Vilnius

Day 1: Medieval heart and baroque skyline

Begin in the cradle of the Grand Duchy, where statehood, church spires and university cloisters sit within a compact UNESCO-listed Old Town. Pace yourself on cobblestones and leave time to linger in courtyards and viewpoints.

• Morning: Cathedral Square with Vilnius Cathedral and the Royal Crypts, then step outside to trace the outlines of the former Lower Castle. Modest dress helps for church interiors; arrive close to opening to avoid queues.
• Midday: Tour the Palace of the Grand Dukes for an immersive primer on Lithuanian statehood, then wander through the courtyards of Vilnius University. If it’s the last Sunday of the month, many state museums are free; Mondays are often closed, so check hours.
• Afternoon: Climb Gediminas Hill to the tower museum for wide panoramas; the slope is steep and can be slippery after rain (there is a lift-assisted route). Continue to the Bastion of the Defensive Wall for atmospheric tunnels and another superb viewpoint.
• Evening: Cross the river to the Republic of Užupis for dinner by the Vilnelė and to read the tongue‑in‑cheek constitution plaques on Paupio Street. Long summer evenings are ideal for a riverside stroll; in winter, book a cosy spot in advance.

Day 2: The “Jerusalem of the North” and wartime memory

Today confronts Vilnius’s Jewish heritage and the city’s most difficult century. Start solemnly in a forest memorial, then return to map the former ghetto streets and visit museums that preserve a vanished world.

• Morning: Paneriai (Ponary) Memorial. Take a short train to Paneriai station or a city bus, then walk 15–20 minutes through the woods; allow 1.5–2 hours on site. Go in daylight, keep voices low, and wear sturdy shoes (paths can be muddy; insect repellent helps in summer).

By Air

• Vilnius Airport (VNO), 6 km south of the centre.
  • Train shuttle to Vilnius Central Station: ~8 minutes.
  • City buses (e.g., 1, 2, 3G, 88): ~15–25 minutes.
  • Taxi/ride-hail: ~15–20 minutes, traffic dependent.
• Kaunas Airport (KUN), ~100 km west.
  • Direct coaches to Vilnius: ~1 h 30–1 h 45.
  • By car via A1: ~1–1 h 20.
• Riga Airport (RIX), ~300 km north.
  • Frequent coaches to Vilnius: ~4–4.5 hours.
  • By car: ~4–4.5 hours.
• Palanga Airport (PLQ), ~330 km west (seasonal flights).
  • Coach to Vilnius: ~4–5 hours.
  • By car: ~3.5–4 hours.

By Train

• Vilnius Railway Station (Vilnius stotis) is central and adjacent to the bus station.
• Domestic services:
  • Kaunas: ~1–1 h 15 (frequent).
  • Trakai: ~30–40 minutes.
  • Klaipėda: ~3.5–4.5 hours.

A crowd-light European capital, Vilnius pairs seven centuries of layered history with a relaxed, creative pace—delivering big-city depth without the queues.

• Atmosphere: Gothic-to-Baroque Old Town streets, serene courtyards and a laid-back café culture; a working city where history is lived, not staged.
• Authenticity: Unhurried time at Cathedral Square, Gediminas’ Tower and the Palace of the Grand Dukes; thoughtful memory at Paneriai and the former KGB headquarters adds depth beyond the postcard.
• Neighbourhoods & flavour: Bohemian Užupis, scholarly university courtyards, and candlelit Rasos Cemetery during Vėlinės; tuck into cepelinai, rye bread, smoked fish and local craft beer.
• Value & ease: Compact, walkable centre with modest museum fees and free-entry Sundays; riverside greenery and skyline views offer capital-city highlights without the crowds or price tag.

Curious travellers who love layered stories, atmospheric streets and thoughtful remembrance will feel at home in Vilnius. This UNESCO-listed capital blends Gothic-to-Baroque beauty with powerful Jewish and Soviet-era memory sites, all in a compact, walkable centre. It’s ideal for a rich city break that offers depth without the crowds.

• History lovers: Explore the UNESCO Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Dukes and the former Jewish quarter of the “Jerusalem of the North”, tracing the city from medieval power to 1991 independence.
• Memory & reflection seekers: Confront Europe’s 20th century at the Museum of Occupations, the TV Tower memorial and the Paneriai forest, with respectful space for quiet contemplation.
• Scenery seekers: Capture baroque spires, university courtyards and hilltop views from Gediminas Tower; Vilnius feels as photogenic as Kraków or Prague—with fewer crowds.
• Active travellers: Stroll cobbled lanes, climb Gediminas Hill and follow riverside paths by the Neris to leafy districts and forest parks.
• Culture vultures: Savour “Rome of the North” churches, Literatų Street art and bohemian Užupis, where heritage and creativity meet.
• Value seekers: Affordable museums (€5–€15) and free entry on last Sundays make deep-dive history great value in a compact, safe centre.

These are the unmissable highlights of Vilnius, where seven centuries of history come alive. Start here to grasp the city’s layered past in a day or a weekend.

• Walk the narrow lanes of the former Jewish Ghetto (Stiklių, Mėsinių, Žydų gatvė) to trace Vilnius’s once‑vast Jewish life.
• Explore Cathedral Square, the Royal Crypts and the reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes for a crash course in the Grand Duchy.
• Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum) to confront Soviet terror in preserved cells and the execution chamber.
• Take the lift or path up Gediminas Tower for sweeping city views and the story of Vilnius’s founding.
• Hike the forest trails at Paneriai (Ponary) Memorial, a solemn site of mass shootings during the Holocaust.

These are the unmissable highlights of Vilnius, where seven centuries of history come alive. Start here to grasp the city’s layered past in a day or a weekend.

• Walk the narrow lanes of the former Jewish Ghetto (Stiklių, Mėsinių, Žydų gatvė) to trace Vilnius’s once‑vast Jewish life.
• Explore Cathedral Square, the Royal Crypts and the reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes for a crash course in the Grand Duchy.
• Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum) to confront Soviet terror in preserved cells and the execution chamber.
• Take the lift or path up Gediminas Tower for sweeping city views and the story of Vilnius’s founding.
• Hike the forest trails at Paneriai (Ponary) Memorial, a solemn site of mass shootings during the Holocaust.

Vilnius fuses Baltic comfort cooking with Jewish, Polish and Karaite influences, refreshed by a new wave of creative chefs. Expect generous portions, seasonal produce and honest flavours. Think cosy cafés, lively markets and vaulted cellar bars.

• Cepelinai – Lithuania’s iconic potato dumplings stuffed with pork or curd cheese, topped with sour cream and cracklings; best in homely Old Town taverns.
• Šaltibarščiai – bright-pink chilled beet and kefir soup with dill, cucumbers and a side of hot potatoes; a summer staple in cafés and canteens.
• Kibinai – flaky Karaite pastries (often lamb) from nearby Trakai, found fresh at bakeries and markets for an easy on-the-go bite.
• Kepta duona with local craft beer – garlicky fried rye bread with cheese dip, the go-to bar snack; perfect for relaxed taprooms and vaulted cellar bars.

Vilnius fuses Baltic comfort cooking with Jewish, Polish and Karaite influences, refreshed by a new wave of creative chefs. Expect generous portions, seasonal produce and honest flavours. Think cosy cafés, lively markets and vaulted cellar bars.

• Cepelinai – Lithuania’s iconic potato dumplings stuffed with pork or curd cheese, topped with sour cream and cracklings; best in homely Old Town taverns.
• Šaltibarščiai – bright-pink chilled beet and kefir soup with dill, cucumbers and a side of hot potatoes; a summer staple in cafés and canteens.
• Kibinai – flaky Karaite pastries (often lamb) from nearby Trakai, found fresh at bakeries and markets for an easy on-the-go bite.
• Kepta duona with local craft beer – garlicky fried rye bread with cheese dip, the go-to bar snack; perfect for relaxed taprooms and vaulted cellar bars.

Choosing where to stay in Vilnius is about the neighbourhood, not the hotel. Each district offers a distinct mood—from medieval lanes to bohemian enclaves and leafy retreats—so match the vibe to your trip. Here are quick picks to help you decide.

• Old Town (Senamiestis) — Cobbled medieval lanes, baroque spires, Cathedral Square and the former ghetto; ideal for first‑timers and history lovers, but expect crowds and late‑night noise.
• Užupis — Bohemian ‘republic’ by the Vilnia, with galleries, cafés and street art; perfect for creatives and couples seeking character and nightlife within 10 minutes’ walk of the centre.
• Gedimino prospektas (Naujamiestis) — Grand boulevard for shops, cafés and the Occupations/KGB Museum; suits culture seekers and business travellers wanting central convenience, good transport and calmer evenings.
• Žvėrynas — Leafy wooden villas and embassies by Vingis Park and riverside paths; great for families, runners and those craving quiet, still a 20–25‑minute walk to Old Town.

Choosing where to stay in Vilnius is about the neighbourhood, not the hotel. Each district offers a distinct mood—from medieval lanes to bohemian enclaves and leafy retreats—so match the vibe to your trip. Here are quick picks to help you decide.

• Old Town (Senamiestis) — Cobbled medieval lanes, baroque spires, Cathedral Square and the former ghetto; ideal for first‑timers and history lovers, but expect crowds and late‑night noise.
• Užupis — Bohemian ‘republic’ by the Vilnia, with galleries, cafés and street art; perfect for creatives and couples seeking character and nightlife within 10 minutes’ walk of the centre.
• Gedimino prospektas (Naujamiestis) — Grand boulevard for shops, cafés and the Occupations/KGB Museum; suits culture seekers and business travellers wanting central convenience, good transport and calmer evenings.
• Žvėrynas — Leafy wooden villas and embassies by Vingis Park and riverside paths; great for families, runners and those craving quiet, still a 20–25‑minute walk to Old Town.

Travel in Vilnius is straightforward: the compact centre, clear signage and efficient transport make it easy to navigate. A few practical details on costs, getting around and timing will help you plan smoothly.

• Affordability: Expect mains at €8–15 (coffee €2–3, beer €3–5), museum tickets €5–15, mid‑range hotels €70–120 per night (apartments €50–90; hostels €15–30), making the city good value by European capital standards.
• Transport: The Old Town is very walkable, with frequent buses/trolleybuses (contactless payment) and inexpensive ride‑hailing, while easy day trips include Trakai (≈30 mins by train/bus) and Kaunas (≈1–1.5 hrs by train); a car is useful only for rural excursions.
• Language: Lithuanian is the official language, but English is widely understood in the centre and hospitality sector (basic Lithuanian greetings are appreciated).
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and comfortable for families and solo travellers; just use normal city smarts against petty theft, wear sturdy shoes for cobbles (and ice in winter), and be respectful at memorial sites.
• Crowds: Peak season is June–August (busier weekends and festival dates), shoulder seasons April–May and September–October are calmer, while winter is quiet except around Christmas markets and key national commemorations.

Travel in Vilnius is straightforward: the compact centre, clear signage and efficient transport make it easy to navigate. A few practical details on costs, getting around and timing will help you plan smoothly.

• Affordability: Expect mains at €8–15 (coffee €2–3, beer €3–5), museum tickets €5–15, mid‑range hotels €70–120 per night (apartments €50–90; hostels €15–30), making the city good value by European capital standards.
• Transport: The Old Town is very walkable, with frequent buses/trolleybuses (contactless payment) and inexpensive ride‑hailing, while easy day trips include Trakai (≈30 mins by train/bus) and Kaunas (≈1–1.5 hrs by train); a car is useful only for rural excursions.
• Language: Lithuanian is the official language, but English is widely understood in the centre and hospitality sector (basic Lithuanian greetings are appreciated).
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and comfortable for families and solo travellers; just use normal city smarts against petty theft, wear sturdy shoes for cobbles (and ice in winter), and be respectful at memorial sites.
• Crowds: Peak season is June–August (busier weekends and festival dates), shoulder seasons April–May and September–October are calmer, while winter is quiet except around Christmas markets and key national commemorations.

Vilnius has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and pleasantly warm summers; shoulder seasons are milder and ideal for culture-led exploring. Expect lively festivals in summer, golden light and quieter streets in spring, and a hushed, atmospheric Old Town in winter.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild, changeable weather, blooming parks, lighter crowds; great for museums and slow Old Town walks.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm (often 20–27°C), long daylight, peak crowds and prices; outdoor cafés and festivals in full swing.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Very cold, frequent snow, short days; cosy cafés, Christmas markets, and a serene, candlelit Old Town vibe (busier around holidays).

Vilnius has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and pleasantly warm summers; shoulder seasons are milder and ideal for culture-led exploring. Expect lively festivals in summer, golden light and quieter streets in spring, and a hushed, atmospheric Old Town in winter.

• Spring (Apr–May): Mild, changeable weather, blooming parks, lighter crowds; great for museums and slow Old Town walks.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm (often 20–27°C), long daylight, peak crowds and prices; outdoor cafés and festivals in full swing.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Very cold, frequent snow, short days; cosy cafés, Christmas markets, and a serene, candlelit Old Town vibe (busier around holidays).

Day 3: Occupation, freedom, and living memory

Trace the arc from repression to independence—prison cells, civic boulevards, and the TV Tower where Lithuanians defended their state in 1991. End the day with symbols of post‑Soviet creativity.

• Morning: Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (former KGB HQ). The basement cells and execution chamber are harrowing; set aside 1.5–2 hours and consider a guided visit for context.
• Midday: Walk Gedimino prospektas to the Seimas (Parliament) to see the January 13th memorial and preserved barricade fragments. Grab lunch nearby, then use the Trafi app to plan transport to the TV Tower.
• Afternoon: Vilnius TV Tower for the memorial cross and small exhibition at the base; if visibility is good, ride up for city‑wide views. On 13 January, bonfires are lit here—expect crowds and a solemn mood.
• Evening: Return to the centre via the Frank Zappa Monument, a playful 1990s landmark of new freedoms. If you missed it earlier, slip down Literatų gatvė or loop back to the Bastion for a sunset skyline; book restaurants ahead on national holidays (16 Feb, 11 Mar, 6 Jul).

By Bus

• Vilnius Bus Station (Autobusų stotis) sits next to the railway station.
• International and intercity operators include Ecolines, Lux Express, and FlixBus.
  • Riga: ~4–4.5 hours (very frequent, including night services).
  • Warsaw: ~7.5–9 hours (multiple daily).
  • Tallinn: ~8–9.5 hours (usually via Riga).
  • Kaunas: ~1.5–2 hours; Klaipėda: ~3.5–4.5 hours.
• Book online for best fares and seat selection.

By Car

• Main routes:
  • A1 (Klaipėda–Kaunas–Vilnius).
  • A2/E272 (Panevėžys–Vilnius; from Riga via A7/A10).
  • E67/Via Baltica (Warsaw–Suwałki–Kaunas–Vilnius).
• Typical driving times:
  • Kaunas–Vilnius: ~1–1 h 30.
  • Klaipėda–Vilnius: ~3–3.5 hours.
  • Riga–Vilnius: ~4–4.5 hours.
  • Warsaw–Vilnius: ~6.5–7.5 hours.
• Right-hand driving; Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia are in Schengen (no routine border checks). City-centre parking is mostly paid—consider park-and-ride or hotel parking.

Who should go to Vilnius?

Curious travellers who love layered stories, atmospheric streets and thoughtful remembrance will feel at home in Vilnius. This UNESCO-listed capital blends Gothic-to-Baroque beauty with powerful Jewish and Soviet-era memory sites, all in a compact, walkable centre. It’s ideal for a rich city break that offers depth without the crowds.

• History lovers: Explore the UNESCO Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Dukes and the former Jewish quarter of the “Jerusalem of the North”, tracing the city from medieval power to 1991 independence.
• Memory & reflection seekers: Confront Europe’s 20th century at the Museum of Occupations, the TV Tower memorial and the Paneriai forest, with respectful space for quiet contemplation.
• Scenery seekers: Capture baroque spires, university courtyards and hilltop views from Gediminas Tower; Vilnius feels as photogenic as Kraków or Prague—with fewer crowds.
• Active travellers: Stroll cobbled lanes, climb Gediminas Hill and follow riverside paths by the Neris to leafy districts and forest parks.
• Culture vultures: Savour “Rome of the North” churches, Literatų Street art and bohemian Užupis, where heritage and creativity meet.
• Value seekers: Affordable museums (€5–€15) and free entry on last Sundays make deep-dive history great value in a compact, safe centre.