A newcomer’s guide to Vilnius

Vilnius offers a refreshing escape. Situated at the meeting point of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Lithuania's capital champions sustainability in the Baltics, with initiatives aimed at environmental protection and a goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.

The Old Town of Vilnius, designated as the European Green Capital 2025, is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you meander through its cobbled streets, you'll encounter a blend of architectural styles, from Baltic Gothic to neoclassical, culminating in the eclectic charm of Užupis, the self-declared bohemian republic.

With 700 years of history, Vilnius serves as a hub for traditional Lithuanian culture and cuisine, modern theater and dance, as well as national and international cinema. The city hosts a vibrant array of music festivals featuring folk, jazz, and electronic genres within the Baltic States. Here’s how to make the most of your first visit to Vilnius.

When is the best time to visit Vilnius?

Thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, any season is ideal for visiting Vilnius. Your choice should reflect the experiences and events you wish to explore during your trip.

Spring brings Vilnius to life, making it particularly lively and colorful. Starting in April, the weather is perfect for wandering the Old Town, enjoying coffee or craft beer on outdoor terraces, strolling through the picturesque Bernardine Garden by the Vilnia, and biking or kayaking across the Neris to discover new neighborhoods.

Throughout the season, over 100 films in both Lithuanian and English are showcased during Kino Pavasaris (Cinema Spring). On the third Saturday of May, the entire city resonates with original live music for Street Music Day. Additionally, you can taste šaltibarščiai, Lithuania's iconic cold beetroot soup at the Pink Soup Fest, which celebrates this creamy summer treat with themed games, activities, and concerts.

During summer, the city comes alive with vibrant parties, a national food festival, and renowned music events. Highlights include the Lithuanian Song Celebration, a major Intangible Cultural Heritage festival celebrating its centenary; the Christopher Summer Festival featuring a mix of classical, jazz, and experimental music (including sailing on the Neris); and LOFTAS, which fills Vilnius with electronic and techno sounds in September.

In autumn and winter, the capital remains breezy and warm despite the cooler temperatures, offering a rich array of cultural, culinary, and sporting events. Highlights include the Vilnius International Sirenos Theatre Festival showcasing contemporary plays (often in Lithuanian with English surtitles), the lively Vilnius Jazz Festival, Vilnius Gastronomy Week, and the enchanting Christmas Market evenings in Cathedral Square.

How long should I stay in Vilnius?

Not only is Vilnius a vibrant capital, but it's also the cultural heart of Lithuania, making it wise to plan for at least a long weekend to fully experience it. Beyond its rich architectural heritage, the city boasts numerous green spaces and a plethora of festivals, along with striking urban art in public areas. Don’t miss the outstanding museums and contemporary art galleries, including The National Museum, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Rights, and the National Gallery of Art. You’ll also find markets brimming with delicious local produce and restaurants serving hearty soul-food dishes.

If you choose to extend your stay, Vilnius serves as an excellent hub for exploring more of Lithuania's heritage. You could venture northwest along the Neris River to Kernavé, a UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Site and Cultural Reserve, or visit Trakai Castle, which sits on an islet in Lake Galvė and was once home to the Great Dukes of Lithuania.

Is getting around Vilnius easy?

You can reach Vilnius by train or bus from cities like Krakow, Warsaw, Rīga, or Tallinn. The nearest airport, Vilnius International Airport, is just a 30-minute ride from the central railway station, with convenient train and bus links. While the airport train might be quicker, buses run more frequently, and the 3G express line is ideal if you’re staying in the Old Town.

Exploring Vilnius on foot is a delightful experience! To enjoy the city’s abundant green spaces, which comprise over 60% of its area, take breaks in the parks and gardens during your cultural excursions. Alternatively, you can get around the Lithuanian capital by bus or bicycle for a different perspective.

Vilnius' bike-sharing program, CycloCity, caters more to locals, so consider renting a bike from a rental service like Velotakas, which offers complimentary helmets and organizes bike tours to key attractions and Pavilniai Regional Park.

To immerse yourself in Vilnius' natural beauty, you can hike (or take a bus) along trails that lead to the emerald lakes of Verkiai Regional Park, the Belmontas Waterfalls, or the impressive geological feature known as the Pūčkoriai Exposure.

Must-see attractions in Vilnius

During your first visit to Vilnius, there are several essential spots that will make you fall in love with Lithuania's capital. Begin your journey at the Gates of Dawn, stroll through the Glass Quarter (the former Jewish quarter), and follow Pilies Street—the city's oldest thoroughfare—where you'll catch your first sight of Gediminas Castle, located just behind Cathedral Square.

Uncover the tale of the Iron Wolf dream

The only remaining keep-style tower from the three that protected the Upper Vilnius Castle in the 15th century is Gediminas Castle & Museum. According to legend, the hill's selection for the castle stemmed from Gediminas' dream of an iron wolf howling at the summit.

Inside the tower, you'll find an interactive museum detailing Vilnius' beginnings as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and its historical ties to Latvia and Estonia, emphasized by the Baltic Way in 1989—a human chain that sought independence from the USSR. At the top of the castle tower, the Lithuanian flag proudly waves, and the observation deck offers stunning vistas of Vilnius. You can either walk up Gediminas Hill for free or ride the funicular for just one euro.

After descending, make your way to the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. You can purchase individual tickets for any of the three routes through the palace, which is convenient if you're pressed for time. In that case, I suggest Route II, as it not only showcases the beautifully restored halls that range from Gothic to Baroque (adorned with large paintings, tapestries, and frescoes) but also grants you access to the Observation Tower.

Explore St. Anne and its enchanting musical garden

St. Anne’s Church, the architectural jewel of Vilnius, has remained almost entirely unchanged since the late 15th century. With its breathtaking late Baltic Gothic façade and 33 different types of brick used in its construction, it’s no wonder that legend has it Napoleon wished to carry the church back to Paris in his palm.

Behind the church lies the Bernardine Garden, a tranquil oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll accompanied by the soothing sounds of its musical fountain, or for relaxing with a book by the Vilnia River. In summer, savor a beer or catch a concert at Bernardinų Kiemas, a lively spot filled with bars and food trucks where you can mingle with locals. If you're a chess enthusiast, you might even get invited to a game at the outdoor chess tables.

Savor the flavors of Lithuania

Indulge in zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings (cepelinai), hearty wild mushroom soup (miško gribu tirštasriubė), succulent baked pork shank (kepta karka), and delightful potato pancakes (bulviniai blynai) with sour cream. Don’t miss out on beef rolls (zrazai), refreshing pink soup, and pepper steak (pipirinis didkepsnis)... traditional Lithuanian cuisine is a vibrant feast for the senses. Enjoy these culinary delights at Lokys, the oldest family restaurant in Vilnius, or at the family-run Bernelių Užeiga chain.

Etno Dvaras, a popular chain restaurant, is another excellent introduction to Lithuanian cuisine. Collaborating with ethnographers, they’ve crafted a menu that honors authentic recipes from various ethnographic regions of Lithuania while keeping it budget-friendly. I particularly recommend the Etno Dvaras located at 16 Pilies Street, known for its maze-like interior adorned with colorful Lithuanian motifs.

If you find yourself in Vilnius between April and September, don’t miss the Open Kitchen Food Market at Tymo Market, held every Friday and Saturday—it's a perfect opportunity to delight your palate.

One of my favorite activities in Vilnius

Vilnius fills my heart with happiness. It's one of those cities that inspires me to want to call it home. Perhaps it's because the locals have always welcomed me, or maybe it's the vibrant, green atmosphere that pulses with life at every turn. What I know for certain is that Vilnius is teeming with energy.

My two favorite neighborhoods in Vilnius share a vibrant pulse of alternative culture.

In the Stotis District, I’m drawn to its striking street art and uniquely themed bars: from the travel-themed Peronas with its Parkas terrace overlooking the train tracks, to Šnekutis pub and Pavilljonas, a glass structure nestled in a park that hosts live music events. Nearby is one of my favorite contemporary art museums in Europe, the MO Museum, showcasing over 6,000 works by Lithuanian artists.

After unwinding in the Bernardine Garden, I suggest crossing the Fluxus Bridge into Užupis, the unofficial 'republic' of Vilnius, which declared its independence on April Fool’s Day in 1997. Užupis embodies pure art and counterculture. Beyond just crossing the bridge, you can explore its unique constitution (displayed in multiple languages on a wall in Paupio gatvė) and admire the iconic Angel. This area boasts the Baltic States' first Art Incubator, contemporary galleries, the Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE featuring pieces from the pagan era onward, and art installations around every corner—even beneath bridges—along with characterful bars.

What’s the budget I need for Vilnius?

The official currency in Lithuania is the euro. You can easily exchange money at kiosks near the train and bus stations, as well as at the airport. Overall, Vilnius offers great value for local cuisine, craft beers, and transportation. If you plan on visiting several museums, consider getting a Vilnius Pass to save on admission fees.

• Hostel room (mixed dorm): €15 to €30
• Basic double room: €30 to €60
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting from €40
• Public transport ticket: under €1 within the city and up to €5 for day excursions
• Coffee: €2 to €4
• Beer (pint) at a bar: €3 to €5
• Pink soup: €5 to €10
• Sandwich: €5 to €10
• Dinner for two: €30 to €50

Is it convenient to take day trips from Vilnius?

With frequent trains and buses to various destinations, Vilnius serves as an excellent hub for exploring the country. For instance, it takes about 1.5 hours by bus to reach Kernavé and just 45 minutes by train to Trakai.

What language do people speak in Vilnius?

Lithuanian is the official language of Lithuania, but many residents of Vilnius, especially the younger crowd, are proficient in English. It’s a good idea to learn some basic Lithuanian phrases before your trip; locals appreciate the effort as a gesture of respect.

Is it customary to tip in Vilnius?

Depending on the quality of service, consider tipping between 5% and 15% if no service charge is included on the restaurant bill or if there’s a tip jar at the bar or café counter.