How to experience Vilnius from the best perspective?

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, situated in the heart of the European continent and surrounded by beautiful nature. With its rich cultural heritage and vast history, it’s a city that definitely needs to be explored to be fully appreciated. If you’re planning a visit to Vilnius and want to make the most of your time, here are some of our top recommendations on how to experience the best of what this fantastic city has to offer.

Explore Vilnius on a Walking Tour

Getting around on foot is one of the best ways to really get a feel for the city, and there are plenty of options for taking a guided or self-guided tour. Vilnius offers some great guided walking tours, such as Start Vilnius and Vilnius Old Town Tours, which provide an excellent introduction to the city’s historical sites, monuments and culture. Or for a more immersive experience, the highly recommended Lithuanian Academy of Science offers walking tours of both Old Town and New Town, for those looking for a deeper dive into the city’s amazing past.

Go Sightseeing with a City Bus Tour

If you’re short on time, or want to cover more ground, then taking a city bus tour is a great option to explore Vilnius. The city’s official tourism board provides a wide range of day tours that take in many of the city’s most popular landmarks and attractions, such as the Gates of Dawn and the Cathedral square. Running year-round, tours are available in both English and Lithuanian, with prices starting from only €20 per person.

Discover Hidden Secrets in Užupis

Užupis is often referred to as Vilnius’s “other old town” and is filled with secret courtyards, quirky cafés, galleries and boutique bars. Its bohemian heart is at Constitution square, where you can find the rather bizarre Constitution of Užupis displayed on a wall and see locals play chess on the steps. After dark, explore the old pubs filled with atmosphere and make sure to pop into one of Vilnius’s oldest bars, Šnekutis, located nearby in a hidden alleyway.

Have Fun at Fabrica de Creación

Fabrica de Creación is Vilnius’s creative center and an oasis for art lovers. It’s packed full of inspiring galleries, workshops, pop-up cinemas, exhibitions and even a performance stage. Every month they host ‘Creacio Nights’, where visitors can enjoy music performances and some delicious local food and drinks. It’s an integral part of the city’s vibrant art scene and simply not to be missed!

Seek Out Local Artisan Crafts in Gallery GPC

Vilnius is home to many fantastic galleries and also houses some outstanding local artisan crafts. Gallery GPC is one such spot; it’s located right at the heart of Old Town and features handmade items made by talented local craftspeople. You’ll find beautiful jewellery pieces alongside interesting sculptures and intricate artworks inspired by Lithuanian ancient legends. Not only will you be able to find beautiful items to take home with you but also get an insight into famous Lithuanian legends at this charming gallery.

Visit Historical Sites Such as Čiurlionis State

The Čiurlionis State Museum is another gem in Vilnius’ historical sites. It displays works by Lithuanian composer and painter M. K. Čiurlionis, displaying his works against the backdrop of his personal library. Other displays include artwork by leading Lithuanian painters from 1880 to 1940. On Sunday mornings, the museum hosts free concerts from classical Lithuanian artists that offer a unique atmosphere. It’s definitely worth a visit when exploring this wonderful city!

Enjoy Time Out At The Botanical Garden

To take time out from sightseeing and enjoy some beautiful nature in this vibrant city, head over to Bełzecerija Botanical Garden. Described as ‘a botanical paradise’, it’s located on the outskirts of the city center near Belmontas Park and covers over 6 hectares of land. It houses over 1000 species of plants that feature in over 120 separately curated ecotypes – if you’re looking for some peaceful respite amongst nature, then this is the place to go!

Treat Yourself With Lithuanian Food At Trakai Island Castle

To experience authentic Lithuanian food at its best, there’s no better place than Trakai Island Castle. Located around 15km away from Vilnius, this 14th-century castle has been restored to its former glory and offers not only magnificent views over Lake Galve – but also some truly delicious regional dishes served in grand castle surroundings. After lunch take a boat trip across the lake to enjoy this majestic castle from an even more impressive perspective!

Overall Vilnius is full with fantastic sights and activities to experience during your stay – whether you’re looking for something cultural or adventurous there’s definitely something for everyone here! Don’t forget also to explore beyond Vilnius and head out to other areas of Lithuania while you’re here – they’re all well worth exploring too! For more information about things to see and do in Vilnius, visit Vilnius – Tourism Website.