Is Vilnius worth visiting?
We aimed to find out thanks to an amazing deal on flights from Dublin on Ryanair (99 EUR return for two people!).
We had previously visited Tallinn, Estonia, and Riga, Latvia, and had a great time, so we were absolutely delighted to visit Lithuania for a long weekend city break in September. The crisp autumn air and mellow warmth made for an ideal first impression.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and I had the incredible opportunity to return to Vilnius for a second visit in late February and early March. This trip, part business and part bleisure escape, offered a much colder experience, often rainy and dark, though the temperature remained above freezing.
Despite the inclement weather, Vilnius continued to reveal its charms. This return trip underscored how Vilnius will win you over no matter the season.
Read on to learn about the variety of fun things to do in Vilnius that we discovered across both visits! Hopefully, this will provide you with some travel inspiration to hop on a plane and visit Lithuania’s vibrant capital city yourself.
Things to do in Vilnius in September
Let’s start with a deep dive on things we did on our first trip to Vilnius in the late summer/early autumn.
1. Soak Up the UNESCO Heritage Spotlight in Vilnius
The historic Old Town in Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. Stately public buildings and ornate churches dot the streets of Lithuania’s capital city.
We arrived in Vilnius in the evening and got a chance to marvel at the architecture under a brilliant spotlight. Vilnius Old Town is definitely one of the premier points of interest.
Riga in Latvia is another great city break destination in the Baltics with a reputation for fantastic Art Nouveau architecture. Check out this post for recommendations on how to spend three days in Riga.
2. Drink Cool, Cheap Lithuanian Beer in Vilnius
If architecture’s not your thing, pop into one of the local pubs in Old Town Vilnius to sample cool, cheap, Lithuanian beer.
We found a number of local offerings on tap at a bargain price of less than 2 EUR a pint in many cases. What an ideal way to quench our thirst on our weekend city break in Vilnius!
3. Admire Vilnius’ Street Art
Vilnius also features a wide range of striking street art. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around the Old Town for some stunning creations.
4. See Sculpture in context in Vilnius
Continuing with an art theme, sculpture abounds in Vilnius. From quaint wooden carvings, to stately historical figures, to throwbacks to the communist era and more; an architecture walk is a fun thing to do in Vilnius.
5. Somebody’s Watching Me in Vilnius!
I couldn’t help but feel like somebody was watching me in Vilnius. Every time I looked up, I spotted faces on the facades of the ornate buildings staring back at me.
6. Marvel at Vilnius’ Church Spires
Vilnius is a city of churches. On a sunny day, I could have spent hours looking up at the spires watching little wisps of clouds roll past.
7. Explore Vilnius’ Communist Era Contrasts
Vilnius is also a city of contrasts. Lithuania was part of the USSR from the World War II era until the Iron Curtain fell in 1990. There are still remnants of communist-era architecture in Vilnius, which stands in stark contrast to the fabulously ornate structures of the medieval Old Town.
8. Stroll Through Vilnius’ Fair of Nations
Our trip to Vilnius was serendipitously well-timed. A huge Fair of Nations was underway along Gediminas Avenue in the heart of Vilnius.
We strolled along the busy thoroughfare, sampling local and international treats and admiring the local Lithuanian crafts on offer. Notable stalls included a vendor selling at least ten kinds of bacon and someone selling colorful wool socks.
I picked up a pair of Lithuanian socks to keep my feet warm during the upcoming winter season in Dublin. Unfortunately, I didn’tev have any room in my backpack for Lithuanian bacon, although I’ll admit it was tempting.
The Fair of Nations in Vilnius even featured an alpaca petting zoo. That’s something you don’t see every day.
9. Climb Up to Vilnius’ Gediminas Tower for Sweeping Views
We rode the funicular up the steep slope at the foot of Gediminas Avenue in Vilnius to Gediminas Tower. The tower features sweeping views over the old and new towns in Vilnius.
Inside, there was a photo exhibit chronicling the fall of communism in the Baltic States. We saw some impressive pictures of the Baltic Chain, a demonstration back in 1989 where approximately 2 million people joined hands in a continuous link between Tallinn, Estonia and Vilnius.
It was a peaceful political demonstration credited with paving the way for the fall of communism in the Baltic region.
10. Go Yarnbombing, Vilnius Style
We discovered that the residents of Vilnius love a bit of yarnbombing. We spotted several trees, lampposts and even a derelict building covered in yarn. I loved this quirky side to Lithuania’s Capital City. If you can knit, why not join in?
11. Amble through Bernardinai Garden in the Heart of Vilnius
Bernardinai Garden is a peaceful oasis in the center of Vilnius. We strolled through manicured gardens and enjoyed exploring the fountains and metallic sculptures strewn throughout the park.
12. Understand Lithuanian Literature at Vilnius’ Literatų Gatvé
Literatų Gatvé was one of the most fascinating points of interest that we discovered on our weekend city break to Vilnius. This ode to Lithuanian literature features hundreds of unique pieces of art embedded into the walls along a narrow street for 2-3 blocks. Definitely check it out if you find yourself visiting Vilnius!
13. Enjoy Lithuanian Doughnuts!
If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you can’t go wrong with Lithuanian doughnuts. Filled with caramel, chocolate, or jam, these dense balls will definitely help fuel a day of exploration around Vilnius.
14. Get Into Vilnius’ Craft Beer Scene
In addition to the cheap local beer described above, Vilnius also has a thriving craft beer scene. We particularly enjoyed Bambalynė.
We descended from the bustling streets of Vilnius into a cool cellar lined with refrigerators. The cases were loaded with Lithuanian craft brews.
We had a heck of a time deciding, but ultimately made our selection, paid for our craft beer, were handed the corresponding mugs, and sat in the atmospheric cave sipping Vilnius’ finest.
15. Go Carb Loading in Vilnius and Kibinai
I don’t recommend going on a diet before visiting Vilnius for a weekend. Lithuanian cuisine features lots of heavy, comforting food.
You’ll find delicious potato pancakes, golden pastry filled with meat and cheese (kibinai), and the yes-it-is-as-big-as-it-sounds zeppelin, a starchy potato-based dumpling. Of course, Lithuanian food all washes down really well with a local craft beer.
16. Have A Headbanging Good Time in Vilnius
I love the things we chance upon on a trip that are totally unplanned. A series of concerts was on in Vilnius in conjunction with the Fair of Nations.
We were walking down Gediminas Avenue before dinner when we suddenly heard a blast of loud headbanging music followed by classic violin. As we got closer, we discovered that Jelonek, a musician based in Poland, was putting on the show of his life on the streets of Vilnius.
The band played classical music melodies with a heavy metal twist. We were mesmerized and stood watching for almost an hour.
I even decided to bang my head a bit, although I nearly fell over in the bushes when I made my attempt. Don’t try this at home, folks!
Jelonek was totally over-the-top awesome. The show even featured some crazy pyrotechnics. I’ve included a few clips below so you can see the spectacle we discovered in Vilnius for yourself.
Take a Day Trip from Vilnius to Trakai Island Castle
We were only in Vilnius for a little over 2 days, but we still managed to squeeze in a day trip to Trakai which is located about an hour outside Vilnius by bus. Trakai is a lake resort town in Lithuania anchored by a magical castle located on an island.
We explored the castle grounds, walked along the lake, and dined al fresco on fine Lithuanian cuisine at Kiubete before making our way back to Vilnius. Trakai Island Castle was a lovely and tranquil respite from Lithuania’s capital.
18. Photograph Vilnius’ Colorful Houses
Vilnius also features some amazing colorful homes, particularly around Trakai. We spotted quaint wooden buildings in nearly all the colors of the rainbow on our walk from the Trakai bus station to the castle.
19. Check Out the Gates of Dawn in Vilnius
Vilnius was once a walled city and the Gates of Dawn, a medieval entrance to the city, still stands tall. We took a mental trip back in time and thought about what it would have been like to walk the streets of Vilnius in the 16th century.
The Gates of Dawn also features relics from the Virgin Mary, which are believed to have special powers. We didn’t have time to go up and see for ourselves, but we were able to catch a glimpse of the Virgin Mary from outside while standing on the streets of Vilnius below.
Things to do in Vilnius in the Winter
Building on my previous adventures in Vilnius, I was excited to return in late February and early March.
If you decide to visit Vilnius in the winter, bring a warm coat (I wore my warmest parka), winter hat, gloves, and an umbrella, and don’t let the weather stop you from exploring!
Let’s look at some fun things to do in Vilnius in late winter with plenty of options to nip inside and warm up from the chill.
20. Taste Unique Lithuanian Bagels
Forget everything you thought you knew about bagels! On my recent visit, I was delighted to discover that Lithuania has its own unique take on bagels, which you can find at places like Beigelista.
These bagels are typically one flavor, often sprinkled with poppy and sesame seeds, boasting a bubbly crust and a soft interior. They’re smaller and different from New York bagels, but quite good in their own right.
I enjoyed my Lithuanian bagel with classic cream cheese, cucumbers, tomato, and lettuce. If you are feeling adventurous, try a slightly more unusual flavor combination like beetroot and hummus, like my husband did. And yes, Beigelista serves a decent cup of coffee too!
21. Delve Deeper into Vilnius’ Eclectic Art
Beyond the striking street art and sculptures already mentioned, Vilnius delighted us with its whimsical and often unexpected art installations and decorations. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander!
For example, I spotted a sleek sculpture of a naked lady riding a bear. I saw giant books by Agatha Christie above the windows of the oddly Agatha Christie-themed Puaro bar.
For a sweet visual treat, I loved seeing Ponių Laimė, a dessert restaurant covered in giant macarons – a true photographer’s delight.
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On our winter trip, I found a square with rusted metal dogs sprinkled with snow. Unexpectedly, there is even a statue of Leonard Cohen in the Old Town, a nod to his Lithuanian heritage.
While I didn’t have time to go inside MO muziejus on my second trip, exploring the interesting street art and sculptures in the area around the museum was still worthwhile.
22. Explore Vilnius’ Market Hall (Halės Turgus)
As a fan of European food halls, I’ve added Halės Turgus, Vilnius’ Market Hall, to my list of must-visit spots. Have a look around and immerse yourself in local flavors.
I was particularly impressed by the sheer variety of pickled items on offer. Far beyond just cucumbers, you’ll find various kinds of lettuce, beets, potatoes, mushrooms and just about anything else you can imagine pickled.
Each vendor seems to have their own special brining recipe. Don’t miss the huge array of smoked meats, sausages, sides of bacon and for those with a sweet tooth, halva is also available.
This market is conveniently located close to the Gates of Dawn.
23. Unearth History at the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall
For a dose of history and a touch of medieval make-believe, head to the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall (LNM Vilniaus gynybinės sienos bastėja). You can walk along the bastions outside and explore the exhibits inside.
The bastion even offers opportunities to dress up in the helmet of a knight and wield a sword.
A highlight (or lowlight, depending on your bravery!) was encountering an ugly-looking creature with wings and the head of a rooster in a particularly dark room. It turns out, it’s a Basilisk, a legendary creature said to inhabit the cellars of Vilnius, capable of killing with a single glance.
24. Discover the Free-Spirited Republic of Užupis
Cross the river to the independent Republic of Užupis, a fascinating neighborhood that’s perfect for people watching and street art.
The main draw here is the Constitution of the Republic of Užupis (Užupio Respublikos konstitucija), displayed on a wall in many, many languages. This Bill of Rights is truly unique, with terms like:
- “Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.”
- “Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter, and a tiled roof.”
- “Everyone has the right to make mistakes.”
- “Everyone has the right to love. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.”
- “Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.”
- “A dog has the right to be a dog.”
- “No one has the right to violence.”
- “Do not defeat. Do not fight back. Do not surrender.”
It was both impressive and slightly tongue-in-cheek at the same time.
25. Indulge in Vilnius’ Fine Dining and Unique Culinary Experiences
Vilnius’ food scene goes beyond cheap beer and traditional comfort food.
For a special occasion, I highly recommend 14 Horses. Here, I enjoyed a multi-course tasting menu that started with spectacular bread which was flaky like a croissant.
This was followed by elegantly prepared snacks, pork mains, pickled vegetables, and two desserts. Make sure to book ahead as 14 Horses is quite popular.
For traditional Lithuanian cuisine, try Etno Dvaras. While somewhat touristy, it offers local craft beers and their signature zeppelins – large and quite filling Lithuanian potato dumplings served with mushroom sauce. Their mushroom soup in a bread bowl is also a winner.
I also revisited Amatininkų Užeiga, a place that caught my eye on my first trip. Here, you can enjoy a Lithuanian dark beer alongside classic dishes like meatballs served with various salads and, of course, Lithuanian dumplings.
For a truly indulgent start to a Sunday, consider the musical brunch at the Grand Hotel. This included a buffet selection, two main courses, and unlimited bubbles (prosecco) for two hours, accompanied by a live piano player and singer. Don’t miss trying the caviar on mini pancakes!
26. Sip on Local Lithuanian Liqueurs or Warm Up with Ukrainian Cherry Wine
On colder evenings, instead of just beer, explore Vilnius’ unique beverage scene. At the Grand Hotel bar, I discovered and sampled various Lithuanian liqueurs, which were served with pungent chunks of hard cheese that had a texture like parmesan and some seasoned almonds.
The bar itself has a lovely atmosphere and was worth stopping by just to hang out.
Alternatively, if you find yourself in Vilnius during the colder months, grab a hot Ukrainian cherry wine at Piana Vyshnia. While this bar is part of a chain across Eastern Europe, having a warm drink on a chilly late-winter day is a worthwhile diversion.
27. Stroll Through Vilnius University’s Historic Courtyards
Take some time to walk onto the campus of Vilnius University. The campus is composed of a number of courtyards with covered archways and promenades that are lovely to explore. The buildings themselves are historic, allowing you to steep yourself in this historic institution of higher knowledge.
28. Uncover Vilnius’ Rich Jewish Heritage
For a deeper understanding of the city’s past, I highly recommend a walking tour focused on Jewish history in Vilnius. Our guide provided fascinating insights as we walked through the old Jewish quarter, pointing out recreated street art from old photographs that serve as a poignant reminder of those who are no longer there.
You can also visit the remaining synagogue with its sky-blue interior and walk through the parks and squares that were once part of the Jewish ghetto during WWII. There’s even a small museum still housed in the Jewish quarter. It was both a fascinating and poignant walk through history even in the cold.
29. Spot a Filming Location in Vilnius
Keep your eyes peeled for film crews! On a Sunday morning at Cathedral Square, I was surprised to find a flurry of activity – trucks, tables, filming equipment, and crew members in yellow vests.
Soon, actors in 1950s and 1960s clothing appeared, turning the square into a living set. Rumor has it, they were filming Star City, a spin-off of the Netflix show For All Mankind, which explores an alternative history of the space race.
It seemed like some of the actors were staying at The Grand Hotel which was also used as a backdrop for filming.
30. Ascend to the New Arsenal of the National Museum of Lithuania
Housed within Vilnius Castle, The New Arsenal of the National Museum of Lithuania (LNM Naujasis arsenalas) offers an interesting setting for a museum with visible ruins that you can walk through.
Inside, you’ll find a wide range of art exhibits not to mention unique room-sized ceramic heaters. Climb to the top of a spiral staircase for panoramic views over Vilnius.
Though the weather was dreary during my late winter visit, the glass enclosure allowed for comfortable, temperature-controlled views. Plan to spend a good few hours here to learn about Lithuania’s intricate history and its fascinating ties to Poland.
31. Discover Art and Nature at Vilnius Tech Park
While perhaps not a top priority for a quick trip, if you find yourself in the Vilnius Tech Park area (like I did for the business part of my trip), I think you’ll appreciate its forested setting and cool art.
I was surprised to find wooden sculptures of a gorilla and a jarring stone sculpture of a gorilla skeleton. There is also a specialty coffee shop on the campus to make the detour more worthwhile. Vilnius Tech Park is an off-the-beaten-track but idyllic place to explore.
Where to Stay in Vilnius?
Choosing the right home base for a city break is an important decision. I’ve now personally experienced a few excellent hotel options in Vilnius for you to consider depending on your travel style and budget.
Hotel Rinno
On my first trip, we spent two nights at Hotel Rinno. This accommodation is located just outside the historic Old Town, making it convenient to walk to all of Vilnius’ attractions yet still quiet.
It’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel to Town Hall Square. You can secure a room at Hotel Rinno for less than 60 EUR a night, making it a fantastic, reasonably priced choice.
The Grand Hotel Vilnius (Curio Collection)
For my more recent visit, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to something special for the weekend portion of the trip. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Vilnius, a Curio Collection hotel, which was spectacular.
We had a view of Cathedral Square and the bell tower of Vilnius Cathedral. It was beautiful to photograph both the tower and the church lit up at night.
The cost for our three-night stay was 533 EUR. We decided to splurge for a more luxury experience and central location which we thought would be beneficial if the winter weather wasn’t great.
Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius
For the business portion of my second trip, we moved to the Courtyard Marriott. This was a more economical option compared to the Grand Hotel Vilnius. The rate for the Courtyard Marriott was about 100 EUR a night.
Located across the river, this hotel was clean and comfortable with breakfast included in our rate.
Is Vilnius Worth Visiting?
As you can see, Vilnius is unequivocally worth visiting for a city break, whether it’s a quick weekend or a longer stay. If I had to choose, I recommend going in September versus the dead of winter, but visiting in the cold offers a less touristy look at the Lithuanian capital.
My first visit in September showcased a city brimming with UNESCO heritage, cheap local beer, vibrant street art, and delicious, comforting carb-loaded food like kibinai and zeppelins. We found reasonably priced accommodation and a memorable food and beer scene.
My recent return in late February and early March, despite being a much colder experience with rainy and dark weather, only solidified my positive impression. It’s clear that the city offers plenty of reasons to brave the chill.
You’ll find plenty of specialty coffee places to duck inside of during the colder months. Eskedar Coffee, co-located in a bookstore, was one of our favorites.
What are you waiting for? Are you ready to plan your own Lithuanian holiday?
Where to Next?
Ryanair also flies to Kaunas, Lithuania’s second city. We found that flying into Vilnius and out of Kaunas and taking the bus between the two cities is an excellent plan for a weekend city break.
Find out why Kaunas is worth visiting…
