16 Interesting Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania

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When it comes to things to do in Vilnius, you can expect a mix of stunning Baroque architecture, one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe, and a creative, laid-back energy that makes the city feel really unique.

Despite it being one of the largest Old Towns in Europe, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can walk almost everywhere, and there’s a creative side to the city that stands out. Užupis, a neighborhood just across the river, even declared itself an independent republic and has its own constitution. It sounds random, but it gives you a sense of how different Vilnius feels compared to other European cities.

We visited all three Baltic capitals, and while each one had its own personality, Vilnius was the one that stuck with me the most. It felt more laid-back, a little less polished, and easier to explore without a plan.

In this guide to the best things to do in Vilnius, I’m sharing the places that stood out most from our time here, along with a mix of well-known spots and a few that we found just by wandering.

Things to Do in Vilnius

1. Walk Down Pilies Street

If you do one thing in Vilnius, make sure you spend some time on Pilies Street. This is one of the main streets running through Old Town and is kind of the heart of everything, connecting Cathedral Square to Town Hall Square.

You’ll most likely naturally end up more than once, and I loved that it always felt a little different depending on the time of day. You’ve got colorful historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, little shops, and often vendors selling handmade goods or local treats. It feels lively, but not overwhelming. We really enjoyed just popping into whatever place called our name!

2. Climb the Bell Tower at St. John’s Church

If you’re looking for one of the best views in Vilnius, this is the one. The bell tower at the Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle and Evangelist is actually the tallest structure in Old Town, so you get such a good perspective over the entire city.

Once you’re at the top, you get views over the red rooftops, churches, and surrounding hills, and it really gives you a feel for how beautiful Vilnius is laid out.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t open for our trip. The bell tower is closed during the colder months (typically from the end of October through April), so this is more of a spring/summer activity. When it’s open, tickets are 7 euros for adults.

3. Eat Lithuanian Cuisine at Etno Dvaras

If you want to try traditional Lithuanian food, Etno Dvaras is a solid spot! It’s one of the more well-known spots in Vilnius for local dishes. This is where you can try things like cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat), Šaltibarščiai (pink soup made with things like beetroot, cucumber, and fresh dill), and other classic comfort foods that Lithuania is known for.

Everything feels very rich and filling, and it’s a great way to get a real taste of the culture. The atmosphere adds to the experience, too. Ask to sit downstairs for an even cooler vibe! If you’re not sure what to order, the staff is usually really helpful with recommendations.

4. Hike Up to the Three Crosses Monument

For another one of the best views in Vilnius, and a little bit of a workout, head up to the Three Crosses Monument. It sits on top of a hill overlooking the city, and while it does require a bit of a hike, it’s not too bad and completely worth it.

The monument itself has a lot of meaning. It’s a symbol of Lithuanian identity and resilience, originally built to honor a group of monks who were martyred there. Over time, it’s become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Vilnius.

On your walk up, you’ll pass through a park-like area, and once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Old Town and beyond.

5. Wander Literatų Gatvė

This is one of those smaller streets in Vilnius that you could easily miss if you didn’t know about it. Literatų Gatvė is dedicated to writers and literature, and the walls are covered in these small, unique art pieces that each represent different authors connected to Lithuania.

As you walk down the street, you’ll notice little plaques, sculptures, and installations built into the walls, and each one tells its own story. It feels really creative and a little unexpected, which I loved. This is one of those things to do in Vilnius that doesn’t take much time, but is a nice little stop while you’re wandering.

6. See Some of the City’s Most Beautiful Churches

Vilnius is often called the “city of churches,” and once you start exploring, it’s easy to see why. There are so many scattered throughout the city, some grand and detailed, others more simple, but all with their own character.

The best part is you’ll naturally pass a lot of them just by wandering Old Town, so you don’t need to go out of your way to see every single one. But if you do want to be a little more intentional, here are a few of the most popular ones worth checking out:

• St. Anne’s Church: One of the most iconic in Vilnius. It’s known for its intricate red brick Gothic design, and even just seeing it from the outside is impressive.
• Church of St. Casimir: A soft pink Baroque church with a unique crown-shaped dome. It was the first Baroque church in Vilnius and is dedicated to Lithuania’s patron saint.
• Vilnius Cathedral: Located right in Cathedral Square, this one stands out for its clean, classical look compared to the others. It feels like a central landmark and a place you’ll naturally pass through.
• Church of St. Peter and St. Paul: A little outside of Old Town, but easily one of the most stunning interiors. The inside is completely covered in detailed white stucco sculptures, and it’s free to enter if you decide to make the trip out there.

You really don’t need to see them all to appreciate what Vilnius is known for. Just stepping into a couple (or even admiring them from the outside) gives you a feel for how much history and beauty is packed into this city.

7. Try a Beer Spa

Doing a beer spa was one of the coolest and most unexpected experiences we had in Vilnius. I know beer spas are one of the best things to do in Prague, too, but we actually had the time to do it here, and it ended up being the perfect mid-trip reset!

The whole experience is basically a private spa session where you soak in a warm bath infused with ingredients used to make beer—like hops, yeast, and malt. It might sound a little random at first, but it’s actually super relaxing and great for your skin.

You’re in your own private room with wooden tubs, and while you’re soaking, you also get unlimited beer to drink. It felt like the perfect mix of fun and relaxing, especially being right in the middle of a two-week Northeastern Europe trip where we had been walking nonstop.

Having something like this to slow down for a bit was exactly what we needed. So if you have the time to work this into your Vilnius itinerary, I highly recommend it!

8. Gate of Dawn

Gate of Dawn is one of the most significant religious and historical sites in Vilnius. It’s actually the only remaining gate out of the original ten that once made up the city’s defensive walls.

What makes it especially meaningful is the chapel inside, which houses a painting of the Virgin Mary that’s believed to have miraculous powers. People from all over come here to pray, and you’ll often see visitors quietly standing or sitting in reflection.

9. Wander Old Town

One of the best things to do in Vilnius is, honestly, the simplest—just wander Old Town and see where you end up. The great thing about this list is that so many of the highlights are landmarks, churches, and iconic buildings that don’t take a ton of time to see. You’re not committing hours to each stop, which means you actually have the space to slow down and enjoy the city in between.

And that’s where Vilnius really shines. The colorful streets, hidden courtyards, little cafes, and random corners you stumble into end up being just as memorable as anything you planned.

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to hit everything on your list, but this is one of those cities where it’s worth looking up from your map, taking a turn down a street that catches your eye, and just going wherever you feel drawn!

10. Enjoy the Restaurant Scene

Vilnius has so many great food options beyond just traditional Lithuanian cuisine, which makes it really fun to mix things up depending on what you’re craving.

• Motif: We were craving sushi, and this place delivered. The tuna was super fresh and everything felt really high quality.
• Cozy: Perfect lunch spot. The shrimp and avocado tostadas were so good (still thinking about them), and the salmon was cooked perfectly.
• River Town: If you’re in the mood for steak, this is the spot. The service was exceptional, and everything we had was amazing. Even beyond the steak, the shrimp and scallops were standout.
• Mon: A 12/10 breakfast. I did the bacon sandwich with scrambled eggs, and it came with sides like veggies and potatoes. The sandwich had the best mix of salty and sweet, and the matcha + coffee were great too.

11. Take a Day Trip to Trakai Island Castle

If you have extra time, a day trip to Trakai Island Castle is one of the most popular things to do in Vilnius. The castle sits right on an island in the middle of a lake, connected by a wooden bridge, and it genuinely looks like something out of a fairytale!

It dates back to the 14th century and was once an important political and military center for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today, it’s been restored and turned into a museum, but even just seeing it from the outside and walking around the lake is worth the trip.

Getting there is really easy. You can take a bus from Vilnius Bus Station, and they run pretty frequently throughout the day (about every hour from early morning to evening). The ride takes around 35 minutes and is super affordable. Once you arrive at Trakai Bus Station, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the castle. It’s actually a really nice walk through the town, so it doesn’t feel like a hassle at all.

If you don’t want to deal with public transportation, you can take this tour, which includes air-conditioned transport and an audio guide.

12. Check Out Some Local Cafes

Vilnius has such a good cafe scene! I really enjoyed the coffee we had here. Some of my fave cafe stops were:

• Italala Cafe: Amazing cappuccinos with flavor options (not always easy to find in Europe). The vibe here felt super local—busy with people meeting up and working, which I loved.
• The Usual: Recommended by a local, and such a good find. It’s simple, but the coffee is really good. They don’t do flavors, but they made my cappuccino with condensed milk, and it was amazing!
• Eskedar Coffee Bar: Very cute spot with great coffee. I grabbed mine to go, but it’s a really nice place to sit and relax if you have time.
• Mon: I mentioned them earlier for restaurants, because their breakfast is definitely a must, but they also had really delicious coffee and matcha!

13. Hot Air Balloon Over Vilnius

If you’re looking for something really special to add to your trip, a hot air balloon ride over Vilnius is such a unique experience. Vilnius is actually one of the few capitals in Europe where hot air balloons are allowed to fly directly over the city!

You can typically go either in the early morning or in the evening, depending on conditions. We had planned to do this, but it ended up being too windy the day of, so we didn’t get the chance.

That said, we did a hot air balloon ride in Mexico City, and it was genuinely one of the best travel experiences of my life. So if you have the opportunity to do it here, I would 100% recommend it!

14. Explore the Republic of Užupis + Its Constitution

Užupis is one of the most unique areas in Vilnius and definitely worth exploring. It’s a small neighborhood that declared itself an independent republic in 1998, complete with its own flag, constitution, and identity. Today, it’s known as a creative and artistic district where a lot of young artists and locals hang out.

Before becoming this bohemian area, Užupis was home to much of Vilnius’ Jewish population before the Holocaust. After that, it became one of the more neglected parts of the city until Lithuania gained independence, and a new wave of creatives brought life back into it.

One of the main things to do here is check out the Constitution of Užupis, which is displayed on a wall in multiple languages. It’s known for being thoughtful and a little quirky. Some of the “laws” include things like everyone has the right to be happy, everyone has the right to be unhappy, everyone has the right to be unique, and even that everyone has the right to love a cat, and for the cat not to love them back.

As you walk into the area, you’ll cross the Užupis Bridge where you’ll see signs with different symbols that represent the “rules” of entering the republic. Things like a smiley face meaning you should always be smiling, the number 20 reminding you to slow down, the Mona Lisa symbolizing that it’s an art district, and even a car falling into a river basically telling you you’ve crossed into a different kind of place—so just relax and enjoy it.

15. Join a Free Walking Tour

This is something I almost always try to do when I travel. Free walking tours are such an easy way to get a better understanding of the city beyond just what you’re seeing.

You can find a few different options here depending on what you’re interested in. I like this Old Town tour because it walks you through the main landmarks and history of Vilnius, as well as a little bit of the Republic of Užupis.

What I love about these is that they’re led by locals, so you get stories, context, and little details you wouldn’t pick up on your own. It also gives you the chance to ask questions in real time, which makes everything feel more personal.

They’re usually around 2 to 2.5 hours, and while they’re called “free,” it’s expected to tip your guide at the end based on your experience. And you do need to reserve your spot in advance.

16. Grab a Drink

The drink scene in Vilnius is so fun because there are a ton of different vibes depending on what you’re in the mood for. You’ve got everything from low-key, intimate cocktail spots to lively places with outdoor seating where you can just sit back with a glass of wine or a beer and people watch. Some of our fave spots were:

• Nomads Cocktail Bar: If you want something more cozy and intimate, this cocktail bar is perfect! It feels a little tucked away and perfect for a slower, more relaxed drink.
• Leos: One of those places we randomly popped into while wandering, and it ended up being so cute. The vibe here is just really charming and easy. The weather was nice, so we loved sitting outside and enjoying our beer and wine!
• Augustas & Barbora Love Story Cafe: This place is so aesthetic—covered in flowers both outside and inside, and it’s definitely one of those spots you’ll want to stop at. They do coffee too (wasn’t my favorite if I’m being honest), but their martinis were so good and worth going for.

Getting Around Vilnius

Getting around Vilnius is super easy, especially if you’re staying anywhere near Old Town. Most of the main sights are within walking distance, so we found ourselves exploring almost everything on foot.

For anything a little farther out—like heading to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, or even getting to and from the bus or train station—we used Bolt (their version of Uber). It’s really affordable and just makes things quick and easy when you don’t feel like walking.

They do have public transportation like buses and trolleybuses, which are reliable if you want to use them, but for us, walking and Bolt were perfect.

Where to Stay in Vilnius

We stayed in the cutest apartment in Vilnius! It was super spacious, beautifully decorated, and had the best location—right on Pilies Street, which made getting around so easy. We could walk out the door and immediately be in the middle of everything. It also had a little balcony, which was such a nice touch after long days of exploring.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I definitely recommend staying in Old Town, and ideally on Pilies Street if you can. It just makes everything so convenient and lets you really soak in the atmosphere. Most of the places on Pilies Street are apartments, and they do book up quickly, so be sure to book in advance if that’s where you plan on staying.

A few other places on Pilies Street we considered were Luxury Pilies Avenue Apartment, this stunning Pilies Apartment, and NARUTIS Hotel (one of the oldest hotels in Vilnius with lots of character and history).

Check out all available options for your dates here!

Tips for Visiting Vilnius

• They use euros (€): Most places take card, but it’s always a good idea to have a little cash just in case.
• Download Bolt before your trip: It’s the easiest way to get around when you need it and very budget-friendly.
• Get an eSIM: We used Airalo, and it made everything seamless—maps, calling Bolts, looking things up, all of it.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The Old Town streets are cobblestone, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. These are my usual go-tos for travel, but for this trip, I wanted a pop of color and loved rocking these!
• Make reservations for popular restaurants: Spots like River Town can fill up, especially on weekends.
• Don’t overplan your days: Vilnius is one of those cities that’s best enjoyed by wandering and going with the flow.
• Try both local food and other cuisines: The restaurant scene is really good across the board.
• Take advantage of viewpoints: Whether it’s a tower or a hill, the views over Vilnius are so worth it.
• If you’re visiting other Baltic cities, take the bus: We used Omio to compare routes, and I’d recommend Lux Express over FlixBus if you can—it’s usually only a little more but way more comfortable.

Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Vilnius?!

Vilnius has a mix of history, creativity, and energy that feels really easy to connect with, and it’s a city that doesn’t feel overwhelming to explore! I hope this guide to the best things to do in Vilnius helped you map out your trip while still leaving room to explore in your own way. Take your time, follow what catches your eye, and just enjoy it!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Europe blog posts:

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Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

2-Day Budapest, Hungary Itinerary