Complete guide to Vilnius: Discover Lithuania's capital with its UNESCO Baroque Old Town, Gediminas' Tower, Cathedral Square, and local cuisine. Practical travel tips, hotels, and hidden gems.
Vilnius (Lith. Vilnius) is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, located in its southeastern part, 30 km from the border with Belarus. Vilnius is a city of surprising charm, with the largest Baroque old town in Europe, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. In the capital of Lithuania, you can spend hours walking among old cobbled streets, admiring beautiful architecture and stunning city panoramas from the hills, getting acquainted with landmarks and cultural monuments, discovering interesting places, and feeling like a character from Max Frei’s “Tales of Old Vilnius.”
Geography and Climate
Vilnius is located in the southeastern part of Lithuania at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers, not far from the border with Belarus. The terrain is a hilly plain. The city’s surroundings are picturesque forests and lakes. It is the only Baltic capital located a significant distance from the sea coast.
The climate of Vilnius is moderately continental with a noticeable influence from the Baltic Sea. It is characterized by cool summers and fairly mild but quite snowy winters. Over 600 mm of precipitation falls annually. Overcast weather prevails throughout the year.
Modern Vilnius
Best Time to Visit
It’s hard to say the best time to go to Vilnius. The city is beautiful in almost any weather and season. But still, the best time in terms of weather would be May to September, and in terms of atmosphere, you can add winter (especially the Christmas holiday period).
Practical Information
Population of Vilnius is over half a million people, consisting of: 63% Lithuanians, 16% Poles, and 12% Russians.
Official language is Lithuanian.
Currency is the Euro.
Vilnius is a green city. Almost half of its area is covered by green spaces.
Visa: Schengen visa required.
History
Vilnius was founded in the 13th century. There is a beautiful legend associated with the city’s foundation. Long ago, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gediminas, was hunting in the area of the future city. After the hunt, he stayed overnight. And he dreamed that on the hill where the prince killed a mighty aurochs, stood a huge iron wolf, howling loudly at the moon. The prince woke up and ordered a wise priest to be called, who interpreted the dream as follows: “A new city will arise in this place, and its glory will be so great that it will reach the ends of the world.” Gediminas proceeded to build the new city, which later became the Lithuanian capital. The city got its name from the small Vilnia River, on which it was built.
Vilnia River
Main historical milestones of Vilnius:
1323 – First written mention of the city.
1387 – Vilnius receives city rights.
1410 – The Polish-Lithuanian army defeats the German Teutonic Order. Lithuania becomes one of the largest countries in Europe.
End of the 15th century – Vilnius becomes one of the central cities of the Baltics and the eastern part of Central Europe.
First half of the 16th century – a printing house opens in the city, and municipal water supply begins operation.
1569 – Vilnius loses its former significance after the union of Poland and Lithuania. Warsaw becomes the capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
1579 – A university opens in Vilnius.
17th century – the city was seriously damaged during the Russo-Polish wars.
1795 – Lithuania becomes part of the Russian Empire, and Vilnius becomes a governorate center.
1862 – Construction of the St. Petersburg-Vilnius-Warsaw railway.
1918 – Declaration of Independence of Lithuania.
1920 – Occupation by Poland. Kaunas becomes the capital.
1940 – Lithuania becomes part of the USSR. During World War II, Vilnius was occupied by German troops. Despite damage during hostilities, the Old Town largely survived.
1990 – Lithuania becomes an independent state.
On the streets of Vilnius
How to Get There
Vilnius Airport is located 6 km from the city center. It is the largest civilian airport in Lithuania, connecting the country with most major European cities: Riga, Rome, Paris, Vienna, Milan, Warsaw, Bremen, Madrid, Oslo, and others.
If you live in Kyiv or Lviv and can tolerate overnight bus rides, use Eurolines services. The journey takes 12-15 hours, ticket cost is around €40. It’s easier and not much more expensive (from €50-60) to fly – look for direct flights with Wizz Air and Ukraine International Airlines.
From the airport to the old town, you can take buses 1, 2, 3G, or the train. You can also reach Vilnius by train from Minsk and Warsaw.
It’s not always advisable to drive your own car to Vilnius: firstly, you might encounter endless car queues at the borders; secondly, you can get confused by the intricate traffic in Vilnius’s old town.
Transportation
If you really want to travel around the Vilnius suburbs – for example, to visit the French mill complex “Belmontas,” the open-air modern art museum “Europos Parkas,” or the Tyszkiewicz Palace in Lentvaris – you can rent a car from CityBee with a one-step registration system.
Streets of Vilnius
Vilnius railway station is located practically in the Old Town, within which it is faster and most convenient to walk. A single bus or trolleybus ticket can only be bought from the driver for €1. Therefore, if you are a frequent visitor to Vilnius or plan to actively travel between “Akropolis” and “IKEA,” buy a Vilniecio kortele card and top it up for several half-hour trips – this will be cheaper and allow you to change transport within 30 minutes without problems. On weekends, night buses run in the city, and there is a daily night route from the airport (88N). You can check the schedule and plan a route using the official website or the convenient desktop/mobile app Trafi.
During the warm season, Vilnius has an automatic bicycle rental system, Cyclocity. Parking spots are scattered within the old town; the first half hour of the ride is free (don’t be a fool – after half an hour, just replace the bike!). A three-day pass can be bought directly at the terminal at the parking spot for €2.90. There are also classic rental options – Velotakas (Stulginskio g. 5) and VeloVilnius (Pylimo g. 31). Both offer bike tours around the city.
For taxis, it’s better to call by phone (1446, 1818, 864064040, 88003333, 852500525), or use Uber, in which case 1 km of travel will cost from 33 euro cents to €1.
Hostels
Downtown Forest (Paupio g. 31A) – a hostel and campsite surrounded by a small picturesque park on the edge of Užupis. In summer, you can perfectly pitch your own tent or camper here on the way to a festival, and in the cold season – comfortably settle in the bright rooms of the former manor. For breakfast, they offer free tea and coffee and sell fresh croissants. Additionally, visitors can use, but in moderation, a free mini-bar. The hostel often hosts concerts by local bands, flea markets, and grill evenings.
If you suddenly find yourself in Vilnius without a roof over your head, don’t disdain the capsule hostels Hostels Vilnius (Sodu g. 8 and 17). Don’t be scared that this street, like the entire station district, is considered a gathering place for prostitutes, marginalized people, and criminal elements, because it is in such locations that real Japanese capsule hotels with sleeping pods are located. The service is acceptable and inexpensive.
Hostel Jamaika (Visu šventuju g. 9) – another place where, if you stay, you’ll be in the center of events. “Jamaica” is located near the Town Hall, yet surrounded by a quiet square where a small flea market forms on weekends. On the first floor of the hotel, there is a bar, and registration also takes place here, while hippie-like chefs bake pizza in an authentic oven. Locals come here for comic book masterclasses, Gypsy music evenings, or reggae parties. Guests of “Jamaica” can use large…
ChestNut Hostel Vilnius – a stylish hostel with a cozy hall, library, computer, and board games. All necessary amenities are available, including a washing machine.
One of the most budget-friendly hostels in Vilnius – Hostelgate – is located right in the city center, very close to the sights. The rooms here are minimalist but clean and bright.
A simple and cozy hostel can also be found right next to the central Cathedral Square. Pogo Hostel (B. Radvilaites g. 3) – not the most expensive option with a standard set of services.
Church of the Holy Cross
Hotels
Bookinn B&B (Domininkonu g. 6). In this mini-hotel with only nine rooms in a former monastery building, every guest is ensured individual attention. The reception works on demand, so it’s better to book a room and notify them of your arrival time in advance. The family that opened the hotel is fanatical not only about travel but also about reading, so there is a mini-library with literature in different world languages in the hall, and the interior design uses old books. Windows of some rooms face the monastery courtyard, while others face the cutest street in the city – Dominikonų. Perhaps this hotel is best suited for a romantic or family weekend in Vilnius. Rooms for 2-4 people have small kitchens equipped. If necessary, they will provide a baby cot.
A more expensive option – Comfort Hotel. A double room with cool interior and everything needed for comfortable living – from €51. By the way, one of Lithuania’s coolest chefs works in the hotel restaurant; try his Nordic cuisine made from seasonal products.
St. Paraskeva Friday Church Vilnius
Urbihop Hotel – a fashionable hotel not far from the Akropolis shopping center. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and excellent views, and the restaurant serves perfect breakfasts in the morning. The price for a double room starts from €41.
Hotel Domus Maria is located in a historical building of a former monastery, weeks from the Sharp Gate. It has bright, nice rooms and its own free parking.
4 stars for reasonable money – Loop Hotel Vilnius. Prices for a double room here start from €57. The hotel is located just a kilometer from the airport. It’s also not far to the city center – only 3 kilometers.
If you want seclusion, on Airbnb.com or Housetrip.com you can find many inexpensive apartments and rooms in the center and Old Town.
Shopping and Purchases
The most commonly bought souvenirs are amber products, woolen items, hats, and tableware. Quite a few shops are located in the Old Town. You can find everything there: from souvenirs and trinkets to electronics and branded items. On Stiklių Street, you can find products from local clothing manufacturers, and on Pilies Street, there are souvenir shops.
If you’re too lazy to venture beyond the center – you can shop on Gediminas Avenue and the neighboring streets. Here you’ll find Zara, H&M, Benetton, Marks & Spencer, New Yorker, lingerie stores, shoe boutiques, and outlets. In the GO9 shopping center (Gedimino pr. 9) there are many shops with edible and alcoholic goods.
Pay attention to the branded men’s clothing store RUGGED’-RAW (Dysnos g. 4), where discounts are frequent. Another store with a large selection of street brands and discount promotions – Trip Shop (Vokieciu g. 13).
Relatively close to the center is the compact shopping center Panorama (Saltoniskiu g. 9). There are many shoe stores here, and there are Bershka and Pull & Bear stores. To get to the Akropolis (Ozo g. 25) and Ozas (Ozo g. 18) shopping centers, it will take a bit longer, but besides all possible branded stores, you’ll find cinemas, bowling, and other capitalist entertainments. For purchases over €50, don’t forget to arrange tax-free, especially since it can now be refunded right at the “duty-free” at the station.
Outlet Park (Verkiu g. 29) – a discount store shopping center where branded items are sold with a 30-70% discount all year round. Mainly sports stores are represented (Puma, Nike, Adidas, Reebok), but there is also a discount Zara.
On the streets of Vilnius
Food and Cuisine
Lithuanian cuisine most commonly features potato dishes: potato dumplings and salads, cepelinai, kugelis, potato pancakes. Other traditional dishes include: dumplings with various fillings, pelmeni, pancakes, kibinai, marinated herring with potatoes, hot and cold smoked sausages, cheeses, soups with meat, vegetables, and game, mushrooms. In summer, we recommend trying the famous Lithuanian cold beet soup (šaltibarščiai).
You can find a restaurant in Vilnius on this website – http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/what-to-do/eat-and-drink.
Sights and Landmarks
The Old Town of Vilnius is the largest in Eastern Europe. Among the ancient streets, you can discover interesting landmarks, Baroque and Classicism masterpieces, traces of the Gothic past, numerous sacral structures, and cultural monuments.
Main Landmarks of Vilnius
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania – the oldest site in Vilnius, inhabited since the 4th century. It was here in the 13th century that the first fortress fortifications of the future city arose. This place was the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and the center of the entire Lithuanian state for a long time. Until the 16th century, the castle had Gothic features until it was rebuilt into a luxurious Renaissance palace. In the 17th century, the residence acquired Baroque features. The palace was demolished at the end of the 18th century and only restored in the 2000s. Inside, there are interesting exhibitions related to its history.
Gediminas’ Tower on Castle Hill – of the legendary founder of Vilnius. Here you can see the ruins of the old castle from the 14th-17th centuries and enjoy a wonderful panorama of the old town.
Vilnius Artillery Bastion was built at the beginning of the 16th century by Grand Duke Alexander of Lithuania. It is a powerful fortified brick-earth fortification structure with a tower.
Vilnius Artillery Bastion
Vilnius University – one of the oldest universities in the Baltics and Eastern Europe, founded in the second half of the 16th century. The university’s appearance was formed over several centuries, so you can see many architectural styles here: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque.
Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai)
Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai or Gate of Dawn) – city gates from the early 16th century, which are one of the symbols of Vilnius. They acquired their current appearance in the Classicism style in the 19th century. Now it houses a chapel with the famous icon of the Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy, which is one of the main masterpieces of Lithuanian Renaissance painting.
Town Hall – one of the oldest buildings in Vilnius, built in the 14th century. The originally Gothic building constantly changed until the 18th century when it acquired its current appearance in the Classicism style.
Presidential Palace – a building in the Classicism style, which is the residence of the President of Lithuania. Known since the 16th century as the residence of the Vilnius bishops.
Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square – the heart of Old Vilnius. The starting point of Gediminas Avenue and the end point of Castle Street, which is pedestrianized. The square is a masterpiece of Classicism. It houses the Cathedral Basilica and a tall bell tower, as well as a monument to the founder of Vilnius – Gediminas.
Sacral Architecture
Vilnius can boast excellent sacral architecture. If you look at the city’s panorama, it might seem that the Lithuanian capital is literally bristling with church spires. And this is not an optical illusion. In Vilnius, you can find over 40 religious institutions of various denominations. In this regard, the Lithuanian capital can rival almost any city in Europe. Most of the temples are Christian. Built in the architectural styles of Baroque and Classicism.
St. Anne’s Church – a masterpiece of late Gothic. Interestingly, over five centuries of its existence, the church’s appearance has hardly changed. In the Baroque old town, the church stands out strikingly with its architecture and is one of the symbols of Vilnius. Next to it is a pseudo-Gothic bell tower. Behind St. Anne’s Church hides the Franciscan Church of St. Bernardine and St. Francis. Interestingly, this church could also be used for defense.
St. Anne’s Church
St. Raphael’s Church – a Catholic monastery in the late Baroque style, belonging to the Jesuits. Located near the Green Bridge.
Cathedral Basilica – the main Catholic church of Lithuania, has the status of a basilica. Located on Cathedral Square in Vilnius. The history of the cathedral dates back to the 14th century (practically to the time of the city’s foundation). It houses the tombs of great people of the country: Grand Dukes of Lithuania, bishops, and nobles. In the past, the temple was Gothic but was later rebuilt in the Classicism style. Next to it is a 57-meter high bell tower, which was part of the city fortifications. In the 17th century, a clock was installed on the tower.
Cathedral Basilica
St. Casimir’s Church – the first Baroque church in Lithuania, built by the Jesuits based on the image of the Church of the Gesù in Rome.
Franciscan Church – an ancient Gothic church with Baroque elements. Next to it is the oldest Lithuanian monastery.
St. Peter and Paul’s Church – a masterpiece of Lithuanian Baroque. This ancient 17th-century church is famous for its thousands of stucco figures.
Cathedral of the Theotokos
St. Michael’s Church – a church from the first half of the 17th century in Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It houses a museum of church heritage.
St. Teresa’s Church – a church in the Baroque style. Inside, you can see a well-preserved 17th-century interior and one of the most beautiful altars in Lithuania.
St. Catherine’s Church – one of the most beautiful churches in Vilnius in the late Baroque style. Belonged to the Benedictine nuns. It acquired its current appearance in the first half of the 18th century.
St. Catherine’s Church
All Saints Church – a church from the first half of the 17th century in the early Baroque style.
St. James and Philip Church – a Baroque church from the 17th century.
Basilian Monastery and Church of the Holy Trinity – a beautiful architectural ensemble in the late Baroque style with elements of other architectural styles.
Lutheran Church – the first Lutheran cathedral in Vilnius, built in the 16th century.
Church of the Ascension
St. Nicholas Church – an Orthodox church with an interesting history. Initially, there was a Gothic church from the early 16th century here, rebuilt in the 17th century after a fire in the Baroque style. Then the church became Orthodox and was rebuilt in the Byzantine style.
Church of the Mother of God – a beautiful church from the early 20th century in the Byzantine style.
St. John’s Church – an ancient church that is part of the university. The history of the church begins in the 15th century. It was then a Gothic structure, rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque style. Next to it is a 68-meter high bell tower, which is one of the tallest buildings in old Vilnius.
St. Catherine’s Church interior
Synagogue – a choral synagogue from the early 20th century, built in the Moorish style.
Largest and Most Interesting Museums of Vilnius:
National Museum of Lithuania – one of the largest museums in Vilnius with exhibitions on the history and culture of the state.
National Art Gallery – exhibitions of contemporary artists and sculptors.
Vilnius Picture Gallery – museum of Lithuanian painting from the 16th to the 20th century.
