Good to Know

Free transport
Public buses and trolleybuses are free with your event nametag from July 12 to 19.

Neris River Taxi
A scenic water taxi runs along the Neris river — tickets and schedules available via the Traffi app or at judu.lt.

Bike rental — CycloCity
City bike rentals at just €3.90/month — pick up and drop off at stations across the city, great for short hops. cyclocity.lt

Alcohol selling hours
Alcohol is sold in shops from 10:00 to 20:00 only — plan your purchases accordingly, as supermarkets and convenience stores cannot sell outside these hours.

Unusual experiences
Try a night kayak on the Neris River, ride the lift to the top of the Vilnius TV Tower for unforgettable views, or tour Lukiškės Prison 2.0 for a one-of-a-kind walk through history.

Apps You Must Have

Bolt — Your go-to for affordable taxis and electric scooters anywhere in the city.

Traffi — Real-time public transport schedules and river taxi tickets — don"t leave home without it.

LT72 — Lithuania"s official emergency preparedness app — know what to do if anything unexpected happens.

Saily — An eSIM service for getting mobile data during your stay without swapping your physical SIM.

Top 10 Must-See

1. Vilnius Cathedral — The heart of the city, a striking neoclassical cathedral at the very centre of Vilnius.
2. Gediminas Castle — The iconic hilltop tower with sweeping panoramic views over the red rooftops of Old Town.
3. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania — A royal palace rebuilt on its original foundations, tracing centuries of Lithuanian history.
4. Presidential Palace — A neoclassical gem in the Old Town that still serves as the working residence of Lithuania"s president.
5. Užupis — A quirky self-declared republic within the city, full of street art, artists" studios, and bohemian charm.
6. St. Anne"s Church — A Gothic masterpiece so beautiful that Napoleon reportedly wished to carry it back to Paris.
7. Vilnius University — One of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, with a stunning historic courtyard complex to explore.
8. MO Museum — A world-class modern art museum with an outstanding collection of Lithuanian art from the 20th century.
9. Lukiškės Prison — A former Soviet-era prison turned cultural hub — take a guided walk through its dramatic, layered history.
10. Hill of Three Crosses — Three white crosses on a hilltop offering one of the best panoramic views in all of Vilnius.

Art & Creative Spaces

1. MO Museum — Lithuania"s premier contemporary art space with bold, thought-provoking exhibitions.
2. Literatų Street — A charming open-air gallery where ceramic plaques on the walls celebrate Lithuanian writers.
3. National Art Gallery — The largest collection of Lithuanian art, spanning from the 20th century to today.
4. Užupis Art — Free-spirited galleries and studios scattered through this self-proclaimed independent republic.
5. Open Gallery — Rotating contemporary exhibitions in a flexible, community-driven gallery space.

History & Architecture

1. Gediminas Castle Tower — The last standing tower of a 14th-century castle, now a museum with incredible city views.
2. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania — A fully restored royal palace at the centre of Lithuanian historical identity.
3. Vilnius University — Founded in 1579, its courtyards and churches are a living architectural time capsule.
4. Gate of Dawn — The only surviving gate of the old city walls, housing a venerated icon above the archway.
5. Lukiškės Prison 2.0 — A 19th-century prison repurposed into a cultural landmark with haunting, unforgettable tours.

Parks in Vilnius

1. Bernardine Garden — A beautifully landscaped garden next to the Old Town, ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
2. Kalnų Park — A forested hillside park winding up to the Hill of Three Crosses with shaded walking paths.
3. Europa Park — A unique open-air sculpture park marking the geographical centre of Europe, set in a scenic forest.
4. Vingis Park — Vilnius"s largest park, a sprawling green escape perfect for cycling, jogging, and open-air events.
5. Verkiai Regional Park — A vast forested reserve on the city"s edge with river views, trails, and a historic palace estate.

Religious & Spiritual Sites

1. Vilnius Cathedral — The spiritual heart of Lithuania, with a striking belltower that is one of the city"s defining landmarks.
2. Gate of Dawn — A pilgrimage destination and the city"s most sacred site, visited by people of many faiths.
3. St. Anne"s Church — A Gothic icon in red brick, considered one of the most beautiful churches in all of Europe.
4. Church of Sts. Peter and Paul — A Baroque interior filled with over 2,000 stucco figures, an astonishing artistic achievement.
5. Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Spirit — A serene 17th-century monastery that is the main Orthodox spiritual centre in Lithuania.

Best Sunset & Viewpoints

1. Hill of Three Crosses — The classic Vilnius viewpoint, especially magical at golden hour when the city glows below.
2. Gediminas Tower — 360° views from the hilltop tower, best enjoyed in the late afternoon light.
3. Subačius Viewpoint — A quieter, locals" favourite lookout offering an unobstructed view over the Old Town.
4. Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall — A restored 17th-century bastion with a rooftop terrace perched above the old city walls.
5. Pūčkoriai Exposure — A dramatic riverside geological exposure with sweeping views over the Neris valley.

Nature Lovers

1. Verkiai Regional Park — Miles of forest trails, riverbanks, and meadows just a short ride from the city centre.
2. Pučkoriai Exposure — A striking natural cliff face carved by the Neris river, beloved by hikers and birdwatchers.
3. Green Lakes — A chain of emerald-hued swimming lakes in the forest, perfect for a refreshing summer dip.
4. Vingis Park — The city"s green lung, a looping riverside park where locals run, picnic, and unwind.
5. Europa Park — Sculptures hidden among the trees make this forest park one of Europe"s most unusual outdoor galleries.

Cycling Routes

1. Vingis Park — Flat, tree-lined paths make this the most accessible and enjoyable cycling loop in the city.
2. Verkiai Regional Park — Longer forest trails for those who want to escape the city without leaving Vilnius behind.
3. Belmontas–Pučkoriai Route — A scenic riverside trail connecting two beautiful green spots on the edge of the city.
4. Green Lakes Route — A rewarding route for experienced cyclists weaving through forests to the famous swimming lakes.

Running & Jogging

1. Vingis Park — The go-to running spot for locals, a shaded 5 km loop with a great community atmosphere.
2. Bernardine Garden + River Paths — A gentle scenic route connecting the Old Town gardens to the Vilnia and Neris riverbanks.
3. Neris River Embankment — A long, flat riverside path stretching across the city, perfect for longer morning runs.

Best Walking Routes

Classic — Old Town Essentials
Cathedral → Pilies Street → Vilnius University → St. Anne"s Church → Bernardine Garden → Užupis

Scenic — Hills & Hidden Gems
Cathedral → Hill of Three Crosses → Bernardine Garden → Paupys → Užupis

Modern — The New Vilnius
Cathedral → Green Bridge → Business District → White Bridge → Neris Embankment

Foods to Try

1. Zeppelins — Lithuania"s national dish, large potato dumplings stuffed with meat and smothered in sour cream.
2. Pink Soup (Šaltibarščiai) — A vibrant cold beetroot soup served with boiled eggs and potatoes, refreshing on a warm summer day.
3. Kibinai — Flaky pastry pockets filled with meat or vegetables, a beloved Karaite specialty from nearby Trakai.
4. Potato Pancakes — Crispy, golden potato fritters best enjoyed with sour cream, a simple but deeply satisfying classic.
5. Šakotis — A spectacular spit-roasted tree-shaped cake, often seen at celebrations and always impressive in person.
6. Fried Bread — Garlic-rubbed deep-fried rye bread sticks served as a pub snack, addictive and utterly Lithuanian.

Souvenirs & Shopping

1. Pilies Street Shops — The Old Town"s main street lined with artisan boutiques selling handmade Lithuanian crafts and gifts.
2. Amber Jewelry — Lithuania is one of the world"s top amber producers, look for certified pieces at reputable Old Town shops.
3. Lithuanian Linen — Beautifully made linen scarves, tablecloths, and clothing that are light to pack and long-lasting.
4. Handmade Ceramics — Distinctive folk-inspired pottery pieces that make for a truly unique and practical souvenir.
5. Local Chocolate & Mead — Artisan Lithuanian chocolate and traditional honey wine (midus) are ideal edible gifts to bring home.