Vilnius
Visited in 2014, 2018 and 2024
At a glance
- Country
- Lithuania
- Region
- Vilnius City Municipality
- Population
- 619,405
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Vilnius International (VNO)
- Coordinates
- 54.69°N, 25.28°E
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Overview
Lithuania's capital has one of the largest surviving old towns in Eastern Europe, a mix of baroque church towers, cobbled courtyards and pastel façades on a gentle bend of the River Neris. It feels small, green and easy to love.
Beyond the postcard views, it is a creative, café-filled city with a strong sense of its own history, from its Jewish heritage to the Soviet years. Trakai's island castle is an easy half-day away.
Things to see
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Photo: BigHead, CC BY-SA 4.0 Vilnius Old Town
A UNESCO-listed tangle of baroque churches, courtyards and lanes, best explored slowly and without a plan.
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Photo: Gytis Grižas https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16452479, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gediminas' Tower
The red-brick castle tower on its hilltop, reached by a short climb or funicular, with views over the rooftops.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY-SA 3.0 Gate of Dawn
The last surviving city gate, with a revered chapel and icon above the arch.
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Photo: Scotch Mist, CC BY-SA 4.0 Vilnius Cathedral
The white neoclassical cathedral and its separate bell tower anchor the city's main square.
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Photo: Jodkovska, CC BY-SA 4.0 Užupis
The self-declared artists' republic across the river, with its tongue-in-cheek constitution posted on a wall.
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Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 St Anne's Church
A delicate flamboyant Gothic church in red brick, one of the finest buildings in the Baltics.
Things to do
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Photo: BigHead, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Trakai
The island castle sits in a lake about 30 minutes away by train, with boats and lakeside walks.
Find tours -
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 Eat cepelinai
Try the hefty potato dumplings with sour cream, or a pink bowl of cold beetroot soup in summer.
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Photo: Pofka, CC BY-SA 4.0 Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
A sobering museum in the former KGB building, including its basement prison cells.
Find tours
Where to stay
Old Town
The obvious first choice, with everything on the doorstep.
Hotels in Old TownUžupis
Quieter, bohemian and just a few minutes' walk from the centre.
Hotels in UžupisNaujamiestis
The New Town, with good-value hotels and a growing food scene.
Hotels in Naujamiestis
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable. Buses and trolleybuses cover the rest, and ride-hailing apps are cheap and widely used.
The airport is around 6 kilometres from the centre; a train, bus or taxi gets you there in about 15 to 20 minutes.
When to go
Late spring and summer bring long, light evenings and outdoor terraces. Autumn is colourful and quieter. Winters are cold and dark, but the Christmas market and snowy Old Town have their own charm.
Plan your trip to Vilnius
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.