15 Amazing Things To Do In Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. This charming Baroque city is several centuries old and was one of the largest centers of Jewish culture in Europe, once upon a time. Vilnius nowadays is a city which has preserved many sights of the old European architecture as well as hosts modern tendencies of culture. Here are the 15 wonderful activities to consider when you are in Vilnius, Lithuania: Walking through the medieval old town Strolling through the beautiful old town tour to the contemporary art galleries.

1. This is especially true when it comes to the beauty of Old Town that has to be marveled at.

The Old Town of Vilnius is one of the ten largest in Europe and is considered the best preserved in Eastern Europe as it has remained very similar to the 16th century with its present day appearance. Stroll down through the carriaged and bluestone roads and façades painted in bright and appealing colors like yellow, green, pink and blue. You are sure to lose such great places of interest as the Grand Dukes’ Palace and St. Anne’s Church, which is one of the examples of the late Gothic period.

2. Climb Up Gediminas Tower

To enjoy and get a magnificent view of the city of Vilnius, take a spiraling stone stairs to Gediminas Tower which is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle. From the vantage point of its observation deck, you can look out unto the red rooftops, church steeples and even some contemporary structures. At the small museum inside, there are grave items uncovered from archeological operations on the site.

3. Genocide Museum is one of the interesting places that are worth to visit in Rwanda.

Housed in a building which used to be the office of the KGB, this serious museum documents the cruelty that was meted out on Lithuanian people during Soviet rule. Living witnesses in the former courtyards and prison galleries guarantee the victims’ memories are preserved for generations to come through memorials.

4. Stroll Through Užupis

This district is culturally artistic and unconventional and has its own constitution and currency saying that the area is an independent republic. Visit the art galleries and arts and crafts shops, pop into a characterful café for refreshments, or cross over the Angel of Užupis sculpture. Oh, don’t you fret about that – it is all a mere cardboard cutout and a joke, of course.

5. To know more about the museum the reader is welcome to visit Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum.

Visit this Jewish museum located in the 18th-century structures of Jewish Ghetto and explore the history of Litvak Jews. Stroll through virtual rooms of the synagogues and houses to witness history of Jewish scholarship and life in Vilnius for centuries. About 20 minutes in this film can be understood as useful background information.

6. Назymes Contemporary Culture at MO Museum

Specializing in living art from Lithuania and its neighbors, Latvia and Poland, this minimalist white building has great temporary exhibitions and a collection of 4,000 pieces. First and foremost, the building is an architectural wonder: There is a 40-meter glass frontage facing Old Town.

7. Tour Trakai Island Castle

Trakai Island castle is originally constructed in the 14th century in red brick gothic style is located in Trakai and can be easily visited on a day trip from Vilnius. Relax in its location on the waterside, surrounded by courtyards, halls and towers, while discovering more about its role as a defence post on one of the world’s most vital trade routes.

8. Relax in Vingis Park

It is perfect for picnic, especially in the sunny day and features a beautiful Vingis Park with winding pathways surrounded by the meadow and the sculptures in Art Nouveau style. The children will have fun throwing food for squirrels and the play area that has a small fountain where water dances. Other performances also take place here including concerts and film shows sometimes.

9. Go to the Halės Market

Walking through the stalls of vegetables, fruits, flowers, homemade bread and cakes, cheese, sweets and hand crafted items at this indoor market is an interesting look at Lithuanian life. Stroll along the narrow streets, down the small cafés and savor a cup of coffee as you soak in the energy of this business district of the Filipino community.

10. Sample Lithuanian Cuisine

Wet your appetite with Apuko, giant airship dumplings filled with meat or cottage cheese and garnished with bacon pieces. Other Lithuanian dishes include cold fruit soup called Šaltibarščiai, a pink beet soup, which is popular in summer; and potato dumpling with mashed potatoes called Kugelis or Žemaičių blynai that may be sweet or savory.

11. Treat Yourself to a Special Evening at St. Catherine’s Church

Even better, when experiencing the concert, one gets to enjoy the performances in serene surroundings that are furnished with baroque architectural designs that give the St. Catherine’s Church almost surrealistic aura of a cathedral with sublime acoustics. There are numerous church-based organ concerts, choir performances, chamber music concerts, and other concerts and cultural performances.

12. Visit the Money Museum

This small museum established by Lithuania’s central bank exists to showcase numismatics and rare coins and banknotes which are on display. Information about Lithuanian banks: medieval, great dukes, Soviet and the euro of today.

13. To have an exciting adventure in exploring street art, one should take the Street Art Tour.

Similar to most cities in this region, Vilnius boasts of painting the streets in color through street arts at every turn. You can also opt for a guided walking tour to view large graffiti murals and other small pieces that you may not find easily and know more about Lithuania’s street art scene. Great photo opportunities too!

14. Between Two Worlds: A Journey to a Lithuanian Sauna

Revitalize yourself with a Swedish massage at any of the traditional bath houses that are situated in this city of Vilnius. Some of the major treatments offered at Signature platelės include gentle hitting with brooms made of fresh branches of the Birch tree that are said to help improve blood circulation and improve skin elasticity. Relax in a dry sauna and steam bath after that.

15. Going from one bar to the other on a Friday Evening

But as soon as the work week comes to its end Vilnius nightlife wakes up for the night party. The city center and the historic cellars are perfect for a good night out with friends at numerous bars and pubs. Indulge in Lithuanian craft beers, cider or mead while exploring the bohemian atmosphere of Vilnius.

Conclusion

The mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, Jewish traditions, bohemian districts and modern art, the bustle of restaurants and nightlife, and the mood of avant-garde and creative industries make Vilnius an internationally flavored city with many aces up its sleeve. Here I have listed the top things to do to help kick start your own adventure and discover more of this incredible capital of Lithuania.

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