Old Town (Senamiestis)
The historic center of Vilnius is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Take a stroll through them. Narrow, cozy streets on hilly terrain with old architecture will give a first glimpse. Almost every building in the center has plaques, they tell about the city’s history and its inhabitants. During your walk, check out the local authentic restaurants: What and where to try in Vilnius.
Sharp Brama Gate (Aušros vartai)
The main and only gate to the Old Town that has survived to this day. In addition to its historical importance, it has religious significance — on the second tier there is a chapel with the Ostrobramsk icon of the Virgin Mary, which is considered miracle-working by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to honor the Holy Virgin Mary and ask for the hidden things. To give thanks, people leave silver heart-shaped figurines that decorate the walls of the chapel.
- Opening hours: from 06:00 to 19:00
- Admission is free
- Website
Gedimin’s Tower (Gedimino pilies bokštas)
The 48-meter high Tower is located on Castle Hill in the Old Town and is considered the main symbol of the capital. It can be seen from almost every neighborhood of the city. It is named after the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gedimin, who is famous for his battles with Russia in the XIV century. From the platform near the tower you can enjoy a panoramic view of the center and the Vilija River. Inside there is a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania with an exposition on the history of the city.
- Opening hours: from 07:00 to 23:00
- Admission is free
- Climbing the mountain is temporarily closed due to landslides, reconstruction will last, tentatively, until mid-2020. Information on the Website
Cathedral Square and St. Stanislaus Cathedral (Vilniaus katedra)
The main square of the city is located at the foot of Castle Hill. The center of public life, it hosts fairs, folk festivals, concerts and military parades. The cathedral in its present form was built in the XVIII century, knowing it looks more like a theater or a house of arts than a church.
The 57-meter bell tower stands apart: it was built on one of the castle towers, so the lower tier looks like a defensive structure.
- Opening hours: the square around the clock, the cathedral from 07:00 to 21:00
- Admission is free
- Website
Three Crosses Mountain (Trys kryžiai)
Another name is Bald Mountain. Another observation platform, which offers a view of the city and Gedimin’s Tower. There are several versions of the origin of the crosses: according to one, in the XIV century Franciscan monks were executed here, in honor of whom the monument was erected; according to another, the tall structure was supposed to signal to the crusaders that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity and it was not allowed to attack the city.
- Opening hours: round the clock
- Admission is free
Nagorny park (Kalnų parkas)
Three Crosses Mountain is surrounded by a multi-level park, very wooded in places. On one of the upper points there is a dance floor, where concerts and festivals are held in summer. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe the fresh air and come back with renewed vigor — you can go straight down to Užupis.
- Opening hours: round the clock
- Admission is free
Užupis or Republic of Zareče (Užupis)
The neighborhood is called the local Montmartre, historically it is home to bohemians — artists, musicians, writers and other creative people. Here you can buy unusual souvenirs.
Independence was proclaimed in 1997. The Republic of Zarechie Užupis has its own constitution, president, flag, anthem and mini army. Fascinating excerpts from the constitution: «Everyone has the right to die, but not the obligation»; «Everyone has the right to be wrong»; «Everyone has the right to be one and only»; «Everyone has the right to love»; «A dog has the right to be a dog» and so on in a similar spirit.
The neighborhood is full of street art, workshops, galleries and author cafes. You can even get a «border crossing» stamp in your passport.
- Opening hours: round the clock
- Admission is free and free of charge
- Website
Church of St. Kazimierz (Šv. Kazimiero bažnyčia)
The Roman Catholic Church was founded in the early 17th century and is considered to be the first early Baroque building in Vilnius. Under the altar part there is a crypt where the relics of the martyr Andrew Boboli, who is revered by Catholics, are kept, so pilgrims come to the church especially to visit him.
Not far from the church is the narrowest street in Vilnius (Siauriausia Vilniaus gatvė), which is less than a meter wide.
- Opening hours: from 11:00 to 19:00 (Sunday from 08:00 to 19:00)
- Admission is free
- Website
Street art
One of the famous and sensational works is «The Kiss of Putin and Trump». It is based on Brezhnev and Honneker’s kiss in Berlin’s East Side Gallery. It used to be graffiti that was repeatedly painted over, but now it’s just a huge sticker on the wall of the Keulė Rūkė burger joint at Pylimo 66. Official ignorance of the painting: «Let’s Make Everything Great Again»
The neighboring house is covered with graffiti by famous Brazilian artist brothers. Their work is all over the world.
Local authorities are loyal to street art, so street art is found in every neighborhood, with works of impressive scale.
Halle Market (Halės Turgus)
The oldest market in Vilnius has been operating since the 15th century. Inside there are bakeries, meat, cheese, wine and souvenir stores. The best place to taste and buy authentic products from local industries.
- Opening hours: from 07:00 to 18:00, Sunday from 07:00 to 16:00
- Website
What and where to eat
The main dish of Lithuanian cuisine is zeppelins. Cutlets made of grated potatoes with various fillings, usually eaten with sour cream and appetizers. This and other national dishes — beer soup, pig ears in spicy sauce and shakotis dessert — can be tasted in restaurants Forto Dvaras and Marceliukes Kletis. Average check per person ~ 15—20 €
Vilnius City Card
To save money, consider buying a single Vilnius City Card, which entitles you to free public transportation, admission to most museums, and discounts of up to 15% in some stores and restaurants.
There are four types of card for 24—72 hours from 20 € to 40 €. Free travel is only included in the 72-hour tariff.
You can buy onlineor at tourist information centers.
Balloon ride
Vilnius is the only European capital where hot air balloon flights are allowed over the center. Seeing red tiled roofs, castles and cathedrals from above, especially at dawn or dusk, is an unforgettable sight.
Vilnius is a charming city with a unique authentic culture and history, as well as a starting point for traveling around Europe. Major low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizzair are based here and in neighboring Kaunas, offering cheap flights to 40+ destinations.
