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Top 25 Things to Do in Vilnius | Travel Guide, Points of Interest, & Landmarks

Vilnius is probably one of the least-known European capitals. However, this hidden gem should definitely not be left out of your latest travel plans.

From fascinating architecture and local history to all of the exciting activities available, there are plenty of fun things to do in Vilnius.

hot air ballon vilnius
Flying Hot air balloon is a must-do while in Vilnius

Although Vilnius only appears in records from the 13th century, it has been at the center of Lithuanian politics since then.

The castles, palaces, and museums built in the city and the surrounding areas tell tales of the history of Lithuania – from the Grand Duchy to its independence from the Soviet Union.

Without further introduction, let’s explore everything there is to know about Vilnius so that your time here can be as adventurous as possible.

Where is Vilnius, Lithuania?

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, a Baltic state in North-East Europe. The city lies in the South-East region of the country, close to the borders of Belarus. 

The city was originally limited to the medieval Old Town (now a popular attraction) but has since expanded to include a larger municipal area of almost 750,000 people.

The neighboring districts are made up of 1,163 villages and stretch over an area of 2,129 square kilometers.

How to Reach Lithuania, Vilnius

You can reach Vilnius via plane or road. The capital of Lithuania has an international airport, but if you are traveling from a neighboring Balkan state, you could also choose to travel by bus, car, or train. 

Traveling to Vilnius by Plane

The easiest way to travel to Vilnius is by plane. The Vilnius International Airport is one of the three biggest commercial airports in the country, together with international airports in Palanga and Kaunas.

Vilnius International Airport Lithuania
Vilnius International Airport from above, as seen from hot air balloon ride

Unfortunately, as with the rest of Lithuania, you will not be able to get a direct flight from outside of Europe or the UK.

The international airports in Lithuania are rather small, with only one runway, which is not long enough to accept bigger airplanes.

However, with a quick stopover in one of the bigger European airports, you will be in Vilnius in no time. 

The airport is on the southern outskirts of the city.

It will take approximately 10/15 minutes to reach the center via car. Costing from 5 to 10 Euro.
The two best Taxi apps in Lithuania is Bolt and Uber.

From Vilnius Airport to City Center with public transportation

Getting from Vilnius airport to the city center is fairly straightforward. You can either take a bus or a local train.
However, the airport is located just 6 km south of the city center, so it’s a very short trip between the city center and the airport.

There are 5 different busses from the airport, so be sure about which one you should take, the bus ride from the airport to the center of Vilnius takes around 15 minutes, and the buses depart from the airport every 10–15 minutes.

NB. You can not buy the ticket (1euro) from the bus driver anymore; you can either use the app Trafi or buy the ticket from the tourist centre or the Narvesen Kiosk. Trafi is used for all public transportation in Vilnius.

Busses which has the letter G after the numbers are express buses, while it stops on the most popular stops around the city while skipping some regular stops before and after the centre.

  • Bus #1 From airport to the central bus/train station, which is located south of the city.
  • Bus #2  Also goes from the airport to the bus/train station.
  • Bus #88 From the airport to the City Business Centre, but goes trough the Old Town first.
  • Bus#3G goes to the north through the centre (Lukiškės square) and business centre (Konstitucijos avenue). Travel along the western outskirts of the old town.
  • Night minibus #88N goes hourly 23:30–05:30 same route as nr 2.

By train from Vilnius airport: There´s a train from the airport to the train station which depart every 45min and takes 7min to reach the train station. costs 0.72 Euro.

The train station is located in the south part of the city, so you are probably best of taking one of the busses if you are planning to stay in the old town part of Vilnius or in the new part of town.

Traveling to Vilnius by Bus, Car, or Train

If you are coming from Minsk (Belarus), Warsaw (Poland), or Riga (Latvia), you can easily take a bus, rental car, or train. There are plenty of options from any of these countries. The popular weekend destination, Klaipeda, along the Baltic Coast, is 3 – 4 hours away.

The bus is the cheapest option, ranging from $15 to $30 for the shortest (and cheapest) options. Trains and cars are slightly more expensive but do offer on average an hour less travel time. 

Note: Once inside the country, public transport is a great option. The train network and bus schedule can be found online. 

Complete travel guide to Vilnius, the charming capital of Lithuania
Top 25 Things to Do in Vilnius | Travel Guide, Points of Interest, & Landmarks

What to Do in Vilnius | 5 Fun Activities & Day Trips

There are so many great Lithuanian things to do in Vilnius that you will need to stay here for more than a few days.

These fun activities and day trips will have you exploring every part of the city and the surrounding country.

Make sure to tick a few of these off your bucket list the next time you’re in Vilnius.

1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Vilnius

One of the best ways to truly appreciate a city is from the air. Although you will get glimpses if you are flying in, it’s definitely worth it to take a closer look.

The best way to do this is with a hot air balloon trip. As you float above the city, you will appreciate a side of Vilnius that many people don’t get to enjoy.

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Flying high above Vilnius in a hot air balloon
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All the balloons getting ready to take off.

These trips usually last for between 1 to 2 hours, but that will fly by, quite literally.

Take as many pictures as you can because you’re going to struggle to find a viewpoint this good again.

You will be in small groups of up to 4 to 7 people in the basket for this trip, depending on the size of the basket.

However, there are more romantic couple options available. 

hot air balloon vilnius lithunia
The Hot air balloon trip normally ends about 15km outside the city

2. Canoe Through Vilnius

The history of Vilnius is closely connected to the two rivers that run through the city – the Neris and the Vilnia River.
If you’re visiting Vilnius in the summer and are a fan of water activities, then a guided canoe trip is a great activity.

Neris river vilnius lithuania
Neris is the main river through the city, with the new city on the left and the old part of town on the right.

You’ll be able to explore the city using the rivers to your advantage.
Not only will you get to challenge yourself with the most difficult river route in Lithuania, but you will also get to take in the city from a completely unique perspective.

Note: Even though the river can be challenging at times, it’s not impossible for the keen adventurer, and it’s a boatload of fun.

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The smaller Vilnele river

3. Explore Trakai Castle

Trakai Castle Lithuania
Trakai Castle is a landmark of Lithuania and a must visit

Although not in Vilnius itself, Trakai Island Castle is a must-do day trip for anyone visiting the city.

This castle played a pivotal role in the safety of the Lithuanian capital and is a great opportunity to glimpse back into 14th- and 15th-century European culture. 

Trakai Castle in lithuania
Trakai Castle on a rainy day

You can either take a guided tour to learn as much as you can about the complicated local history or explore the museum and castle grounds by yourself.
It’s only a 40-minute drive from central Vilnius and is any history-lover’s dream. 

The castle had a complicated history that began in the 14th century. Because of its strategic position, the castle quickly found itself at the center of a war – which shaped future constructions.
The castle fell into disarray in the 17th century and was only restored in 1951. 

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Inside Trakai Castle

Now a part of the Trakai History Museum, the grounds are filled with archaeological findings, art, and exhibitions commemorating the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. If you visit during summer, you can also enjoy one of the medieval festivals or various concerts or events that are hosted there.

Note: If you still want to head out on the water. The castle is located on an island that you can explore via a beginner-friendly canoe tour

4. Learn About Vilnius Ghost Stories & Legends

If you’re looking for an unconventional adventure that will leave you in awe of Vilnius, then this guided tour is a great choice. You will meet up in the evening as the sun sets and begin exploring a unique side of the city.

The two-hour walking tour will take you through Vilnius Old Town and will introduce you to various real stories as well as some interesting legends. Although the city might not be as old as some other European cities, it has still racked up an impressive collection of tales.

Find out about the love stories of the ancient Dukes, hear about atrocities committed during wartime, or find out about the extraordinary lives of Middle Age executioners – this tour has everything you won’t find on a regular Google search. 

5. Visit the Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is one of Lithuania’s must-see tourist attractions – although it is a bit of a trip away from the city.

If you want to know what to do in Lithuania and are ready to explore a little bit more of the country, then why not experience a full-day trip from Vilnius

the Hill of Crosses lithuania
You can do a daytrip to the Hill of Crosses.

Not only will you get to see a famous Christian pilgrimage landmark, but you will get to stop and explore the Ukmergė District and have a Lithuanian lunch in the city of Siauliai.

The Hill of Crosses is 220 km (135 miles) away from Vilnius. You will depart the city in the morning and return between 5 – 6 pm. 

the Hill of Crosses lithuania
The Hill of Crosses is one of the strangest places in the whole of Lithuania.

Vilnius Lithuania Points of Interest | 7 Tourist Attractions

Although there are plenty of fun activities to do in and around Vilnius, don’t forget to spend some time admiring the local attractions as well.

Vilnius is a treasure trove of European architecture, Lithuanian culture, and all-around beauty, and it´s definitely one of the most underrated cities in Europe.

Explore some of these Lithuanian landmarks to truly check the city off your bucket list. 

1. Vilnius Old Town

A trip to Vilnius would not be complete without exploring the historic old town.

It was proclaimed a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994, and, if that wasn’t enough, it is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in northern Europe.

old town Vilnius
Walking around the small alleys in the charming old town of Vilnius

Vilnius has been a melting pot of European cultures since its inception. It is one of the most unique old towns in the world, where you will be able to see such a wide variety of architectural styles blending together.

Don’t be surprised if you happen past buildings designed in the gothic, renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles standing side by side. 

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Walking around the streets of the charming old town

Whether you want to explore the old town by yourself or on a guided tour, there are plenty of exciting things to see in Vilnius’ historic centre. 

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Walking around the charming old town

2. Palace of the Grand Duke of Lithuania

On the southern banks of the Neris River, just north of the Vilnius Old Town, you will find this historic landmark.

Although the original palace was demolished, the reconstruction was completed in 2016 and allows you to take a glimpse back in time.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania next to the Cathedral

What started out as the Vilnius Castle eventually became the official residence of the Grand Duke of Lithuania. It was during this period of prosperity that the city of Vilnius reached its medieval heights. 

Now that it has been redone, the public is welcome to explore the museum grounds and learn more about the history of Vilnius and the palace’s occupants.

3. Gediminas’ Tower

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Gediminas’ Tower overlooking the city

If the Old Town is the lifeblood of Vilnius, then Gediminas’ Tower is the heart.
According to legend, this is the oldest part of the town, where Grand Duke Gediminas proclaimed his new settlement.

Gediminas’ Tower Vilnius Lithuania
Gediminas’ Tower on a sunny day

Although only the tower remains, it was once part of the old castle complex – located on the same grounds as the Palace of the Grand Duke.

This historic landmark is located on a hilltop, which makes it a popular place for locals and tourists alike to relax and admire the views.

You can see all of the surrounding city from here, which makes for a great sunset viewing spot. 

Gediminas’ Tower Vilnius Lithuania
Gediminas’ Tower with the old ruins and the funicular station on the left

The Gediminas’ Tower is located right behind the national museum on a hilltop, while it´s not a long walk up to the tower, so can you take a Funicular train each way for 1 Euro each way.

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The Funicular train up to Gediminas’ Tower with the new part of Vilnius in the background across the river.

4. The Three Crosses Hill

If you can´t get enough of the view over Vilnius, you can head to the Three Crosses Hill, a hill overlooking the city with three 12m tall white concrete Crosses overlooking the city.

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Three Crosses hill

According to history, there have been wooden crosses on this site since the early 17th century, and since then, they became a symbol of the city and an integral part of the city’s skyline.

The original wooden crosses rotted, the crosses needed to be periodically replaced. In 1916, when a concrete monument was constructed and stood here until it was torn down in 1950 during the soviet times.

The current Three Crosses was constructed in 1989. 

5. Vilnius Museum of Illusions

The Vilnius Museum of Illusions is the most unique landmark on this list. Where the other museums and stops will have you learn about local history and culture, this one is all about blowing your mind.

Walkthrough the building as you discover the various optical illusions and unique exhibitions. The staff are friendly and more than willing to help show you around the place. This is an excellent stop for any family or illusion lovers visiting the city. 

You can buy a ticket at the entrance, which costs $13 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and for $36, you can get a family pass. Children under the age of 7 can accompany an adult for free (max 3 kids per adult). 

6. Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius Cathedral is one of the oldest areas of the city.

Although the current church is not the same building as the original, there have been numerous reconstructions and modifications made throughout the century.

Vilnius Cathedral in Vilnius Lithuaia
The mighty Vilnius Cathedral from the front
The entrance to Vilnius Cathedral from the front
The entrance to Vilnius Cathedral from the front

The first church was built in the 13th century but faced fires, wars, and general dilapidation over the years.

It was originally a Gothic-style church, but when it was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, it was adapted to the current Neoclassical style. 

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Panoramic view over Vilnius Cathedral

It’s a popular stop in Vilnius, thanks to its beautiful white walls and elaborately decorated interior.

The Vilnius Bell Tower (just outside the entrance to the church) offers a great opportunity to take in the surrounding views. 

Inside Vilnius Cathedral
Inside Vilnius Cathedral

7. Lithuanian National Opera & Ballet Theatre

Home to the Lithuanian National Ballet, this theatre is both a historical and cultural landmark.

You can visit the modernly designed building to learn more about the history of ballet in Vilnius, or you can book a ticket and enjoy one of the many performances that take place there. 

From their website, you can view all of the upcoming events as well as book tickets.

The pricing varies depending on the show and what seats you want to choose. On average, you’re looking to spend between $20 – $70. 

8. Visit The KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters

The KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters vilnius
The outside of the KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters
kgb museum Vilnius
Inside the KGB office

This museum is the only one of its kind in the Balkans and serves as a reminder of the struggles that the people of Vilnius have faced over the past 100 years.

There are exhibitions highlighting important events, including the underground resistance movements during WW2 and political prisoners that were housed here during the Soviet Union.

7. Visit The KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters
Visit The KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters

The basement of the building was once the KGB prison, and it´s easy to see that this place is not a pleasant place to spend your time in prison. There´s even an execution chamber in the basement.

KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters
This prison could break even the strongest people
KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters
The padded cell in the basement

9. Try the Local Lithuanian Craft Beer

Like most other countries, so are also Vilnius and Lithuania experiencing a craft beer revolution.

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Craft beer selection Vilnius

But Lithuania seems to favour sour beer when it comes to experiencing with local ingredients, like beetroot sour beer and blackcurrant sour beer.

While the two most common craft beer breweries in Lithuania and Vilnius are Genys Brewing and Raudonu Plytu, however, none of them is originally from Vilnius, so do about every bar en restaurant sell them these days.

A guide to craft beer in Vilnius and Lithuania.

beetroot sour beer lithuania
What about a beetroot sour beer

10. Visit Lukiškės Prison

Once the most notorious prison in Lithuania until the prison was officially closed on 2 July 2019.

The prison opened up in 1904 when Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire. It was also used by the Germani Nazi s occupation of Lithuania during WW2 when it was used by the Gestapo as a holding cell for thousands of Jews.

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The main entrance to Lukiškės Prison with the Orthodox Church, which you can see from most parts of Vilnius

Now the prison has reopened under the name Lukiškės Prison 2.0, which these days offers everything from art studios which is used by around 250 famous local artists., to tours of the old prison with some of the old prison guards working as guides in prison now, (you will hear some crazy stories from their own experience working in the prison during the time it was a notorious prison, similar to Alcatraz in the USA.

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Dark hallway inside Lukiškės Prison
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Fences around the Lukiškės Prison

The old prison is now considered to be a Culture Hub of Vilnius.

But there are also concerts on a newly built stage in one of the courtyards of the prison, there´s been a night nightclub, and there´s even a well-stocked bar in another of the courtyards.

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The bar in the main courtyard at Lukiškės Prison
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The bar in Lukiškės Prison
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The Music stage inside Lukiškės Prison

There´s also rumours that they will turn a part of the prison into a guesthouse in the near future.

Lukiškės Prison was in 2020 also used as a filming location for the fourth season of the popular Netflix show, Stranger Things.

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Hallway inside Lukiškės Prison with the cells on each side
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The cell inside the prison
Lukiškės Prison prison cell
A one-person cell inside Lukiškės Prison

11. Visit Užupis Bohemian Republic

Just east of the old part of town, across the river, is the small bohemian district of Užupis, which try to be the self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis.

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Welcome To the Republic of Užupis

Following Lithuania’s independence from Soviet rule, artists in Vilnius took advantage of the cheap accommodation in the area. These new residents turned Užupis into a hive of creativity.

Since April 1, 1997, the Užupis neighborhood in Vilnius has been considered a free republic, much like Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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The main square in Užupis

The name Užupis means “over the river”, as the tiny neighborhood sits on the other side of the Vilnelé River, separated from the Old Town, the small bohemian district is well worth a visit.

Backpacking Jesus Užupis
The Backpacking Jesus

12. Bernardine Cemetary

Bernardine Cemetery is the second-oldest cemetery in all of Vilnius, located in far edges of Užupis on the right bank of the Vilnia River. Bernardine Cemetery is the eternal resting place of various cultural, social and scientific figures for over 200 years.

Bernardine Cemetary vilnius
Bernardine Cemetary

The Cemetery was established in 1810 by the Bernardine monks of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the place is today beautiful local historical and cultural objects of the 19t still visible in Vilnius.

Bernardine Cemetary Vilnius
Bernardine Cemetary
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Bernardine Cemetary

13. Town Hall Square

The Vilnius Town hall square is the main square in old town Vilnius. The first time was mentioned back in 1432 but has since been reconstructed many times.

Vilnius Town Hall
Vilnius Town Hall

The current building date back to 1799, and it has remained unchanged since then.
These days the town hall is a popular meeting place for locals, and the square is now full of local bars and restaurants.

Vilnius Town Hall
Vilnius Town Hall dates back to 1799

14. The Gate Of Dawn

Gate Of Dawn Vilnius Lithuania
The Gate Of Dawn with reconstruction going on

The Gate of Dawn, locally known as Aušros Vartai, is one of the most important religious and historical monuments in Vilnius. The Gate of Dawn was built between 1503 and 1522 as a part of defensive fortifications around the old town of Vilnius, which was then the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

The Gate of Dawn is an important Catholic pilgrimage site in Lithuania and a site for pilgrim travellers coming here from far away to pay a visit to a tinny chapel and to pray in front of an old painting of Virgin Marry which is believed to have miraculous power.

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The Southern side of the gate of dawn

15. National Museum Of Lithuania

National Museum Of Lithuania
National Museum Of Lithuania with Gediminas’ Tower in the background.

The National Museum of Lithuania is like all other national museums in different countries, displaying the development of Lithuanian history from the creation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania until the first half of the 20th century.

The National Museum is located right in front of the Gediminas’ Tower and to the left of the Vilnius Cathedral.

16. St. Anne’s Church

St. Anne’s Church Vilnius lithunia
St. Anne’s Church

The 500-year-old St. Anne’s Church is a prime example of Gothic architecture in Vilnius.

Legend says that Napoleon Bonaparte fell in love with the church so much when he visited Vilnius in 1812, that much as he wanted to tear it down and move it to French. 

Church of St. Anne. Vilnius
Church of St. Anne.

Today the Chuch of St. Anne is one of the famous landmarks of Vilnius.

17. Literature Street

One of the newest sites in Vilnius is the Literatų gatvė (Literature Street) which is dedicated to writers who have some kind of connection with Vilnius.

Literatų gatvė (Literature Street) vilnius
Artwork on the walls along Literatų gatvė (Literature Street),

A street which started to be decorated in 2008 when a group of local artists came up with the idea of revitalising the street and decorating it with works of art related to authors with a connection to the city. 

Each of the artworks on the wall has its connection to a writer. Some are made in plastic, metal etc., but one stands out as the most bizarre, the denture that was used personally by one of the writers. Now counting more than 200.

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The personal denture to one of the writers

18. Climb Bell Tower of St. John’s Church for the best view over Vilnius

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Bell Tower of St. John’s Church

The tallest of all Bell Towers in Vilnius is the Bell Tower of St. John’s Church standing 68m tall, attached to Vilnius University.

Built-in renaissance style at the end of the 16th century, but was badly damaged during a fire in 1737. The Bell Tower was then rebuilt in the current Baroque style.

The St. John´s Church bell tower is also the tallest building in Old Town Vilnius.

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The 68m Bell Tower of St. John’s Church

The Bell Tower is located in the middle of old town Vilnius and offers an amazing view if you decide to climb the very steep 193 authentic wooden steps to the top of the tower, or you can take the newly built elevator up to the open-air 45-metre high observation platform.

The top of the bell towers offers the best view over Old toWN Vilnius. The entrance fee is 5 Euro.

bellt tower vilnius
It´s a long way to the top. Either you can take the wooden stairs or the elevator to the top.
Bell Tower of St. John’s Church
It´s a long way down
Bell Tower of St. John’s Church
The Top of the Bell Tower of St. John’s Church
Vilnius view
The view from the top of the Bell Tower,
Bell Tower of St. John’s Church
View over the Vilnius University from the top of the Bell Tower
Bell Tower of St. John’s Church
You can walk around the outside of the whole belltower

19. Vilnius University

Vilnius University, located right next to Bell Tower of St. John’s Church. Vilnius University is the oldest higher education in the Baltics and one of the oldest in all of northern Europe.

Vilnius University
The courtyard of Vilnius University

Opened in the year 1579, it´s famous as the best University in the region, and even today, it´s ranked among the top 400 universities worldwide. 

20. Enjoy the view from Vilnius TV Tower

Vilnius TV Tower Lithuania
Vilnius TV Tower
Vilnius TV Tower Lithuania
The 326,5m tall tv tower

The Vilnius TV Tower is the tallest structure in Lithuania, standing at 326,5m tall, making it the 29th tallest tv tower in the world.

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The Tv Tower is viewable in the far distances, here from during the Hot Air balloon ride.

The Tv tower is easily recognisable from all over Vilnius, and it will be the first thing you will see when you are entering Vilnius.

At the round section at 165m at the tower, there´s a rotating viewing platform and the Milky way restaurant offering a breathtaking view over all of Vilnius. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees which take 55min.

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From inside the rotating restaurant at the tv tower
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The soviet-style bar in the tv tower
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View from the restaurant at the tv tower

There´s also a small museum at the base of the tv tower, the “Fight for freedom Museum”, which display the event that took place here on the night of 13 January 1991, when Lithuanians got their independence from the Soviet Union.

There´s a small granite obelisk near the TV tower in honour of the 12 Lithuanians who lost their lives here that night.

21. Frank Zappa Memorial

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The Frank Zappa Memorial

One of the strangest monuments and sites in Vilnius is the Frank Zappa memorial in the city.

Why a Frank Zappa statue in Vilnius? He has done nothing for Lithuania. In fact, he has never even been to Lithuania.

During the Soviet times, no American or Western culture was allowed.
So after the fall of the Soviets, the statue of Frank Zappa got put up as a sign of freedom of speech and creativity, marking an absence of censorship.

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All the graffiti in memory of Frank Zappa are almost covered in bushes.

22. John Lennon Statue

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The John Lennon memorial statue

In the far southern part of the old town, just behind the Comfort Hotel, is a small monument in memory of John Lennon.

Even tho the statue was unveiled in 2015; it has fast become one of the most popular sites in Vilnius, even tho it’s one of the newest attractions in Vilnius.

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Close up with the John Lennon statue. All you need is love

23. The Barbakanas / Artillery Bastion

There´s not much left of the old city wall from the 16th century. But one of the few places you can see the original Vilnius city wall is at Vilnius Artillery Bastion.

vilnius city wall
Part of the old city wall

The Artillery Bastion was from the 15th to 19th centuries full of explosives, cannons, soldiers and guns. These days there is a small museum in the Artillery Bastion with some of the original weapons on display.

The top of the Bastion is a popular place to enjoy the view out over the city.

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Part of the Artillery Bastion
Artillery Bastion vilnius
Information about the Artillery Bastion

24. Relax in the Bernardine Garden

The oldest park in Vilnius was created all the way back in 1469; the garden is still open in the heart of the Old Town, a popular place for locals to relax and go for a walk.

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The main entrance to Bernardine Gardens

The park was completely redesigned a d opened in 2003 after old images. Bernardine Garden is located right behind the Gediminas’ Tower and along the Vilnia river.

The Bernardine Gardens is a perfect place to relax after a long day walk around the old town.

Bernardine Gardens Vilnius
Inside the Bernardine Garden

Where to Stay in Vilnius

Planning all your activities and trips might be the best part of creating a travel itinerary, but choosing the right accommodation can make or break a trip.

Whether you are trying to save money while traveling or have the most unforgettable experience possible, there are plenty of great places to stay in Vilnius.

  • Amberton Cathedral Square Hotel: For some, the best place to stay when visiting Vilnius is in the historical Old Town. If you choose the Amberton 4-star Hotel, you will be in the center of all the action and have the cathedral on your doorstep. There is a breakfast buffet included.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius Center: Just outside the Old Town, near the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, you will find this classy 4-star Hilton hotel. This world-renowned hotel chain is a reliable option that includes modern rooms, a fitness center, and private parking.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva: This 4-star hotel is located on the opposite side of the Neris River to the historical Old Town, however it’s still close to all the best Vilnius attractions. The interior decoration is exceptional and they have a wide range of rooms to choose from – whether you are on a tight budget or looking to stay in a more luxurious suite.
    Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is home to the only skybar in Vilnius. Which is well worth a visit for a eveening drink.
  • Comfort Hotel LT – Rock ‘n’ Roll Vilnius: One of the newest hotels in city, located about a 10min walk of the old city,
    a eco friendly hotel, often used as a busniess hotel but is just as popular among travelers. I personally stayed 5 nights here and I would stayed here agian.
  • Artis Centrum Hotels: One of the most central located hotel, right next to the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania. Artis offers a popular resturant and bar, and is one of few hotels with swimming pool, a sauna and steam bath in Vilnius. I did stay my two first nights here.

Can You Go Skiing in Lithuania?

Although many people don’t realize it, Lithuania is a great place to go skiing. Whether you are traveling here in the summer or winter months, there is an opportunity to hit the slopes.

Naturally, most ski resorts open during the winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to ski during summer. Thanks to the state-of-the-art Snow Arena, you can find some exciting things to do in Lithuania throughout the year. 

The Snow Arena is located just outside the Druskininkai, a famous spa town in southern Lithuania. It is only a 2-hour drive away from Vilnius and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Although not many tourists travel to Vilnius during winter, there are opportunities to go skiing. Just outside the city, close to the airport, you can find the Liepkalnis entertainment area.

During winter, the slopes are open for snowboarding and skiing. While in summer, there are plenty of fun activities like mountain biking, tobogganing, climbing, tubing, and more. 

Lithuanian Vilnius Tourism Guide | FAQs

When traveling to a new city or country, it’s always a good idea to find out everything you can about it.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists going to Vilnius. 

Is Vilnius Safe for Tourists?

Yes, Vilnius and Lithuania is a very safe place for tourists. Although petty theft and tourist scams do take place (like in all major cities), it is not a high-risk city.

Individual travelers (whether male or female) should feel safe traveling here. 

As long as you aren’t careless with your possessions, you should be alright. However, when traveling, it is always best to exercise a bit more caution than you normally would. Having goods stolen while on holiday is a quick way to ruin your day. 

Scams aren’t overly common, but some opportunistic locals may try to take advantage of you.

This is especially true for taxis, and tourists are not recommended to use these services. It’s not unheard of for foreigners to be charged 10x the normal fare – and you could be refused service otherwise. Stick with the busses, and you should be fine!

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Vilnius?

If you are a European or US citizen, you can travel to Vilnius for up to 90 days without requiring additional documentation. The rules are slightly different for EU and US citizens, but both do not require visas to enter for holiday. 

Lithuania joined the EU in 2007 and became a member of the Schengen zone.
As a result, any EU citizen can travel to or from Lithuania without needing a visa. EU citizens are allowed to visit or work here for a period of up to 3 months.

Do They Speak English in Lithuania Vilnius?

Approximately 30% of Lithuanians can speak English.

The majority of these come from the younger generation (between 15 – 29). English has become more popular in recent years after Lithuania’s independence from the Soviet Union.

In Lithuania, it is compulsory to learn a foreign secondary language at school.

The three most popular options are English, Russian, and German. During the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, the most popular foreign second language was Russian, but this has since changed to English.

However, about all the people working in bars, restaurants, coffee houses, hotels, etc., is from the younger generation and speak fluent English, making travelling in Vilnius and Lithuania very easy.

Does Lithuania Use the Euro?

Lithuania has used the Euro as its official currency since 1 January 2015. The Euro replaced the previous currency – the Lithuanian Litas.

But few people use hard cash these days. Everyone just pays with their credit cards these days, and also did I during my visit.

What Are the Major Cities in Lithuania?

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and the most populous city. The second biggest city is Kaunas, followed by Klaipėda and Šiauliai.

What is the Best Time to Visit Vilnius?

The most popular time to visit Vilnius is during summer.
The temperature is moderate and pleasant during this time, averaging 23 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

It’s the time of year where the Lithuanian countryside looks the best, and you can enjoy exploring Vilnius and the surrounding areas. 

Being in northern Europe, Lithuania can get very cold during winter.
The average temperature during winter is -10 degrees Celsius, and it can get as cold as -20 degrees on some of the colder days.

Don’t let this put you off, though; there are still plenty of Vilnius things to do.

The main reason why people visit Lithuania during winter is because of the snow.
There are a few popular ski resorts in the south of the country.

There are far fewer tourists during these colder months, so you’ll also be able to visit attractions while avoiding long queues. 

Explore a Hidden Gem in the Balkans

Vilnius is a European city, unlike many of the more conventional stops. This unique destination will allow you to experience combinations of culture and architecture that are rarely seen anywhere else. 

Now that you know what to see in Vilnius, where to stay, and some FAQs, all that’s left to do is to figure out what to pack. Your Baltic-European adventure awaits!