With the countless things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, coupled with its dreamy quality, this city is no doubt a must-visit destination. Not only does it draw attention for its architectural character, but also for its key attractions and cultural events. Planning to travel to Lithuania soon? Listed below are some of the fun things to do in Vilnius!
Gediminas Castle Tower is the symbol of Vilnius. Visible from different locations in the Old Town, this tree-clad castle tower on Gediminas’ Hill was founded by Lithuanian Ruler Grand Duke Gediminas, who consolidated the country’s independence. Although only the remains of the castle tower remain, it houses a small museum and offers a panoramic view of the city, including the red roofs, the church towers, and narrow cobblestone streets, as well as the city’s surrounding parks and wooded hills.
Completed in the 1500s, the Gates of Dawn is the only remaining gate from Vilnius’ ten original defensive walls. In the late 1600s, the Carmelite nuns from St. Theresa’s built a chapel above the gates to house a painting of the Virgin Mary; this image is said to have miraculous powers. This site is revered by both the Catholicism and Orthodoxy religions; it does not mind, however, if you are religious or not. This place is definitely worth a visit for anyone in the world.
St. Anne’s Church is one of the prime examples of Gothic architecture in the country. It’s so beautiful and majestic that it’s said Napoleon Bonaparte fell in love with it and wanted to take it back to Paris on the palm of his hand. The cathedral rests on alder logs and its western facade is built with 33 different varieties of bricks. Inside, rib vaults trace beautiful brick lines, and in the main altar hangs a paint of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Child and St. Anne.
Mentioned in recorded history in 1387 (the same year as the Christianization of Lithuania), Vilnius Cathedral is known as one of the oldest churches in the country. It was rebuilt many times due to wars, frequent fires, and unstable soil. Known in full as the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav, this square structure occupies a spot originally used for worshipping the Lithuanian thunder god Perkunas. Vilnius Cathedral features a neoclassical architecture and inside is the main altar with a painting portraying the death of St. Stanislaus.
The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a former headquarters of the NKVD/KGB and the Gestapo. Today, it is a museum commemorating those who suffered during the Soviet regime. It is the only one of its kind in the Baltic States. The building can be divided into three parts: the lower section containing detainee torture cells; the middle section telling the story of the resistance movement; and the upper section displaying letters of commendations the KGB employees received for their work.
A symbol of the Vilnius located just beneath the tower of Vilnius Cathedral, the Cathedral Square is the main town square and a key location in the city’s public life. Markets and fairs were held here in the 19th century, and a moat ran around what is now the square’s main perimeter. Today, the Cathedral Square regularly hosts fairs, concerts, parades, town gatherings, New Year’s Eve celebrations, religious events, and exhibitions. On a regular day, stroll around this historic square and experience centuries of tradition!
The Three Crosses in Vilnius stands atop the hill that bears its name. Consisting of three white reinforced concrete crosses, this 12-metre memorial panoramic views of the Old Town. It was erected during World War II and has become a symbol of national identity and resistance to military occupation. Sometimes, the crosses are often illuminated in varying colors to honor special events for Lithuania and the world. The Vilnele River and Bernardine Garden, two other must-sees, are also right at the foot of the hill.
Standing at 326.5 metres, the Vilnius TV Tower is the tallest building in Lithuania and among the tallest television towers in the world. This attraction was a key location of the violent confrontation between the Soviet military and Lithuanian independence supporters in the 90s, which took the lives of 14 civilians. A small museum dedicated to these victims is on the ground floor; in the circular part of the tower is an observation deck and a revolving restaurant that offers a panoramic view of the city.
The Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania is a two-storey palace built in the 19th century in the square of Simonas Daukantas. During the interwar period, this neoclassical structure served as one of the most significant centres of political life, having all three presidents of independent Lithuania working and living there at the time. It’s a must-see for both locals and tourists as the Presidential Palace is one of the most important memorials of the republic in 1918-1940.
The main exhibition of the National Museum of Lithuania, the New Arsenal is a must-see if you want to learn about the country’s historic events, from the formation of the state to the 20th century. Discover Lithuanian ethnic culture, folk art, and heritage handicrafts, too, and explore recreations of rooms from a historical Lithuanian home. Afterwards, head on to the other nearby cultural attractions - the Old Arsenal and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Vilnius is a compact city known for its fascinating mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures and cobbled streets among the glitzy restaurants and mainstream clubs. It also houses the Old Town, one of the largest of its kind in eastern Europe. Today, the city is increasingly becoming popular for its unique history, captivating architectural heritage, and bustling cafe culture.
The peak travel season in Vilnius is from May to August. Some notable events include the pre-Lenten festival of Užgavėnės in February, St. Casmir’s Day in March, the film festival Kino Pavasaris in April, the Vilnius Festival in June to July, and the Velomarathon bike race in August.
Like most Baltic capitals, many of the attractions are located in the old town. So if you want to be close to everything, the best area to stay in is Vilnius Old Town. If you’re a foodie and want your tastebuds challenged with gastronomic curiosities, look no further than Užupis. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will love the Antakalnis neighborhood by the river Neris.