The largest city in Lithuania and its captivating capital, Vilnius is situated on both banks of the beautiful Neris River. A snow-filled winter wonderland with a magnificent array of old and lovely attractions, despite being a Baroque town, Vilnius boasts a perfect mixture of architectural styles. The city’s cobbled, narrow streets and charming courtyards never fail to wow tourists.
With a pristine location and a myriad of idyllic, dreamy sceneries ideal for any romance junkie or poet, Vilnius is also known for its plethora of Baroque-inspired architectural gems. The Old Town is particularly lovely, unveiling many spectacular sights including highlights such as Gediminas Castle and Cathedral square.
Ski bunnies usually retreat to Vilnius during the wintertime when ski resorts suitable for all kinds of budgets are aplenty. Thrill-seekers can find a wide range of adventures including spine-tingling off-road buggy, snow mobile and AVT rides. The Yacht Regatta is held here annually, a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with diamond-studded jet-setters. Nightlife in Vilnius is not something to write home about, but a walk around the city under the streetlights is perfect for any loved-up couple.
Highlights
Old Town: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming Old Town perfectly combines Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles, with highlights including Gediminas Castle and Cathedral square.
Gedimino Tower: is where you can observe spectacular views of the city. Standing to the west at the foot of the hill is the famous Gediminas square, where a significant Roman Catholic cathedral is located.
Church of St Casimir: named after the patron saint of Lithuania, the church is an interesting place to visit and boasts a beautiful interior.
Jewish History Museum: Vilnius known as ‘Northern Jerusalem‘, having been home to more than 70,000 Jews before WWII. This museum follows the interesting and sometimes tragic tale of the city’s Jewish residents.
Victims of Genocide Museum: can be found in a section of the former KGB headquarters and features an array of documents on how cruel the KGB treated political prisoners during the Soviet era.
National Museum of Lithuania: this historical museum boasts a wide range of folk art and costumes as well as archaeological exhibits.
Gariunai Market: located a bit out of the city, this vibrant market is where you can shop for exported goods from Poland, Turkey and China.