Is Vilnius price visiting? Heck Sure! We personally assume it is among the greatest capital cities in Europe! There may be a variety of issues to do in Vilnius for all guests, and it’s a spotlight of any journey to the Baltics. The town is essentially the most populist is the capital of Lithuania. It’s a quaint city with a small inhabitants of half one million and terribly welcoming. It’s the right place to get misplaced for a number of days and a well-liked cease on the Baltic tour route.
Streets are cobblestoned, and town heart is the most important preserved instance of baroque structure in Europe. It’s suffering from Catholic and Orthodox church buildings, and regardless of the place you might be within the metropolis, you possibly can see the ever-present Gediminas’ Tower.
The most important metropolis in Lithuania is filled with small cafes, charming outlets, eating places, artwork, and historical past. We had a unbelievable time exploring and may’t wait to return in the future. It’s stuffed with thrilling actions and sights. Observe our footsteps and a few of these nice issues to do in Vilnius.
VILNIUS AT A GLANCE
- When to Go to Vilnius: One of the best time to go to Vilnius is in the summertime months from Could to September, with the warmest months being June, July and August.
- The place to Keep: Resort Vilnia is the nicest resort within the space and effectively price a keep!
- Find out how to Get Round: Vilnius Previous City is among the largest in Europe, and you may simply get round on foot. You’ll be able to clso get round with public transit. See Susisiekimo paslaugos.
- Prime Three Issues to Do: Stroll Round Previous City, Hike Up Gediminas’ Tower, day journey to Trakai Fortress.
- Issues to Know: The identify Vilnius originates from the Vilnia River.
Greatest Issues to do in Vilnius
Discover the Previous City
A European metropolis with an outdated city is nothing new, however they’re virtually at all times effectively price exploring. If you happen to solely have in the future in Vilnius, I’d extremely advocate staying at a resort within the precise outdated city and wander round day and night time from there.
Vilnius’s outdated city is kind of massive however simple to navigate. The baroque structure is ample, and there are many cafes to dip into and revel in a espresso.
The streets are bustling in any respect hours, and there’s a cafe each ten steps. The cobbled streets are spotless and boast many touristy websites like St. Anne’s Church and the Presidential Palace. This was considered one of our favourite issues to do in Vilnius and any city in Europe, for that matter.
Gate of Daybreak
One other great point to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, is go to the Gate of Daybreak. Also called the Sharp Gate, the Gate of Daybreak is a staple sight should you see the nation’s capital. It’s significantly notable as it’s the final remaining gate of 5, from the wall that after surrounded town limits.
As a result of gate’s age (development on the wall started in 1503), in addition to the famed portray of the Blessed Virgin Mary within the close by gate chapel, the location attracts pilgrims and vacationers from everywhere in the world. These days, it’s one thing of a shrine. For the reason that Virgin Mary is commonly related to dawn, the gate grew to become regionally often known as the Gate of Daybreak.
Head into Uzupis
One other among the finest issues to do in Vilnius is stroll round Uzupis. With out even realizing it, we had crossed the bridge over the Vilnia River and had been within the Republic of Uzupis. A self-governing “free city,” just like that of Freetown Christiania.
Uzupis has its personal president, forex, and structure and could be very charming to stroll round in. There’s a bohemian and creative really feel to the small space, and yow will discover your self exploring the artwork installations whereas lazing concerning the Vilnia River.
Wander Round Bernardine Cemetary
I’ve by no means been a cemetery expeditionist, however this explicit Lithuanian cemetery is a beautiful place to go to in Vilnius. Simply to the east of the Uzupis district, you will discover the peaceable graveyard overlooking town. Enterprise in and pay your respects, you received’t remorse it. It is among the many free issues to do in Vilnius as effectively.
KGB Museum // Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
If you happen to’re up for it, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (also called the Genocide Museum) is price a go to to pay respects and homage to a darkish interval within the nation’s historical past. The constructing’s historical past is considered one of invasion and bloodshed; it first served because the Gestapo headquarters throughout the Nazi occupation in 1941. When the Soviets retook the nation in 1944, the KGB used the constructing to detain, imprison, torture, and execute all those that resisted Soviet rule.
The constructing is now a museum, the place guests can tour three flooring; the highest two define the day-to-day life within the nation and Lithuanian resistance in opposition to the Soviet Union, whereas the basement homes the jail the place torture and execution would happen. This museum is a chilling reminder of occupation and energy and the implications of preventing again.
Eat at Snekutis
There are three areas across the metropolis to strive low-cost native Lithuanian meals. They’ve many draft beer choices starting from €1.30-€3. Come hungry and depart 10 lbs heavier from the hearty meat and potato pancakes. Now can be a superb time to stroll across the outdated city. Do not forget that it’s frequent to tip 10% on meals payments in lots of components of Europe; learn extra about tipping in Europe.
Hike As much as Gediminas’ Tower
For one of the best views of all of Vilnius, it’s greatest to move as much as Gediminas’ Tower, the remnants of the higher fort. There may be additionally a museum inside for €2.
Three Crosses Hill
As soon as finished with the tower, stroll down and head over to the steps resulting in The Three Crosses. On the high, you will discover superb 360 views of Vilnius. The monument is a dedication to Lithuania’s darkish previous with the Soviet Union. For my part, this is among the most extraordinary issues to see in Vilnius.
Take a Day Journey to Trakai Fortress
We advocate Trakai Fortress as one of many high issues to do in Vilnius though it’s not within the metropolis. It makes for an ideal day journey and solely takes a 30-minute bus journey to get to Trakai.
The most well-liked factor to do in Trakai is go to Trakai Fortress, a 14th-century fort surrounded by Lake Galve. It’s really beautiful to see, and I’d extremely advocate paying the €6 to go inside (€3 for college students). Not less than a half-day is advisable for at the present time journey; buses depart repeatedly and are €1.77 a technique.
Catch a Play!
The Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theatre has quite a few performances each week. Tickets are extremely inexpensive, beginning at simply €3 apiece. Catching a present is ideal for {couples}, particularly these on the lookout for a romantic night time out in Vilnius.
Sts. Peter and Paul Church
A number of publications have steadily referred to the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul as one of the vital stunning in Europe, alongside church buildings in cities reminiscent of Venice, Madrid, and Krakow. When you arrive, it’s not exhausting to see why.
The inside is a vibrant show of baroque structure, and over 2000 stucco figures enhance the within of the church corridor. Although the church was initially a easy picket construction, it was destroyed throughout a time of conflict with Russia. Its reconstruction resulted within the constructing that stands at present, a wealthy and visually astounding tapestry of kinds.
The within has a central nave, but additionally facet altars and a number of other chapels. Although its inside is an enchanting mix of kinds and decor, there are not any surviving data to elucidate who might have designed the beautiful interiors.
Church of St Johns
If you happen to’re passing by means of town’s Previous City, then chances are high you received’t be very distant from the Church of St Johns. Annexed as a part of the Vilnius College, the church’s inside is Gothic, per its authentic development, whereas its exterior now displays the late Baroque model after it was redesigned. It has at all times been (and continues to be) a web site for vital group occasions within the metropolis, from protests and performances to royal welcomes.
If you happen to’re seeking to take your go to to the following stage (pardon the pun), then you’ll want to go to the church’s campanile. At solely €2,50, it’s the very best level within the metropolis, which means that another construction can’t match the views you’ll get from the highest just about on the town.
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Church of St Theresa
Constructed by an Italian architect within the Baroque model, it’s no surprise that the Church of St Theresa turned out to be such a visually enticing construction. Its exterior is intricate (largely sandstone and granite) however not significantly embellished; the true jaw-dropping magnificence was saved for the inside. Its altar is among the highest and most stunning within the nation.
The excessive vaulted ceilings, vivid frescoes, and extremely detailed carvings and sculptures make the within of the church really a surprise to see.
It’s extremely near the Gates of Daybreak, so bundling the 2 may help you handle your time to profit from your day.
Stebuklas, the “Miracle Tile”
It’s not fairly a wishing effectively, however in keeping with legend, this magical tile tucked away in Cathedral Sq. has the power to grant needs and make your desires come true. Whether or not or not that’s true is up for debate, however the stone has a a lot richer historical past than merely granting needs: it was as soon as a strong show of quiet protest throughout the dying days of the nation as a republic underneath Soviet Rule.
Round two million individuals banded collectively to make a human chain by holding fingers all the best way from Estonia, by means of Latvia, and at last ending on the tile in Vilnius—a strong assertion in opposition to the rule of the USSR and highlighting the energy of human spirit and togetherness. It’s supposedly handiest as a fortunate attraction should you occur to encounter the tile with out in search of it out, however you’ll by no means know till you strive!
Vilnius Cathedral
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a listing of staple issues to do in Vilnius, you possibly can’t miss the Cathedral and its basilica. Its exterior is austere however inviting – an excellent show of vivid white façade and enormous stone pillars. There are a number of statuettes of evangelists and saints adorning the outside. Within the sq. simply exterior stands the freestanding bell tower, which exhibits the place the river initially flowed by means of town.
Whereas the naked and undecorated insides of the cathedral bear witness to the repercussions of Soviet rule, guests can nonetheless recognize the scale of the inside corridor and even take a guided journey right down to the cathedral catacombs, the place many dukes and kings are buried.
Nationwide Museum of Lithuania
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Vilnius? Many individuals don’t consider Lithuania as a premier vacation vacation spot, so chances are high should you’re right here, you’ve acquired some curiosity in tradition and historical past. If that’s the case, there’s no higher solution to immerse your self in its wealthy historical past than to go to the Nationwide Museum. The shows showcase the historical past of Lithuania as much as trendy instances. There’s a monument close by devoted to the nation’s final king. A funicular close by will take you up Gediminas Hill.
The museum’s reveals are particular and detailed, with shows starting from numismatics (historic cash) to archeology and iconography. It’s closed on public holidays, however at solely three euros, it makes for an incredible, cheap daytime exercise, the place what you’ll see far outweighs the admission price.
The Artillery Bastion
What to go to in Vilnius? You must head right here for certain! We’re fairly into outdated issues however will give bonus factors if they’re outdated partitions. To see historic constructions like this – significantly historic defensive constructions – holds a stage of fascination typically not current in your typical church or museum. The Artillery Bastion was first constructed within the seventeenth century and have become broken throughout wars with Moscow.
As we speak, a lot of the bastion stays; the tower, underground gun ports, and tunneling are nonetheless largely intact. There’s a connecting museum showcasing some extra military-specific historical past of town because it pertains to the wall. After you’ve taken your fill, step onto the Bastion Terrace for some severely spectacular views of town.
St Casimir’s Church
If you happen to handed a pink-ish church and questioned what it was, it’s St Casimir’s Church. Constructed by Jesuits to honor St Casimir in 1604, the unique construction was burnt down a number of instances over the course of some a long time.
Fortunately, it was lastly restored to the façade that stands at present—therefore why its decor is a patchwork of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic. Its enticing exterior is only a preview of the within element; wealthy and complicated baroque altars adorn the internal corridor.
In the course of the Second World Warfare, the museum was closed, mimicking the destiny of many church buildings within the nation. It grew to become a museum of atheism till 1988, when it was re-consecrated and reincarnated as a Catholic church as soon as once more.
Uptown Bazaar
You may name this a meals courtroom should you needed to, however you wouldn’t be doing it justice. The Uptown Bazaar is a vibrant mixture of scents and sights, with a near-endless array of eating choices – from worldwide delicacies like ramen, tapas, or Thai, to nationwide dishes and even burger joints and taco stands.
Deliver your urge for food; you positively received’t depart right here hungry because it’s among the finest locations to eat in Vilnius. This spot is for every part – from an informal brunch or an enormous banquet to laidback drinks at nightfall.
Boasting a complete of 27 eating places and bars, there may be even a contemporary grocer the place you should purchase produce and different items—simply in case you’re extra of a DIY type of individual.
Benefit from the Road Artwork
One other factor to do when questioning what to do in Vilnius is a road artwork tour. It’s not your typical factor to do in a European metropolis, however a road artwork tour remains to be fairly glorious solution to solid new mild on historic environment. Like many different cities everywhere in the world, Vilnius has its justifiable share of road and graffiti artwork. Taking a little bit tour of the notable factors round city will be an effective way to see town whereas getting a little bit train and venturing off the overwhelmed vacationer path.
Arguably the best-known piece is the wall that includes Trump and Putin – the latter having cigarette smoke being blown into his mouth (the unique wall featured a passionate kiss, however after some controversy, the mural was adjusted). The wide selection of creative kinds, colours, mediums, and mural sizes point out that there’s some severe expertise rampant in Vilnius, so though this can be a extra time-consuming outing, it’s price it to see the artwork.
St Anne’s Church
This explicit church is a bit more ornate than many others within the metropolis. It’s usually seen as a Gothic masterpiece that has retained all of its authentic glory and grandeur, having luckily come to no hurt or destruction in her 500 years of standing. That stated, its authentic construction was a picket church constructed for Anna, the Grand Duchess of Lithuania.
A wonderful bell tower – additionally constructed within the Gothic model – stands close by. Not surprisingly, Napoleon himself fell in love with it—a lot so, in actual fact, that he needed to take it again to Paris within the palm of his hand. Sadly, this was not potential, so he might have wanted to come back again for a go to or two. The church is a simple stroll from the close by cathedral, so this may be tacked on to your cathedral go to.
Christopher Summer season Music Competition
That is restricted to these touring to Vilnius in the summertime months, however its standing as a cultural metropolis icon earns it a point out on this checklist. One of many nation’s longest-running music festivals, it takes place over a interval of two months, with numerous musical acts throughout dozens of venues all through town. The overall theme behind the pageant is range; this comes throughout within the musical acts, the artists of which journey from everywhere in the world to carry out.
Every part from sacred choir music and easy jazz to a bunch recognized solely because the Loopy Saxophones play for this pageant. It’s a little bit quirky and positively on the experimental facet of artistic, however effectively price taking in a present or two should you’re in Vilnius over the summer season!
Vilnil Museum of Illusions
Most museums are usually historic, and whereas Vilnius does have its justifiable share of museums depicting town and nation’s wealthy historical past, this explicit museum is a bit more on the enjoyable facet of issues. It’s pretty new—solely open since 2016—and options over 70 reveals that includes mind-bending optical illusions, digital actuality, and installations designed to have you ever questioning your eyes!
There are additionally dance performances, most of that are mixed with an LED mild present for one thing really visually spectacular. Whereas this isn’t going to complement your view of Lithuania or show you how to perceive its historical past, it’s a superb solution to unwind after a day of exploring church buildings and human historical past museums.
Greatest Vilnius Eating places
- Pirmas Blynas: Creative recipes and menu objects like candy & savory pancakes, plus vegan choices.
- Telegrafas: Situated within the Kempinski this can be a nice upscale restaurant in Vilnius to strive.
- Egocentric Bistro Vilnius: Nice seafood choices like oysters, mussels, and tuna tartar.
The place to Keep in Vilnius
Resort Vilnia
A wonderful Nineteenth-century constructing in Vilnius, Resort Vilnia is only a 3-minute stroll from Gediminas’ Tower and has an on web site restaurant serving native delicacies.
The Joseph
Proper within the coronary heart of the Previous City district of Vilnius, The Joseph Signature Resort Vilnius is barely 300 m from Lithuanian Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre and an 8-minute stroll from Gediminas’ Tower. It’s centrally situated and completely stunning inside.
Plan For Your Journey to Vilnius
Guide a Tour!
Generally it’s good to let another person do the journey planning.
Journey Footwear
If you happen to’re questioning what journey requirements to deliver to world wide then good strolling sneakers ought to be your high concern.
Kindle Paperwhite
I really like actual books, however for touring it may be simpler to hold a lighter and extra compact merchandise like a Kindle. Plus, then you possibly can obtain new books on the go!
