Vilnius, Lithuania - tourist attractions and things to do

Overlooking the greenery of forests and hills is the historical and stunning city of Vilnius, the capital and the largest city in Lithuania. The city is surrounded by beautiful and rich architecture in terms of the Baroque and the medieval Old Town and cobblestone roads. Despite being one of the smaller and less well-known capitals in Europe, Vilnius offers a slightly more laid-back atmosphere than some of its counterparts while still offering a large number of sights and activities that can be filled in any break.

Explore the Old Town

To start with, Vilnius Old Town is situated on the eastern side of the Neris River and it is considered the perfect starting point for any visitor to the city. Many architectural structures remain intact here and were built in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectures from the 13th and 18th centuries. Its crooked, narrow streets with interwoven shops, restaurants, and churches make you feel as if you are wandering through a fairy tale. Some of the major attractions located in the Old Town include the tower that was built in the 14th century by Gediminas; the structure has a platform at the top from where one can get a bird's eye view of the rooftops below which are painted red. The central marketplace is filled with people while tall church towers and buildings’ fronts in strong yellow, green, and pink hues add to the overall impression.

Over the years, they have visited important historic and religious sites.

In addition to the Old Town, Vilnius has a large number of other historical sites associated with Lithuania’s history, culture, and religion. A visit to the shrine of the Gate of Dawn; is one of the most important catholic shrines which houses the miraculous picture of the ‘Virgin Mary of Mercy’.Visit the heart-wrenching Museum of Genocide Victims, formerly the KGB headquarters, to pay respect to the victims of totalitarian violence during the former USSR period. Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights which is located in the former Palace of the Supreme Soviet and get acquainted with the fight for freedom of Lithuanian., there are also over 40 beautiful churches that can be visited; the most significant of them are Vilnius Cathedral and St. Anne’s Church which is an example of effective use of Flamboyant Gothic style. If you want to explore more about the castle then you can ride a funicular to the remaining tower of the Vilnius Upper Castle which is situated on Gediminas Hill.

Native Folk Culture of Lithuania at Rumšiškės Open Air Museum

A little way out of town is the Rumšiškės Museum of Lithuanian Lithuania; folk, architecture, and rural life. Stroll along episodes of cobbled streets, linking beautiful 18th-19th century villages with farmhouses, dwelling places, chapels, and water mills. Visit everyday’s live demonstrations of the Lithuanian folk crafts and arts that include basket weaving, pottery, baking of Lithuanian slices of bread, and other folk crafts and arts from the past centuries. The focus is on the interiors of the buildings featuring authentic furniture, tools, and other items that help to imagine the life of a Lithuanian countryside. Other occasions and celebrations that are hosted here enhance a visitor’s experience of the country’s holidays and traditions as well as food.

Lithuanian food and coffee culture

Overall, Lithuanian food is not very famous across the world but it is something that should be tried out by any tourist. In accord with the relatively low temperatures, Lithuania offers a kind of hearty comfort food, which includes potatoes, pork, cabbage, rye bread, and beets. Try national dishes such as Cepelinai (meat or vegetable stuffed potato dumplings) at restaurants located in central Vilnius. However, the most important dishes cannot be left out of the list; traditional pastries and desserts must also be tasted. If you fancy a snack, a local dessert known as Šakotis (tree cake) is a must-try while you socialize as the people of Lithuania like to catch up with friends over tea or coffee. Vilnius has a café culture with quite a few quaint café establishments on each block, and there are numerous lovely café niches in covered and old-style beautiful courtyards that are behind unimpressive doors – just go out and find your favorite places!

Walks on trees and recreational areas

Vilnius as the capital city still freely includes nature elements in its structure in terms of gardens, riversides, and forests. Beautiful and serene, strolls through parks with flower gardens and fountains such as Vingis Park in the spring period. To more wilds get active by exploring hiking and cycling trails through woods such as Vingis Park or Neris River. Amusement and water parks such as Litexpo Exhibition Centre will be a favorite for families during enjoyable days. After tiring tours take a rest in Bernardine Garden, located between the monasteries and cathedrals in the Old Town.

Nightlife and Performing Arts in Vilnius

Well, Vilnius is one more European city that never seems to sleep, as long as darkness is out there! Its compactness allows travelers to visit different places in one night. Experience an entirely different culture by watching the outstanding performances of opera, classical music, or ballet at theater halls like the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. When it comes to nightlife, Avenue A is the place for drinks and dancing at Baras or in the Užupis Republic loaded with pubs, clubs, and bohemian cafes. The university district also offers good places for good night activities and a perfect chance to interact with people, who love to socialize and party into the night.

Get a Taste of Fresh Air and Nature Standing Close

Nature is always inviting near Lithuania with its untouched forests and water bodies, and the Baltic Sea coast is in the eastern part. From Vilnius, one can arrange for one or multiple-day tours or even extended visits to stunning natural and geographic features and national/regional parks. Only 17 miles away towards the east is the Trakai National Park with the famous Trakai Island Castle which looks like it came out of a fairy tale; located amidst forests and lakes. Here are some of the facilities that one can indulge in including boating, fishing, and tennis among others. Other possibilities within easy access include Aukštaitija National Park, known as the ‘Switzerland of Lithuania’, with lovely lakes and hills perfect for those wishing to get away from busy cities.

Read More:

15 Amazing Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania

Top 5 Must-See Tourism Places in Mugla

10 Epic Adventures in Zhuhai: From Glittering Skylines to Hidden Beaches!

Top 10 Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Dominican Republic: Top 8 place Sights, BEACHES & Waterfalls

12 Guilin Gems: Beyond the Picturesque Karst Landscapes!