When we landed in Vilnius, Lithuania, we were bursting with curiosity and brimming with anticipation. Finally, we were rounding out our Baltic state adventures!
We were also traveling to a new-to-us country for the first time in months – so our excitement was at its peak.
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Eager to discover the Lithuanian capital, we started exploring straight away. We didn’t want to miss any of the fun things to do in Vilnius!
With sunny skies overhead and a crisp autumn breeze, we experienced the best of Vilnius – from the history drenched Old Town to leafy forest trails to the quirky local cuisine.
Top Things To Do in Vilnius, Lithuania
Overshadowed and under-appreciated, Vilnius is an unexpected charmer – and we were instantly under its trance.
We’ve rounded up a list of the must-do activities that truly make this European hidden gem shine!
#1 Explore the Extraordinary Vilnius Old Town
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Vilnius is wonderfully preserved – and we eagerly soaked it in.
The history of Vilnius lingers in the awe-inspiring architecture and lurks around every cobblestoned corner.
A mesmerizing conglomeration of centuries of stories, we absolutely loved wandering through the beautiful old city.
From the cathedral and castle to the university and Jewish Ghetto, getting to know the city on foot is one of the best things to do in Vilnius.
Our Free Self-Guided Vilnius Walking Tour leads the way to the must-see attractions that you won’t want to miss!
#2 Seek out Stunning Vilnius Churches
It would be utterly impossible to visit Vilnius and not notice the exceptional number of churches.
It’s said that there are more than 40 – and while we didn’t visit them all, we stepped inside any along our route that were open.
These centuries-old structures boast a vast array of styles, but our favorites were the ones decked out in magnificent Baroque ornamentation.
Some of the must-see churches – like the Neo-classical Cathedral, Gothic St. Anne’s and Rococo embellished St. Theresa’s – are top Vilnius tourist attractions.
However, there are lesser-known houses of worship, and we suggest seeking those out, too.
The Dominican Church of Apostles St. Philip and St. Jacob, Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Franciscan Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church of All Saints are a few we recommend.
The most dazzling, however, is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. We definitely feel it’s worth making the 30-minute walk to see it.
All of these churches are open to guests without charge. Visiting them is one of the best free things to do in Vilnius!
#3 Savor a Sensational Vilnius View
We love lofty, panoramic viewpoints – and Vilnius has no shortage of elevated perches to check out!
Although the Old Town is fairly flat, the surrounding landscape is characterized by sloping, hilly terrain. We believe trekking up to a viewpoint is a must-do.
Gediminas’ Hill is the most popular lookout, especially at sunset. There is even an inexpensive funicular that can whisk you to the top.
Located at the north end of the oldest part of Vilnius, the hill is capped by the historic Gediminas’ Tower and remnants of the Upper Castle Complex.
That said, our favored panoramic view is from Three Crosses Hill – which comes complete with an ancient tale.
According to legend, 14 friars were sent to Vilnius in the 1300s to convert pagans to Christianity. The unwelcomed guests were taken to this hilltop…and murdered.
Whether or not the story is true, crosses have been placed on the summit as a memorial for centuries.
The reason we tackled the incline multiple times is for the unforgettable view. A winding forest trail or a steep climb up stairs will get you to the top.
Bastion Hill and the nearby Subačiaus Observation Deck are two more hilltops with a stellar vantage point of the red rooftops and soaring church spires.
#4 See Wooden Houses in Zverynas
We believe some of the best things to see in Vilnius are beyond the Old Town – like the unique Zverynas District.
Recognized for its tree-lined streets and architectural gems, it’s a marvelous area to discover on foot.
Once the hunting grounds for the prominent Radziwill family, Zverynas emerged as an elite residential enclave in the late 19th century.
Affluent and well-to-do citizens built magnificent wooden houses – many of which still stand today. A stroll down Vytauto Street reveals some of the best-preserved examples.
We used this helpful neighborhood guide to find our way to more Zverynas attractions.
#5 Feel the Artsy Vibe of Uzupis
The self-declared Republic of Uzupis is the epicenter of Vilnius’ creative culture and oozes a bohemian atmosphere.
The area is teeming with artisan shops, galleries and public works of art – and their lighthearted independence is palatable.
We reveled in the artistic vibe while searching for street art murals and mythical statues. We believe it is one of the top Vilnius, Lithuania things to do!
Not to be missed is the Republic’s constitution. It’s been translated into more than 20 languages – and is proudly displayed on Paupio Street.
Some articles of the charter – like ‘A dog has the right to be a dog’ and that ‘Everyone has the right to understand nothing’ – are a testament to the district’s originality.
Discover even more of this amazing neighborhood on our FREE Self-Guided Uzupis Walking Tour!
#6 Visit Historic Vilnius Cemeteries
Some might consider visiting cemeteries to be one of the unusual Vilnius things to do, but we don’t think so.
Sure, cemeteries can be haunting and eerie, but the Vilnius burial grounds are also intriguing and beautiful.
The Rasos Cemetery on the south side of the city is the oldest and most famous – but we thought the Antakalnis Cemetery was even more spectacular.
Established in 1809, it’s situated within a mature forest on the outskirts of town. Sections are plotted with burials for soldiers, artists and orphans. The newest gravesites feature elaborate tombstones unlike any we’ve seen.
Two more historic cemeteries are close by. The atmospheric Bernadine Cemetery covers a hillside in Uzupis and what remains of the Old Jewish Cemetery is solemn with a poignant memorial.
#7 Immerse Yourself in Nearby Nature
One of the best things about Vilnius is the incredible number of parks and green spaces!
Even in the heart of the Old Town, we were only just steps away from a gorgeous garden full of flowers, a pedestrianized riverside path or leafy forest.
During our October trip, we watched the leaves change from bright green to brilliant yellows, oranges and reds. It ranks as one of the most glorious autumn displays we’ve ever witnessed!
The breathtaking colors lured us to a multitude of outdoor areas – and it became clear why Vilnius was chosen as the European Green Capital for 2025.
Best Vilnius Parks
In the city center, make your way to Lukiškės Square and Tauras Hill for idyllic patches of nature.
The spectacular Bernadine Gardens are situated right on the bank of the curving Vilnia River – and the central fountain features dancing waterspouts.
The forested Hill Park (Kalnu Parkas) sits just opposite the gardens and boasts multiple trails that lead to Three Crosses Hill, Table Hill and The Hill of Gediminas’ Grave.
On the west side of the city, the sprawling Vingio Parkas completely wowed us. It is crisscrossed by a network of paved paths and nature trails that wind through dense forest.
Vilnius Hiking
For true hiking near Vilnius, we recommend the 100km Trail. The route encircles the city – but our favorite sections were 1 and 10 – which intersect on Table Hill.
Following Section 1, we hiked through Pavilnys Regional Park to the Belmontas manmade waterfalls and the Puckoriu Educational Trail.
We think it’s one of the fun things to do near Vilnius – especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
We hiked Section 10 in reverse. The route connects the Old Jewish Cemetery to Antakalnis Cemetery and the Sapieginė Trail.
#8 Discover Fabulous Vilnius Museums and Galleries
We found the history of Vilnius to be complex, convoluted and sometimes outright bewildering. The museums in Vilnius help sort it out and offer an understandable timeline of events.
Without a doubt, the most informative and interesting cultural institution is the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
With four themed routes, we could have spent an entire day digesting the onslaught of information in this cavernous venue.
If you are short on time, we suggest taking Route 1. It details the history of Lithuania and the chronology of the palace.
Route 2 presents re-created palace rooms, Route 3 focuses on artifacts from the military and everyday life and Route 4 showcases international exhibitions.
Other interesting museums are Gediminas’ Castle Tower (city history), the Mo (modern art) and the Energy and Technology Museum (science and innovation).
Budget Tip: Many cultural institutions offer free entry on the last Sunday of the month.
#9 Taste the Flavors of Vilnius
We typically look forward to sampling local fare, but to be honest, we were a little skeptical of Vilnius cuisine.
Heavy carb dishes, unusual cuts of pork and a pink soup that resembles Pepto Bismol just didn’t seem all that appetizing. But, oh how we were wrong!
The country’s signature potato dish – Cepelinai – is hearty and comforting, as are the meat-topped potato pancakes and stuffed kibinine.
The pig ears, while chewy, go great with a local beer. And the unusually colored Šaltibarščiai Cold Beet Soup is full of flavor and zingy herbs.
Thankfully, we didn’t let our misgivings get in the way of sampling the traditional food, because it was actually quite delicious once we tucked in.
We share our favorite dishes and which restaurants serve them in our guide on What and Where to Eat in Vilnius!
#10 Take a Day Trip from Vilnius
While there are many places to see in Vilnius, we wanted to experience more of Lithuania – and it was as easy as hopping on a train!
Trakai – with its famous castle – is a mere 30 minutes from Vilnius by rail (and not much longer by bus).
Without a doubt, the highlight of the Trip to Trakai is the enchanting island castle – but it’s not the only thing to do! A lakeshore walk, relaxing boat ride, town tour and famous kibinai for lunch round out the day.
Planning a Day Trip to Kaunas is almost as simple – but the train ride is longer (1 to 1.5 hours) and there is a lot more to see once there!
In some ways, Kaunas is like a pint-sized Vilnius, with a small Old Town, a handful of churches, unique artworks and hilltop views. It’s also markedly different, with its lack of tourists and easy going pace.
Vilnius Travel Tips
Now that you know what to do in Vilnius, we have a few bits of advice that will help you plan your trip.
Lithuania Travel Planner
There is more to planning your visit to Lithuania than figuring out what to see and do. Keep track of the important details and logistics with our Trip Planner!
How Many Days in Vilnius
With a compact center and other sights close by, it’s possible to see the highlights with just one day in Vilnius.
In order to spend ample time in the adjacent neighborhoods or stretch your legs on a hike, we suggest at least two days.
To squeeze in a full day trip to Kaunas and a half-day excursion to Trakai, you will want no less than three days in Lithuania.
How To Get to Vilnius
The Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is 3.5 miles south of the city center and serves numerous European cities. Read our tips for Finding Cheap Flights – then start your search on SkyScanner!
From the airport, use the public bus, train or Bolt (like Uber, but cheaper) to get to the city center.
The Vilnius Central Train Station and Bus Station are situated on the far southern edge of the Old Town.
Where To Stay in Vilnius
We stayed in an Airbnb apartment in the Uzupis District – which worked great for our extended visit
That said, if we were only staying for a few nights, we would have chosen a hotel near the train station.
The Moon Garden Old Town is a good option for affordable accommodation – and the staff get rave reviews for being helpful and friendly!
What To Pack
Our final tips are all about what to pack – so grab our Free Checklist and let’s get you to the Baltics!
Durable Shoes
Between the cobblestone streets and forest trails, you will want to pack a good pair of travel shoes. I like wearing these lightweight trainers.
Weather Gear
Vilnius experiences all four seasons – so you will want to pack for the weather. The summers can be quite wet, so be sure to have a raincoat and travel umbrella…and sunscreen for sunny days.
Travel Camera
We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel and 18-135mm lens. It’s easy to use, the kit includes heaps of accessories, making it a fantastic camera for budget-minded travelers.
Day Pack
Be sure to bring a travel day bag that is big enough to stow everything you will need for long days of sightseeing. We like these small backpacks.
European Trip Insurance
Travel is unpredictable; luggage can get lost and injuries or illness can happen abroad. Check the rates and coverage at a reliable insurer, like World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Lithuania! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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