Travel to Vilnius - Lituania | Keytours Vacations

Discover Vilnius's Wonders

The capital and largest city in Lithuania, this engaging city is filled with historic and cultural icons, situated in a picturesque valley nestled between two rivers. This city is one of the best kept secrets of Europe, offering gorgeous architecture, arts and culture, delicious food, and friendly people, without the crowds and expense found in more traditionally popular cities nearby.

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Description

Vilnius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wears its history with quiet pride. The city’s seamless blend of architectural eras seems improbable given its turbulent past, yet here it stands, firmly reclaimed as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. What makes Vilnius irresistible? It’s large enough to feel vibrant, small enough to explore without becoming overwhelmed. The streets, many retaining their medieval layout, combine old Baroque masterpieces, Gothic brickwork, Art Nouveau details and Classical facades, particularly along Gedimino Avenue. Look closely, and you’ll spot whimsical touches: carved masks, grinning gargoyles and other architectural surprises. Most of the buildings in Vilnius were constructed in the periods immediately after the great fires of 1610, 1737, 1748 and 1749, when the city’s wooden buildings were done away with. Amazingly, however, the Old Town’s street structure is virtually unchanged since medieval times. Beyond the Old Town, Vilnius unfolds in green parks and hilltop vistas. The Neris River curves through the city, its banks offering a striking contrast: the spires of the historic centre on one side, the glass-and-steel New District on the other. The best way to experience it all is to walk the cobblestone lanes, or cycle the well-marked paths that connect nearly every major sight. Vilnius rewards slow exploration, since every corner holds another layer of its story.

Useful information

Population:

607,667

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Emergency: 112

Opening Hours:

Business hours are from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm. Shops are normally open from 10am to 6-7pm on weekdays and until 3-4pm on Saturdays.

Do & See

Amber Museum-Gallery

The Amber Museum-Gallery offers informative displays on the "Baltic Gold" as well as temporary exhibitions of amber jewellery. The museum hosts a unique collection of inclusions and narrates the entire history of amber–from its formation to its possible applications. Exhibits are presented in an interesting and modern manner.

Bernardine Garden

The city's much-loved Bernardine Garden dates back to as early as 1469. Take a walk through the greenery, marvel at the musical fountain that plays classical and modern tunes and see Vilnius' oldest oak tree, which is reportedly over 300 years old.

Church of St Anne & Bernardine Complex

The churches of St Anne and Bernardine are a fine Lithuanian Gothic ensemble located right next to each other. St Anne’s Church, constructed with 33 different kinds of clay bricks, is the most outstanding and enchanting Gothic building in Lithuania. It dates back to the late 15th century and remains largely unchanged.

Church of Sts Peter & Paul

This church is a masterpiece from the 17th century and one of Lithuania's most significant Baroque monuments. It is famous for its exceptional interior where one can see about 2,000 stucco figures.

Europos Parkas

One of the most impressive contemporary art museums where art and nature merge is situated 17 kilometres from the centre of Vilnius. Europos Parkas was founded in 1991 and seeks to give meaning to the geographical centre of Europe in the language of art. About 100 sculptures created by different world artists are displayed there.

Gediminas Avenue

Gediminas Avenue is the main street of Vilnius, where most of the governmental and cultural institutions of Lithuania are concentrated. Nowadays, it is also a very popular shopping and dining street. It is partially a pedestrian street in the evenings when traffic is prohibited.

Gediminas Castle Tower

The tower, a long-standing symbol of Vilnius, is located on the 48-metre-high hill. It is named after the city’s founder, Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. This is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, which stood here from the 10th until the late 14th century. There is an observation deck on the top of the tower, a great place to appreciate a magnificent panorama. Gediminas Tower can be reached by foot or a funicular.

Hill of Three Crosses

Once you reach the top of this hill, a terrific view of the city opens up before your eyes. Three white crosses standing on the top symbolise Lithuanians' mourning and hope. The first crosses were erected in the 17th century in memory of the martyrs, but were removed during Stalin’s rule and then rebuilt in 1989. A journey to the top of this hill makes for a lovely hike through a peaceful and green area of the city.

Dining

Belmontas

Belmontas is an open-air restaurant that can gather up to 600 guests. Here, apart from eating and drinking, you get to enjoy nature and listen to the sound of brawling waterfalls while savouring the flavours of traditional Lithuanian cuisine.

Bunte Gans

Bunte Gans churns out excellent German and world cuisine in Vilnius Old Town. The imaginative, good-value food on offer includes schnitzels, bratwurst, bangers and mash, lamb, boar, beef steaks, fresh fish and the house special: a dish of goose with fried potatoes and other veggies. There’s live music during the weekends and an extensive range of drinks including Riesling, Grauer Burgunder and the recommended German beer Zoller-Hof from Swabia.

Čagino

Čagino's name is associated with the famous Russian academic, and talented architect Nikolay Chagin. Here, you will enjoy an authentic atmosphere of 19th-century Russian nobility and dishes of Russian cuisine based on old national recipes.

Cozy

Cozy is a café and restaurant located in the Old Town of Vilnius. The charming premises date back to 1536 and offer a warm interior with delicious food and friendly staff. This is a great place to sit back and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Etno Dvaras

Etno Dvaras was the first restaurant in Lithuania to offer certified meals from the Gastronomic Heritage Foundation. These are meals made in the traditional way, using products of local origin. You can hear Lithuanian music playing in a cosy atmosphere of an old estate, decorated with elements of old graphics and pictures from authentic books.

Imperial

From its sophisticated décor to its gourmet, delectable food, Imperial Restaurant offers the ultimate fine dining experience in the heart of Vilnius Old Town. The menu is impressive and includes fresh oysters from the coast of France, marbled beef steaks, as well as modern Lithuanian dishes.

La Provence

La Provence stands out in Vilnius’ Old Town with its exceptional seafood selection. It's leagues ahead of its competition. Savoury fish choices include red mullet, monkfish and fresh, hot and smoked halibut. If you really want to throw caution to the wind, take on the lamb knuckles or roebuck fillet with cherry sauce. La Provence also houses the most uncompromising wine list in town.

Lokys

Lokys opened in 1972 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Vilnius, located in an old merchant’s house where restaurant cellars, decorated with hunting trophies, remind us of the 15th century. In addition to the attentive service, game roasts (boar meat, roe dear, venison meat roasts, quail and even beaver meat stew) made according to traditional recipes help create a unique atmosphere.

Bars & Nightlife

Artistai

Artistai is a lively pub with a youthful vibe that has been on the Vilnius party scene for a long time. It is especially loved by students and draws in crowds with a mixture of popular hits and timeless pop classics. The bar has a courtyard too where frequent live music concerts take place.

Gringo Pub

With its friendly staff and a carefully selected beer menu, this bar stands out among the Vilnius pub scene. Live soccer matches are broadcast on the screen and draught beers including Guinness and Stella Artois are served to go with it.

In Vino

This is the place that started the wine boom in Vilnius and it is still avant-garde. The tapas menu is extensive, and even by Spanish standards the real deal. In Vino is a long-time favourite for many, from artists and actors to hard-boiled businesspeople.

Menų Fabrikas Loftas

The cultural centre Menų Fabrikas Loftas is a place well-known to local bohemians. This venue is based inside a fabulous old factory in Vilnius Newtown and offers creative opportunities, outlets, and events including parties, fashion shows, educational seminars, film screenings, and much more. Loftas is popular for big music shows with world-famous bands and DJs.

Notre Vie

This little wine bar and bistro, situated right in the heart of the Old Town, is a real gem. All the wines served here are carefully selected and brought directly from vineyards by the owners themselves. Notre Vie standing for high quality, uniqueness and exclusivity, not to mention its cosy interior and live jazz evenings.

Old Green Grill House

The Old Green Grill House is situated only a few steps away from Cathedral Square in a 19th-century house, which is one of the few wooden houses remaining in Vilnius. Here you can have a refreshing glass of beer, with 14 types of Lithuanian and imported beer on tap to choose from, or taste The Old Green House light, special, strong or brand beer brewed according to a special recipe. When it comes to dining, the menu features barbecue, European cuisine, and Lithuanian dishes.

Piano Man Bar

A mixed and chirpy crowd, great drink selection, friendly bartenders and good music make this bar a really charming one. It is hard not to have a good time at the Piano Man Bar.

Šnekutis

With an extensive menu of Lithuanian food and drink at rock-bottom prices, Šnekutis is hard to beat. It's an essential stop for travellers on a tight budget, with an abundant offering of local specialities, which turns increasingly into a buzzing bar as the night progresses.

Shopping

Akropolis

Akropolis is the largest shopping mall in the Baltics States offering plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.

Boutique Lino Kopos

Lino Kopos means linen dunes, which sounds like a laundry nightmare, but is actually a fair reflection of the range and beauty of creations made exclusively from this versatile natural fibre. The design studio is the shop of the Lithuanian fashion designer Giedrius Šarkauskas, who creates designer garments for everyone. Giedrius label is absolutely unique to Lithuania. His collections include cold-season outerwear.

Europa

Europa is a modern shopping mall in the heart of the business district just north of the river featuring high-end designer brands along with upscale cafés and restaurants.

Fashion House Juozas Statkevičius

Juozas Statkevičius is the most prominent Lithuanian fashion designer, well-known far beyond the borders of the Baltic States. In fact, he is the first designer from the Baltics to present his haute couture collections in Paris. His designs are like exquisite dreams, acted out in garments, with every elaborate and evocative detail telling their own story.

Halle Market

The beautifully restored brick building dating from the 1900s is more than worth a look inside. A trip through the doors rewards visitors with a fragrant blast of several tonnes of smoked meat, which can be bought here along with a few other specialities including fresh fruit and vegetables plus a nice range of locally-produced honey.

Kalvarijų Market

Kalvarijų Market is a long-standing and lively market featuring everything from fresh fruits, veggies and flowers to cheese, locally-produced honey, and dried and smoked meat. Plus, a huge assortment of secondhand goods and interesting findings like cameras manufactured in the USSR.

Ozas

The large Ozas shopping centre offers vast shopping and restaurant options. Here you can find a veritable cavalcade of shops selling everything from designer clothes to more popular stores. There's also a cinema and entertainment for children.

Panorama

At Panorama, you can find loads of retail outlets, entertainment options, and a variety of cafés and restaurants in a modern multi-level shopping complex.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Vilnius is a pleasant destination all year round, although it can get rather cold in the winter. The best times to plan your trip are the summer months (June through August), along with the shoulder season (May & September).

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Lithuania, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Vilnius Čiurlionis International Airport (VNO)

Vilnius Čiurlionis International Airport (VNO) is located on a plateau to the south of Vilnius. It is located only 5 kilometres away and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. You can get to and from the airport easily by train, bus, minibus, or taxi. A special scheduled train runs from the airport to Vilnius Railway Station. A covered pedestrian walkway (located just outside the airport terminal) connects the airport terminal with the railway stop. It runs roughly once an hour and the journey takes about 7 minutes. City buses also provide a service to and from the airport.

Public Transport

Vilnius trolleybuses and buses start running at about 5am and finish at midnight. Single-ride tickets may be purchased directly from the driver. If you're staying in the city longer, it might make more sense to buy a reusable transport card, which can be used both for single and monthly public transport tickets.

Taxi

If you have mobile internet, the easiest and cheapest way to get a ride is to use the local competitor of Uber: the eTaksi app. Payments can be made by card via the app or to the driver directly. By the way, Uber is also available in Vilnius as well as Bolt, another popular ride-sharing app.

Electricity

In Lithuania, there are two types of plugs that are commonly used: Type C and Type F. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins with two earth clips on the side. The electrical supply in Lithuania operates at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.

Pharmacy

There are numerous pharmacies scattered throughout the city. Eurovaistinė, for example, can be found in several locations around Vilnius.

Post

You can easily find a post office or post box in Vilnius. Look for the yellow signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Vilnius?

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May to September when the weather is mild and many outdoor events and festivals take place. Summers are particularly pleasant for exploring the city's parks and historic sites.

What are the must-see attractions in Vilnius?

Key attractions in Vilnius include the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Gediminas' Tower, Vilnius Cathedral, and the artistic Užupis district. Don't miss the panoramic views from the Hill of Three Crosses.

How can I get around Vilnius efficiently?

Vilnius has a reliable public transportation system including buses and trolleybuses. The city is also very walkable, especially in the Old Town area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available for longer distances.

What local dishes should I try in Vilnius?

In Vilnius, try traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and kibinai (savory pastries). These dishes offer a taste of local flavors and culinary traditions.

How many days should I spend in Vilnius?

A stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of Vilnius, enjoy its vibrant cultural scene, and take a leisurely stroll through its historic streets. This timeframe allows for a relaxed yet comprehensive visit.

What are some popular day trips from Vilnius?

Popular day trips from Vilnius include visiting Trakai Castle, located on an island in Lake Galvė, and the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai. Both offer unique insights into Lithuania's history and culture.

Where is the best area to stay in Vilnius?

Staying in the Old Town is highly recommended for its proximity to major attractions, restaurants, and shops. This area provides a charming atmosphere with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

Trips

Warsaw and The Baltics Private Journey

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