Vilnius might not be the first city that springs to mind for a European weekend break, but it’s one that will surprise with its rich history and strong culture. The food & nightlife scene in Vilnius really packs a punch for its weight. The architecture is great, with many of the old soviet buildings now receiving renovations and the city is structured to be a genuine walking city, with no high street like in the UK, but rather a city that blends commercial & residential spaces. Public transport is great, but I don’t think you will really need it whilst visiting. We spent four days here, exploring the Old Town, visiting a few museums, parks, restaurants & bars. Below are some of my highlights and you can use my recommendations to help plan your own trip to the city.
A Brief History of Vilnius
Vilnius has a rich and complex history dating back to the 14th century when Grand Duke Gediminas declared it the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Over the centuries, the city absorbed influences from Poland, Russia, and its once-thriving Jewish community. Vilnius has been a melting pot of cultures, and its Old Town reflects this in the stunning mix of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
In the 20th century, Vilnius found itself embroiled in WW2 and was occupied by the Nazi’s and subsequently the Soviet. In 2002, the city earned global recognition when U.S. President George W. Bush delivered a NATO speech at Vilnius Town Hall, following the Baltic’s entry to the treaty and following admittance the city has developed into a thriving and culture rich hub.
Day 1: Arrival and exploring Old Town.
Our weekend kicked off with a 25-minute taxi (approx €10 via Bolt) to Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an essential visit whilst in the city. We stayed here and found it to be the ideal as it’s easy to explore on foot, and everything worth seeing is a short stroll away. The Old Town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, churches, museums and restaurants.
For brunch, we popped into Beigelista, a local bagel shop that was perfect for a post flight (was a 2:30am start for us) meal with coffee. We spent the rest of the morning strolling along Pilies Street, a popular pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Though it was on the pricier side (€3.50 a scoop!), we treated ourselves to some local ice cream as we wandered.
For lunch, we ventured out to Leleko, a cozy Ukrainian spot close to Independence Square. The Kvass and Borsch were homemade and delicious, and it was a good spot to relax before heading down Gedimino Avenue for a bit of window shopping.
In the evening, we dined at Amatininkų Užeiga, a local restaurant where we tried traditional meat-filled pastries. The food was satisfying, though a bit pricier than expected and the service was not great. If you visit, you’ll need to pre-book but you’ll probably find much better restaurants at more reasonable prices outside of old town (Uzupis is a melting pot of amazing restaurants).
Day 2: Castles, Churches, and Gate of Dawn
We started our second day with a visit to Gediminas Castle Tower, perched on a hill that offers panoramic views of Vilnius. You can either take a leisurely walk up or opt for the funicular (€3 return), but no matter how you get there, the views are worth it. The tower is a symbol of Lithuania’s medieval power during the Grand Duchy, and while the inside of the tower is home to a museum, I would say it is not worth the entry price. Just enjoy the views from the top here. We then had a light brunch at the restaurant Cozy, which was a better bar in the evening.
Next, we made our way to the Gate of Dawn, one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in Vilnius. Built in the early 16th century as part of the city’s defensive walls, the Gate houses an icon of the Virgin Mary that’s revered by Catholics and Orthodox. Located at the end of Old Town, it’s a very holy place with pilgrims spending time here praying. You can not take photos whilst inside and facing the Virgin Mary. Just a short walk away is Vilnius Cathedral, a grand neoclassical building that’s been at the heart of Lithuania’s capital for generations. Religious or not, these two spots are worth visiting.
That evening, we headed out to the Vilnius TV Tower, a Soviet-era structure standing 326.5 meters tall. The TV Tower is known for its role during Lithuania’s struggle for independence when, in 1991, Soviet forces tried to seize control, resulting in the deaths of 14 unarmed civilians. Today, the tower serves as a reminder of Lithuania’s resilience, and the views from the top—especially at sunset—are spectacular. There is a bar at the top where you can drink cocktails and enjoy the view. Ticket prices were €16 at the time of writing, half price for students.
We had dinner that evening at the Thai restaurant called ‘Thai House Vilnius’ and were really impressed with the food, prices and service. Would recommend.
Day 3: Uzupis and Soviet History
Uzupis is an artistic district that declared itself an independent republic in 1997. It even has its own constitution, written in a tongue-in-cheek style and posted on plaques throughout the neighborhood. Some highlights include “Everyone has the right to make mistakes” and “Everyone has the right to be happy.” Uzupis is full of art galleries, street murals and cafes, making it a great spot to spend a few hours wandering and snapping photos. Don’t miss the Uzupis Angel sculpture & Uzupis Cat for thought.
After a light breakfast, we headed to Belmontas, a scenic area just outside Vilnius known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. We stopped for coffee and a bowl of šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) at the Belmontas Restaurant—a refreshing and classic Lithuanian dish.
The most sobering part of the day came with our visit to the KGB Museum (Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights). Housed in the former KGB headquarters, this museum is dedicated to Lithuania’s Soviet past. The basement, where political prisoners were interrogated, is particularly harrowing. Walking through the prison cells and torture chambers is a thought provoking experience, and the exhibits help explain the immense hardships Lithuanians faced under Soviet rule.
In the evening, we visited the Italian Resutant ‘Le Ravi’ which was recently awarded a Michelin Star. Located in the Uzupis district (if you are visiting, make sure to visit as many resultants as you can here, as it appears to be the real culinary district) and was really amazing with affordable prices. The menu changes daily, but you’ll have to pre-book. We did so through Instagram.
Day 4: Early check out and awaiting for the evening flight
Our last morning in Vilnius took us to Pirmas Blynas, a social initiative restaurant that employs people with disabilities. The food was fantastic, but the highlight was the atmosphere—there’s something special about supporting such a meaningful cause while enjoying a meal.
Before heading to the airport, we made one last stop at the Three Crosses Monument, which has great panoramic views of the city. It’s a short but uphill hike and worth the effort when you get to the top.
Local Cuisine and Walking Tours
Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and comforting, with dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), kibinai (meat-filled pastries), and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup). Don’t forget to try Kvass, a popular fermented drink that’s refreshing, especially on a summer day. You’ll find plenty of local restaurants and cafes serving these traditional dishes, often with generous portions at reasonable prices.
While we didn’t take a guided tour this time, Vilnius offers a range of walking tours that dive into the city’s history, architecture, and Soviet past. The Official Vilnius Pass is also a good option for those looking to save on entry fees to museums and other attractions.
Highlights during my trip:
- Gediminas Castle: Worth the climb for panoramic views of the city.
- Vilnius TV Tower: A symbol of freedom with stunning sunset views.
- KGB Museum: A sobering look at Lithuania’s Soviet past.
- Cold Beet Soup (šaltibarščiai): You need to try this whilst visiting. A local staple item.
- Uzupis: A quirky, artistic neighborhood perfect for exploration.
- Hiking: Belmontas is easily accessible with great views.
- Three Cross Monument: A free visit, with panoramic views of the city.
- Le Ravi: Michelin-starred dining at an affordable price
- Borsch: Amazing Ukrainian cuisine.
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