Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a beautiful city. The UNESCO-listed old town is well known for plenty of historical attractions. In addition, the city has quite a few cool-looking bars, excellent views, cute coffee shops, beautiful churches, and cobblestone streets, making it an ideal weekend destination in Baltic countries.
How to get to Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is easily accessible by air from cities all over Europe and beyond. I arrived at Vilnius International Airport, Lithuania, from Riga, Latvia, by Air Baltic. I landed at 11:00 PM. The airport is tiny but well connected by train and bus with the city center of Vilnius. Since I arrived late at night, I grabbed a Taxi (Metered) to my hotel instead of venturing out for transportation.
The taxi needed to be paid in local currency and cash; luckily, I found an ATM in the tiny arriving hall, and surprisingly my Bank Card worked, so I grabbed some money just to survive the night. After that, it was an easy ride to the hotel; the taxi fare was 55.00 Litas (US$ 1 = 3.06 Litas), which took me about 12 – 15 mins.
Helpful Information
Getting Around In The City
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town, is easily walkable. Public transportation is excellent in Vilnius if you know your route. Otherwise, plenty of meter taxi is available all over the city. UBER is also a convenient way to get from point A to point B for people like me.
Best Time To Visit
Regardless of when you are visiting Vilnius, the city is clearly fascinating in all seasons. My first-time visit was in mid-September, and I found the weather as perfect as it could get with mild temperatures.
10 Best Things to do in Vilnius
Here is a list of must-see attractions in Vilnius, but the list can grow long depending on your taste and priority.
Stroll Along The River
Vilnius is an easily walkable city. I enjoyed walking through the cobblestone streets and narrow winding alleys, particularly strolling by the riverbank. The scenic view of the river bank is beautiful.
Visit Halle Market in Old Town
If you want to try some traditional food, you can’t afford to miss this gorgeous historic building with small stalls selling all kinds of things. Most interesting is the local food items. You will find from smoked meat and fish, fresh fish, and vegetables to souvenirs.
Church Hopping
It is unthinkable to visit Vilnius and not stumble into a stunning church. No wonder why the city is often called “the city of churches.” After all, there are enough of them to keep you busy, at least for a day, regardless of whether you are a religious person or not. Here are a few I have visited and do recommend.
St. Anne’s Church
This stunning Roman Catholic church in Vilnius is unique; it appears like no other church I have ever seen. The Gothic, 16th-century church is Located in the Old Town, right on the bank of Neris river. Definitely worth a visit.
Church of St. Michael
The church was built by the Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Leonas Spiega, between 1594 and 1597 for a convent of Bernardine nuns and also served as a Sspieha family mausoleum. The Church Heritage Museum is established in this church and is located right across from St. Anne’s Church.
Gates of Dawn
Gate of Dawn is a well-known religious place worldwide and one of the most visited shrines in Vilnius. This is the only surviving gate of the first original five gates in the city wall that was built between 1503 and 1522. I highly recommend visiting this place even if you’re not religious.
Vilnius Cathedral and Square
The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius is Lithuania’s main Roman Catholic Cathedral. It is situated in Vilnius Old Town, just off Cathedral Square.
Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, Vilnius
St. Nicholas Church is one of Vilnius, Lithuania’s oldest Eastern Orthodox churches. The first wooden Orthodox chapel founded on the place of today’s St. Nicholas church was built around 1340.
All Saints Church
All Saints Church is a Baroque-style church in Vilnius, Lithuania. This beautiful church was built between 1620 and 1630 and was adopted for the Carmelites’ needs. In the second half of the 17th century, the church was linked with a monastery and formed a single complex.
Gediminas Avenue Vilnius
The symbolic street of Vilnius, with elegant architecture starting from the end of the 19th century. Most of the lavish stores and government organizations are located here.
Throughout, this street went through a lot of changes, including name changes starting from Saint George Avenue, Mickiewicz Street, Adolf Hitler Street, Stalin Ave, Lenin Avenue, and finally to Gediminas Ave.
Visit The Republic of Uzupis
Definitely, you got to visit this self-proclaimed “Republic of Uzupis” and discover the unexpected. The maze of alleys and narrow streets alongside roadside cafes, restaurants, and boutiques will definitely bring a few good memories back home.
Wander around the Old Town
Old Town is beautiful and easily walkable, so this is one of the best things I recommend to do while visiting Vilnius. The network of narrow streets will lead you to surprises, such as historic churches, beautiful neighborhoods, squares, and more.
Where to stay in Vilnius, Lithuania
Hotel Congress, Vilnius
The 4-star Hotel Congress is located in a 19th-century building 2,150 feet from the Old Town Vilnius. Guests can exercise in the fitness center or try a selection of available massage treatments in a parlor nearby. The front desk staff is available 24 hours and can assist with luggage storage. There is limited parking available. A varied buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s elegant restaurant, which offers a variety of European dishes. Hotel Congress is located within a 10-minute walk of the Vilnius Cathedral.
Congress Avenue Hotel, Vilnius
The 4-star Congress Avenue Hotel is centrally located on Vilnius’ main street, Gedimino Avenue, only a few steps from the National Theater and Government Palace. At the reception of the property, guests can book city tours or buy tickets for the nearby National Opera and Ballet Theater. In addition, there is a terrace on the top floor of the hotel, where guests can enjoy city views. Furthermore, the Cathedral of Vilnius is a 5-minute walk away. Moreover, all leading shops and the finest bars and restaurants are near the Congress Avenue Hotel.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Vilnius, Luthuania? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Vilnius, Luthuania, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Luthuania.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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