Vilnius Travel Guide
Lithuania's capital and one of Europe's largest medieval old towns, with Baroque churches, a bohemian republic in Užupis, Gediminas' Tower, and a thriving tech and food scene.
🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Vilnius
- Vilnius Old Town — A UNESCO World Heritage medieval old town, one of Europe's largest, with 1,500 buildings, 70 streets, and a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
- Gediminas' Tower — A 14th-century tower on Castle Hill, the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, with a museum and panoramic views of the old town from the observation deck.
- Vilnius Cathedral — A 1783 neoclassical cathedral in Cathedral Square, with the 1801 Chapel of St. Casimir, a 190-foot bell tower, and the miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary.
- Gate of Dawn — A 16th-century city gate and chapel housing the painting of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, a pilgrimage site since 1705, with golden decorations.
- Užupis Republic — A bohemian quarter across the Vilnia River, declared an independent republic in 1997, with its own constitution, president, and art galleries.
- St. Anne's Church — A 1500 Flamboyant Gothic brick church that Napoleon reportedly wanted to take home to Paris, with 33 different brick shapes in its facade.
- Presidential Palace — A 14th-century palace rebuilt in 1820, the residence of the Lithuanian president, with a courtyard and the daily changing of the guard at 6 PM.
- Trakai Island Castle — A 14th-century red-brick castle on an island in Lake Galvė, 30 minutes from Vilnius, with a museum of Karaite and Lithuanian history.
- Hill of Three Crosses — A hill above the city with three white crosses, lit at night, commemorating 14th-century Franciscan martyrs, with panoramic old town views.
- Vilnius University — A 1579 university, one of the oldest in Eastern Europe, with 13 courtyards, a Baroque church, and a frescoed library with 5 million books.
🥾 Trails and Hikes in Vilnius
- Vilnius Old Town Walk — A walk through the UNESCO old town from the Gate of Dawn to Cathedral Square, with Baroque churches, courtyards, and 700 years of history.
- Vingis Park Loop — A 3-mile loop through Vilnius's largest park, 360 acres of forest, meadows, and the Neris River, popular with joggers and cyclists.
- Verkiai Regional Park Trail — A 5-mile trail through 5,400 acres of forest and lakes north of the city, with the 18th-century Verkiai Palace and a yellow brick bridge.
- Trakai Castle Walk — A walk around Lake Galvė and the Trakai Island Castle, 30 minutes from Vilnius, with forest paths, lake views, and the castle museum.
- Neris River Promenade — A walk along the Neris River through the city, with bridges, parks, and views of the old town and the modern business district.
🍽️ Restaurants in Vilnius
- Džiaugsmas — A modern Lithuanian bistro in the old town with a seasonal menu, craft cocktails, and a focus on local ingredients and traditional techniques.
- Sweet Root — A Michelin-recommended restaurant in a 19th-century villa, with a 7-course tasting menu of seasonal Lithuanian ingredients and foraged herbs.
- Nineteen18 — A fine dining restaurant in the old town with a 9-course tasting menu inspired by 1918 Lithuanian independence, with historic interiors.
- Amandus — A Michelin-recommended restaurant by chef Deivydas Praspaliauskas, with a 7-course tasting menu of modern Lithuanian cuisine.
- Gaspar's — A French-inspired bistro in the old town with a daily-changing menu, craft cocktails, and a cozy 19th-century interior.
- Bistro 18 — A cozy French bistro in a 16th-century cellar with steak frites, escargot, and a 200-bottle wine list.
- Senoji Trobelė — A traditional Lithuanian restaurant in a wooden house near the old town, with cepelinai (potato dumplings), wild mushroom soup, and homemade kvass.
- Lokys — A 1968 medieval-themed restaurant in a 16th-century cellar, with game dishes like venison, wild boar, and beaver, plus Lithuanian beers.
🍸 Bars and Nightlife in Vilnius
- Alaus Namai — A Lithuanian craft beer bar in the old town with 20+ local brews, traditional dishes, and a cozy atmosphere.
- Būsi Trečias — A beloved 1930s-style pub in the old town with Lithuanian beers, smoked fish, and a lively local crowd.
- Snekutis — A traditional Lithuanian beer bar in the old town with farmstead food, homemade moonshine, and a rustic atmosphere.
- Piano Man Bar — A sophisticated cocktail bar in the old town with live piano music, classic drinks, and a 1920s atmosphere.
- Distiller's Bar — A craft cocktail bar in the old town with 300+ spirits, house-made infusions, and a speakeasy atmosphere.
🎯 Activities and Tours in Vilnius
- Vilnius Sunset Evening Kayak Tour in Verkiu Regional Park — This experience combines kayaking with a unique sunset and night-time view of Vilnius city. Unlike standard daytime rentals, you will see the city transform as lights reflect on the Neris River. The experience includes transportation to the starting point, making it easy and conv
- Walking Tour of Vilnius Old Town with snacks — NB: The tour is conducted in English language. Explore the charming Vilnius Old Town on a captivating walking tour that unveils the rich history and culture inside its cobbled narrow streets! You will visit the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage site as well as some hidde
- Tour from Vilnius - Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska — Save time and money traveling from Vilnius to Riga!! Guaranteed departure Travel from Vilnius to Riga with ease and explore the world famous attractions under your own steam. This Baltic road trip will take you to the small, grey Jurgaiciai (Domantai) hillock, located in the Nort
- Tour to Ponary Memorial Park, The Hill of Angels & Trakai Castle — This tour takes you to Paneriai Memorial Park and the picturesque Trakai Castle. Step back in history while you soak up the atmosphere in Paneriai Memorial Park and spectacular Trakai Castle by the lakes.
- Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius — NB: The tour is conducted in English language. Step back in time and explore 50 years of Soviet rule on this 2 to 2.5-hour walking tour of Vilnius. Follow a guide through the grand streets of Vilnius and enjoy some imposing Soviet-era architecture. Discover the most famous Sovi
- Premium Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Vilnius(when possible)or Trakai — Vilnius is one of a very few European capitals allowing hot air ballooning in its skies. Do not miss your chance and experience an amazing hot air balloon ride over the majestic baroque Old Town of Vilnius. Forget about regular sightseeing and seize the moment observing the UNESC
- Vilnius Private Walking Tour with a Local — Skip the standard sightseeing tour and discover Vilnius through the eyes of a local. With Lokafy, every tour is private, unscripted, and personalized to you. Your Lokafyer is a passionate local who shares stories, hidden gems, and authentic tips you won’t find in a guidebook. Th
- Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius — NB: The tour is conducted in English language. Step back in time to get acquainted with a community that earned Vilnius the title "Jerusalem of Lithuania" and the times that changed the face of Vilnius forever. Walk around the former Jewish quarter, Small & Big Ghettos during W
- Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights "Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems" — Bike tour for the first-comers to Vilnius featuring must-see classics in combination with newly trending spots. It is meant to introduce you to the city and make it feel as home. The tour will wind along charming Old Town streets, pause at the iconic landmarks, stop at the enchan
- Jim's Tour from Vilnius to Trakai and Hill of Angels — This isn't a typical castle day trip. Join me for a journey through Lithuania's layered identity — Teutonic Knights, the Polish union, Soviet rule, basketball obsession, and the quiet pride of a country that refused to disappear. My commentary is personal, the history is real, an
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🏨 Hotels and Stays in Vilnius
- Artis Centrum Hotels — Artis Centrum Hotels is a mid-range hotel in Old Town, Vilnius. It offers a practical base for exploring the city for travelers exploring Vilnius.
- Hotel PACAI — A 5-star hotel in a 17th-century Baroque mansion on Didžioji Street in the old town, with 102 unique rooms, a spa, and a restaurant by chef Simonas Stunžinskas.
- Narutis Hotel — A 5-star boutique hotel in a 16th-century building on Pilies Street in the old town, with 49 individually decorated rooms, frescoed ceilings, and a courtyard restaurant.
- Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square — A luxury hotel in a historic building on Cathedral Square, with 96 rooms, a spa, indoor pool, and a rooftop restaurant with old town views.
- Hotel Vilnius — Great care is taken to ensure guests experience comfort through top-notch services and amenities.Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit.To facilitate your arrival and departure, you can pre-book airport transfer services prior to checking in...
- Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius — A luxury hotel in the business district across the Neris River, with 189 rooms, a spa, indoor pool, and a rooftop restaurant with city views.
- Radisson BLU Royal Astorija — At Radisson Blu Cebu, exceptional service and top-notch amenities create a memorable experience for guests.Complimentary internet access is available in the hotel to ensure you stay connected during your visit.Arrange your trips to and from the airport using the hotel's convenient transportation ser...
- Hotel Stikliai — A hotel in Cathedral Square / Castle, Vilnius, offering comfortable accommodation and essential amenities at luxury rates. Highly rated by guests for quality and service.
- Amberton Hotel Vilnius — Great care is taken to ensure guests experience comfort through top-notch services and amenities.Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit.To facilitate your arrival and departure, you can pre-book airport transfer services prior to checking in...
- Novotel Vilnius Centre — Experience an abundance of unparalleled facilities and features at Novotel Vilnius Centre. Maintain seamless communication using the complimentary Wi-Fi at hotel.Effortlessly arrange transportation to and from the airport using the hotel's airport transfer services. Discover the wonders of Vilnius w...
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