: the maze of narrow streets leads you next to churches, beautiful houses and suddenly you might not know anymore where you are! The best thing you can do then is stopping by at one of many cafes to figure out your way around.

When discovering this part of the city don’t miss Literatu street with quirky and funky tiles on the wall, commemorating poets and writers connected to Lithuania (both local and foreigner)!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

View from Giedyminas’ Tower

I’m always a huge fan of looking at the city from above and Vilnius has some great points to admire the city’s beauty. The most known is the Upper Castel with Giedyminas’ Tower and no wonder this place is so popular! The view all over the town is stunning with rooftops and church towers on one side and Neris river with modern downtown in the background on the other.

For even better view go to the top of the Giedyminas’ Tower (entrance 2€, including the museum). Alternatively you can climb the Three Crosses Hill nearby, the view isn’t bad from here either!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Giedyminas Avenue

The representative street of Vilnius, with beautiful architecture from the end of 19th/beginning of 20th century. Most of the fancy shops and public institutions are located in here. I especially like the view from the Avenue towards the Cathedral Square!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Vilnius street art

It’s no surprise I’m a huge street art fan and try to find it just about everywhere. But Vilnius has a really good street art scene with variety of forms and a really big creative outburst. It can be found all over the Old Town and Uzupis – you just need to look carefully to find it in the hidden lanes and gates!

One of the best murals I’ve ever seen – “Think” – is also in Vilnius on Odminiu street. But except of traditional street art forms the city has some quirky monuments too, like the lucky belly, angel of Uzupis or an apple. Try to find as many of them as possible!

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

One of the best day trips from Vilnius – Trakai

Only 30 kms away from Vilnius a small Karaim town of Trakai can be found. It is a true gem as the place is not only incredibly picturesque with the lake and the castle built in the middle of it but also with the unique Karaim culture.

This ethnic group came to this area in the 14th century and preserved their traditions, culture and cuisine up until now. In Trakai you will find some beautiful Karaim wooden houses where local restaurants are located, your best options to try this unusual dishes!

Trakai - day trip from Vilnius

Trakai - day trip from Vilnius

So these are my top 10 things to do in Vilnius and a little overview of Vilnius sightseeing for the first time visitor. You don’t need to wonder what to see in Vilnius, it’s all here. If you’re looking for more unusual things there’s a great alternative Vilnius side too!

Visit Vilnius – practical information

How to get to Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is very well connected by air with numerous places all over Europe and beyond. You can find the best deals on flights to Vilnius at Skyscanner or Momondo, that’s where I always look for my flights too!

The airport is well connected by train and bus with central Vilnius. You can also book the private transfer from the airport to avoid all the hassle after the arrival. Click here to see the details and book the trip.

There’re also numerous bus and few train connections between Vilnius and nearby capitals: Riga, Tallinn, Minsk or Warsaw. You can find the schedules and book the tickets here. Bus and train stations are located next to each other, some 10 minutes walking from the Vilnius Old Town.

How to get around Vilnius

You will not really need public transport when you visit Vilnius but just in case here’s the website with all the details. I highly recommend downloading maps.me application as it works offline and it never disappointed me.

Vilnius accommodation

During my latest visits I stayed in the private room at Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping (8.7/10 rating on Booking). It was some 10-15 minutes walking to the Old Town, much closer to Uzupis but the hostel was such a lovely place. I can definitely recommend it! Click here to see details and book the place.

Other recommended accommodation:

  • Hotel Tilto (9.0/10 on Booking) – travelers who stayed there enjoyed the location, cleanliness and free wifi. Click here to see current deals and book the place.
  • Shakespeare Boutique Hotel (9.2/10 on Booking) – it is highly valued for the location, comfort and free wifi. Click here to see the reviews and book the place.
  • Hotel PACAI (9.4/10 on Booking) – recommended for the comfort, location and staff. Click here to see the details and book the place.
  • Where to eat, have a coffee or beer in Vilnius

    Best restaurants:

  • Aline Leičiai
  • Šnekutis
  • Būsi Trečias
  • Baras Snekutis – Kaimisko alaus barai
  • and more!
  • Best cafes in Vilnius:

  • BREW | Kavos virėjai
  • Huracán Coffee
  • Backstage Cafe
  • Taste Map Coffee Roasters
  • Coffee1
  • and more!
  • Best craft beer in Vilnius:

  • Špunka
  • Bambalynė
  • Nisha craft Capital
  • Craft Beer Merchants
  • Local Pub
  • Vilnius tours

    You can do some Vilnius sightseeing with a guide or as part of the tour. Here are some of the best, most interesting and highly rated Vilnius tours I’ve found:

  • Vilnius: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour to Trakai
  • Vilnius: Sightseeing Audio Tour Once Round
  • Undiscovered Vilnius with a Local
  • Vilnius Old Town 2-hour Ghost Tour
  • Flavors of Vilnius 3-Hour Food Tasting Tour
  • Vilnius Panoramic walking tour
  • Vilnius: 2.5-Hour Catacombs Tour
  • Vilnius: Soviet Stories Small-Group Tour with a Local
  • Vilnius Private Walking Tour
  • Vilnius: 3-Hour Jewish Heritage Tour
  • Alternative Vilnius walking tour
  • Vilnius Courtyards Tour
  • Vilnius: Local Market Snacks & Bites
  • Vilnius: Premium Lithuanian Craft Beer Degustation Tour
  • Vilnius map

    Here’s the map with all the things to see in Vilnius (minus Trakai)


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    68 Comments

    • Reply
      Anna @AnnaEverywhere
      04/03/2015 at 23:45

      Last time I’ve been to Vilnus was 20 years ago so I don’t remember much – can’t believe it was that long ago actually :P
      St Anne’s Church looks stunning – I feel like I have o revisit Vilnus.

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:23

        you definitely should go there when you’re around! I bet it had changed a lot since your last visit ;)

    • Reply
      Olka Zagórska
      05/03/2015 at 07:42

      Planowaliśmy dotrzeć do Wilna na sylwestra, a ostatecznie wylądowaliśmy w Albanii. Nie to, żebym narzekała, ale jakoś w kierunku Litwy ciągle się zebrać nie możemy. A patrząc po Twoich zdjęciach, to możemy powiedzieć “szkoda, że nas tam jeszcze nie było”.

    • Reply
      Agnieszka Ptaszyńska
      05/03/2015 at 07:52

      park na rzeką w centrum miasta, a tam polecam usiąść z butelką whisky i cygarem. Polecam robić to wieczorem i polecam trafić akurat tak, że jakiś student będzie akurat grał na saksofonie. Polecam być wtedy z nieznanym wam wcześniej mężczyzną, bo z takiego wieczoru zrodzi się fajna, platoniczna przyjaźń

    • Reply
      Megan
      05/03/2015 at 12:04

      Vilnius is one of my favorite city breaks in Europe and I always discover new things when I’m there! My other favorites in the city are Three Crosses hill (mentioned above but I think the scenery on the way up is what is the most amazing), the Genocide museum (I’ve been to a lot of these, sadly, and think this is one of the very best, yet most somber), Snipiskes and Zverynas for wooden architecture and charm of real Vilnius that you don’t find in touristy Old Town, and the Palace of Concert and Sports for those into Soviet architecture (sheepishly raises hand haha). Can’t wait to make my fifth trip back to Vilnius :)

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:27

        omg, I loved Palace of Concert and Sports!!! Seriously, I couldn’t get over how beautiful this building actually is! ;) and I don’t know why but I didn’t make it yet to the Genocide museum (even if I usually visiting this kind of places is my priority). Need to write it down for my next visit to Vilnius! I’ve been there 4 or 5 times and there’s always something new to discover there! Can’t wait to go there again! We should plan a trip together!!

    • Reply
      Krzysiek Filipiuk
      05/03/2015 at 13:44

      ah, small, paved streets on one hand and the amazing street art on the other… something definitely to look in, when I’m back in the north!

    • Reply
      Beth
      05/03/2015 at 15:22

      I was loving all of the small little streets, and then you posted that photo off the river with all the modern buildings, and it threw me off! But it actually made me love this place even more. I love cities that offer nice sleek modern areas, but still preserve their old towns.

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:29

        The best thing (well, one of many) about Vilnius is that the modern and old parts are divided very well and you can focus on just one of them, moving back in time in the old town without feeling the shadow of the skyscrapers on your back ;)

    • Reply
      Danuta Starwars
      05/03/2015 at 14:43

      Piekne, piekne miasto…

    • Reply
      Sylwia Pietrzykowska
      05/03/2015 at 17:58

      starówka ,okolice są warte obejrzenia oraz cmentarz na Rosie

    • Reply
      Karol Werner
      05/03/2015 at 18:36

      Poleciłbym coś, ale… byłem tam 1godzine :D

    • Reply
      Marcin Wesołowski
      05/03/2015 at 18:57

      Oooo, to może się przekonam i dam jeszcze jedną szansę temu miasto. Litwini to naród do którego nie pałam szczególną miłością.

      • Reply
        David
        20/08/2016 at 18:45

        Przekonaj sie koniecznie Wilno jest piekne ! :)

    • Reply
      Pola Henderson
      05/03/2015 at 22:01

      Bylam dawno, dawno temu i podobalo mi sie. Chcialabym pojechac znowu i zobaczyc zmiany.

    • Reply
      Łukasz Kędzierski
      05/03/2015 at 22:52

      przyda się, bo jakoś tak wyszło, że jeszcze tam nie byliśmy…

    • Reply
      Hannah
      06/03/2015 at 03:53

      I’m bummed I didn’t hit up Vilnius when I was there last year! I visited Tallinn and Riga…I honestly don’t know why I didn’t make time for Vilnius because I enjoyed the others. Looking at your photos I’d probably like here too…St. Anne’s church is gorgeous!

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:32

        ah, too bad you didn’t go there when you were around. What I like the most about Baltic capitals is that they all are so different from each other even if they are kind of similar! But since you enjoyed both Riga and Tallinn I guess you’d love Vilnius too! At least you have a reason to go back!

    • Reply
      Jenna
      06/03/2015 at 07:15

      Vilnius looks like a great town! I would love to climb the tower for those views and the street art looks fantastic! The day trip to Trakai sounds great as well!

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:39

        It really is great yet so underrated! Tallinn gets all the interests for the most beautiful Baltic capital (and it really deserves it) but Vilnius still might be my fave :)

    • Reply
      Meg Jerrard
      06/03/2015 at 08:18

      Totally agree that Central Europe is both fascinating and underrated – Eastern Europe as well. I would love to have the chance to explore Vilnius, I’ve heard really great things about the whole Baltic region. Thanks for the tips!

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:40

        Then you should definitely plan a trip to this area! The sooner, the better as I assume the whole region will be discovered by crowds in two shakes!

    • Reply
      Tam Gamble
      06/03/2015 at 11:01

      Your photos of this city are fantastic. The historical buildings are extremely eye-catching, I think I would really enjoy wandering these streets.

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:40

        Thank you! you’d definitely enjoy Vilnius, it’s just so charming!

    • Reply
      Blondynka z Krainy Teczy
      06/03/2015 at 12:45

      I love the streets – so beautifull.

      • Reply
        kami
        06/03/2015 at 22:41

        I have to agree :)

    • Reply
      Agnieszka Malonik Taggart
      06/03/2015 at 11:51

      Przepiekna ta starowka, musze sie kiedys wybrac przy okazji pobytu w Europie

    • Reply
      Elaine J. Masters
      07/03/2015 at 01:10

      This part of Europe is such a mystery to me. I need to arrange a long visit and wander.

      • Reply
        kami
        07/03/2015 at 23:12

        Definitely do that! It’s such an interesting area and sooo beautiful!

    • Reply
      Ashley
      07/03/2015 at 19:39

      I am a HUGE street art fan! I love cities that have beautiful art everywhere. I need to make it to Vilnius!

      • Reply
        kami
        07/03/2015 at 23:14

        Vilnius was actually one of the biggest street art surprises for me as the local scene is pretty exceptional there! You’d love it there for sure!

    • Reply
      Anne Klien ( MeAnne)
      07/03/2015 at 19:55

      This reminds me my amazing time in Lithuania last year….. one of the place I wanted to revisit such a beautiful place full of history.

      • Reply
        kami
        07/03/2015 at 23:15

        Where have you been to Lithuania? So far I only visited Vilnius, Trakai and Kaunas but I’m already thinking of going back to see more of the country! It’s such an unknown gem of Europe, isn’t it?

    • Reply
      Gina Zammit
      07/03/2015 at 19:57

      The teapots in the alleyway are so charming!

      • Reply
        kami
        07/03/2015 at 23:16

        They always make me smile :)

    • Reply
      Brianna
      08/03/2015 at 14:44

      You’re right, I hadn’t seen much about Vilinus but from your pictures it looks absolutely charming.

      • Reply
        kami
        08/03/2015 at 22:42

        It really is charming!! Too bad it doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves!

    • Reply
      Sammi Wanderlustin'
      08/03/2015 at 15:20

      I loved Vilnius! It was my favourite by far of all the places I visited, but so unknown still. The € didn’t make a great deal of difference, I don’t think to begin with, but probably will do soon. As with everywhere else. I didn’t make it to Trakai, it was pretty cold whilst I was there (-18c) but there is always next time. Vilnius I want to go back to with my boyfriend.

      • Reply
        kami
        08/03/2015 at 22:46

        At least you have a reason to go back :) Both times when I was in Trakai the weather was pretty gloomy so I’d love to see the place in the sunshine for a change! I’m glad you share my love for Vilnius, seems like not many people know about it…

    • Reply
      Izabela
      08/03/2015 at 16:12

      Uzupis – yeah, definitely my favourite! <3
      And that wall with teapots :) I spent a while photographing it in amusement :)

      • Reply
        kami
        08/03/2015 at 22:46

        I could go back to Vilnius over and over again just to hang out in Uzupis!! such a cool place!

    • Reply
      Tiana
      08/03/2015 at 18:36

      We were just in Germany and the cities look very similar. I love the cobblestone and old world streets

      • Reply
        kami
        08/03/2015 at 22:47

        It is a little bit similar. But with the troublesome European history everything is possible :) Where in Germany have you been to?

    • Reply
      Tim
      08/03/2015 at 20:46

      What a great post and collection of photos. Vilnius is so old world with historic charm. I have not been there but it is a place, a region, I would love to visit.

      • Reply
        kami
        08/03/2015 at 22:49

        Thanks! I really hope you will be able to visit this part of the world soon, it’s really interesting!!

    • Reply
      antonette - we12travel
      09/03/2015 at 07:52

      Trakai looks lovely and so closeby, it would definitely be my pick for the day :-)

      • Reply
        kami
        09/03/2015 at 23:04

        It’s the most perfect day trip you can ask for :)

    • Reply
      Kirdan
      09/03/2015 at 13:30

      Europę zostawiam sobie na emeryturę. Jakoś bardziej mnie ciągnie Azja, zwłaszcza południowo-wschodnia.

      • Reply
        kami
        09/03/2015 at 23:09

        Z Europą, i to tą bliską, jest jeszcze o tyle fajnie, że można na szybki weekend wyskoczyć :)

    • Reply
      Marek i Kasia
      10/03/2015 at 08:45

      We have been there once for 3 days and it was amazing. We loved the food and all the history around. Great place!

      • Reply
        kami
        12/03/2015 at 16:21

        It is great indeed! And the food is so good, I agree! :)

    • Reply
      Chanel | Cultural Xplorer
      10/03/2015 at 16:37

      Beautiful photos Kami and I love the murals on the walls :D

      • Reply
        kami
        12/03/2015 at 16:24

        Thank you! :) The street art scene was so cool there!

    • Reply
      Heather @ Ferreting Out the Fun
      15/03/2015 at 10:39

      Perfect timing, I’m hoping to visit Vilnius next month!

      • Reply
        kami
        06/04/2015 at 21:08

        Fingers crossed you will get there and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it then, it’s a beautiful city and spring time there must be great!

    • Reply
      Tatiana
      11/08/2015 at 22:17

      someday, someday…My travel dream for a long time. Pretty weird – I’ve been to several Lithuanian cities but never in Vilnius. Do my best to visit it next year.

      • Reply
        kami
        13/08/2015 at 21:53

        This is definitely weird! You can easily go there even only for the weekend! Take a look at Simple Express, they have some really good offers every now and then and you can travel to Vilnius for a really cheap price!

    • Reply
      Jurga
      12/08/2015 at 09:06

      Thank you, Kami, for so nicely describing my city :) if you are planing to come to Lithuania again – Klaipeda and Curonian Spit are the places not to miss. good luck in your future trips!

      • Reply
        kami
        13/08/2015 at 21:54

        Thank you for your nice comment Jurga! I really would love to see those places in Lithuania, hopefully will do that soon!! Your country is really beautiful and unfortunately so underrated!

    • Reply
      Andrea
      18/10/2015 at 02:32

      I was able to spend 4 days in Vilnius last year on a choir tour. Visited all of the Baltic States, and Poland, but Vilnius was my favorite city! So beautiful, and such friendly people! I visited many of the sites on your list, but my favorite was St. Catherine’s Church, which is now a concert hall. Absolutely beautiful! If you haven’t been, be sure to visit!

      • Reply
        kami
        15/11/2015 at 10:41

        I can see why you liked Vilnius so much Andrea, it’s a wonderful place! I passed by St. Catherine’s Church few times but have never really been inside! Will go there next time I’m in Vilnius! Thank you for telling me about that place!!

    • Reply
      Labas ir sveiki atvykę! (Hello and Welcome) – colorwithstacia
      26/04/2016 at 17:21

      […] Kami and The Rest of the World […]

    • Reply
      Ute
      09/08/2016 at 19:16

      Hello Kami,
      I found your blog as I am here in Vilnius right now (coming from Germany through Poland by a campervan) :) You have a really great blog, I am a German travel blogger and as well for female solo travel. Nice to meet you here and I’ll follow you from now on. What camera are you using? Your pictures are so nice! Wish you pleasant journeys and best wishes from Vilnius! Ute

      • Reply
        kami
        23/08/2016 at 23:13

        Hello Ute! Thank you for your nice comment. I hope you enjoy your trip around Baltics, it’s such a great and underrated part of the world. I use Nikon D3200 so nothing really amazing but I still like it :) Happy travels!

    • Reply
      Laura
      23/01/2017 at 18:38

      Wow, wonderful photos and article! Also, Vilnius is not the only great city in Lithuania. I would definitely recommend you to visit Klaipeda. It’s an amazing city aside the Baltic Sea. Also, there is an awesome opportunity to have a trip in the Curonian Spit which is inscribed to the List of World Heritage. So, you’re very welcome to visit my homeland once again ;)

      • Reply
        kami
        28/01/2017 at 22:20

        I’ve been hoping to go to Klaipeda and Curonian Spit for so many years! Hopefully this will finally happen this year!

    • Reply
      Juan
      12/03/2017 at 04:45

      HI KAMI , very insteresting review of Vilnius ! Im going to the city in a few days and will explore it according some of your recommendations, sure looks like a beautiful city to go around!
      regards from Argentina
      Juan

      • Reply
        kami
        23/03/2017 at 10:24

        Hope you will enjoy Vilnius! Have a wonderful time there!!

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