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Vilnius, Lithuania

Destination Guide

Vilnius

Lithuania

Best things to do in Vilnius

33 curated attractions in Vilnius, Lithuania. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

7°C/45°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, built around a medieval old town that remains one of the largest in Europe, with a wealth of Baroque architecture that shapes its character. The presence of Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Eastern Europe, brings a creative energy to the city as students and artists mingle in the cobbled streets. The Gediminas Castle Tower offers a glimpse into the city's past, while the modern vibe is most evident in the Užupis District, known for its eclectic spirit and unofficial declaration of independence. Visitors come primarily to explore the historical sites and cultural offerings, especially the Gate of Dawn and the National Museum of Lithuania, which tell the complex stories of the region.

Who it's for

Those interested in history, culture, and art will find plenty to enjoy. If you are looking for nightlife or a coastal beach experience, you might find Vilnius a bit lacking, as it’s more focused on heritage and local charm than modern entertainment.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Vilnius Old Town is compact and easily walkable, taking about twenty minutes to cross on foot
  • Public transport includes buses and trolleys that are reliable and cover the city well
  • The airport is about thirty minutes by bus from the centre, making for a straightforward arrival
  • Be aware that distances may look short on a map but can take longer to walk due to cobblestone streets
Cathedral Square and Vilnius Cathedral

Cathedral Square and Vilnius Cathedral

Squares & plazas
Saviciaus Street

Saviciaus Street

Urban Attractions
Belmontas

Belmontas

Hiking trails
Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square

Squares & plazas
Vilnius Town Hall

Vilnius Town Hall

Squares & plazas
Museum of Genocide Victims

Museum of Genocide Victims

History museums
Tsarasaotra Water Park

Tsarasaotra Water Park

Water parks
Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall

Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall

Historical
Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Church of St. Casimir

Church of St. Casimir

Religious
Bernardine Gardens

Bernardine Gardens

Formal & Japanese gardens
Gediminas Castle Tower

Gediminas Castle Tower

Castles & palaces
Vilnius TV Tower

Vilnius TV Tower

Observation decks & city views
Užupis District

Užupis District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Divine Mercy

Divine Mercy

Religious Sites
St. Anne's Church

St. Anne's Church

Religious Sites
Pilies Street

Pilies Street

Urban Attractions
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church

Churches & cathedrals
Three Crosses Hill

Three Crosses Hill

Monuments & memorials
Bell Tower

Bell Tower

Historical Attractions
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Vilnius Botanical Garden

Vilnius Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Poetry Street

Poetry Street

Urban Attractions
Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square

Squares & plazas
Gate of Dawn

Gate of Dawn

Glaciers & fjords
Mermaid of Užupis

Mermaid of Užupis

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Vilnius Picture Gallery

Vilnius Picture Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Vilnius University

Vilnius University

Historic libraries & universities
Užupio Bridge

Užupio Bridge

Urban Attractions
Republic of Užupis

Republic of Užupis

Cultural & Heritage Sites
National Museum of Lithuania

National Museum of Lithuania

History museums
Lucky Belly

Lucky Belly

Food
Hale Market

Hale Market

Shopping and Markets

Where to eat in Vilnius

The places worth planning a meal around.

Etno Dvaras

Etno Dvaras

★ 4.5 · 15,757 reviews

Snekutis

Snekutis

Lithuanian · $10–$20

★ 4.5 · 6,113 reviews

Užupio Kavinė

Užupio Kavinė

Lithuanian, Modern European · $10–$30

★ 4.2 · 2,254 reviews

Love Story Cafe

Love Story Cafe

Lithuanian, Cafe · $$

★ 4.5 · 1,058 reviews

Eskedar Coffee

Eskedar Coffee

Ethiopian, Coffeehouse · $$

★ 4.7 · 672 reviews

Kavos Reikalai

Kavos Reikalai

Coffee House · $5–$15

★ 4.8 · 525 reviews

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