Things to Do in Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, Lietuva

Vilnius, Lithuania's captivating capital, is a city where medieval charm meets modern European sophistication. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, one of Europe's largest, features winding cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture that tells the story of centuries of complex history. The city's skyline is punctuated by church spires and the distinctive Gediminas Tower, while vibrant neighborhoods like Užupis showcase Lithuania's creative spirit and independence. The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights stands as one of Vilnius's most significant cultural institutions, housed in the former KGB headquarters. This powerful museum documents Lithuania's struggle through Soviet and Nazi occupations, offering visitors a profound understanding of the Baltic nation's path to independence. Beyond this sobering but essential historical experience, Vilnius enchants with its thriving arts scene, cozy cafés, and the warmth of Lithuanian hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Explore Vilnius Old Town

Wander through one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval old towns, featuring over 1,500 buildings spanning Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Visit the iconic Gediminas Tower for panoramic city views and explore the narrow streets filled with churches, courtyards, and hidden gems. The Old Town's compact size makes it perfect for walking tours that reveal centuries of Lithuanian history.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but guided walking tours cost €15-25 and provide valuable historical context. Early morning or late afternoon offer the best lighting and fewer crowds. Look for local guides who speak multiple languages and have official certification.

Visit Užupis Republic

Discover this bohemian neighborhood that declared itself an independent republic in 1998, complete with its own constitution, currency, and president. The area is filled with artist studios, quirky cafés, and the famous Užupis Constitution displayed in multiple languages on mirrors along the street. Cross the small bridge over the Vilnia River to enter this creative enclave that embodies post-Soviet artistic freedom.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, though art studio visits may have small fees (€2-5). Best visited during weekday afternoons when artists are working. Self-guided exploration is recommended as the charm lies in spontaneous discoveries.

Take a Day Trip to Trakai Castle

Visit the stunning 14th-century island castle located just 30 kilometers from Vilnius, set picturesquely on Lake Galvė. This red-brick Gothic fortress served as the residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes and now houses a museum showcasing medieval artifacts and Lithuanian history. The castle is particularly beautiful during autumn when surrounded by colorful foliage reflected in the lake waters.

Booking Tip: Castle entry costs €8 for adults, with audio guides available for €3. Trains run regularly from Vilnius (€2-3, 45 minutes) or join organized tours for €25-35 including transport. Visit mid-week to avoid crowds, and bring a camera for the scenic lakeside views.

Experience Lithuanian Cuisine

Immerse yourself in traditional Lithuanian flavors through cooking classes or food tours featuring hearty dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and kibinai (pastries from Trakai). Many restaurants in Vilnius offer modern interpretations of traditional recipes, paired with local beers and Lithuanian spirits. The cuisine reflects the country's agricultural heritage and seasonal ingredients.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from €40-80 per person and typically last 3-4 hours including meal. Food tours cost €35-50 and visit 4-5 establishments. Book classes that focus on traditional recipes and include market visits for the most authentic experience.

Discover Soviet-Era Sites

Beyond the Museum of Occupations, explore other remnants of the Soviet period including the TV Tower where civilians died defending independence, and various Soviet-era monuments and buildings. These sites provide context for understanding Lithuania's recent history and the significance of the 1991 independence movement. Many locations feature memorials and plaques commemorating the peaceful resistance.

Booking Tip: Most sites are free to visit independently, though specialized Soviet history tours cost €20-30 per person. Afternoon tours work well as they can end at sunset viewpoints. Choose guides with personal or family connections to this period for more authentic storytelling.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport is located 7 kilometers south of the city center and serves as the main gateway to Lithuania, with direct flights from major European cities. The airport is connected to the city center by regular buses (€1) that run every 15-30 minutes, or taxis costing around €10-15. For overland travel, Vilnius is well-connected by bus and train to other Baltic capitals, with comfortable coaches to Riga (4 hours) and Tallinn (6 hours), though flying is often more convenient and similarly priced.

Getting Around

Vilnius has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and trolleybuses, with single tickets costing €1 when purchased from the driver or €0.65 with a rechargeable card. The Old Town and most major attractions are easily walkable, with distances rarely exceeding 2 kilometers between sites. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available and affordable, while bicycle rentals offer a pleasant way to explore the city's parks and quieter neighborhoods during warmer months.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center

New Town Business District

Užupis Bohemian Quarter

Žvėrynas Residential Area

Antakalnis Near Museums

Šnipiškės Modern District

Food & Dining

Vilnius's dining scene beautifully balances traditional Lithuanian cuisine with modern European influences and international options. The Old Town features numerous restaurants serving elevated versions of local specialties like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai, while trendy neighborhoods like Užupis offer cozy cafés and innovative bistros. Traditional beer halls and contemporary wine bars provide excellent venues for sampling local beverages, and the city's growing number of craft breweries reflects Lithuania's beer-making heritage. Prices are generally reasonable by European standards, with excellent meals available from €15-25 per person.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May through September when temperatures are mild and daylight hours are long, perfect for exploring the Old Town's outdoor attractions and taking day trips to Trakai. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and numerous festivals, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, with autumn offering spectacular foliage around the city's parks and lakes. Winter visits can be magical with snow-covered medieval streets, though temperatures drop well below freezing and daylight is limited.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Vilnius City Card for free public transport and discounts at museums, including reduced entry to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (3-6 PM), so plan meal times accordingly or seek out cafés that serve food all day

Learn a few basic Lithuanian phrases as locals greatly appreciate the effort, and English may be limited among older generations who lived through the Soviet period

Things to Do in Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights