They also have a full bar and a great wine list, along with a nice outdoor seating area. 3. There are several great things to do and see in Vilnius and this lovely city is a thrilling and superb getaway for those on a short break. Legend has it that while Gediminas was taking a rest on a hunt in the hills above the Vilnia River he had a prophetic dream about an iron wolf howling in the night. With its charming Old Town, bohemian vibe and laid-back nature, Vilnius is one of our all-time favorite destinations. 9. Hope you have a great time in Vilnius . The oldest part of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, it has developed over the course of many centuries, and has been. The glittering icon is enhanced by the panels on either side. guidance. Also known as the Sharp Gate, the Gate of Dawn is a staple sight if you see the countrys capital. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Most museums tend to be historical, and while Vilnius does have its fair share of museums depicting the city and countrys rich history, this particular museum is a little more on the fun side of things. Sofa de Pancho a superb little restaurant offering Mexican classics like tacos, tortillas and chili con carne, as well as great cocktails. The church is an easy walk from the nearby cathedral, which can be tacked on to your cathedral visit. It is not a happy museum to go to, but it is an incredibly important look into Lithuanias troubled history. There is a dreamy quality to Vilnius (vil-nyus), especially in the golden glow of a midsummer evening. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You can acquire a fascinating insight into Lithuanias history from the 13th to the 20th century. Formally called the Museum of Genocide Victims, a visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights may not be the most uplifting of experiences, but it is still one of the best things to do in Vilnius, especially if you want to learn more about both the Soviet and Nazi occupations of Lithuania and the resistance movements. It holds an extensive collection of Lithuanian cultural heritage items, displayed within numerous historically significant sites across Vilnius. I noted the various places you wrote about Thank you. The Madonna is visible through the arched windows directly above the gate, so even if you dont want to go inside, spare a moment to admire the sacred painting. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. Happy travels . There is no shortage of interesting things to do all around Lithuania, but you are likely to start your trip in Vilnius, the capital. Then read on. Expect to spend at least 1.5-2 hours here in order to see and learn everything. Sounds like Vilnius has many great sights to offer. Yes. It makes for a great beer snack. After the success of the "Vilnius - the G-Spot of Europe" tourism campaign, the Lithuanian capital is following in its own footsteps and launching a new. At only 2,50, its the highest point in the city, meaning that any other structure cant match the views youll get from the top of town. Late spring, the summer through to early autumn or more precisely the period from May to September is undoubtedly the best time to visit Vilnius. The Hill of Crosses This attraction is not in Vilnius itself, but in Siauliai. Kibinai is a scrumptious half-moon pastry of leavened dough usually stuffed with meat. By tomar721. WHAT TO DO IN VILNIUS - COOL THINGS TO DO. Visit St. Casimir's Church 6. When it did so, it went all in full throttle. There are four exhibition tour routes you can embark on that are related to the historical functions of this residence. Our favorite was the one with Trump and Putin, seemingly locking lips, by Lithuanian artist Mindaugas Bonanu (Pylimo g. 66). Some of the best bars, restaurants, cafes in Vilnius are . Top 10 Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania - Memoirs of a Globetrotter Vilnius is certainly a must see. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. 2.2.1. One of the best things to do in Vilnius is seeking out some of the top-notch and creative street art on offer. See the Gate of Dawn 5. Unlike Riga and Tallinn, whose Old Towns seem exclusively filled with tourists and garish souvenir stalls, the beautiful Old Town of Vilnius seems to lure more locals than tourists adding to its authenticity. Jacky and I have been to Vilnius twice and absolutely adore its extraordinary wealth of historic buildings punctuated by atmospheric alleyways, crooked walls, and soaring steeples. We use ads to support our small business we hope you dont mind them too much. Having functioned as a warehouse and a science museum during the Communist era, the church wasnt reconsecrated until 1991. Vilnius couldn't be a nicer destination! Check out what to do in Tallinn, Estonia. Bernardine Garden is also very close to Cathedral Square and the Gediminas Castle tower, though the latter is currently closed to visitors due to the fact that it is sinking. Thank you, Hi Caro, thank you for your kind words! The Christianization of Lithuania took place in 1387, following the union of Lithuania and Poland. These rustic houses can be attributed to the Crimean Karaites (Karaim), a Turkic-speaking ethnic group (practicing a branch of Judaism) that has been in Lithuania since the 14th century and has been mainly centered in Trakai. The Gates of Dawn is open daily from 6:00-19:00. 2 Days in Vilnius: The Perfect Vilnius Itinerary - Road Affair One of the highlights of the interior is the seductive boat-shaped glass-bead chandelier, a reference to St Peters profession as a fisherman. 10 Great Reasons to Visit Vilnius, Lithuania - The Northern Vox Learn more about Vilnius and Lithuanian history - both recent and past - through these top 5 places to visit in Vilnius. This cute little street in the Old Town doubles as an open-air gallery. Public transport in Vilnius is cheap and efficient. Great article! Your chances of becoming the victim of a crime are remote, but the city is not crime-free. EXPLORE UZUPIS. Are you planning a 2 or 3 days in Vilnius itinerary? One of Vilniuss must-see sights is its university. If you are only spending two days in Vilnius, then the first two days of this itinerary are going to be a perfect introduction to the city. So cast aside your preconceived notions about heavy and bland Eastern European food, because the quality of the cuisine in Vilnius will blow you away! All of the attractions and activities on this day can easily be reached on foot, which is great to help you get the lay of the land and begin to explore this wonderful city. Cycling is, however, not so practical in the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Looking for tours or tickets? The Vilnius Pass is a handy city pass that accords you free access to the best attractions and sights in the city. There are lots of places to see in Vilnius's old town from the presidential palaces to the castle complex, orthodox churches, a cathedral and the National Museum of Lithuania. If youre up for it, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (also known as the Genocide Museum) is worth a visit to pay respects and homage to a dark period in the countrys history. Throughout its history, Vilnius has been influenced not only by Lithuanians but also by Germans, Slavs, Jews, and the Soviets. The 15 Best Things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania - Wandering Wheatleys The answer is definitively a resounding yes! Bust of Gaon Elijahu - If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this place is worth a visit. Bring your appetite; you wont leave here hungry as its one of the best places to eat in Vilnius. However, the train and bus are much cheaper, with tickets costing 1.00 at most. 26 Best Things to Do & See in Vilnius - Nomad Epicureans Originally constructed in the 14th century, it fell into disrepair after the wars with Muscovy in the 18th century. In the square just outside stands the freestanding bell tower, which shows where the river originally flowed through the city. Its supposedly most effective as a lucky charm if you stumble upon the tile without seeking it out, but youll never know until you try! "It's the gold of the 21st century," Aurin Armonait, Lithuania's 34-year-old minister for tech and innovation, tells . If you want to unwind and take a breather from all the sightseeing head to the marvelous Bernardine Garden in the Old Town. Ultimately, the question of whether the Vilnius Pass is worth it depends on how much you want to get out of the city. A beautiful 19th-century building in Vilnius, Hotel Vilnia is just a 3-minute walk from Gediminas Tower and has an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. Many government and cultural institutions such as the Lithuanian Parliament and the Lithuanian National Drama Theater can be found here. You can check the opening hours here. To see ancient structures like this particularly ancient defensive structures holds a level of fascination often not present in your typical church or museum. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Sues Indian Raja elegantly decorated restaurant in the Old Town that serves top-notch North Indian food. Visit St. Anne's Church 3. Sky Bar if youre on the lookout for a bar with great views over Vilnius, Sky Bar is your best bet. Almost the entirety of Lithuanias once-strong Jewish population was wiped out during the Nazi Occupation and this museum does an excellent job of preserving the culture and traditions of Lithuanian Jews. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. It is one of the best places to see the best places to see the magnificent panoramas of Vilnius. Today, however, Vilnius is a city in transition where ancient meets the modern. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has often been ignored when it comes to Baltic tourism. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. Most of the must-see attractions in Vilnius lie within the borders of the Old Town. Zeppelins (Cepelinai) are large football-shaped dumplings made with grated raw potatoes or rice boiled potatoes that are usually stuffed with meat and doused in rich bacon gravy. After youve taken your fill, step onto the Bastion Terrace for some seriously spectacular city views. Visit Vilnius | Amazing wherever you think it is The Town Hall was built in Neoclassical style at the end of the 18th century. They did so even though Zappa never visited Lithuania and had no connection to the country. One of the countrys longest-running music festivals, it takes place over a period of two months, with countless musical acts across dozens of venues throughout the city. Not surprisingly, Napoleon fell in love with itso much so that he wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Explore Vilnius Lithuania's capital city has a historic old town, tons of street art, chill cafes, lots of Gothic and medieval architecture, and a wild nightlife. By 695arthurm. It is an absolute must-see! The museum is a bit outside of the Old Town but is easily reached by bus or an inexpensive uber ride and entry costs 6 for an adult ticket and 3 for a student/concession ticket. Prior to WW2, Vilnius was a major hub for Jewish people which is how it got its name "Jerusalem of the North.". They have a number of stylish and modern rooms to choose from and there is even an option to include breakfast! A group of local artists wanted to challenge the limits of democracy and freedom in newly independent Lithuania and decided that a statue of Zappa an icon of anti-establishment and nonconformity, would be the best way to do so. See below for the latest updates. Another one of the best things to do in Vilnius is walking around Uzupis. What to do in Vilnius, Lithuania - 2 Day Itinerary & Helpful Travel Tips Huracn Coffee Vokieiai trendy cafe in the heart of the Old Town that serves some of the best light roasted coffee and cakes in Vilnius. This arcaded quadrangle is dominated by the custard-colored wedding-cake-like facade of St Johns Church (v Jono banyia), one of Vilniuss Baroque gems. Cold beet soup (altibariai) is a traditional summer favorite that is usually served with chopped hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, kefir, dill, and potatoes. There are several great brewpubs in Vilnius and the great thing is that the beer here is cheap. Visiting the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is definitely one of the top things to do in Vilnius. You'll see the city as the locals experience it year in and year out, may get the benefit of enjoying the city blanketed in white, and will be one of the few tourists who travel to the Baltic countries during this time of year. They have both dorm and private rooms at affordable prices and also include breakfast in the room rate. The Vilnius TV Tower is open from 11:00-21:00 (Sunday-Thursday) and 11:00-22:00 (Friday-Saturday). Talent is the number one need of Vilnius's booming tech community which counts more than 700 startups and several unicorns, including secondhand clothing marketplace Vinted and cybersecurity company Nord Security. This spot is for everything from a casual brunch or a huge dinner party to laidback drinks at dusk. Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. By kt755. The 15 Best Things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania March 20, 2023 / By Richard Collett Hidden away on the Baltic edge of Europe, Vilnius is fast becoming a tourist hotspot in the continent's northeast. While walking along the street, youll be treated to some exquisite architecture, particularly Gothic and Baroque. Get acquainted with the nations formation and customs, including folk art, peasant lifestyle, and heritage handicrafts, such as the forging of crosses. There is a monument nearby dedicated to the countrys last king.
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