17 Incredible Things To Do In Vilnius, Lithuania: Gothic Steeples to Uzupis Gems!

If you’re planning a visit to Lithuania’s capital and wondering about what the best things to do in Vilnius are, our detailed guide has you covered. We list top attractions from must-see landmarks to surprising local gems.

With the old town having UNESCO heritage, we discovered cobbled streets, incredible Gothic and baroque churches, magnificent squares, panoramic views, the quirky art republic of Uzupis, and a range of fabulous places to eat! 

We spent 4 fantastic days here! Whether you’re visiting for a week, as part of a longer Baltic tour, or just for a couple of days, a trip to Vilnius is definitely worth it.  Steeped in history and charm, it certainly left us with unforgettable, unique experiences, and we wanted to explore more of Lithuania.   

As well as the best things to do in Vilnius, we include information on a fantastic day trip from Vilnius to Trakai Castle and its fairytale island. To help you plan, find details on flights, airport transfers, where to stay & best restaurants in Old Town Vilnius. 

Where is Vilnius?

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and the most southern country of the three Baltic States. The other two are Estonia and Latvia. It borders Poland, Russia, Latvia, and Belarus and has been an independent country since 1990.

Sizewise, it is about a quarter the scale of the UK, with a population of around 3 million.  Lithuania joined the EU in 2004 and since 2015 uses the EURO as currency.   

17 Incredible Things to Do in Vilnius

Vilnius is a very walkable city, so all 17 things we list in this guide can be done without a car.

There is no set order to do our suggested activities, but we find that starting with the walking tour in the Old Town is a good idea. It will give you your bearings and offers a great introduction to the city.

After that, fit as many in as you can, and what’s great is that everything is close together. We were amazed at just how much there is to do in Vilnius, which is both different and unique.

There’s a mix of both indoor and outdoor attractions, so something to do whatever the weather. Also, even better if you’re on a budget, is that many of our listed activities are free or cost very little.

Here’s what we suggest you do in Vilnius Old Town. 

1. Go on A Walking Tour & Uncover Hidden Gems

Walking tours offer a great introduction to any city, and it’s something we always do in a new place. We booked our Vilnius with Locals tour online in advance.  Tours finish close to Vilnius Tourist Information Centre.

Guides meet you at the Town Hall steps, right in the heart of the old town, which is super convenient. Look for their yellow clipboards!

Lasting  2-2.5 hours, the tour starts by taking you through the Old
Town streets and into the historic Jewish quarter, where you’ll learn more about the life of the many Jews who lived in Vilnius before WW2. 

You move on through cobbled streets and secret gardens, dipping into churches and exploring the quirky republic of arty Uzupis (more on all of these later).  Final stops take you to Cathedral Square.

Our guide, Milda, was brilliant. As we walked, she shared her local knowledge of Lithuanian traditions, restaurant tips, and unique stories that we would have never heard without this tour.

She also explained Lithuania’s journey in gaining independence, which we found very interesting.  

🔍 If you are coming over a weekend, Check Prices and Availability for Walking Tours.

We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee space, as these tours are very popular. 

If walking is not possible for you, try the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Audio Tour, which lasts about an hour.

2. Explore Cathedral Square and The Bell Tower

Vilnius Cathedral, known as Cathedral Basilica, is one of the oldest churches in Lithuania. Dating back to the 13th century, it is huge and richly decorated with intricate sculptures and statues, and chapels. Its mighty entrance pillars certainly give it the feel of a Greek temple. 

A place of huge historical importance, it’s where, over the centuries, Lithuanian rulers have been crowned and nobles and bishops buried. 

Next to the cathedral, you’ll find the 57-metre-tall Bell Tower.  When we were there, it was under renovation, but when open, it’s a popular spot for city views.  

If you like people watching, spend some time around this square. Lots going on from performing street artists, a tourist train, and we even saw photo shoots and weddings.  

3. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

If you’re interested in Lithuanian history, culture, and architecture, make a stop here.

Right next to the cathedral, the palace, built back in the 15th century, was the home of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Hosting rulers, foreign ambassadors, and lavish state events over the years, it was sadly demolished in the 19th century. 

In 2013, after years of archaeological excavations and restoration, the reconstructed palace opened to the public as a museum.  

Visit here to explore collections of Lithuanian art, Renaissance and Baroque interiors, remains of the original palace, and exhibits on the history of the Grand Duchy.  Tickets are not available online but at the Museum’s Box Office.

4. Climb Gediminas Tower for Panoramic City Views.

From Cathedral Square, you can’t fail to spot Gediminas Tower perched on Castle Hill.  It’s called Gediminas after Grand Duke Gediminas, the founder of Vilnius back in the 14th century. Look for the statue of him on his horse in the centre of Cathedral Square.

To Lithuanians, the tower is a national symbol and hugely important to the country. Until they joined the EU, the tower was even depicted on their currency. You learn about Gediminas on the walking tour, so we recommend visiting the tower after the tour.

From the old town square, it’s about a 10-minute walk through the park. It’s well signposted, taking you by the river and then 5 minutes up the cobbled pathway to the tower.  It’s a bit uneven in places on the cobbles, so you could choose to take the funicular.  

At the top, we enjoyed the 360° panoramic views of the old town. Spot the red rooftops, the churches and cathedrals of the Old Town, and contrast this with the modern Vilnius across the Neris River.  On a sunny day, come later in the evening for spectacular sunset views of the city. 

It’s free to walk up to the tower area, but if you want to go inside to the Gediminas Tower Museum, you’ll pay an entrance fee.  We didn’t do this, but if you do go inside, there are various exhibits, archaeological finds, and more on the history of Vilnius Castle. The tower is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. 

5. Hike Up The Hill Of Three Crosses At Sunset

Another landmark you’ll spot when you look out from Gedeminas Tower is a hill with three white crosses on it.  According to one legend, the Three Crosses Monument, which is located in Kalnu Park, was built to honour Franciscan monks who were martyred here. 

To get there, it’s a fairly steep hike up through some woods with a mix of gravel and cobblestone paths. Follow the signs and as you approach the top, steps take you up to the Three Crosses Monument and viewing platform. 

Maps point out the various landmarks, but ultimately, your reward is great views and another spectacular spot for sunrises or sunsets.

Be careful not to confuse the Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius with the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. It sounds like they are in the same place, but they’re not! Siauliai is in a completely different part of Lithuania and about 2 hours away from Vilnius.  

6. Relax in the Bernardine Botanical Garden

You can spot these beautiful gardens from Gediminas Tower and the Hill of Three Crosses. Established in 1469 by monks, Bernardine Gardens is the oldest park in Vilnius and a relaxing spot.

Free to visit, close to the Old Town; it’s a lot more than just a park.

Come here to play chess on the giant chess board or find the oldest oak tree in Vilnius (over 350 + years). Explore the many botanical plants, listen to the musical fountains, and stroll by the Vilnele River.  

Why not take a picnic here and take a break from sightseeing – it’s a perfect spot.

7. Cross The Bridge To The Republic Of Uzupis

We loved Uzupis! It is definitely one of those secret gem places located in a very interesting district of Vilnius. In fact, it’s more than a district, as the signpost leading into it says, it’s actually a ‘republic’.

We learnt that it declared itself independent in 1997. Probably best described as bohemian, quirky and artistic, I’d never heard of it until we got here but what a find!

For more than 20 years, it even had its own president, flag, currency and anthem. Located by the Vilnele River and next to Vilnius Old Town, we loved the whole vibe of this place. Although no longer used for border controls, there is a border checkpoint which is now an unusual gift shop!

To explore the ‘Republic’, cross the Uzupis Bridge. Look back to see the art work on the inner river stone walls and spot the mermaid sculpture set in the brickwork.  

Stroll by the river, enjoy the galleries, murals, and sculptures in Uzupis and if you’re brave enough wade through the water to the swing or tall stools.  Yes, I was tempted!

Uzupis is a great place to see local artists at work and if you are looking for something original, you’ll definitely find it here.  We loved the coffee shop and restaurant  Prie Angelo in the square with its eclectic range of teacups. 

The Angel of Uzupiz towering above is a bronze statue there to symbolize freedom and independence. What a great spot for a cup of coffee and cake or lunch if you’re hungry!

If you’re here on 1st April, you can even join in on their Independence Day celebrations! 

8. Discover Street Art of Vilnius and Literatų Street 

Aside from Uzupis, we were amazed at the street art in Vilnius and had no idea the city had so much of it. Literatu Street is one of the best examples of this.

We came across this just by chance when we were walking. But it’s easy to find and located right in the heart of the old town, behind the main pedestrian street, Pilies.

It’s only a short street but its walls are covered with hundreds of small artworks. This makes it a delightful open-air gallery dedicated to poets, writers and literary authors connected to Lithuania.

Interestingly, the name Literatų comes from the publishing houses and bookshops that once lined this narrow street. 

Literatų Street really is one of the unique hidden attractions in Vilnius Old Town so do make sure you take a stroll down there.  There’s a couple of art and craft shops here too so if you have time, stop for a browse. There are some interesting pieces to look at.   

9. Explore Gates of Dawn, St Anne’s & Iconic Vilnius Churches

With over 40 historic churches scattered across the old town, it’s easy to understand why Vilnius is sometimes called the “City of Churches”.  Even if you’re not religious, you can’t help but marvel at these ancient landmarks dotted around Old Town.

We’ve already mentioned Vilnius Cathedral but we suggest you take time to go inside other churches.  Their interiors vary so we never quite knew what to expect when we ventured inside. Personally, I felt they were all worth visiting, even just for a peek in.

The Gates of Dawn, originally one of the defensive gates of the city, houses a small chapel with an original Renaissance painting of Virgin Mary.   It’s one of the most religious landmarks in Vilnius that people want to visit. Whilst we were there, there was a baptism occurring but we were still able to enter.

St Anne’s Church and its bell tower is one of Vilnius’s most photographed landmarks. With its Gothic spires, symmetrical facade and red brick, it really is quite majestic.

We learnt that when Napoleon came to St Anne’s Church, he was captivated by the beauty of the church but used it as stables for his cavalry! No sign of any horses now!

It’s actually quite small inside but if you go through the arched gateway and courtyard into the Bernardine Monastery, this is probably one of the most unusual church interiors we’ve seen.

Not only is it huge, but it’s the intricate carvings that stand out alongside wooden cross vaults, and renaissance art. 

10. Visit Vilnius University & Climb St John’s Church Bell Tower

More city view points!

Maybe you haven’t time to go to Gediminas Tower or hike up to the Hill of Three Crosses. Or if the Bell Tower by the Cathedral is still closed for renovation, you can still get amazing panoramic views from another bell tower in the centre of the old town. Head to Vilnius University. 

In fact, we thought the views of the old town were better here than at Gediminas. Within the University grounds, you’l find St John’s Church , 12 courtyards to explore and the 68 foot Bell Tower next to the church. 

You can explore the church and grounds for free. But to get the views, you need to go up the tower and you need a ticket. At the entrance, choose the lift or climb the steps to the top. Views on a clear day are fantastic.

🔍 See Vilnius from an even higher point by hot air balloon rides. Check Availability for Vilnius Balloon Tours.

11. Watch Changing Of The Guard At The Presidential Palace

Another famous landmark worth seeing is the Presidential Palace.  This active government building is really close to the university and we discovered it after seeing it from the Bell Tower. 

You can’t actually enter the palace itself unless you have booked a tour. However, the courtyard is impressive and free to enter. 

Play chess here with the giant pieces in front of the huge fountain or relax on beanbags by the grass. If you time it right, you’ll see flag changing ceremonies on Sundays at 12pm and changing of the guard daily at 6pm. 

12. Explore Jewish Vilnius and The Glass Quarter

We were surprised to learn that Vilnius was once called ‘Jerusalem of the North’ and home to thousands of Jews.

They worked successfully as goldsmiths, glass blowers and Jewish merchants. But, during WW2, all this changed and instead Jewish Ghettos were established in the Old Town. Lithuanians very much want to remember and celebrate Jewish culture and history.

So…over the last few decades, this area has been revitalized and today it’s known as the Glass Quarter.  Plaques and memorials mark key sites including where the ghetto gates once stood.

We found it reflective to take a walk through Stikliu Street, the quarter’s heart and spot these.  There are also sculptures and street art commemorating Jewish heritage. 

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Jewish Walking Tour.

Shop in artisan shops, jewellery makers, and glass art studios.  It’s also a great place for coffee and has some popular restaurants and ice-cream stalls.  

13. Visit Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

There are over 30 museums in Vilnius but nothing moved us more than a visit to the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights.

As a nation, Lithuania only became independent in 1990.  This museum, located in the former KGB headquarters in Vilnius, gives a sobering insight into the country’s struggle for freedom and independence during both Nazi and Soviet occupation.

The exhibition floors share hundreds of photographs and stories of those who fought for independence. Personal belongings and testimonies are part of exhibits. 

It’s a powerful and moving experience especially when stepping inside the prison basement. Cells show where Lithuanian partisans and political prisoners were once held and interrogated.  

🔍 Check Prices and Availability of Museum Guided Tours.

Your ticket gives you access to all areas of the museum. Guided tours are available but you need to pre-book these.

14. Explore Hales Market For Local Produce

We love seeking out markets wherever we go, so a visit to Hales, the city’s oldest market, was always going to be on our list.  Built in 1906, this ancient market sells everything from clothes and household items to fresh produce.  

It’s the latter which is most appealing to us foodies!  As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll find spices, nuts, honey, local cheeses and meats, wine and lots of organic produce. 

Whether you buy anything or not, it’s fun to wander around this huge indoor complex. And because it’s indoors, it’s also great if it’s a rainy day.  

There are several small eateries inside the market where you can have coffee or cake. Perhaps even try a Lithuanian specialties snack such as a kibinai ( a meat or vegetarian pastry). 

15. Shop Amber, Linen & Lithuanian Souvenirs

When we travel, we love bringing home a souvenir or two. Whether shopping or browsing, there are some lovely gift shops and stalls in the Old Town.

Browse along pedestrianised Pilies Street, but don’t forget to pop down side streets for more hidden boutique shops. 

If you are looking for something typically Lithuanian, go for amber and linen.  You’ll see this gem everywhere from polished necklaces to simple stones.

Linen is good quality and of course lightweight for travelling with.  Ceramics are also popular as are food products and their local “Ruta” brand chocolates make a great gift.

Look for Sakotis Cake, a unique, spiky cake often in the window of the bakeries or gift shops.  

We’re really tempted to return for this and see the capital full of festive cheer! 

16. Try Traditional Lithuanian Dishes: Where To Eat In Vilnius

There’s loads of restaurants, cafes and bars in Vilnius.  From traditional menus to more modern cuisine, you won’t be short of great places to dine in the Old Town.  Many offer outdoor seating year round and with heaters if you come in cooler weather.  

For traditional fare, think POTATOES!  Zeppelins, which are potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese, are Lithuania’s national dish and feature on menus everywhere.

Saltibarsciai (Cold Beetroot Soup) is another local favourite and is usually served with -yes – boiled potatoes!  Try Kibinai pastry which we mentioned earlier at Hales Market and Kepta Duona, fried bread with garlic and cheese. 

Recommended Places to Eat in Vilnius Old Town

Here’s our recommended spots of where to eat in Vilnius Old Town. We tried all these places and found helpings generous and wine choices excellent. Reservations are recommended in high season or during festival dates.  

Gabi – Mid-priced and good choice of wines with mains from €15, is great for traditional Lithuanian food. You can try the above dishes and it’s also got lots of other choices on its menu.

The restaurant is tucked away off the main square so if it’s somewhere quieter you’re looking for, it’s a good option. Choose to sit in the courtyard or indoors. 

Etno Dvaras have a couple of locations in the Old Town and also serve typical Lithuanian food. This includes some hilarious names for their dumplings – ‘A Mother-in-Law stuffed with cottage cheese’ was on the menu.

That aside, we had delicious bread, salmon and salad here and of course, potatoes! 

Their Etno Dvaras branch in Pilies Street is busier as it is right in the heart of the Old Town.  If you come in the winter,  their caved cellar is a fun place to dine in.  Mains from €15 and wine choices good.

Casa Della Pasta is a popular Italian only a few minutes from the Town Hall. Food here was delicious with a menu of typical pasta dishes.  Seating both outdoors and inside.  Mains from €10 per person.

17. Take A Day Trip: Vilnius to Trakai Island Castle

If you have time to take a day trip from Vilnius, a visit to nearby Trakai is a must!

Where is Trakai?

Only 28km west from the capital, iconic Trakai is a picture postcard small town surrounded by lakes.

Once the capital of Lithuania, it’s now tiny in comparison to Vilnius but it’s the most popular place to visit in all of Lithuania.  Wooden houses line the streets and being there feels like stepping back in time.

The most impressive landmark here is a fairytale red brick Gothic castle set on an island. We loved our day out and thoroughly recommend visiting here.

What to See and Do In Trakai

Take a walk by the lake or hire a kayak and get out on the water.  If that sounds too energetic, hop on a boat as there’s plenty moored up.  We found the 30 minute chug around the lake super relaxing, especially if you’ve walked up from the bus stop. At only €5 per person, it’s a bargain!

 Cross the wooden bridge to the Island. Explore the grounds of the 14th century Trakai Castle, once a residence of Lithuanian Dukes.  To visit the history museum here ( which is excellent), there is a charge.  

Eat Lunch By The Lake. There’s lots of places to eat around the lake, some cute souvenir and gift shops. Trakai is famous for kibanais so if you haven’t tried one yet, this is the place as it’s the local speciality. 

Getting to Trakai From Vilnius

We chose to do our day trip independently using public transport to get to Trakai. Both buses and trains run daily.

With a direct journey time of around 40 minutes, it’s quick and easy. We chose to take the bus there and the train back and our fare for both was around €5.

If you do travel by train or bus, there is about a 30-40 minute walk from the stations to the castle area. Take the river walk, it’s all part of the day out and a lovely stroll. Everything is very well signposted from the station.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability Of Tours with Transportation to Trakai and The Castle.

Flights to Vilnius

There are three airports in Lithuania.  Vilnius Airport is the largest of the three and offers over 100 direct routes across Europe. 

From the UK, you can fly to Vilnius from London Stansted or Luton with Ryanair. Wizz Air also fly from London Luton. Flight time is around 2 hours 40 minutes. The airport is modern and we found security efficient and quick. 

Getting From Vilnius Airport To Old Town

What’s great about arriving in Vilnius is that it’s only 6km from the airport to the Old Town so transfers are quick. Your choice of transportation into the city depends upon when you arrive and how quickly you want to get to your accommodation.  

We recommend the following 3 options :

Bolt Ride Share

Bolt which we used, is like Uber and very popular in Lithuania.  Simply download the app in advance. Then book your ride when you are through security to take you directly to your hotel. 

There is a specific signposted area just outside arrivals for BOLT cars. 

It’s very reasonable.  We paid  €6 for a day time transfer and €11 for a fare after 10pm which took around 15 minutes. 

By Train

Trains run about 10 times a day from the airport to Vilnius central station.  The journey time is less than 10 minutes and then it’s a 10 minute walk from there into the Old Town.

Tickets cost less than €1 so it’s really cheap. However do check the screens at the airport listing train times as they are not that frequent.  Check timetables and fares here.   

By Bus

Buses run regularly from the airport into Vilnius Bus Station.  There are 4 buses and 1 night bus to/ from Vilnius Airport.

The 3G bus runs every 10 minutes and 1, 2 and 88 run every 20-30 minutes. The night bus on the route 88N  runs from 22:30 to 5:30 a.m.  Check routes, timetables and fares here. A single fare is €1 or less but buy in advance – you can’t just pay on the bus.  

Where to Stay In Vilnius

Our picks are based on location, links to transport hubs, and value for money. All accommodation options are in Vilnius Old Town. We stayed in the Grotthuss Boutique Hotel during our last visit and it was excellent.

FAQs

Vilnius – Making It Happen!

If it’s helpful to planning your trip to Vilnius, here are our TPOP recommended resources. We use these ourselves, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!

Want To Explore Beyond Vilnius Too?

If before reading this, you were unsure what Vilnius had to offer, hopefully, we’ve shown you it is an incredible city to get to know.

Add it to your bucket list of European destinations and use our resources to start planning your new Baltic adventure.

And, why not plan a trip to cover all 3 Baltic States (Vilnius, Tallinn, and Riga)? Read our Baltic States Guide for great insights, tips, and a fabulous week itinerary.