Hidden away on the Baltic edge of Europe, Vilnius is fast becoming a tourist hotspot in the continent’s northeast. The Lithuanian capital, with its petite population of 600,000, might pale in comparison to the size of other European cities, but don’t worry because there are almost too many things to do in Vilnius!
History is always top of the itinerary in Vilnius. The city dates back to at least the 13th century AD when it was founded by the earliest Lithuanian monarchs as a trading post and fortress on the confluence of the rivers Neris and Vilnia.
It soon became the capital of the Kingdom of Lithuania, then the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and was one of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s central cities for centuries (which in the 17th century was one of Europe’s largest empires).
Find out more with a tour of the Old Town, which is a tapestry of medieval architecture and baroque beauty. Visit the capital’s glorious Catholic churches, delve into the past at the Old and New Arsenals, and make the hike to Gediminas Tower, where you can look out across the city from one of its oldest structures.
Fill up on a food tour of Vilnius (have you ever tried a Zeppelin?), learn about the communist era at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, and then explore the quirkier side of the city with a walk around the self-declared Republic of Uzupis.
With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Vilnius for you. Stick to these fun and unique Vilnius bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this beautiful Baltic capital!
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15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Vilnius
1. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town
A walking tour is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to a new city, and there’s no better way to discover Vilnius’ Old Town than with a guided stroll.
The Old Town’s history dates back centuries, and with centuries-old buildings to match, it’s no real surprise that this historic part of Vilnius has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A free walking tour starts from the Gediminas Monument in Cathedral Square every day at 10:30 am. It’s tips based, so you’ll only pay what you believe the tour was worth at the end of it.
You’ll start by learning about the city’s medieval origins, and you’ll see where the first inhabitants founded the earliest settlement in the area around Cathedral Square. You’ll visit the Presidential Palace, Town Hall Square, Vilnius University, and other important Vilnius attractions as you explore what is the largest old town in Northern Europe.
Along the way, you’ll hop into catholic and orthodox churches alike, you’ll be awed by the diversity of architectural styles – baroque, gothic, renaissance, and many more styles sweep through the Old Town – and you’ll even have a look inside Uzupis, the city’s most unusual district (more on that later!).
Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be on your feet for at least 2.5 hours as you uncover the secrets of Vilnius’ gorgeous Old Town.
2. Take a Peek Inside Vilnius Cathedral
One of the best sights in Vilnius is the cathedral, so don’t forget to take a peek inside when you’re in the square. Vilnius Cathedral towers above Cathedral Square, and it’s one of the grandest, most beautiful, and most historic buildings in the city.
You’ll love the unorthodox neoclassical design. Tall Greco-Roman columns greet you as you walk up the steep steps leading to the grand entranceway. This is where the Grand Dukes of Lithuania were crowned in centuries past, and even decades of communist rule in the 20th century couldn’t stop locals from revering this religious icon.
The history of Vilnius Cathedral is long. It’s thought that there was a pagan altar here centuries before Catholicism arrived in Lithuania, but from the 13th century onwards, it became the primary place of Christian worship in the region.
Many of Lithuania’s most famous dukes and royal characters have been buried here, and deep in the crypts lies the heart of Władysław IV (gruesome, we know). The extravagant architecture you see today was predominantly built from 1779 onwards, and it’s a lasting monument to the power and wealth of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
3. Stroll Through the Gate of Dawn
One of the most important things to see in Vilnius is the Gate of Dawn. You should see this historic site on a walking tour, but just in case you don’t, make sure to stroll under its beautiful archway later on.
The Gate of Dawn is one of the Old Town’s most iconic locations, and it has a long history dating back to the early 16th century. The gate itself was built as part of the city’s fortifications, and, of course, back then, it marked the entrance and exit to the Old Town.
Religiously, it’s more important than this, though, and the Gate of Dawn is also home to a unique Catholic shrine. Look up as you walk under, and you’ll see the Icon of our Lady of the Gate of Dawn. Even today, the shrine draws pilgrims and worshippers on their way into Vilnius, and they’ll stop here before proceeding onwards to the chapels, churches, and the cathedral inside the capital.
4. Walk to the Top of Gediminas Tower
Look up toward the hill that rises above the banks of the Neris River, and you’ll spot a distinctive tower reaching to the heavens. This is Gediminas Tower, and the red brick bastion is all that really remains of Vilnius’ Upper Castle fortifications.
Gediminas Tower is one of the most important Vilnius attractions. It’s a symbol of the city’s history and identity, and you have to make the walk to the top to admire it up close. The original tower is said to have been built on the orders of Gediminas, a Grand Duke of Lithuania, in 1409.
Local legends abound, and the popular story goes that the Duke spent a night on the hilltop after a hunting trip, where he dreamt of a wolf made of iron that howled madly into the darkness. After the dream, he built the tower, which then evolved into a larger castle that once overlooked Vilnius.
The castle was rebuilt in 1933, and then in 1988, the Lithuanian flag was raised from the rooftop when the nation declared its independence from the USSR. You can visit the museum inside the tower to learn more and see how it’s changed and evolved over the centuries.
5. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
When you’re at the top of Gediminas Tower, look directly down, and you’ll see the elegant renaissance-style rooftops of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Okay, so this is one of the top things to do in Vilnius, but before you do pay the entrance fee (which is very reasonable), you should know that this is a replica. Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed in 1801, and its bricks were carted off by the Russian Empire to ensure no trace of the dukes remained in Vilnius.
For the next two centuries, Lithuania fell under the yoke of Russia, and it wasn’t until independence that they began seriously thinking about bringing back what was once a symbol of national sovereignty. After years of planning and building disputes, the palace was painstakingly rebuilt in the 2000s and finally opened to the world in 2013.
Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania during your trip to Vilnius, and you’ll learn all this and more. While the current building is a restoration, it’s just one more reincarnation of the palace going back to the 13th century.
The original was made from humble stone, designed to repel invaders, while later editions brought it into the renaissance and baroque styles that were popular in Vilnius in the 16th and 17th centuries.
6. Explore Lithuanian History at the Old Arsenal and New Arsenal
In the shadow of Gediminas Tower, you’ll find both the Old Arsenal and the New Arsenal. For history lovers, these two museums are two of the best sights in Vilnius, and you’ll have plenty to see if you’ve got time to explore both!
Both are operated by the National Museum of Lithuania, and they delve into different periods of history and culture. The Old Arsenal takes you back some 12,000 years to the dawn of humanity’s prehistory in Lithuania. There were people here long before the Grand Dukes of Lithuania made their mark on the land, and you’ll learn about millennia-old pagan rituals and stone age archeological finds.
The New Arsenal is dedicated to (slightly) more recent history. Here you’ll find the Museum of Antiquities, which showcases a wonderful array of relics dating back as far as the 13th century when modern Lithuania began to take shape. The museum then moves through the centuries, offering a unique overview of Lithuanian history to modern times.
7. Hike to the Top of Three Crosses Hill
The skyline of Vilnius is defined by the hills that surround it, and there’s no more famous viewpoint than Three Crosses Hill. Located a 20-minute uphill walk from the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, you’ll spot the enormous white crosses long before you reach the summit.
The crosses are said to have been here for centuries (in some shape or form), and legend has it that they mark the spot where early Lithuanian Christians preached the gospel before being beheaded by pagans. It’s a gruesome tale and one of many that abound in the surroundings of Vilnius. The current crosses were added more recently, though, and date back only to 1989.
Take a hike to the summit, where on a misty morning, you’ll very much feel a part of Lithuania’s legendary history. Once the mist has cleared, you can admire the view stretching out ahead of you across the city, which we have to say is one of the best views you’ll have of Vilnius!
8. Learn about the KGB at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
It’s hard to imagine now, but just over three decades ago, Lithuania was still part of the USSR. For much of the 20th century, Lithuanians were subject to surveillance, trials, imprisonment, and even execution at the hands of the infamous KGB, communist Russia’s secret police.
Following independence in 1991, many secrets began to surface as the KGB files were opened. At least 1,000 Lithuanians were executed in the basement of the KGB’s headquarters, which became a museum of remembrance and education in 1992.
The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (generally shortened to the “KGB Museum”) is now located within the KGB prisons, and it’s one of the most moving things to do in Vilnius.
Learn how Lithuania spent a century under Imperial Russian control, followed by another century of communist control. Different exhibitions explore Lithuanian resistance to communist rule following World War II, while the most heartbreaking exhibit exposes the Holocaust that occurred here under Nazi occupation.
9. Have Some Optical Fun at the Museum of Illusions
If you’re looking for something a little more light-hearted during your stay in the city, then a visit to the Museum of Illusions is one of the top things to do in Vilnius.
This one is fun for everyone in the family, so don’t forget your camera if you want some quirky photos from one of the city’s coolest attractions. As the name suggests, this museum is all about the optical illusions, and you’ll be amazed by your change in perception as you make your way through the galleries.
Rooms are turned on their head at this museum, where you won’t quite know what’s real and what’s an illusion, and where’s up and where’s down. Optical tricks will amaze and confuse you in equal parts, as you struggle to work out how exactly your mind has been played!
10. Eat Your Way Around Vilnius on a Foodie Tour
The Lithuanian capital is best known for its Old Town, and the food here is seriously overlooked. We recommend joining a foodie tour of the city to dig deep into the capital’s culinary prowess, and trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed.
You’ll be guided around the best local eateries, food shops, and bars in the city as you eat your way around Vilnius. You’re in the Baltics, of course, so you can expect this to be a carb-heavy day, but the cuisine here is so much more nuanced than potatoes.
On the menu today, you’ll be treated to local delights like Cold Beetroot Soup (it’s often bright pink, but always delicious), Potato Pancakes, and Kibinai (a type of meat and veg pasty). It’s typically said that the national dish of Lithuania is the Cepelinai (or the “Zeppelin”), a Zeppelin-shaped potato dumpling that’s packed with meat or veg fillings before being boiled or fried (or both!).
11. Escape the City with a Day Out in Vingis Park
If you need a break from Vilnius, then you’re in luck because there’s a beautiful park on the outskirts of the city. Spend the day at Vingis Park, where 400 acres of gardens, forests, and event spaces await you, and you’ll leave revitalized and refreshed!
Vingis Park is one of the best outdoor attractions in Vilnius, and you’ll cross a wonderful pedestrian bridge spanning the River Neris to reach it from the city. When you cross over the river, you’ll find miles of hiking and biking trails just begging to be explored.
The park is also home to Vilnius’ amphitheater, which hosts everything from traditional midsummer celebrations to hard rock concerts. You can also pop into a section of the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University, where you’ll find a unique array of flora in a colorful, peaceful environment.
12. Cross the Border and Visit the Republic of Uzupis
Crossing “the border” to visit the Republic of Uzupis is one of the most unique things to do in Vilnius. This self-declared “nation” became an “independent” republic following Lithuania’s independence from the Soviet Union, and the small suburb is now home to artists, bars, and dreamers.
The Republic of Uzupis is located across the River Neris in a section of the Old Town that was run down and largely abandoned in the 1990s. Then squatters and artists began to move in and slowly started building their own unorthodox communities.
The community lives by the laws of the Constitution of Uzupis, which you’ll find in large writing by the main square (near the Uzupis Angel). The somewhat quirky constitution states that everyone has the right to be happy or unhappy, a dog has the right to be a dog, everyone may be independent, and everyone has the right to love, and much more.
Visit the art galleries (of which there are many), enjoy a craft beer or two, and then get your passport stamped at the visa office!
13. Take a Day Trip to the Stunning Lakeside of Trakai Castle
If you’ve still got time after ticking off the must-do things in Vilnius, then you can’t beat a good old-fashioned day trip. One of the best sights nearby is Trakai Castle, where a stunning castle is found in the middle of a serene lake.
You can hop on a train or take a bus to Trakai, which is an easy 40-minute drive away from the capital (less if the traffic is on your side!), then take a short stroll to the castle. A long causeway leads across Lake Galva to the gatehouse of Trakai Castle, which is entirely located on the island.
Tall trees rise above the walls, while the fairytale spirals of the towers reach upwards to the heavens. It’s quite the sight, and you can join a boat tour, hire a rowing boat, or just walk over the causeway to explore more. Construction began in the 14th century, and Trakai Castle became an integral defensive stronghold of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Despite its seemingly impregnable location, you’ll be surprised to learn that the castle was destroyed and fell into ruin. It was restored again following World War II and is now one of Lithuania’s most picturesque attractions.
After visiting the castle, you can hike around the lake, try a local Kibinai (a type of pastry packed with meat and veggies), or pop into the small museum that tells the unique story of the Karaim Jews who once called Trakai home.
14. Have a Night Out in Vilnius
If you love exploring a city’s nightlife scene, then Vilnius has plenty to offer. This is one of the best nights out in Europe, and you can find parties, bars, and clubs almost any day of the week in the “Nightlife Triangle.”
The triangle is made up of three bar-heavy streets, which are Vilniaus Street, Islandijos Street, and Vokiečių Street. You could even join a bar or pub crawl to make a few friends and make sure you visit the best nightlife spots in the city.
If you prefer a quiet night out, then we recommend taking the elevator to the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Vilnius. This is one of the tallest buildings in the capital, and you can enjoy dinner and cocktails with one of the best panoramic views in Vilnius.
15. Embrace the Festive Season at Vilnius Christmas Market
Lithuania is a cold, cold destination to visit in the winter, but brave the icy weather, and you can embrace the festive season at Vilnius Christmas Market.
The Old Town is lit brightly through the winter by festive lights, and the city’s Christmas trees tower high into the dark night sky. You’ll be tempted by roasted almonds, traditional gingerbread treats, and of course, mulled wine.
The largest markets take over Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square from the end of November to the start of January. Unlike the more commercial markets in many other European capitals, the markets in Vilnius still manage to stay small, local, and vibrant!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Vilnius. What’s your favorite thing to do in Vilnius?
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