Vilnius, the beautiful capital of Lithuania, sits near the geographical centre of Europe, where nature blends seamlessly with modern life. The city welcomes adventurous travellers with colourful neighbourhoods and quiet, winding streets. It is famous for its churches and museums and for authentic Lithuanian cuisine.
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Discover Vilnius
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Where to stay
Old Town
The heart of Vilnius and the best choice for first-time visitors, packed with the city's famous landmarks and most beautiful architecture.
Žvėrynas (zoo area)
A green, leafy district about a 15-20 minute walk from the Old Town, which we recommend for travellers who want to relax and stay close to nature.
Užupis
An unusual, one-of-a-kind bohemian quarter — home to the self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis, whose playful constitution is displayed on a wall — that we'd recommend to adventurous travellers.
Naujamiestis
Ideal for those who love nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you out late; it also doubles as the city's business district.
Vilkpėdė
The best option if you're travelling on a budget and looking for affordable places to stay, roughly a 15-20 minute ride from the Old Town.
Top attractions
Vilnius Cathedral
Standing on the city's main square, Vilnius Cathedral is the principal Catholic place of worship in Lithuania and a symbol of the country's Christianization. Its central location makes it the natural starting point for exploring the Old Town, and a visit reveals the spiritual heart of the capital.
Europos Parkas (open-air art museum)
Europos Parkas is an open-air museum that gathers contemporary art installations created by artists from around the world. Its layout is strikingly original, letting you wander among large-scale sculptures set in nature. It is a refreshing change of pace from the city's historic sights.
Liubavas Manor Museum
The Liubavas Manor Museum offers a window into Lithuanian culture and traditional daily life away from the usual tourist trail, and it houses Lithuania's oldest preserved water-mill machinery. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want a deeper, more authentic look at the country's heritage.
St. Anne's Church
St. Anne's Church is a Roman Catholic church dating from the late medieval and Renaissance era and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Lithuania. Its delicate brick facade is a true landmark and a must-see for lovers of historic architecture.
Gediminas' Tower
Gediminas' Tower is the city's historic defensive tower and a carefully preserved monument of Vilnius' past. Climbing up rewards you with sweeping views over the Old Town and a tangible sense of the city's history.
Trakai Castle
Trakai Castle sits on an island surrounded by water, with beautiful architecture and distinctive windows that recall its royal history. The lakeside setting makes it one of the most picturesque day trips from Vilnius and a highlight of any visit.
Church Heritage Museum
The Church Heritage Museum displays sacred artifacts that were once kept within the walls of Vilnius Cathedral. These carefully preserved treasures offer a close look at Lithuania's religious art and history.
Vilnius TV Tower
The Vilnius TV Tower is one of the tallest structures in Europe and offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It is the perfect spot to take in the whole capital from above before or after exploring at street level.
Sts. Peter & Paul Church
The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul is a Roman Catholic church that blends Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. Its richly decorated interior makes it one of Vilnius' most rewarding churches to step inside.
Vilnius University
Founded in the 16th century, Vilnius University is one of the most prestigious institutions in the region, with around twelve faculties. Its historic courtyards and architecture are open to visitors and well worth a stroll through the heart of the Old Town.
Where to eat
Best restaurants
- Da AntonioClassic Italian, beloved for pizza & pasta
- StikliaiAmong the world's top-15 restaurants — French technique
- Saint GermainVilnius's oldest restaurant — a French wine bar
Desserts & cafés
- Augustas Ir BarboraCosy café for coffee and cake
- Liu PattyKnown for traditional cakes and pastries
- Holy DonutDessert spot for fresh doughnuts
Vegetarian & vegan
- The Urban GardenPlant-based menu in a relaxed setting
- Casa La FamiliaVegetarian dishes with a homely feel
- RoseHipVegan café with seasonal dishes
Shopping
Whether you prefer cozy boutiques and shops in Vilnius's Old Town or large shopping centers, the city has it all.
Malls
What to buy
Take home a piece of amber — often called Lithuania's "gold" — along with linen textiles, woolen scarves, and Šakotis, the traditional Lithuanian cake that every sweet-lover will adore.
For authentic Lithuanian-made goods, browse local shops such as Baltas Miškas, LOCALS.LT, and Vilnos Namai, which carry clothing, accessories, ceramics, and knitwear by Lithuanian designers.
Best time to visit
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Vilnius. In spring the city bursts into bloom with cherry blossoms, while summer fills the calendar with festivals, open-air concerts and warm days that are perfect for the nearby lakes. Winter has its own charm too, with a magical Christmas season that runs for four to five weeks, complete with festive markets and decorations across the city. Pack accordingly: summer highs reach around 28-30°C, while winters are snowy and drop below freezing.
Parks & nature
Botanical Gardens
Vilnius actually has two well-known botanical gardens: the vast Vilnius University Botanical Garden in Kairėnai — among the largest in the Baltics — and an older, smaller one in the city. Both are tranquil spots where unique plants grow.
Vingis Park
A vast park whose wide meadows regularly host events, carnivals and festivals.
Sakura Park
A large park where you can watch the cherry blossoms bloom in spring and the leaves fall in autumn.
Pavilniai Regional Park
A regional park set almost entirely amid nature, offering wonderful views over the city.
Bernardinai Garden
A beautifully landscaped garden beside the Vilnia river by St. Anne's Church, with flower beds, fountains and a musical fountain.
Kalnai (Hill) Park
A historic hillside park whose central stage frequently hosts concerts and festivals.
Getting there
Vilnius International Airport (VNO) sits just about 5 km from the city centre, so the trip from the airport is quick and easy. From Tbilisi you can fly with a connection via LOT, Turkish Airlines, AirBaltic or KLM; from Kutaisi, Wizz Air operates a direct flight; and from Batumi you can reach Vilnius with Turkish Airlines via a transfer. For the best fares, book your tickets one to two months in advance through Avia.ge.
Getting around
Public transport
Buses and trolleybuses cover the whole city; you can buy and validate tickets through the Trafi app. A ticket bought onboard costs €0.90.
- 30 minutes
- €0.65
- 60 minutes
- €0.90
- 1-day pass
- €5
- 3-day pass
- €8
Taxi
Taxis are convenient and easy to order through apps such as eTaksi, Bolt and Taxi.lt. Expect to pay roughly €1-2 per kilometre.
Walking
The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, with its narrow streets and landmarks all within easy walking distance. It is the most enjoyable — and free — way to take in the historic centre.
Practical tips
- Download the Trafi app before you arrive so you can buy and validate public transport tickets easily.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, since the weather can change and you will be walking a lot.
- Plan for at least 3 days to see the main attractions without rushing.
- Book your flights one to two months in advance, ideally mid-week, for the best fares.
- Vilnius is generally safe if you take the usual city precautions; nightlife is moderate, so just avoid drinking too much at night.
Vilnius In photos
FAQ
How many days do I need in Vilnius?
Plan for at least 3 days to comfortably see the city's main attractions. That gives you enough time for the Old Town and a day trip to nearby sights such as Trakai.
What should I pack for Vilnius?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, since you will be on your feet a lot, and bring clothes you can layer for the changeable weather. Don't forget your travel documents and chargers.
What makes Vilnius special?
Vilnius is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage, with medieval European monuments and one of the best-preserved old towns in the region. It is also known as a city close to the geographical centre of Europe.
How expensive is Vilnius?
Vilnius is quite budget-friendly. Affordable accommodation and dining are easy to find across the city, with an average meal costing around €8-20.
Is Vilnius safe?
Vilnius is generally a safe city for travellers. As anywhere, take the usual precautions and avoid drinking too much at night.
When is the best time to visit Vilnius?
Spring and summer are the best seasons: spring brings blooming nature and cherry blossoms, while summer is full of festivals and concerts. Winter is special too, thanks to the Christmas season, which lasts four to five weeks.
What is the nearest airport to Vilnius?
The nearest airport is Vilnius International Airport (VNO), located only about 5 km from the city centre.
How do I travel to Vilnius from Georgia?
From Kutaisi you can take a direct Wizz Air flight, while from Tbilisi and Batumi you travel with connecting flights. For the best fares, book one to two months ahead through Avia.ge.
Which airlines fly to Vilnius from Georgia?
Wizz Air operates the direct route from Kutaisi, while Turkish Airlines, LOT, AirBaltic and KLM offer connecting flights from Tbilisi and Batumi.