Top 10 places to visit in Vilnius

Užupis District

With a name that amusingly translates to "Beyond the River", Uzupis is a hub of Vilnius' creative bohemia, a bit like Montmartre combined with Christiania in one. Locals refer to it as the Republic of Uzupis.

Just like any other state, it has its own constitution, president, currency, and even customs. Additionally, there are many workshops, galleries, and shops where you can find charming handmade souvenirs from local artisans. But the main attraction here is the stroll: admire the whimsically painted houses and the equally whimsical decorated windows, stop by the mirrored plaques with the Republic's statutes, and check out the original monuments.

Uzupis Republic is located near the Church of the Holy Cross (address: Maironio g. 14), right behind which is a bridge leading to this realm of joyful chaos.

Old Town

To see Vilnius as it was in ancient times, head to the oldest part of the Lithuanian capital — the Old Town. Its appearance impresses with a diversity of architectural styles and eras (understandably, as it began to form in the Middle Ages), and there are probably more architectural monuments here than in the entire capital. Not just a district, but a true open-air museum! Key places not to miss include the Castle Hill, the Town Hall Square, the Cathedral Square, and the monument to Grand Duke Gediminas.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

This incredibly beautiful church is a must-visit for anyone heading to Vilnius! The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, located at Antakalnio g. 1, makes a truly unforgettable impression: with its richly and exquisitely decorated baroque facade on the outside, and an impressive interior adorned with gilding, stucco work, and statues (make sure to pay attention to the sculptures depicting biblical scenes) on the inside. Entrance is free.

Upper Castle of Vilnius

Want to experience medieval Vilnius? Head straight to the Vilnius Castle Complex on the left bank of the Vilia River.

The Lower, Upper, and Crooked Castles were built in the 13th-14th centuries, but only the tower and the foundation of the Upper Castle, as well as the gates, bridge, and entrance to the arsenal of the Lower Castle, have survived to this day. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to feel the spirit of ancient Vilnius and enjoy a wonderful panorama of the city from the top of Castle Hill. Address: Arsenalo gatve 5. You can get here by buses No. 10, 11, 33 (Arkikatedra stop); 88, 89 (Sereikiškių parkas); 44 (Karaliaus Mindaugo tiltas); or trolleybuses No. 14, 17, 2, 20, 3, 4 (Karaliaus Mindaugo tiltas).

Gediminas Tower

This is a must-visit primarily for the stunning panoramic view of Vilnius from Castle Hill. Also, take a peek inside the tower, which houses an exhibit dedicated to medieval Vilnius: archaeological finds, ancient weapons, and models of castles from that time.

The tower is open for visits until 21:00 in winter and until 23:00 in summer. The museum is open from May to September from 10:00 to 19:00, and from October to April from 10:00 to 17:00. You can get here by buses No. 2-4, 14, 17 (Karaliaus Mindaugo gatve stop).

Address: Arsenalo gatvė 5

Church of St. Anne

The Church of St. Anne is one of Vilnius' symbols and major attractions. It is a typical example of late Gothic architecture popular in medieval Europe. It is small, single-naved, with numerous decorative turrets and pointed windows, giving it an airy and almost toy-like appearance.

Address: Vilnius, Maironio g. 8.

From May to September, the church is open daily except Mondays, from 10:00 to 18:00. From October to April, it is only open during services: on Sundays and holidays at 09:00, and on Saturdays at 17:00.

Literatų Street

Vilnius is full of old alleys that seem unremarkable at first glance but hide unique features. Literatų Street is one such example. One of the oldest streets in Vilnius, it got its name from the antiquarian bookstores and printing houses that were located here since the 19th century. It is also where the famous poet Adam Mickiewicz once lived.

However, the main attraction of Literatų Street is its houses. Many of them have unique shapes, making the street especially picturesque, and their walls are adorned with plaques — wooden, glass, and ceramic — dedicated to poets and writers from various times and cultures. So be sure to take your time strolling among the old houses and reading the plaques.

Three Crosses Hill

The hill got its name from a monument erected here in 1989. Earlier, in 1916, wooden crosses were installed at the same site in memory of the Franciscan monks who were martyred by pagans in the late 14th century, but these were destroyed by explosion in 1950.

The modern monument is located on a hilltop that can be reached both by foot and by car. It symbolizes the Lithuanian people's aspiration for freedom. From the observation platform near the Three Crosses, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Old Town and both banks of the Neris River.

MO Museum

If you're a fan of contemporary art, visit one of the newest museums in Vilnius. The building, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is itself a work of modern architecture and has received several architectural awards.

At the museum, you’ll see exhibitions of contemporary Lithuanian art that reflect a wide range of styles and ideas, highlighting the main processes and development of Lithuanian art over the past 60 years. Exhibitions change to reflect the diversity of artists and themes. Here you can watch films, participate in educational programs, listen to concerts, and, of course, watch performances.

Address: Pylimo g. 17, Vilnius

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00, Fri 10:00-22:00, closed on Tuesdays.

Vilnius Picture Gallery

The Vilnius Picture Gallery is located in the splendid and spacious Palace of the Hodkiewicz family, notable for its impressive late classicism style interior. The permanent exhibition of the gallery allows for a detailed study of the development of Lithuanian art from the 16th to the early 20th century. A special highlight is the collection of works from the Vilnius School of Painting of the 18th–19th centuries. The gallery also hosts various exhibitions, cultural evenings, and classical music concerts.

Address: Didžioji g. 4, Vilnius 01128

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 12:00 to 17:00, closed on Sundays. Closed on public holidays.

Admission: €6 for adults, €3 for students, pensioners.