What to know about Vilnius before visiting?

Are you considering visiting Vilnius and wondering what the capital of Lithuania has to offer? This guide will provide you with the essential information you should know before visiting the charming city of Vilnius. From what to do and see to what to eat, this guide will make your trip more enjoyable. But first, let’s talk a bit about the past of this incredible city.

A Brief Overview about Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. Situated on the shore of the Neris River, this city has a population of over 600,000 people. It is located in southeastern Europe and is close to countries like Latvia, Belarus, and Poland.

Vilnius has a long history, having come into being in the 13th century and being on the receiving end of a number of wars and occupations. It was only in 1990 Lithuania became a sovereign state and so declared the city of Vilnius its capital.

However, a tragic history blights many cities, but Vilnius has had a strong influence on Lithuanian culture. As such, it makes sense to visit because it is actually a very beautiful city with plenty of culture. It is also becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination and makes for an interesting location for those looking for some unique experiences.

Things to Do in Vilnius

Vilnius has plenty of attractions for visitors, ranging from little streets for wandering to big cathedrals with breathtakingly beautiful architecture. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Vilnius:

• Visit the old Town – The old town of Vilnius is full of charming little streets, alleyways with delightful boutiques and cafes, old buildings with beautiful architecture and some fascinating museums. The cobblestones streets create an ambience of elegance and make exploring the area a real pleasure.
• The Cathedral Square – The Cathedral square is one of the most impressive tourist sights in Vilnius. Not only is it famous for its beautiful baroque-style architecture, it also features an impressive selection of churches, including the Cathedral Basilica.
• Museums – The Province Museum located in the old town is one of the oldest museums found in Central Europe and is known for its outstanding collection of exhibits.
• The Town Hall – The Town Hall Square is among the most recognizable places in Vilnius and it provides tourists with a stunning view on its old buildings and statues that provide insight into its historic past.
• The Gediminas Tower – Located on Castle Hill and founded by Duke Gediminas in the 14th century, this tower offers panoramic views of the city from atop its walls.
• Žvėrinčius district – This district is often referred to as the “Oldest neighbourhood” of Vilnius and it is certainly worth a visit for its fun atmosphere, full of bars and pubs.

What to Eat in Vilnius

No trip to Vilnius would be complete without experiencing some traditional Lithuanian cuisine. Here are some of the dishes you should try while in Vilnius or other cities in Lithuania:

• Cepelinai – Cepelinai are one of the most iconic dishes in Lithuanian cuisine. They consist of potato dumplings filled with either meat or cheese served with bacon, sour cream or mushrooms.
• Kugelis – Kugelis is another classic dish which is essentially a potato bake served with bacon, onion sauce or cream.
• Baravykas – Baravykas is a traditional plate based on wild berries, usually fried or boiled with sugar.
• Stirninčiai vartai – This is essentially deep-fried bread filled with cheese that melts during the cooking process.
• Šaltibarščiai – Šaltibarščiai is a cold soup made from cucumbers, boiled potatoes, onions, dill and sour cream.

Vilnius Nightlife
Vilnius has a lively nightlife scene that’s sure to please any traveler looking for a night out spent exploring an exciting variety of pubs and clubs. The Old Town also offers visitors plenty of delightful pubs where visitors are able to enjoy all sorts of beers, beers from Lithuanian microbreweries or international brands.

For a bit more atmosphere you can step into one of the local clubs or bars where you can party the night away and make some new friends along the way. The nightlife in Villaus can be quite expensive so be sure to bring enough cash!

Where to Stay in Vilnius
When it comes to accommodation options in Vilnius, there is plenty to choose from for both budget travelers and more affluent travelers. There are lots of cheap guesthouses situated in the Old Town that would suit budget travelers, as well as higher-end hotels for those looking for something more luxurious.

When booking accommodation it always pays off to compare prices online – take some time to checkout what’s available on sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld. You can also find great deals if you book early or travel out of season – which can usually result in some significant savings!

Final Thoughts
Vilnius makes for an essential stop when traveling through Eastern Europe – even if you’re just passing through it’s worth taking some time out to explore everything this vibrant city has to offer! Whether you’re looking to experience the culture by taking in some historic sights or simply looking for some fun at one of the many pubs located around its narrow cobblestone streets – there is something in Vilnius for everyone!