The capital of Lithuania and second largest city in the Baltic states, Vilnius is renowned for its intriguing architecture and classic continental vibe. Having experienced a great deal of historic upheaval, today Vilnius looks forward with a progressive attitude, evident in its youthful energy, cosmopolitan vibe and laidback attitude to life. Discover the enchanting cobbled streets and Baroque buildings of its old town, before dining on a specialty seafood dish in one of the city’s delightful courtyard restaurants. End your day in one of the city’s many parks and you can plan your fun for the next 24 hours ahead.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Vilnius
Old Town — The heart of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old town, with its unique blend of steeples, narrow passages and grand palaces. Highlights include the Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Dukes, which was demolished in 1801 but later rebuilt and reopened in 2009.
Gedimino Avenue — Gedimino Avenue, home to many of Lithuania’s grand state buildings, is usually considered Vilnius’ main street. On any given day, Gedimino Avenue is bustling with life, attracted here by its lavish restaurants, boutique shops, street performers, the National Drama Theatre and Academy of Music.
Hill of Three Crosses — Take a quick hike up the Hill of Three Crosses where the views across the city are unbeatable, with a patchwork of roofs and parks stretching as far as the eye can see. This is also a great vantage point from which to absorb Gediminas Hill’s 14th century redbrick tower.
Uzupis — Packed with artists, Uzupis is famous for it bohemian attitude, graffitied walls and quirky lifestyle. In fact, the area is so sure of itself that in 1997 it declared itself a Republic. Celebrating its independence on the 1st April every year, visitors can decide for themselves what to make of Uzupis’ autonomy!
Things to See in Vilnius
Get your fill of the city’s unique fusion of churches and ancient architecture by booking a private historic walking tour of the city centre and Old Town. This guarantees you get to see all the main tourist attractions, covering everything from the medieval Gediminas Tower on Castle Hill through to the beautiful facade of the Church of St Anne and the imposing Dawn Gate. You’ll certainly find plenty to keep your camera clicking.
Things to Do in Vilnius
If you’ve had your fill of Old Town’s cobblestoned charm, why not discover the lesser known parts of this beautiful city with a small group undiscovered Vilnius tour? This will take you through the city’s more bohemian areas such as the hipster-Mecca, Uzupis, where you’ll marvel at street art as you sample one of the region’s local craft beers. You could also head out of the city to discover the wonders of the Lithuanian countryside with a private tour of nearby Trakai Castle and National Park. This stunning area overlooks one of the country’s most extravagant freshwater lakes and wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale. A history and nature lover’s paradise, you’ll find plenty to do in Vilnius.
