23 BEST Issues to do in Vilnius (2023)

Is Vilnius price visiting? Heck Sure! We personally suppose it is among the greatest capital cities in Europe! There’s 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 within the capital of Lithuania. It’s a quaint city with a small inhabitants of half 1,000,000 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 middle is the most important preserved instance of European baroque structure. It’s plagued by Catholic and Orthodox church buildings, and regardless of the place you might be within the metropolis, you may see the ever-present Gediminas’ Tower.

The biggest metropolis in Lithuania is filled with small cafes, charming outlets, eating places, artwork, and historical past. We had a improbable time exploring and might’t wait to return at some point. It’s filled with thrilling actions and sights. Observe our footsteps and a few of these nice issues to do in Vilnius.

Greatest Issues to do in Vilnius

Discover the Outdated City

A European metropolis with an outdated city is nothing new, however they’re virtually all the time properly price exploring. When you solely have at some point in Vilnius, I’d extremely advocate staying at a resort within the precise outdated city and wandering round day and evening from there.

Vilnius’s outdated city is kind of massive however simple to navigate.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 get pleasure from 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 one in every 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 visiting the Gate of Daybreak. Also called the Sharp Gate, the Gate of Daybreak is a staple sight in the event you see the nation’s capital. It’s significantly notable as it’s the final remaining gate of 5 from the wall that when surrounded town limits.

As a result of gate’s age (building on the wall started in 1503) and the famed portray of the Blessed Virgin Mary within the close by gate chapel, the positioning attracts pilgrims and vacationers from all around 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 best issues to do in Vilnius is strolling round Uzupis. We crossed the bridge over the Vilnia River with out even realizing it and had been within the Republic of Uzupis. A self-governing “free city,” just like that of Freetown Christiania.  

Uzupis has its personal president, foreign money, and structure and could be very charming to stroll round.  The small space has a bohemian and inventive really feel, and you will discover your self exploring the artwork installations whereas lazing in regards to the Vilnia River.

Wander Round Bernardine Cemetary

I’ve by no means been one to get pleasure from visits to the cemetery, however this specific Lithuanian cemetery is a beautiful place to go to in Vilnius.  Simply to the east of the Uzupis district, you will see the peaceable graveyard overlooking town. Enterprise in and pay your respects. You received’t remorse it.  It is usually one of many many free issues to do in Vilnius.

KGB Museum // Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

When you’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 one in every 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 nation’s day-to-day life 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, energy, and the results of preventing again.

Eat at Snekutis

There are three places across the metropolis to strive low cost native Lithuanian meals. They’ve many draft beer choices starting from €1.30-€3. Come hungry and go away 10 lbs heavier from the hearty meat and potato pancakes.

Now could be time to stroll across the outdated city. Keep in mind that it’s frequent to tip 10% on meals payments in lots of elements of Europe; learn extra about tipping in Europe. 

Hike As much as Gediminas’ Tower

For the very best views of all of Vilnius, it’s greatest to go as much as Gediminas’ Tower, the remnants of the higher fortress.  There’s additionally a museum inside for €2.

Three Crosses Hill

As soon as accomplished with the tower, stroll down and head to the steps resulting in The Three Crosses.  On the prime, you will see superb 360 views of Vilnius. The monument is a dedication to Lithuania’s darkish previous with the Soviet Union. I believe this is among the most extraordinary issues to see in Vilnius.

Take a Day Journey to Trakai Citadel

We advocate Trakai Citadel as one of many prime 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 trip to get to Trakai.

The preferred factor to do in Trakai is go to Trakai Citadel, a 14th-century fortress surrounded by Lake Galve.  It’s really gorgeous to see, and I extremely advocate paying the €6 to go inside (€3 for college kids).  At the very least a half-day is really useful for today journey; buses go away usually and are €1.77 a method.

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 searching for a romantic evening 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 resembling Venice, Madrid, and Krakow. When you arrive, it’s not laborious to see why.

The inside is a vibrant show of baroque structure, and over 2000 stucco figures embellish the within of the church corridor. Although the church was initially a easy wood construction, it was destroyed throughout a time of battle with Russia. Its reconstruction resulted within the constructing that stands in the present day, 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 interesting mix of kinds and decor, there aren’t any surviving data to elucidate who could have designed the gorgeous interiors.

Church of St Johns

When you’re passing by town’s Outdated 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 building, whereas its exterior now displays the late Baroque model after it was redesigned. It has all the time been (and continues to be) a website for important group occasions within the metropolis, from protests and performances to royal welcomes.

If you wish to take your go to to the following degree (pardon the pun), go to the church’s campanile. At solely €2,50, it’s the best level within the metropolis, that means that another construction can’t match the views you’ll get from the highest of city.

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Church of St Theresa

Constructed by an Italian architect within the Baroque model, it’s no marvel 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, shiny frescoes, and extremely detailed carvings and sculptures make the within of the church really a marvel to see. It’s extremely near the Gates of Daybreak, so bundling the 2 might help you handle your time to benefit from your day.

Stebuklas, the “Miracle Tile”

It’s not fairly a wishing properly, however based on legend, this magical tile tucked away in Cathedral Sq. can grant needs and make your goals 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 robust show of quiet protest throughout the dying days of the nation as a republic beneath Soviet Rule.

Round two million folks banded collectively to make a human chain by holding arms from Estonia, by Latvia, and at last ending on the tile in Vilnius—a robust assertion in opposition to the rule of the USSR and highlighting the energy of human spirit and togetherness. It’s supposedly best as a fortunate attraction in the event you come upon the tile with out searching for it out, however you’ll by no means know till you strive!

Vilnius Cathedral

When you’re searching for an inventory of staple issues to do in Vilnius, you may’t miss the Cathedral and its basilica. Its exterior is austere however inviting – an excellent show of shiny 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 reveals the place the river initially flowed by 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 all the way 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 in the event you’re right here, you’ve obtained 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 fashionable 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 (historical cash) to archeology and iconography. It’s closed on public holidays, however at solely three euros, it makes for a terrific, cheap daytime exercise, the place what you’ll see far outweighs the admission payment.

The Artillery Bastion

What to go to in Vilnius? You need to head right here for certain! We’re fairly into outdated issues however will give bonus factors if they’re outdated partitions. To see historical constructions like this – significantly historical defensive constructions – holds a degree of fascination usually 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.

Right this moment, 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 significantly spectacular metropolis views.

St Casimir’s Church

When you handed a pinkish church and puzzled 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 in the present day—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 Conflict, 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.

Uptown Bazaar

You might name this a meals courtroom in the event you wished 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 burger joints and taco stands.

Carry your urge for food; you received’t go away right here hungry because it’s among the best locations to eat in Vilnius. This spot is for the whole lot – from an off-the-cuff brunch or an enormous ceremonial dinner to laidback drinks at nightfall.

Boasting 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 particular person.

Benefit from the Avenue Artwork

One other factor to do when questioning what to do in Vilnius is a avenue artwork tour. It’s not your typical factor to do in a European metropolis, however a avenue artwork tour continues to be a reasonably glorious solution to solid new mild on historical environment.

Like many different cities worldwide, Vilnius has its justifiable share of avenue and graffiti artwork. Slightly tour of the notable factors round city may be an effective way to see town whereas getting just a little 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 blown into his mouth (the unique wall featured a passionate kiss, however after some controversy, the mural was adjusted). The wide selection of inventive kinds, colours, mediums, and mural sizes point out some critical expertise rampant in Vilnius, so though this can be a extra time-consuming outing, it’s price seeing the artwork.

St Anne’s Church

This specific church is a bit more ornate than many others within the metropolis. It’s typically 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. Its authentic construction was a wood 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 fell in love with it—a lot in order that he wished to take it again to Paris within the palm of his hand.

Sadly, this was inconceivable, so he could have wanted to come back again for a go to or two. The church is a simple stroll from the close by cathedral, which 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 listing. 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 competition is range; this comes throughout within the musical acts, the artists which journey from all around the world to carry out.

The whole lot from sacred choir music and easy jazz to a bunch identified solely because the Loopy Saxophones play for this competition. It’s just a little quirky and positively on the experimental facet of creativity, however properly price taking in a present or two in the event 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 specific 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 enrich your view of Lithuania or make it easier to perceive its historical past, it’s a superb solution to unwind after a day of exploring church buildings and human historical past museums.

Issues to do in Vilnius Map

Greatest Vilnius Eating places

• Pirmas Blynas: Ingenious recipes, menu gadgets 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

Lodge Vilnia

A wonderful Nineteenth-century constructing in Vilnius, Lodge Vilnia is only a 3-minute stroll from Gediminas’ Tower and has an on-site restaurant serving native delicacies.

The Joseph

Proper within the coronary heart of the Outdated City district of Vilnius, The Joseph Signature Lodge 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 exquisite inside.

Have You Been To Lithuania? What Issues Did You Do In Vilnius?