Overview

Vilnius, Lithuania, is relatively small for a European capital, yet it is an underrated gem of a city that deserves far more attention in the travel world. The tourist board has even dubbed it the “G-Spot of Europe” because, as they put it, "Nobody knows where it is but when you find it, it's amazing." Thanks to the Baltics’ distant location from the typical tourist hotspots in Europe, this remarkable region often flies under the radar, despite having so much to offer. A little less mainstream yet filled with charm, history, and culture, Vilnius has a laid-back atmosphere, with cobblestone streets, Baroque churches, and colorful buildings - everything you could ever want in a city break. It’s this brilliant mix of beauty and stories that makes it such a worthwhile place to visit.

One of the city’s most unique aspects is Užupis, a bohemian district often compared to Montmartre in Paris. This self-declared "republic" has its own constitution, filled with quirky and philosophical statements, and is home to artists, musicians, and creatives.

Things To See & Do

Tour the beautiful Vilnius with a local. Take a free walking tour from outside the Town Hall in Vilnius’ main square. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours (with a short break halfway through) and will give you a great introduction to Vilnius and its history and interesting sites. The tour will take you past the main sites in the Old town including the Town Hall Square, the old Jewish Quarter, St Anne`s Church, and the bohemian neighborhood of Uzupis before ending in Cathedral Square in front of the Vilnius Cathedral and the Lithuanian Presidential Palace.

Discover the trendy and stylish neighborhood of Uzupis. Once a derelict and run-down area, this neighborhood has become a haven for artists and creative types due to the cheap rent prices and low cost of living compared to the rest of the city. In 1997 this neighborhood was declared an independent republic. While this status is entirely ceremonial, the `Republic of Uzupis` mimics other independent republics within cities, most notably Christiania in Copenhagen. Though on a typical day there is no ‘border control,’ they will stamp your passport as you cross the bridge on their independence day: the 1st of April. You can enjoy numerous great restaurants and cool bars, cafes, and shops in Uzupis along with some of the city`s best street art.

Explore Hales Turgus, the central market hall in Vilnius. This is a perfect place to browse the local Lithuanian produce, enjoy the delicious smells of the traditional cuisine and just take in the atmosphere. There are numerous stands in the covered hall selling everything from fresh sausages and seafood, delicious sour pickles, sweet Lithuanian honey, and yummy Baltic pastries. You`ll also find a few trendy coffee shops and trendy fast food stalls in the market, so it is also a perfect spot for a small bite to eat.

Dive into Vilnius’ fascinating past at one of its awesome museums! We recommend a visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, formally called the Museum of Genocide Victims. This museum is one of the best ways to learn more about both the Soviet and Nazi occupations of Lithuania and the resistance movements. It may not be the most uplifting experience, but it definitely puts into perspective the horrors that Lithuanians had to live through in the not so distant past. It also gives some horrible insight on the effect that the Nazi occupation had on the Jewish populations of Vilnius, which was once one of the largest in Europe.

Housed in the former KGB headquarters, there is also a former Soviet jail in the basement of the museum where you can tour the cells and learn more about what being a prisoner during occupation would have been like. Anticipate spending at least 2 hours here in order to see and learn everything. If you are interested in learning more about the Jewish population of Vilnius, head next to the Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum. This museum offers several permanent exhibitions that provide some great insight into why Vilnius was once referred to as the `Jerusalem of the North.` Almost the entirety of Lithuania`s once strong Jewish population was wiped out during the Nazi Occupation and this museum does an excellent job of preserving the culture and traditions of Lithuanian Jews.

Wander through the charming Jewish Quarter, which was a former ghetto during the Nazi Occupation. Spend some time enjoying the peaceful Bernardine Garden. There are numerous lush, green spaces in Vilnus and if the weather is fine, many locals and tourists alike enjoy spending time in them.

The Bernardine Garden is also very close by to the Cathedral Square and the Gedinimas Castle tower, though the latter is presently closed to visitors due to the fact that it is sinking.

Explore Lithuanian countryside and head to the lakeside town of Traka, one of the most popular day trips from the city. Located only about 18 miles from the city center, this beautiful area is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of Trakai`s best features is the lovely Trakai Island Castle, a beautiful red brick medieval fortress situated on an island in the lake. This attraction can get very busy during the summer months with day-trippers and tour groups eager to pretend they are in Game of Thrones, but it is still very much worth visiting as the scenery surrounding it and the castle itself is idyllic.

There are several lakeside restaurants and cafes around the town and there is also plenty of opportunity to enjoy some fun on the lake. Rent a paddle boat or take a sailing trip, the water is also quite warm in the summertime and it`s a popular spot for swimming, so be sure to bring your swimsuit on a hot day!

Cuisine

Vilnius is a paradise for food lovers, offering a delicious deep dive into traditional Lithuanian cuisine. From hearty, zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings (cepelinai) to comforting wild mushroom soup (miško grybu tirštasriube), and from crispy potato pancakes (bulviniai blynai) to juicy beef rolls (zrazai), every dish is a celebration of rich flavors and homestyle cooking. Don't forget to try the famous pink soup, savory baked pork shank (kepta karka), and pepper steak (pipirinis didkepsnis) - all best enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream on the side!

If you're visiting between April and September, make sure to check out the Open Kitchen Food Market at Tymo Market, held every Friday and Saturday. It’s a fantastic way to sample both traditional and modern Lithuanian flavors in a lively outdoor setting. Whether you're indulging in a comforting classic or discovering a new favorite, Vilnius' food scene is sure to leave you craving more!