The capital of Lithuania is a main tourist hotspot in the country, and for good reason. Vilnius is a wonderful mix of rich history, beautiful architecture and lively streets lined with best restaurants and cafes that Lithuania has to offer. If you’re planning to embark on a journey to experience Vilnius, let’s take a look together. Here’s how you can experience the exquisite capital of Lithuania in five easy steps!
Step 1: Stroll around lovely old town streets
Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest medieval old towns in northern Europe and is nothing but spectacular.
One of the best and
simplest ways you can experience the capital of Lithuania is by simply taking a
gentle walk around its charming streets.
Admire beautiful cobblestone streets and a great mixture of architecture, from baroque and Renaissance to neoclassical and Gothic.
Head to the main buzzing hotspots like Pilies Gatve (Castle Street) where you will find plenty of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants alongside the beautiful views of the Gediminas Castle, perched on the hill.
Step 2: Conquer the Gediminas Tower
Gediminas Tower is without a doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in the capital. It’s a must-visit place for those who want to experience Vilnius to its fullest!
It’s the remaining part of the Upper Castle, with history dating back all the way to the 13th century.
Take a relatively easy
walk or use the funicular railway service up to the hill, with stunning views
of Vilnius and its picturesque Old Town afterward.
Visitors can also find
exhibitions and a museum inside the Gediminas Tower.
Gediminas TowerStep 3: Taste the local cuisine
Sooner or later, we all get hungry. It’s no secret that one of the great ways to experience a new destination is through its cuisine and authentic tastes. After all, unique cooking techniques and flavors have distinguished nations and their cultures throughout the centuries.
Lithuanian and Baltic cuisine boasts plenty of diverse traditional dishes for food lovers. Vilnius doesn’t shy away from hosting hundreds of eateries and cafes within the city.
Sventaragio Sodas, for example, doesn’t just offer a journey to take on the tastes of the Old Baltic Cuisine. It has lavish green interiors and lovely views of historical Cathedral Square, our next stop!
Restaurant “Šventaragio sodas”Step 4: Explore Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square
This is one of the most important religious sites in Lithuania. Its stunning architecture today draws visitors from all over the world.
Walk around the square and marvel at the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral. Be a part of the pulsing Cathedral Square, where locals hang out. Various events and concerts happen throughout the year.
If you are a history and art lover and keen to explore more, step inside the Vilnius Cathedral. You will find various frescoes and artworks dating from the 16th to the 19th century, as well as the tours of the Cathedral Crypts.
Vilnius CathedralStep 5: Visit Vilnius University
As you explore and experience Vilnius, you simply must pay a visit to the beautiful Vilnius University. It’s the oldest university in the Baltic States and one of the oldest in northern Europe.
Founded in 1579 and located in the Old Town of Vilnius, it offers a lot more for a traveler than you would expect from a university.
The mix of baroque, classical and Gothic architectures will be your surroundings while exploring internal courtyards, arcades and galleries.