Last updated: 13/FEB/2018

Lithuania’s capital is known best for its stunning Baroque architecture and gorgeous scenery. The art galleries are another highlight of the city not to be missed. Wherever you go in the city, you’re surrounded by beauty, but these particular destinations are unmissable.

Practical information / Facts

• Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. Lithuania is one of the three Baltic states (other countries are: Latvia and Estonia). The city has a population of nearly 550,000 residents, which makes it second largest capital in the Baltics after capital of Latvia Riga.
• Arriving in Vilnius: Vilnius airport is mainly served by low-cost airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air, they operate from different locations in Europe. 
• Transportation: Public transport is affordable and reliable. From the airport to the city centre, you can get by:
  • Bus. Single bus ride ticket costs 1 EUR, the journey takes about 15 min, depending on traffic. See the timetable.
  • Train. Single bus ride ticket costs 0,70 EUR, the journey takes 7 min. See the timetable.
  • Taxi service is relatively cheap in Vilnius. Use Taxify app and get up to 10 EUR off your first ride or Uber app to get a 5 EUR off your first ride.  
• Currency: EUR
• Price level: Cheap to Medium. Comparing to other Baltic countries, Lithuania has the cheapest prices.
  Typical prices: cup of coffee in a coffee shop 1,5 – 2,5 EUR, a pint of beer 2,5-3,5 EUR, medium sized pizza 5-8 EUR, main dish in a restaurant from 12 EUR, entry ticket to any museum 5-10 EUR. Hotels and apartments are very cheap with prices starting from 15 EUR for an overnight stay in an apartment in the centre of Vilnius (if booked with Airbnb). 
• Languages: Lithuanian (official), Russian, Polish and English are widely spoken. German is also understood among older people. 

Best places to visit in Vilnius

Bernardinai Gardens

Located on the bank of the Vilnia river, the Bernardinai gardens stretch for nine hectares. There’s a children’s playground, events are often held there, and it’s situated between the Bernadine Monastery and Gediminas Tower, both worth a visit while you’re there. It’s the perfect place to visit for a relaxed afternoon in the summer.

Three Crosses

On top of a hill (originally known as the Bleak Hill) three crosses have stood since the 17^th century. Seven friars were said to have been beheaded in the same location, and the crosses stand where they were killed. The original crosses were made of wood, but were replaced with more substantial materials later on because the wooden crosses kept rotting. They can be seen from most places in Vilnius, but it’s worth the walk up the hill to experience the views too.

Contemporary Art Centre

Šiuolaikinio Meno Centras is one of the best art galleries Vilnius has to offer. It has up to six large exhibitions running at once, which showcase artists from all over the world. The building also has a cinema and a reading room, so there’s something for everyone.

Big Ghetto

The Big Ghetto housed thousands of Jews between 1941 and 1943 under Nazi occupation. However, most of them were executed in Paneriai or in the ghetto itself. In remembrance, there’s a memorial plaque at the entrance to the ghetto, which also bears a plan of the area. It’s an interesting visit for those interested in history, particularly the war era.

Cathedral Basilica

The Cathedral is one of Vilnius’ most important places of worship, and holds many religious events each year. Many prominent figures have also been buried there, like bishops and noblemen (and even several queens!) It’s also a particularly beautiful cathedral, with impressive interior artwork, and a must-visit while you’re in Vilnius.

National Gallery of Art

This is another of Vilnius’ fantastic galleries. It has ten rooms of artworks from the 20^th and 21^st century, but unlike the Art Centre, it features mostly Lithuanian artists. International artists are showcased in the Grand Exhibition Hall.

Gates of Dawn

The Gates of Dawn is one of the most popular and visited shrines in Vilnius. It contains a famous painting of the Virgin Mary – situated in the chapel – known as the icon of the Holy Mother of Mercy. She was painted as a protector of the city, as the gate once served as a defence mechanism. The icon has been replicated in chapels all over the world, but the one in Vilnius is the original. It’s the only one of the city’s nine gates still standing and it’s in stunning condition.

Vilnius Picture Gallery

The permanent exhibitions here offer a look into Lithuanian art from the 16^th Century onwards. The gallery also hosts events such as classical music concerts, interesting exhibitions and other cultural events.

This is my top list of best things to do and see in Vilnius. Would you like to add some nice place to this travel guide? Leave a comment and I will add your attraction to the list! 

Quick tips to books cheap trip to Vilnius:

1. Compare all airline fares to Vilnius with flight fare comparison site Skyscanner.
2. To book a hotel at best price, visit Booking.com. Booking.com has the widest choice of hotels in Vilnius, most of the booking can be amended free of charge. 
3. If you wish to rent an apartment in Vilnius, check Airbnb. By clicking the link you will get 25$ off your booking (reservation total must be over 75$).
4. For free taxi ride in Vilnius, download app Taxify, go to Promotions section and enter the promo coupon code GRIGORIJSKDY . This code will give you up to 10 EUR off the first ride, which makes your trip from the Vilnius airport to the city centre almost for free (normal price is 6-10 EUR depending on traffic). If you are several people travelling together, don’t forget that each of you can use the code. Or use Uber with up to 5 EUR welcome bonus for your first ride. 

Images: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]