Vilnius
Temperature
19°
Time
11:23 AM
Vilnius
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most attractive cities in Eastern Europe. It draws attention, not only because of its unique architectural character, but also because of its cultural events and attractions. During the first ten years of Lithuanian independence, the city began to draw in visitors. The number of tourists has consistently increased during those ten years and tourist infrastructure and services developed greatly at the same time.Find your trip
The city's much-loved Bernardine Garden dates back to as early as 1469. Take a walk through the greenery, marvel at the musical fountain that plays classical and modern tunes and see Vilnius' oldest oak tree, which is reportedly over 300 years old.
The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius is Lithuania's most important sanctuary and a witness of the nation‘s baptism in 1387. This is also one of the greatest architectural examples of classicism in Vilnius. In the Cathedral's catacombs, you can find a museum of its history. Visitors can book an excursion (in the Cathedral's parsonage) and be professionally guided.
The tower, a long-standing symbol of Vilnius, is located on the 48-metre-high hill. It is named after the city’s founder, Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. This is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, which stood here from the 10th until the late 14th century. There is an observation deck on the top of the tower, a great place to appreciate a magnificent panorama. Gediminas’ Tower can be reached by foot or a funicular.
The impressive Vilnius University ensemble was established in 1579 and represents different architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicism. The ensemble consists of thirteen enclosed courtyards, St. John's Church and the highest viewing point of the Old Town. The 68-metre high campanile offers a breathtaking view of the Old Town.
The Amber Museum-Gallery offers informative displays on the "Baltic Gold" as well as temporary exhibitions of amber jewellery. The museum hosts a unique collection of inclusions and narrates the entire history of amber–from its formation to its possible applications. Exhibits are presented in an interesting and modern manner.
Pilies Street is the oldest and most vibrant street in the Old Town of Vilnius. It has preserved its old and unique look and you can see traces of old architecture everywhere: small yards, arches, arcades, original steps, and basements. Nowadays, it is also a place where you can find numerous cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The churches of St. Anne and Bernardine are a fine Lithuanian Gothic ensemble located right next to each other. St. Anne’s Church, constructed with 33 different kinds of clay bricks, is the most outstanding and enchanting Gothic building in Lithuania. It dates back to the late 15th century and remains largely unchanged.
This church is a masterpiece from the 17th century and one of Lithuania's most significant Baroque monuments. It is famous for its exceptional interior where one can see about 2,000 stucco figures.
The city's much-loved Bernardine Garden dates back to as early as 1469. Take a walk through the greenery, marvel at the musical fountain that plays classical and modern tunes and see Vilnius' oldest oak tree, which is reportedly over 300 years old.
The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius is Lithuania's most important sanctuary and a witness of the nation‘s baptism in 1387. This is also one of the greatest architectural examples of classicism in Vilnius. In the Cathedral's catacombs, you can find a museum of its history. Visitors can book an excursion (in the Cathedral's parsonage) and be professionally guided.
With an extensive menu of Lithuanian food and drink at rock-bottom prices, Šnekutis is hard to beat. It's an essential stop for travellers on a tight budget, with an abundant offering of local specialities, which turns increasingly into a buzzing bar as the night progresses.
The restaurant is established under the open sky and calls together up to 600 guests. Here, apart from eating and drinking, you get to enjoy the fresh air and nature and listen to something that no other restaurant is in possession of, the sound of brawling waterfalls.
Etno Dvaras was the first restaurant in Lithuania to offer certified meals from the Gastronomic Heritage Foundation. These are meals made in the traditional way, using products of local origin. You can hear Lithuanian music playing in a cosy atmosphere of an old estate, decorated with elements of old graphics and pictures from authentic books.
Lokys opened in 1972 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Vilnius, located in an old merchant’s house where restaurant cellars, decorated with hunting trophies, remind us of the 15th century. In addition to the attentive service, game roasts (boar meat, roe dear, venison meat roasts, quail and even beaver meat stew) made according to traditional recipes help create a unique atmosphere.
This could be the most mouth-watering choice in the Old Town. La Provence is leagues ahead of its competition. Savoury fish choices include red mullet, monkfish and fresh, hot and smoked halibut. But if you really want to throw caution to the wind, take on the lamb knuckles or roebuck fillet with cherry sauce. La Provence also houses the most uncompromising wine list in town.
Bunte Gans churns out excellent German and world cuisine in Vilnius Old Town. The imaginative, good-value food on offer includes schnitzels, bratwurst, bangers and mash, lamb, boar, beef steaks, fresh fish and the house special: a dish of goose with fried potatoes and vegetables. There’s live music during the weekends and an extensive range of drinks including Riesling, Grauer Burgunder and the recommended German beer Zoller-Hof from Swabia.
Cozy is a café and restaurant located in the Old Town of Vilnius. The charming premises date back to 1536 and offer a warm interior with delicious food and friendly staff. This is a great place to sit back and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Čagino's name is associated with the famous Russian academic, and talented architect Nikolay Chagin. Here, you will enjoy an authentic atmosphere of 19th-century Russian nobility and dishes of Russian cuisine based on old national recipes.
With an extensive menu of Lithuanian food and drink at rock-bottom prices, Šnekutis is hard to beat. It's an essential stop for travellers on a tight budget, with an abundant offering of local specialities, which turns increasingly into a buzzing bar as the night progresses.
The restaurant is established under the open sky and calls together up to 600 guests. Here, apart from eating and drinking, you get to enjoy the fresh air and nature and listen to something that no other restaurant is in possession of, the sound of brawling waterfalls.
Lino Kopos means linen dunes, which sounds like a laundry nightmare, but is actually a fair reflection of the range and beauty of creations made exclusively from this versatile natural fibre. The design studio is the shop of the Lithuanian fashion designer Giedrius Šarkauskas, who creates designer garments for everyone. Giedrius label is absolutely unique to Lithuania. His collections include cold-season outerwear.
Largest shopping mall in the Baltics States offering plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
Europa is a modern shopping mall in the heart of the business district just north of the river featuring high-end designer brands along with upscale cafés and restaurants.
The large Ozas shopping centre offers gargantuan shopping and restaurant options. Here you can find a veritable cavalcade of shops selling everything from designer clothes to more popular stores. A cinema and entertainment for children can also be found here.
At Panorama, you can find loads of retail outlets, entertainment options, and a variety of cafés and restaurants in a modern multi-level complex.
The beautifully restored brick building dating from the 1900s is more than worth a look inside. A trip through the doors rewards visitors with a fragrant blast of several tonnes of smoked meat, which can be bought here along with a few other specialities including fresh fruit and vegetables plus a nice range of locally-produced honey.
Kalvarijų Market is a long-standing and lively market featuring everything from fresh fruits, veggies and flowers to cheese, locally-produced honey, and dried and smoked meat. Plus, a huge assortment of secondhand goods and interesting findings like cameras manufactured in the USSR.
Ramunė Piekautaitė has been appreciated for the distinct character of her clothing, described as romantic, sensual, and reserved, but luxurious, aristocratically elegant and confident. For many years, Piekautaitė has faithfully maintained the style and philosophy of her fashion home, but each collection still surprises with its new design solutions, which never miss the global fashion trends.
Lino Kopos means linen dunes, which sounds like a laundry nightmare, but is actually a fair reflection of the range and beauty of creations made exclusively from this versatile natural fibre. The design studio is the shop of the Lithuanian fashion designer Giedrius Šarkauskas, who creates designer garments for everyone. Giedrius label is absolutely unique to Lithuania. His collections include cold-season outerwear.
Largest shopping mall in the Baltics States offering plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
Lithuania can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Vilnius is a pleasant destination all year round, although it can get rather cold in the winter. The best times to plan your trip are the summer months (June–August), along with the shoulder season (May & September).
Vilnius International Airport is located on a plateau to the south of Vilnius. It is located only 5 kilometres away and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. You can get to and from the airport easily by train, bus, minibus, or taxi. Car rental companies are represented at the airport. A special scheduled train runs from the airport to Vilnius Railway Station. A covered pedestrian walkway (located just outside the airport terminal) connects the airport terminal with the railway stop. It runs roughly once an hour and the journey takes about 7 minutes. City buses also provide a service to and from the airport.
Vilnius trolleybuses and buses start running at about 5 am and finish at midnight. Single-ride tickets may be purchased directly from the driver. If you're staying in the city longer, it might make more sense to buy a reusable transport card, which can be used both for single and monthly public transport tickets.
If you have mobile internet, the easiest and cheapest way to get a ride is to use the local competitor of Uber: the eTaksi app. Payments can be made by card via the app or to the driver directly. By the way, Uber is also available in Vilnius as well as Bolt, another popular ride-sharing app.
You can easily find a post office or post box in Vilnius. Look for the yellow signs.
There are numerous pharmacies scattered throughout the city. Eurovaistinė, for example, can be found in several locations around Vilnius.
Country code: +370 Area code: 5
Lithuania can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Vilnius is a pleasant destination all year round, although it can get rather cold in the winter. The best times to plan your trip are the summer months (June–August), along with the shoulder season (May & September).
