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The 12 things to do in Vilnius

Visit Vilnius: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Lithuania?

As capital and largest city Lithuania , Vilnius is a major step on the roads of the Baltic countries. This cute little town is on a human scale: there are only half a million inhabitants and as many pavers in its streets. And while more and more travellers leave in Eastern Europe each year, the countries that border the Baltic Sea are still far from the beaten paths. Despite the growing success of Vilnius , it is always possible to walk without following the waves of tourists. The Lithuanian capital can be visit in 1 or 2 days , ideal for a getaway from weekend . But it is quite possible to take a little longer, in its old town or on the banks of the two rivers Neris and Vilnia, whose name Vilnius gave. If you do not yet know the city founded by Gediminas, here is a non-exhaustive list of things to do and visit .

1. The Old Town

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Flickr – Flavijus

The old town of Vilnius is classified UNESCO World Heritage , with buildings dating from the 13th century. A large part of the neighborhood was once a Jewish ghetto, but it is now the charming city centre. With its turbulent lanes lined by buildings with baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and countless cafés, it is easy to spend a good part of your stay here and there.

2. Užupis

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Flickr – Julia Glassman

The Užupis Bohemian Quarter has a style that is clean: casual and creative to the infinite. Many of its streets are decorated with mural paintings and sculptures full of life. Uzupis actually declared himself a Independent in 1998 and its "citizens" have their own flag, national anthem and currency. You can read them constitution (in English), very humorous, and if you visit the neighborhood on April 1 (date of their constitution), your passport will be stamped by the false border guards.

3. A walk on the banks of the river

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Flickr – my Life, the Universe and Everything

The sunny days, nothing like a walk along the banks of the Vilnia or Neris . People go there to run, cycle, digest, but also picnic. A great place to take the air and take the time.

4. The Tower of Gediminas

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Fotopedia – Jurijus Azanovas

This is the last vestige of the Castle of Vilnius , which was built late 14th early 15th. The tower is named Gediminas, who became a Lithuanian Grand Duke in 1316. Although tourism is one of the sites to be seen in Vilnius, just for the panoramic view that it offers on the city. You can reach it on foot, climbing the hill, or taking a funicular (1,50€). The entrance into the museum of the tower costs about 2,50€, and is on the second and third floors and presents the history of the castle and the city of Vilnius itself. A wooden model reconstitutes the castle as it was once. The top floor allows you to observe the surroundings under the floating flag of Lithuania.

5. The Cathedral of Vilnius

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Flickr – Ben Beiske

To Saint Stanislas and Saint Ladislas, the Cathedral of Vilnius was built in 1769 on the remains of a Romanesque building. Inside and outside, several works justify his visit, including the Chapel Saint-Casimir where is the silver sarcophagus of King Casimir, weighing 600 kilos. His catacombs and his turn are also to be seen.

6. The other churches of Vilnius

Vilnius and Lithuania do not lack religious buildings, which bring together a number of architectural styles. In particular, we hold the church Sainte-Anne (gothic), church Saint-Pierre-et-Paul (baroque), and many others.

7. The Halės market

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Wikimedia - aiko99ann

Experience local life by going to the Halės market ( Halės turgus ), one of the oldest and largest markets in Vilnius. The best time to shop here is at the end of the morning, and this is the ideal place to taste in your way part of Lithuanian culture with all kinds of fresh products such as meat, bread and cheese. Renovated in 2006, some say he lost his charm while others say that he is much more beautiful and cleaner. Go check yourself, what do you think? The Tymas market is also a market to visit, which is held every Thursday at 12pm.

8. Leave a day or an afternoon in Trakai

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Flickr – David Kosmos Smith

Only 28 km west of Vilnius, the quiet lakes of Trakai , sprinkled with islands and one Castle are one of the most beautiful heritage sites in Old Lithuania. Doing absolutely if you spend at least 3 days in Vilnius!

9. Meeting at the central point of Europe

According to the criteria, several cities can claim to be the central point of Europe, i.e. the geographical center of the European continent. One of them is only 26 kilometres from Vilnius: this is a place located near the village of Vilnius Purnuškės . It is not necessarily a must-see visit but it remains fun.

10. Take a few notable streets of Vilnius

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Wikimedia - Alma Pater

Some streets of Vilnius have something different: go to the Literat street which celebrates Lithuanian writers through small images and monuments. Subačiaus , for her, is certainly the best place where you must be for a sunrise or sunset, with a superb view over the entire city of Vilnius.

11. Visit the museums of Vilnius

Many interesting museums are to be discovered in Vilnius. The most touching remains Genocide Victims Museum located in a former KGB headquarters, which recounts the history of the city during the Soviet occupation. The National Museum of Lithuania is perhaps the best place to get to know the cultural and artistic heritage of the country, still very unknown outside its borders.

12. A little greenery in Vingis Park

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Flickr – through a pin-hole

The park Vingis is the largest park in Vilnius and the ideal place to practice outdoor activities only 35 minutes walk from the old town. Very shaded and surrounded by a river, there are rides, cafés and rollerblers or bicycles can be rented. Various major events such as concerts and sports competitions are organized during the year.

How do I get to Vilnius?

Vilnius has the advantage of being served by several low-cost companies (Wizz Air, airBaltic, Ryanair). Less than 3h flight from Paris, this is a great destination for a weekend for example.

Where to stay in Vilnius?

The hotels in Vilnius are relatively accessible in terms of budget. The wide choice allows to find rooms for all tastes. The ideal is of house in the old center of Vilnius to be in the heart of the city and thus enjoy all that it has to offer. Book your hotel on this Compare hotels .

Amelia Hall

Amelia Hall

I'm Amelia Hall, a curious soul on a perpetual quest for adventure. Life's journey is my muse, from traversing remote trails to immersing myself in local cultures. Each new destination unveils a unique story, and I'm here to narrate those tales for you. My aim is to awaken your wanderlust, sharing insights, tips, and the magic of exploration. Together, let's embark on this captivating odyssey, discovering the world's hidden gems and forging unforgettable memories.

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