Vilnius, Lithuania’s lively capital city, is a haven for history buffs, art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Steeped in history, Vilnius has a charming medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside a youthful energy and contemporary art scene.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie or a museum enthusiast, Vilnius offers something for everyone. This itinerary will guide you through a fun-filled weekend exploring the city’s must-see sights and hidden gems.
Things to Do in Vilnius
There are so many things to do in Vilnius! For a Vilnius weekend trip we would recommend focusing on a few places. Start in Old Town and just get lost trying to see as many of the tiny streets, buildings and sites as you can! Then head over to the Uzupis Republic and enjoy the whimsy of that area.
If you still have some time, enjoy some nature and walk up to the 3 Crosses Monument. Here you can enjoy a pretty sunset with the panoramic view of the city. And lastly, if you are interested in the Soviet era in Lithuania then head over to the KGB Museum Here are the places that we enjoyed the most in Vilnius:
Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius Old Town dates back to 1387 and is considered one of Northern Europe’s best preserved medieval towns. And it is a UNESCO World Heritage site! If you enjoy diverse architecture, then you will love the historical buildings here. Through the years they were designed in various styles, including baroque, Gothic and neoclassical.
The most famous baroque church is the St. Peter and St. Paul church. It was built between 1668 and 1701, and is famous for its stunning interior, which features over 2,000 stucco figures and elaborate decorations crafted by Italian masters Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli. The church’s exterior is relatively modest, but the intricate and richly detailed interior makes it a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture.
There are quite a few gothic churches. However the most famous one is the Cathedral of St. Anne. Constructed in the late 15th century, it is renowned for its intricate facade, which features a complex pattern of red brickwork, making it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The church’s design is attributed to multiple architects, building a blend of Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic styles. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte was so captivated by the church’s beauty that he wished to transport it to Paris.
Around the corner of the Cathedral of St. Anne is the Bernardine Garden. Originally established in the 15th century by Bernardine monks, the garden has undergone several transformations over the centuries. In 2013 the garden was restored to show off it’s meticulously maintained flowerbeds, a rose garden, and an ornamental pond. It also includes a playground, a musical fountain, and various sculptures, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy nature.
For neoclassical architecture, walk a bit further to Cathedral Square to see the 18th century Vilnius Cathedral which was rebuilt many times starting in the 13th century. For a small fee you can climb up the 57 meter Bell Tower of the Cathedral and see gorgeous panoramic views of the city.
For more neoclassical architecture check out the Town Hall which was rebuilt in that style in 1799. The Town Hall was originally built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and has served various roles throughout its history, including a city hall, a theater, and a merchants’ meeting place.
The medieval Gediminas Castle Tower is a short 10 minute walk from the Vilnius Cathedral. It dates back to the 14th century and was part of the Upper Castle complex built by Grand Duke Gediminas. The tower has been rebuilt several times, with its current structure mostly from the early 15th century. It offers panoramic views of Vilnius and houses a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the city.
The Gate of Dawn, a city gate featuring a revered religious icon, is the only surviving gate from Vilnius’ defensive walls. Dating back to 1522, the gate features a small chapel above, housing a renowned image of the Virgin Mary. Many attribute miraculous powers to this artwork. To reach the chapel, you’ll find a doorway and staircase on the left just before the gate itself.
Pilies Street is a historic and ornate street with Renaissance architecture known for its souvenir shops & restaurants. The narrow street is lined with small shops selling amber jewelry, wood carvings, and all other imaginable types of local souvenirs. Artisans from all over the country gather here to sell their wares. Keep in mind that this is probably the most touristy street in all of the city, so prices can be quite a bit higher than other places.
Vilnius University was founded in 1568, and is the oldest university in Eastern Europe. The campus has a mix of architectural styles and is spread out over 13 courtyards, each with its own unique charm. The Grand Courtyard features open galleries built in the 1600s. The gorgeous Littera bookshop inside the courtyard is known for its funny frescoes which poked fun at professors and students.
Towering over the Grand Courtyard is St. John’s Church, looking like a giant wedding cake. The original church was built in a Gothic style in 1426, but in 1749 it got a major makeover and became a Baroque masterpiece.
Literatai Street is popular with both locals and tourists. The name “Literatai” (“Writers’ Street”) is believed to have come about in the early 1800s to honor poet Adomas Mickevičius who once lived there. In 2008, the street got a cool makeover! A group of artists decorated the walls with all sorts of artwork related to famous authors. You’ll see metal, wood, and glass sculptures, along with plaques and other pieces dedicated to different writers. The street even has its own Modern Art Center!
Stiklių Street is another thin cobblestone pedestrian walkway that is a gorgeous walk through the past. For over 600 years, much of what is now Vilnius Old Town was a Jewish neighborhood known for its goldsmiths, glassblowers, craftsmen, and financiers. The Goldsmiths Guild was established here in 1495. In 2018, this historic area was named the Glass Quarter, highlighting its past when it had three streets dedicated to glassmaking – with the main one being Stikliu Street.
Today, the Glass Quarter retains its artisanal charm, with jewelers, local artists, craft workshops, cozy restaurants, the headquarters of the chamber orchestra, art galleries, and the historic Stikliai Hotel. This area blends historical significance with vibrant modern culture, making it a unique part of Vilnius.
If you are not yet exhausted from all the walking, head over for a stroll in Kalny Park along the river. An additional 15 minutes uphill will bring you up to the 3 Crosses Monument. This spot offers the nicest panoramic view of Vilnius Old Town – especially at sunset. This 12-meter tall monument has become a symbol of national identity, but the crosses themselves are often illuminated in different colors to commemorate special events for Lithuania and the world. So whenever you can see the monument while walking around the city after dark, take a look to see if it’s lit up in special colors.
Uzupis Republic
One of my favorite places in Vilnius is actually not considered to be in Lithuania at all. What do I mean by that? Well, on April 1st, 1997, the area of Uzupis (which is located right next to Vilnius Old Town), decided to declare itself an independent Republic – complete with a flag, President, and even an independence day!
If you want to get your passport stamped with the Uzupis stamp, then cross the main bridge and on the right of the bridge you will find a small souvenir shop that provides the stamp as well as interesting local postcards.
This riverside neighborhood (“Užupis” means “behind the river”) and it is full of quirky and interesting pieces of art strewn all around this small area. It is filled with charm in every corner of it’s narrow alleys lined with 1800s houses and secret courtyards. Make sure to take your shoes off and walk under the main bridge through the water to the giant swing. This place really brings out the fun in everyone!
Užupis isn’t your typical place. It’s a melting pot of artists, musicians, wealthy folks, and everyday people. If you want a laugh, take a look at the “constitution” of Užupis which is nailed to the wall on Paupio Street. Some of the highlights are: “Everyone has the right to understand nothing” and “Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily hated.”
KGB Museum of Vilnius – Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
If you feel like you got your fill of the Old Town and want to learn a bit more about more recent Lithuanian history, then head over to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. As you may remember, the Soviet Union controlled Lithuania from 1944 to 1991. Back then, a fancy 19th-century building across from a square called Lukiškės Square was KGB central.
Spread across two floors, the museum has displays about Lithuanian resistance fighters, the struggle of the people who were being persecuted and what the KGB was up to during those times. Downstairs, you can see the actual prison cells the KGB used, and outside there’s a yard where prisoners used to exercise. It all looks pretty much the same as it did when the KGB fled the area in 1991. This museum covers a lot of Lithuanian history from the 1900s and helps you understand the country’s tough past.
Every Baltic capital city we visited handled their old KGB buildings differently. Tallinn had a small museum in the old jail cells (which are all cleaned up now), while Riga offered tours of the untouched, creepy KGB headquarters. Vilnius has the biggest museum located in their old KGB building.
PRO TIP – Free Walking Tour
If you have a few hours to spare, then we can highly recommend this 2.5 hour free walking tour (tip what you think the tour is worth). The freetour.com starts from the Town Hall at 11:00 everyday (reservations are recommended). This tour covers many of the areas in Old Town that we are recommending plus a little bit of Uzupis.
Where to Eat and Drink: Best Vilnius Restaurants & Cafes
Vilnius has a huge foodie scene. So if you are into that kind of thing, you are in the right place!
Coffee Shops, Breakfast, Snacks and Desserts
For a coffee make sure to stop in one of these cafe’s. There is a cafe on every corner of the city, so you will always be fully caffeinated if you choose!
- StrangeLove: This place is a legend for coffee roasting, their vibe and outdoor space in the Old Town near the Vilnius Cathedral.
- Elksa Coffee: A cafe that cares about sustainability, also has vegan and sugar free desert options that are divine.
- Italala Caffè: Good for a good coffee and a snack.
- Coffee1: A coffee shop that not only has good coffee but also makes their own ice cream?! This cozy place is in Uzupio.
- Beigelistai: Good place for breakfast and/or a coffee and a bagel if you find yourself close to Literatai Street.
Vilnius Restaurants
Again, there is so much to choose from, but we found a few local recommended, exotic and vegan restaurants that we love:
- Gurmanai restoranas: This gastronomical hidden gem in Uzupis will wow your senses with amazing food at reasonable prices – for the high end experience. The brunch is around 10 Euros.
- Meat Lovers Vilnius: Located in the heart of Old Town, this is a true meat lovers restaurant. Rob recommends the Duck Breast Roast. And to boot this is a dog friendly restaurant. However, be prepared to pay at least 25 Euros per person.
- RoseHip Vegan Bistro: Although this is a vegan restaurant (and my favorite in Vilnius), this place is always packed with every type of food lover. The calamari appetizer tastes like the real thing – but is 100% plant based. Everything here is fabulous including the owner’s dog who walks around the cafe enjoying love from the patrons.
Best Hotels in Vilnius
- Cathedral Apt Hotel: This is a budget hotel located within a 4 minute walk from the Vilnius Cathedral. At $50 USD per night, this apartment offers a comfortable stay with a kitchenette, flat screen TV and WiFi throughout the apartment.
- Narutis Hotel: For a mid-range hotel in Old Town Vilnius (around $90 USD/night) you will find frescoes, 16th century beamed ceilings and a retro cellar restaurant. Some of the suites have Turkish baths and hot tubs.
- Grand Hotel Vilnius: This hotel is located right in Cathedral Square and is true luxury. Our Aspire credit card provides a free night in any Hilton standard room per year. However, because we are Diamond members we were upgraded to a balcony room overlooking the square along with a free breakfast, a bottle of champagne upon arrival and the like. It was a magical stay!
Wrap Up – Vilnius Weekend Trip
Vilnius! We hadn’t planned on returning so soon, but a twist of fate (and a lack of Belarusian exit options) brought us back to this delightful city. Emerging from the weight of Belarus, Vilnius felt like a breath of fresh air. Ukrainian flags fluttered proudly, and people rallied openly against oppression – a stark contrast to what we’d just experienced.
And what luck! Our arrival coincided with the Baltica International Folklore Festival. We could watch the vibrant celebration unfolded right from our balcony overlooking Cathedral Square. Locals dressed up in traditional Lithuanian clothing and danced with joy together with other folks representing their Baltic nations. It was an unexpected cultural feast!
Vilnius, with its mix of architectural designs, serene nature pockets, and delicious food, continued to amaze us. In addition, the city offered a refreshing blend of affordability and authenticity.
Our time in Vilnius was a wonderful surprise, and it’s left us eager to return. Next time, we hope to explore the region at a more leisurely pace. Have you been to Vilnius or any of the other cities of Lithuania? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
