Your Last BordersTHINGS TO DO IN VILNIUS LITHUANIA
Vilnius is Lithuania’s largest and capital city. Home to 500,000 inhabitants, it hosts over 25% of the country’s population. Now a modern European capital, it was once a brustling medieval town attracting merchants from all over Northern Europe. Therefore, this multicultural hub hosts plenty of German, Polish, and Soviet remnants. And is a great city break or getaway to further explore Lithuania. There’s so many things to do in Vilnius Lithuania!
If you are wondering what to do in Vilnius, the answer includes visiting plenty of historical buildings, beautiful churches, and interesting museums. Along with stunning viewpoints, modern architecture, and street art. There’s plenty of activities in Vilnius to enjoy and this posts summarizes the very best. Keep it handy when deciding what to see in Vilnius and have the best time in Lithuania Vilnius.
Things to do in Vilnius Old Town
Welcome to one of Europe’s largest medieval old towns. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobbled streets and beautiful ancient buildings. Get ready to explore many marvelous churches, ancient fortresses, and old stores. Along with new and cozy cafes and restaurants. The following are the best things to do in Vilnius Old Town. Amazing sites to explore on your own or with a local guide through a Vilnius walking tour.
1. Admire the Cathedral
One of the best things to do in Vilnius old town is visiting the city’s cathedral. The huge white church with an independent bell tower dedicated to St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus. You’ll find it in the city’s main square, where all big events are held.
This neoclassical cathedral in bright white was first a pagan temple and then a wooden church. Rebuilt several times over the centuries, the current version is from 1783 yet it keeps some gothic, renaissance, and baroque traces. It’s also the final resting place to several bishops and dukes, and the spot where they used to be coronated. During the Soviet times though, and until 1998, it was used as a warehouse.
The cathedral is open daily from 7am to 7pm and there’s an entrance fee of $4.5. If you make it inside, make sure to admire the oldest fresco in Lithuania, the crypt, the catacombs, and the large greco-roman columns. The 57-metre-tall bell tower, which is the oldest and tallest in town, is also worth the climb for the beautiful panoramic views.
2. Fall for St. Anne’s Church
St Anne’s Church is one of the most iconic buildings among the things to see in Vilnius. You’ll recognize this masterpiece of gothic style by its red bricks and bell tower. These replace the ancient wooden church dedicated to the Grand Duchess Anna of Lithuania that once stood on the same spot.
Rumor has it Napoleon wanted to take the whole church back to Paris on the palm of his hand as he absolutely fell for it. Would you? The place is free to visit so make sure to give it a chance. A must see among the many beautiful churches in Vilnius.
3. Explore the Town Hall
Vilnius Town Hall is a beautiful neoclassical building from 1432. It replaces an older gothing town hall whose cellars have survived the centuries and can still be visited. Due to its location, and since the 15th century, the town hall is surrounded by many shops and markets. Today, its grounds still host many exhibitions and events.
The town hall remains operational, so it’s only open to visitors on limited hours. Yet, the building is also worth admiring from the outdoors. Additionally, most Vilnius walking tours meet here. Plus it makes a great place for people watching so it’s certainly a Vilnius must see spot.
4. Find Gate of Dawn
The Gate of Dawn is one of the best places to visit in Vilnius as it’s the only surviving gate of the medieval city wall. In the 18th century the government destroyed the other four gates that once served to enter the Old Town.
Gate of Down or Sharp Gate is from the 16th century, during the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Back then city gates used to have a little chapel hosting religious artefacts aiming to protect the city from invaders. This one has a painting of Virgin Mary and locals believe this is why the gate survived destruction. The Vilnius Madonna is now a popular pilgrimage site covered with gifts and a unique place to visit.
5. Climb to Gediminas Tower
Gediminas Tower on Gediminas Hill is one of those attractions in Vilnius one cannot miss. This symbol of the city honours its founder, the Grand Duke Gediminas, and dates back to the 14th century.
Once part of the city’s defence fortress, the tower is now home to a museum on Lithuani’as history and a wonderful Vilnius viewpoint. After a steep climb to the tower, visitors can make it to the top for $8 daily from 10am to 8pm.
6. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is not an old building but a newly built replica of same. Yet, this is one of the tourist attractions in Vilnius that makes a Vilnius must see as it’s very rich in history.
The original palace from the 17th century was the political center of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and served as the seat of Lithuanian Grand Dukes. In 1801. the Russian army destroyed it and took every brick to Russia to ensure no trace of the Lithuanian Duchy was left.
Years later, in 2000, Lithuania decided to built a replica and use it as presidential palace. Opened in 2013, the replica palace is now the office of the Lithuanian president, a museum, and a concert hall. There’s daily free palace tours at 10am and 3pm. The guard changing ceremony is at 6pm. And there’s also a flag replacement ceremony every sunday at noon. Watching them is one of the best things to do in Vilnius Lithuania.
7. Enjoy sunset at the Three Crosses
The three crosses are the ultimate sunset spot in Vilnius Old Town. They make a great viewpoint over the city, are always open, free to visit, and easily accessible from the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
These 12-metre-high white crosses date back to 1989. They symbolize the country’s rebirth through its people’s efforts to regain independence. That is because they replace old wooden crosses from the 17th century which honoured seven Franciscan friars beheaded here by pagans back in the days.
If you spend a night in Vilnius, make sure to climb to the three crosses for sunset. This is one of the Vilnius tourist attractions that will always stay in your heart.
8. Soak up the art on Literatai Street
Literatai Street is a highlight among the Vilnius places to visit as it’s beautifully unique. The street honours Adomas Mickevicius, a local poet from the 19th century who used to live here. Yet, it made it to the list of best things to do in Vilnius in 2009 when local artists decided the street should be enhanced and decorated to properly honour its name.
Since then, hundreds of art works decorate the street and honour Adomas Mickeviciuswriters and all Lithuanian writers. You’ll find unique masterpieces made of wood, glass, and metal. These are updated regularly, so make sure to check it out every time you visit Vilnius.
9. Walk around the Artillery Bastion
Vilnius’ Artillery Bastion is a remnant of the city’s medieval defensive structure that now serves as a museum. This 17th-century building keeps its original towers, tunnels and gunports so military enthusiasts will consider it one of the best places to visit in Vilnius.
Its indoors museum showcasts the city’s military history and features old weapons, artillery, cannons, etc. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm and the entrance fee is $6. Consider visiting for the great views over the city, or make it an outdoors quick photospot. Either way, walking along the artillery bastion is one of the best things to do in Vilnius Lithuania.
10. Sample local food
If you also love sampling some local cuisine when traveling abroad, you’ll be happy to read that many of the best places to eat in Vilnius are within the Old Town. And so are some of the best bars in Vilnius, coolest places to brunch in Vilnius, and nicest cafes in Vilnius. Thus, you won’t have to go far to enjoy some of the best food and coffee in Vilnius.
Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and heavy in carbs, as it’s meant to keep you warm and running in winter.Common meals tend to include root vegetables, beef, and brown bread. The national dish is Cepelinai, a potato dumpling filled with meat and/or vegetables. Fried garlic bread, beetroot soup and potato pancakes are also a must try. Some of the best places to try Lithuanian food in Vilnius are River Town, and The Piano Man bar.
To make the most of your time in Vilnius, consider booking a guided food tour that will take you to the best local eateries, bars, and shops. These usually include a beer tasting, as beer is a very popular drink in Lithuania.
Things to do in Vilnius outside the Old Town
Much has happened since Vilniu’s old town was founded in 1387 and the city has definitely outgrown it. Therefore, no trip to Vilnius would be complete without exploring its modern neighbourhoods. If you are looking for something different to enhance your Vilnius sightseeing, the following are the Vilnius top attractions outside the Old Town.
11. Enter the Republic of Užupis
The Republic of Uzupis is a very unique district in Vilnius as it claims to be an independent country. It stands right next to the Old Town, on the other side of river Vilnele. You won’t need your passport to enter, yet the place has its own constitution. Reading it is one of the coolest things to do in Vilnius Lithuania. Plus it’s been translated to over 15 languages so there’s no excuses to miss it.
Why an independent republic? Well, this is the artistic district in town. Something like Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen. A place with its very own style and character, where intellectuals and creators have lived their will for over 20 years.
The place has its own president and many rules such as “everyone has the right to be happy or unhappy” and “everyone has the right to love”. Along its cobbled streets there’s many art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Exploring them and admiring the many art pieces on the walls is one of the most unique things to do in Vilnius.
12. Attend a concert at Lukiškės Prison
Visiting Lukiskes Prison is one of the trendiest things to do in Lithuania Vilnius. After serving as a prison for over 100 years, the place is now into an artistic hub where over 250 local artists create together. It’s such a cool reconversion and it’s not everyday that one gets to enjoy a concert or a show in a former prison. Thus, it’s a must among Vilnius things to do.
Additionally, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about how life in this prison used to be. Several local political and religious prisoners were held here and they life in the cells wasn’t easy. Need more? Lukiskes Prision is a filming scenery of Netflix’s show Stranger Things so you’ll feel like you’re in a movie here. The place is open daily from noon till late (10pm-middnight) and you’ll find the best tours here.
13. Enjoy the views from the TV Tower
Vilniu’s TV tower is the tallest building in Lithuania. It’s pretty common in ex-soviet cities such as Yerevan in Armenia or Tbilisi in Georgia to keep their Russian-style TV towers and Lithuania is no exception.
Indeed, this 326-metre-high is the 8th tallest TV tower in Europe and offers awesome views over the city. Particularly from the rotating restaurant on the 19th floor, at 165 metres from the ground. Book your table here and enjoy a meal from the sky. It’s one of the best things to do in Vilnius Lithuania. There’s also an onsite museum on Lithuania’s independence.
14. Learn at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights showcases Lithuania’s past under Soviet ruling and their way to independence. Thus, it’s the perfect place to learn about life in Lithuania during war and occupation. It’s such an impactful place, somehow like the House of Leaves in Tirana Albania.
It lies on the former headquarters of the KGB in town, where many locals were held prisoners and over 1000 killed under suspicions of rebellion. The museum exhibits documents, photos, artifacts, and personal stories from those who suffered imprisonment and deportations. There’s even a reconstruction of a surveillance room and authentic equipment from these dark days. The museum is open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday-Saturday to 5pm on Sundays. The entrance fee is $6.
Recap on the best things to do in Vilnius Lithuania
Vilnius is one of the biggest cities in the Baltics and an unmissable spot among the things to do in Lithuania. Vilnius attractions include beautiful churches, old fortresses, winding cobbles streets, and delicious meals with a view. Among these, the cathedral and St Annes Church are a Vilnius must among the many Vilnius what to see spots. And so are the Town Hall and the Gate of Down.
The Vilnius what to do list also contains wonderful spots along the city’s modern neighbourhoods. Such as the TV tower, Uzupis Republic, or Lukiskes Prison. Book those flights to Vilnius or drive down from Riga in Latvia or Tallin in Estonia and make the most of your holiday in Lithuania with this list of the ultimate best things to do in Vilnius Lithuania. If you have any questions on the same, leave a comment below or reach out through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages.
