Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city of heritage, culture and modernity. It’s a vibrant place with a history that stretches far back to the Middle Ages, but it’s a city that is looking well past its Soviet-era occupation towards its future as part of Western Europe.
Vilnius is an intriguing mix of both east and west, with a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Old Town that’s ringed by ancient city walls, ramshackle cobbled streets, and quaint bars and cafes. You’ll find street art and quirky bars across Vilnius, and you’ll even find the Republic of Uzupis, a self-declared breakaway state with its own liberal constitution.
It’s a fantastic place to visit. To inspire your trip to the Lithuanian capital, here are 10 reasons why Vilnius should be your next stop on your holiday in Lithuania.
- The Old Town of Vilnius
The Old Town of Vilnius is the historic heart of the city. Somehow, through the centuries, it’s retained its marvellous architecture and heritage, despite numerous wars and occupations leaving their toll on Lithuania.
The Old Town is a remarkable example of medieval construction and is important enough to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ramshackle streets and alleyways are wonderful to stroll through, while the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, Pilies Street, is a hub of local culture, cafes and, at night time, a great place to visit for a few drinks.
- The Gate of Dawn
Although the city has long since expanded past its medieval walls, you can still find the extensive remains of them by tracing the route of the Old Town’s boundaries. The Gate of Dawn is the old entranceway to Vilnius and you can still walk under its magnificent archway, to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
The Gate of Dawn dates back to the early 16th century. You can visit the historic chapel found within the structure and marvel at the city’s ancient roots.
- The Republic of Uzupis
The strangest yet most artistic area in Vilnius to visit is the Republic of Uzupis. This free-spirited part of the Old Town is found in what was once a predominantly Jewish area – before World War II. After independence from the Soviet Union, the citizens gathered together to declare independence again from Lithuania on 1st April 1994.
This April Fool’s Day declaration saw the introduction of a constitution with such important lines as ‘A dog has the right to be a dog’ and ‘Everyone has the right to love’. You’ll quickly find that Uzupis is a hotbed for artists, creatives and dreamers, and you can even get a new passport stamp if you feel so inclined.
- The Street Art
With such a bohemian population revelling in the post-Soviet freedom of Lithuania, there is a lot of art waiting to be discovered across Vilnius. As well as the more traditional Lithuanian Art Museum, much of the local creative work is found simply plastered across the city’s very walls, and you’ll see street art around almost every corner.
Of course, Uzupis is the place where you will find the highest concentration of street art, and you’ll find this part of the city to be a canvas for artists and sculptors.
- The Museums
Vilnius is full of history, and to discover more about the city’s long and at times conflicted history, you can visit some of the capital’s many great museums. Visit Gediminas’ Tower, the last standing section of the city’s old defensive fortress, to learn more about the heritage from the medieval era onwards.
For the recent Soviet Occupation, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a somewhat harrowing but necessary part of any trip to the capital, while the Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum will give you an insight into the lost Jewish culture of Lithuania.
- Rivers and Parks
Despite the somewhat dense city centre and confined streets of the Old Town, a quick walk along the beautiful banks of the Vilnia River will transport you into a wonderfully fresh, outdoor atmosphere.
There are lots of pleasant green spaces to explore too, with parks right in the city and national parks just a short journey away from Vilnius.
- The Three Crosses
In Kalnai Park, a short but steep walk along the open pathways will bring you to the Hill of the Three Crosses, where you will be met with one of the most encompassing views of the city.
This iconic monument has long been a feature of Vilnius’ skyline, but in modern times, old wooden crosses were replaced with permanent concrete crosses.
- Lithuanian Food
Vilnius offers you a fantastic chance to delve into the Lithuanian culinary scene, and in the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants serving up local cuisine.
Although at first, it can seem rather stodgy with lashing of potatoes and huge dumplings, the food will quickly grow on you. Try the stuffed ‘Zeppelins’ and pasty-like Kibinais, and of course, order a bowl of cold beet soup.
- The Bars
Vilnius has an incredibly lively nightlife scene, particularly on weekends, and if you are partial to a few drinks when you are on your city break, then there are a seemingly endless number of bars to visit.
You’ll find a huge array of bars, from local pubs serving artisan craft beer and upmarket wine bars where the dress code is distinctly formal, to cheap bars with drink deals through the evening and nonstop dancefloors until the early hours of the following morning.
- Trakai Castle
Less than an hour outside of the city, pass through the splendid Lithuanian countryside and you’ll soon reach Trakai Castle. This dramatic fortress dates back to the 14th century and was built on an island in the middle of a serene lake.
It’s one of Lithuania’s most iconic attractions, and it’s only a short day trip away from Vilnius too.
If this article has given you a reason to book your city break to Vilnius, then contact Baltic Travel Company today to find out more.