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Vilnius, Lietuva - Things to Do in Vilnius

Things to Do in Vilnius

Vilnius, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Vilnius, the enchanting capital of Lithuania, is a UNESCO World Heritage city that seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern Baltic culture. The city's Old Town, one of the largest surviving medieval quarters in Northern Europe, captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture spanning over 1,400 buildings. From the iconic Gediminas Tower perched on Castle Hill to the bohemian Užupis district that declared itself an independent republic, Vilnius offers an intimate yet culturally rich experience. Beyond its historical significance, Vilnius pulses with contemporary energy through its thriving arts scene, innovative restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The city serves as a perfect introduction to Baltic culture, offering excellent value for money compared to Western European capitals while providing world-class museums, cozy cafes, and warm Lithuanian hospitality that makes every visitor feel welcome.

Top Things to Do in Vilnius

Explore Vilnius Old Town

Wander through one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval old towns, featuring stunning baroque and Gothic architecture. The UNESCO-listed quarter houses over 1,400 buildings, including magnificent churches, hidden courtyards, and charming cobblestone streets that tell centuries of Lithuanian history.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided tours cost €15-25 per person. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Look for licensed guides with deep local knowledge.

Visit Gediminas Castle Tower

Climb to the symbol of Vilnius for panoramic views over the city's red-tiled roofs and surrounding forests. This 14th-century tower houses a museum showcasing Lithuanian medieval history and offers the best vantage point to understand the city's layout and appreciate its natural setting.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €5 for adults, €2 for students. Take the funicular (€2) or hike the hill for free. Visit during golden hour for spectacular photos, and combine with Old Town exploration.

Discover Užupis District

Experience the self-proclaimed 'Republic of Užupis,' an artistic bohemian quarter that declared independence in 1997. This quirky neighborhood features art galleries, studios, cafes, and its own constitution written on multilingual plaques, creating a unique blend of creativity and whimsy.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Best visited during afternoon when galleries and cafes are open. Join art walks (€10-15) on weekends to meet local artists and understand the district's cultural significance.

Experience Lithuanian Food Culture

Dive into hearty Lithuanian cuisine featuring dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and local craft beers. The food scene ranges from traditional taverns serving grandmother's recipes to modern restaurants reimagining Baltic flavors with contemporary techniques.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €40-60 per person and include 4-6 tastings. Book tours that include both traditional and modern venues. Many restaurants don't take reservations, so arrive early for dinner service.

Take Day Trips to Trakai Castle

Visit the fairytale-like island castle of Trakai, former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, set on a picturesque lake just 30 minutes from Vilnius. The 14th-century red-brick castle houses a museum and offers opportunities for lake activities and trying traditional Karaite cuisine in the surrounding town.

Booking Tip: Castle entry costs €8 for adults. Day trips from Vilnius cost €25-40 including transport and guide. Alternatively, take public bus for €2 each way. Visit mid-week to avoid crowds, and bring layers as it's windier by the lake.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is the main gateway, located 7km from the city center with direct flights from major European cities and seasonal connections to North America. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer affordable connections from Western Europe, while the airport train (€0.65) or buses (€1) provide cheap transfers to downtown. Overland travelers can reach Vilnius by bus from other Baltic capitals (Riga 4.5 hours, Tallinn 9 hours) or by train from Poland, though flight connections are generally more convenient and competitively priced.

Getting Around

Vilnius is highly walkable, especially the compact Old Town where most attractions are within 15 minutes of each other on foot. The city operates an efficient public transport system of buses and trolleybuses costing €1 per ride or €3 for a day pass, though most visitors rarely need it for sightseeing. Taxis are affordable (€3-8 for most city trips) and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are popular. Bicycle rentals are available for €10-15 per day, and the city has been expanding its bike lane network, making cycling an increasingly pleasant option for exploring beyond the Old Town.

Where to Stay

Old Town
New Town (Naujamiestis)
Žvėrynas
Užupis
Antakalnis
Near Central Station

Food & Dining

Vilnius offers an exciting culinary scene that balances traditional Lithuanian comfort food with innovative Nordic-influenced cuisine. The Old Town features numerous traditional restaurants serving hearty dishes like cepelinai and kugelis, while the Užupis and New Town areas host modern establishments experimenting with local ingredients and contemporary techniques. Don't miss the bustling Hales Market for local produce and street food, craft beer bars showcasing Lithuania's growing brewing scene, and cozy cafes perfect for trying šakotis cake with excellent Lithuanian coffee. Most restaurants are reasonably priced, with excellent meals available for €15-25 per person.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lithuania

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Užupio Picerija

4.5 /5
(4955 reviews) 2

CASA DELLA PASTA - Laisvės al. 27

4.5 /5
(4498 reviews) 2

CASA DELLA PASTA - Vilniaus g. 17

4.6 /5
(2033 reviews) 2

CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Akropolis

4.7 /5
(1572 reviews) 2
cafe

Amandus

4.9 /5
(1074 reviews) 3

CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Vilnius Outlet

4.5 /5
(950 reviews) 2
cafe
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May to September when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and daylight extends well into the evening, perfect for exploring the outdoor attractions and sidewalk cafes. Summer brings numerous festivals, outdoor concerts, and the liveliest atmosphere, though it's also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing and photography. Winter can be magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered medieval streets, but temperatures drop well below freezing and daylight is limited, though hotel prices are at their lowest.

Insider Tips

Download the Vilnius City Card app for discounts on attractions and restaurants, plus free public transport
Many museums are free on the last Sunday of each month for EU residents
Learn a few Lithuanian phrases - locals appreciate the effort and English isn't as widely spoken as in other Baltic capitals

Explore Activities in Vilnius