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Why choose Vilnius for city break?
If you follow us or have read any of the blogs you probably know that Justina was born, raised and grew up in Lithuania. She lived in Vilnius during her study years and she has a great knowledge of Vilnius sightseeing spots and its old town in particular. The old town of Vilnius is where she spent most of her time as she studied there. She fell in love with the city and never stopped exploring as she lived there.
Vilnius is a long-standing historic capital of Lithuania with its roots going back to medieval times. It is a wonderful destination for a city break as it has a rich cultural scene, nightlife, loads of greenery, parks, cheap transportation, affordable quality hotels, picturesque historical old town but it isn't too busy, it's quite peaceful compared to other European capitals. Sounds like a long and promising list, that's right.
We live in London now but we go there at least twice a year to visit Justina's family and friends who live there but also to enjoy this beautiful city which just keeps on growing and improving year on year.
In this blog post, Justina shares some of her favourite things to do and see in the capital of Lithuania (these are just a few things, there is so much more!)
Your guide to Vilnius
Explore the old town
Old town of Vilnius plays a massive part in the country's historical past and is a Unesco world heritage site. It's one of the biggest in Northern Europe (correct, not Eastern, we are in Northern Europe)!
Main historic and architectural monuments you should visit
Vilnius Cathedral square and bell tower - a must
Palace of grand dukes - a must
Church of St Anne (they say that Napoleon wanted to take that renaissance architecture wonder with him when he was crossing Lithuania) - a must
Church of St Paul and Peter
Town hall
Presidential palace
University of Vilnius (founded in 1579 it's the oldest university in Baltic states) - a must
Main walking streets
Pilies street oldest street in the old town , pedestrianised route with restaurants, boutique shops, souvenir shops and cafes. Pilies street is the best place to look for Lithuanian souvenirs and gifts. Open air market stalls dotted along the street selling handmade items of clothing, famous wool scarfs, gloves, and slippers. This is where you will also find lithuanian "gold" - amber shops.
Vokiečių street another beautiful promenade linking Vilnius town hall "Rotušė" to Gediminas avenue. Some of the best coffee and dessert places are located over here as well as modern art gallery (huge white buildingby the side of the town hall). If you walk from the town hall towards Gediminas avenue you will unavoidably cross two very famous streets for their bars and nightlife - Vilnius and Islandijos streets.
Wonder off Vokiečių street towards university street and you will get into a little labyrinth of cobbled picturesque old town streets featuring local designer shops, boutiques, wine bars and trendy dessert places and cafes. Just when you need those instagram “worthy” shots! Every corner of Stiklių street is picture worthy.
Gediminas avenue
The longest avenue in the old town starting at Cathedral Square and ending by the river Neris next to the Lithuanian parliament. This is where you will find most of the government institutions and embassies, theatres, restaurants and the only shopping mall in the old town “Gedo 9”. Constructed in 1836 1,8 km long(just over a mile) it's the main street in the old and cannot be missed during your visit. Walk along the avenue and explore it's buildings, shops, restaurants, museums, squares and you can even pay a visit to the Drama theatre or museum of occupation and freedom fights to learn more about Lithuania's history at the time.
Visit Republic of Užupis
It’s a unique and small neighbourhood short walk from the old town located on the other side of the river Vilnia. I would agree with many who say that it's a very tiny area in the town but also the most bohemian area in the whole of Lithuania housing art galleries, boutique shops and artist galleries. Recently some very popular bakeries and restaurants opened there making it a great place for food if you want to escape the business of the old town. If old buildings are your weakness, you will be in for a treat!
It is called the Republic of Užupis as if it's another country because back in 1997 it was declared an independent state of Vilnius town. It has its own flag, unofficial currency, president and constitution. Constitution that has been translated in 23 languages and is displayed on the mural wall in Paupio street. Dalai Lama has visited the constitution himself in 2013 and in September 2018 Pope Francesco gave it a blessing during his visit in Lithuania.
Best time for visiting Vilnius
In the winter months with heavier snowfall and frost (“whitest” months are January to March) city parks look like something out of a fairytale however most of the days are hazy and quite dull and wet therefore it's not the best time to explore the town. I would recommend visiting during spring (real spring starts around the end of April when everything starts blooming) and of course during the summer. The hottest time of the year with temperatures of up to 30 something degrees is the second half of the summer which is the end of July and August. However, you should always be ready for some unusual weather (mainly rain showers) and weather is quite unpredictable in Lithuania. As an example, summer can start as early as May but it never stays hot more than two months. Nowadays seasons have become less predictable and much less defined than they usedto be so it's almost impossible to tell. What remains certain is that late spring and summer is the most enjoyable time for visiting Lithuania and doing some sightseeing outdoors.
Main parks and green spaces in the old town for outdoor activities are:
river Neris and so called white bridge area around the river (skate park, volleyball, beach in the city)
Bernadine park
Lukiškių square
Cathedral square and park around it
Visit tallest building in Lithuania
TV tower is the highest building in Lithuania at 326.5 m. Since it’s opening it has been and still is a home to lithuanian radio and television centre but it's also a significant monument of Lithuania's past. In the events of January 13th in 1991 during soviet occupation years it was a place where horrid attacks took place when soviet troupes occupied the tower in order to stop broadcasting Lithuanian news and radio. Crowds of unarmed people flocked to the site to resist the occupation but soviets sent tanks and 14 died in the fight that we now call “fight for freedom”.
If you would like to visit this monument and watch Vilnius from the highest point in the country, entry ticket will cost you anywhere from 9 to 52 euros depending on what activity you choose and the time you visit. In 2021 they have opened an open-air terrace at 165 metres where you can do so-called edge walk for those seeking an adventure. Mind you, this construction has been standing here since 1981 and was built under soviet regulations but there are constant works to it being done to keep it safe and usable. It is still very old and outdated building so don’t expect modern or posh environment. What is cool is that there is a restaurant inside the tower which is set on the platform which slowly spins around its axe and takes 45 min to complete the full circle. You can enjoy coffee and some traditional Lithuanian food whilst appreciating changing panoramas from your seat and don't worry you won't get dizzy, you can barely notice spinning as it moves really slow. I visited in December a few years ago and I personally would recommend going in the spring/summer season on a clear sunny day as the chances of getting clearer and better views are much greater then.
Here are some of my shots of what the views look like from the top in the winter!
Eat Cepelinai in “Forto dvaras”
No journey to a country can be complete without exploring country's cuisine, am I right or right?
Lithuanian food is hearty, calorious (urban dictionary said it's a word) and heavy with mild seasoning.We don't do spicy foods and we love meat and potatoes a lot!
The best known local dish is Cepelinai. To describe it, it's a boiled potato dumpling stuffed with minced meat (traditionally porc but variations are becoming more and more popular) served with a dollop of sour cream and bacon lardons.
Cepelinai
Another Lithuanian dish you shouldn’t miss is cold beetroot soup or in lithuanian“šaltibarščiai” (which means "cold beat") and potato pancakes stuffed with minced meat “žemaičių blynai” or potato pancakes without any filling “bulviniai blynai” both served with sour cream. Cabbage rolls known as “balandėliai” stuffed with mince and rice filling are also quite popular. For snacks, try fried bread sticks with cheese dip “kepta duona” (Yum) and split peas with lardons “žirneliai su spirgučiais”. Another very traditional meal however I have never tried although I am Lithuanian is… pig intestines stuffed with potato mash and onions called "vėdarai". It looks like sausage but the thought of it being pigs intestines scared me for life so I could never try it.
Night out in a bar in Vilnius and Islandijos streets
Vilnius and Islandijos streets are the main streets for some nightlife action. In Vilnius, we have an abundance of bars especially wine and beer bars (cider bars too!) and those tend to be more popular amongst locals than nightclubs or fancy restaurants.
Sports bars like “Gringo pub”, “Piano Man“, Republic pub”, “Uncle Sams or “Piano Piano”for a more sophisticated glass of wine and snacks. “Distilerija” pictured below is great for cocktails but is quite expensive (smart casual dress code and face control is a thing there). For a more relaxed atmosphere where no one cares about what you are wearing try out karaoke bar “Bix”, and “Paviljonas” these two are not actually in Vilnius street but they are only a short walk from the old town.
Climb viewpoints for old town views
Gediminas castle
Take not a complicated 15 min walk or a funicular to the top of the castle from where the best views of Vilnius old town opens up. Gediminas castle is famous for it’s legend according to which the Grand Duke of Lithuania named Gediminas had a dream about a big iron cast wolf howling on top of the hill where the Duke was hunting that night. The duke interpreted this dream as a sign sent by God to build a city that would later be known to the world as a capital of Lithuania. Duke went ahead with his dream and built an upper castle on that hill where the wolf was howling and the castle was named in his honour.
Subačius observation deck
10 min walk up from the Republic of Užupis which I wrote about earlier in this blog you will find an observation deck from where you can see the views of Užupis rooftops and of the skyline of Vilnius financial district.
Vilnius Cathedral bell tower
57 m height monument together with the Cathedral building dominating the main square of the town. Purchase the ticket at the door and you can get up to the top (no lifts, stairs only, not suitable for buggies, pushchairs or those with mobility issues). From the top you will get amazing views of Cathedral Square, Gediminas avenue and the Castle. Way up to the top of the tower is scary at times as you climb narrow, small and sometimes squeaky steps. I wouldn't recommend looking down if you are afraid of heights.
St John's church bell tower
When I was studying at the university of Vilnius I used to see this tower everyday for 4 years as it is located within my faculty grounds but at that time I wasn’t bothered about taking pictures. I am sorry I don’t have a picture to share but I can assure it’s a great viewing point as you get the diverse 360 view of red old town roofs, Subačius hill, Cathedral square and further away residential areas.
Hill of three crosses
This list couldn’t be complete without Hill of three crosses. Slightly further away but I find that views at the top are the most rewarding of all. Walk from the old town to Kalnai park crossing the forest will take you around 20 – 25 mins (1.4 km). This is funny because I am talking about best views and I don't have a picture to show. The reason being last time I visited was with my girlfriends during my hen party so I definitely wasn't thinking about taking pictures that time but then it's a plan to go there and get it next time I am in Lithuania!
Dinner at Panama food Garden
This place is not in the old town, but starting from Cathedral Square it’s a 35 min walk along Gediminas avenue. You will walk past Martynas Mažvydas national library of Lithuania and get to see Lithuanian parliament on the way.
I recommend this place because it is different from your usual restaurants. It’s quirky, a bit rustic, has an outside beer garden and a glasshouse!! with seating where I strongly suggest making a reservation, especially on the weekends. Main courses start from around 12 – 14 euros but it's really worth it and I couldn’t fault the quality of the food or the service last time I was there.
Menu is sort of a fusion and a mix of world cuisines; some European inspiration, some Thai and Asian meals however it is perfect if you like to try different cuisines in one place! I took some pictures to show you the place.
This blog post in my own style ( I like to talk a lot, don't I) is longer than planned but I really wanted to give you some practical tips and ones that would be useful! If after reading it you are now considering visiting Vilnius - my job is done! (WHOOP WHOOP)
Getting around Vilnius. Transportation
2 or 3 full days is enough to explore Vilnius old town inside out. If you get out exploring early in the morning you might be able to rush through it in 1 day (excluding visits to museums of course) but it would be a really tirind day. 2 full days is definitely a better option!
If you plan to do museums and all touristy things and travel on public transport, I recommend getting 48 hour Vilnius pass which gives you unlimited public transport access and free or discounted access to many sites and objects. If you prefer exploring on foot and are not so much into touristy things or on a budget, you can get away without it. For Vilnius pass info head here: https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/get-vilnius-pass
E-scooters are really popular in Lithuania and currently, they are one of the best and quickest ways of getting around the town. You need to download "bolt" and "lime" apps to your smartphone and to ride those scooters all you need is your smartphone. Unlock via the app, then park and lock the scooter anywhere around the town and that's it. Using scooters is more expensive than using local buses however it's great fun and the city is made for them! There are plenty of scooters to rent in Vilnius and you will find them dotted around the old town mainly. Vilnius isn't that big so distances are very reasonable. If the weather is good it's by far a more enjoyable way of getting around the town than taking one of the old busses (busses remaining from soviet times).
The old town can be easily covered on foot or on a scooter but a scooter can be dangerous if you don't have experience driving it or don't have a helmet. In that case, you can buy "Vilniečio kortelė" for 1.5 euros. It's a public transport travel card and you can get it from kiosks which are dotted around the town. To use public transport (buses only, there are no tubes or trams or trains inside the city) you have to top up your travel card with a ticket of your choice depending on how far you are travelling and tickets vary from 30 min tickets to annual tickets. For getting around the old town 30 min ticket is enough most of the time as the distances aren't big. If you are travelling further from the old town 60 min ticket should be enough but if you want to avoid the hassle of having to think which ticket to get and you are in Vilnius for a day or more, top up your travel card with 1,3, 5 days ticket. Time of your ticket starts counting down from the moment you validate your ticket in one of the yellow machines when you board the bus. There is no metro or trains inside the city.
If you prefer taxis; use Uber or Taxify apps. They are great and it's a lot cheaper than in Western Europe!
If you have more questions about Vilnius or would like me to plan you a trip as a part of my private travel planning service, I will be looking forward to hearing from you anytime!