Welcome to Vilnius
the lovely capital of Lithuania
For those who live here, have visited before, or are first-timers, we have prepared a guide to the places, tastes, and experiences we most love about our city.
Sites/places
Vilnius’ Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus
A symbol of Lithuania’s faith, the centuries-old heart of the city. This is Vilnius!
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
A stunning time capsule. The palace used to be a political, diplomatic, administrative and cultural centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania throughout the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
The Gediminas’ Hill and Tower
See the remaining fortification tower of the once mighty castle tower of Grand Duke Gediminas – the founder of our capital! It is also one of the best places to see the magnificent panoramas of Vilnius.
The Hill of Three Crosses
A serene area for peaceful walks and reflection; enjoy the panoramic views of the Old Town and greater Vilnius.
Bernardine Gardens
Peaceful gardens for strolling that also have a very nice courtyard (called ‘Bernardinų kiemas’) of bars and food trucks.
Užupis
A small and cosy district separated from the Old Town by the Vilnelė River. It has declared itself an independent republic that has its own money, power, anthem and constitution, and above all, a free spirit. You will find all of this in Užupis.
St. Anne's Church
A Gothic church so stunning and beautiful, that it captivates all who behold it. Its elegance is so remarkable that Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to take it to Paris.
Paupys
One of the newest districts in Vilnius; it’s right near the Old Town but surrounded by nature and tranquillity. Take a walk around and stop at Paupys Market for some gourmet treats by the district's vibrant community of food artisans.
Glass Quarter
A small but vibrant hub that blends contemporary glass art with the rich history of Lithuanian craftsmanship, complemented by charming boutiques and cosy cafés.
Halės Market
Step into a piece of the past as you explore the fresh produce and local delights at one of Vilnius' oldest marketplaces, which transforms into a lively nightclub (called ‘Youngs’’) after dark. Don’t forget to visit the charming wine shop, ‘New Skanu’, just across the street, proudly run by an Aussie!
Lukiškės Prison
Once a grim detention centre, it has now transformed into a place where people gather for drinks and cultural events. The former prison complex offers a unique blend of history and a lively, urban vibe.
Green Lakes
Too hot to handle? Take a dip in the green lakes just a short drive away from the city! A natural escape amongst serene lakes and forests of innumerable shades of greenery.
Trakai Castle
Though located a short distance from Vilnius (on the way to our reception venue, by the way), Trakai Castle is a stunning medieval fortress set on an island in Lake Galvė. It was the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, built by Grand Dukes Kęstutis and Vytautas.
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
On a more somber note, we also recommend visiting the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights to gain a deeper understanding of Lithuania’s recent difficult past.
Cafes/restaurants
Nineteen18
Elegant and timeless; special for us. This is where we celebrated our engagement. With a Michelin star, this restaurant offers an improvised celebration of local tradition through innovative tastes.
La Boheme
An elegant, historical restaurant and wine bar in Vilnius, housed in a 17th-century building. It features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and offers an extensive wine selection that we enjoy so much.
Panama
Our hidden gem for oysters and the occasional date night.
Veranda
A peaceful, cosy and charming garden wine bar.
Tempo V39
Bistro food & music. Serving groovy & homey vibes.
Plusone
Relaxed dining spot, where contemporary European food meets a deep love for natural wine.
Farmer & The Ocean
A perfect fusion of farm-fresh ingredients and seafood, definitely worth it. Also on the Michelin guide!
Pachamama Dinner Club
A little taste of South America in the heart of Vilnius. Nice food, cocktails and a different atmosphere!
Brussels Mussels
Cosy spot that specialises in mussels and seafood (but we also enjoy their ribs so very much), offering a delightful atmosphere perfect for casual dining.
Užupio Picerija
A quirky pizza joint in the artistic Užupis district; we love their appetisers!
Maurizio’s Italian Restaurant
Our favourite slice of Italy in Vilnius.
Demoloftas
Thriving on the concept of the farmer’s table, this modern Michelin-starred restaurant offers an ever-evolving menu of fresh produce for your next breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Moss
Get up, it’s brunch time! A trendy yet intimate restaurant, great for those influencer breakfasts.
Boulangerie
Just across the street from Moss, Boulangerie offers an elegant touch of Parisian patisserie to Lithuania. It’s hard to resist!
Backstage Cafe
Another great place either for tasty brunch or coffee!
Karštos Galvos
Situated on the buzzing Pilies Street, it’s time for excellent coffee, brunch or desserts you’ll be ordering twice.
Paupys Market
Some call it a marketplace, others a vibrant fancy food hall; whatever it is, the tastes on offer are worth the walk.
Kavos era
Another nice place for breakfast lovers like us with a great variety of choices.
Lokys Restaurant
A place steeped in history, where one can embrace Lithuania’s traditions and age-old dishes.
Amatininkai
Cosy and inviting and in a superb location just next to the Town Hall. The place where we enjoy hearty Lithuanian meals.
Etno Dvaras
With sites across the city and country, indulge in folk dishes. This is a go-to, like an old friend that you can always rely on.
Belmontas
A beautiful nature retreat just outside the city. And of course, there‘s a great restaurant with, you guessed it, cepelinai (as well as other Lithuanian dishes).
Senoji trobelė
A charming restaurant that offers an authentic taste of Lithuanian cuisine. Nestled in a cosy setting with traditional décor, it's a perfect spot for those wanting to experience hearty Lithuanian dishes.
Bars/nightlife
Nick & Nora Cocktail Bar
One of our favourite cocktail places, an intimate and sophisticated location – speakeasy style. Enjoy cocktails with a Lithuanian twist.
Compliments
Another great cocktail place with superb personal service where classic cocktails meet nostalgic Lithuanian flavours.
3Mūzos Rooftop Bar
Soak up cocktails located on the roof of the National Drama Theatre, providing elevated views of the Old Town’s skyline.
Trinity
A modern, chic place. Enjoy the aperitif bar, digestif bar, and à la carte restaurant under one roof. As night falls, the space transforms into an energetic dance floor.
Aperol Spritz Summer Garden
A stylish and relaxing garden. Refresh with the best spritzes in town!
Sanatorija
Gin anyone? Consider this your first stop on Vilnius Street.
In Vino
A warm and inviting wine bar in Vilnius known for its curated wine selection. It has a charming, cosy terrace that’s perfect for enjoying a glass outdoors.
Vištidė
Natural wine lovers, this one’s for you! A cosy atmosphere with irresistible scents.
À ta santé
A super cosy terrace for French wines and charcuteries.
Astoria Rooftop Bar
Another rooftop bar with private views of Vilnius Old Town.
The Bubbles. Champagneria
A friendly, stylish spot dedicated to all things sparkling.
Bernardinų Kiemas
A casual lively courtyard of bars and food trucks. A fun retreat on a summer’s day.
Lukiškės Prison
Fancy a drink at what used to be a prison? Once a fully operational facility, it is now a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Vilnius.
Elektrinė Rooftop Bar
An industrial-chic bar, across the Neris river with immense views of Gediminas’ Hill.
Bardakas
A popular and lively bar/club in Vilnius, known for its eclectic atmosphere.
Dirigentai
An energetic pub known for its laid-back energy and retro music remixes. A casual place to hang out and dance the night away with friends.
Pink and Yellow Rooftop Bar
Quiet and peaceful views of Lukiškės square.
Peronas
A quirky bar by the train tracks. All aboard!
Kitas Krantas
A place for casual, romantic evenings with some dancing by the riverside.
Neringa Rooftop Bar
A historical hotel and restaurant, but go for the stunning sunset views from the rooftop.
Vilnius is packed full of flavours, whether it’s local or international, traditional or modern! Bon Appétit, or as we say, skanaus!
If you want to find a great bar or party, all you have to do is look in the right places. Here are three street names you should remember: Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. This trio represents the main nightlife areas of the capital, and is where you’ll find the biggest crowds.
We hope we helped but if you're looking for even more inspiration, feel free to explore https://www.govilnius.lt/ for additional ideas!
And in case you have more time than just for Vilnius, feel free to ask us about other cities. However, if we had to recommend one more place to visit in Lithuania, it would be Kuršių Nerija – a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique landscapes and serene beauty.