Things to Do in National Museum of Lithuania, Lietuva

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a captivating Baltic city that seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern European sophistication. The city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval quarters, featuring cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture that tells the story of centuries of Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian influence. At the heart of this cultural tapestry stands the National Museum of Lithuania, the country's oldest and most comprehensive museum, founded in 1855. The National Museum of Lithuania serves as the perfect introduction to Lithuanian history, culture, and identity, housing extensive collections that span from prehistoric times to the modern era. Located in the historic Vilnius Castle Complex on Gediminas Hill, the museum offers visitors not only invaluable insights into Lithuanian heritage but also stunning panoramic views of the city. Vilnius itself enchants visitors with its artistic spirit, vibrant café culture, and the bohemian atmosphere of the self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and history lovers.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of Lithuania

Explore Vilnius Old Town

Wander through one of Europe's largest medieval old towns, featuring stunning baroque and Gothic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and historic squares. Visit the iconic Vilnius Cathedral, climb Gediminas Tower for panoramic views, and discover hidden courtyards and artisan workshops throughout the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot, though Gediminas Tower entry costs around €5. Best visited in morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting. Consider joining a guided tour (€15-25) for historical context and access to hidden gems.

Visit the Republic of Užupis

Discover Vilnius's bohemian quarter, a self-proclaimed independent republic with its own constitution, currency, and quirky artistic spirit. This former run-down district has transformed into a creative hub filled with art galleries, studios, cafés, and the famous Angel of Užupis statue overlooking the Vilnia River.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Best visited on weekends when galleries and studios are open. Join local art tours (€10-20) to meet artists and learn about the district's transformation from Soviet decay to artistic renaissance.

Experience Traditional Lithuanian Cuisine

Savor hearty Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and kibinai (savory pastries) at traditional restaurants and modern bistros. Many establishments offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare these authentic dishes using centuries-old recipes.

Booking Tip: Restaurant meals range from €10-25 per person. Cooking classes cost €30-50 and should be booked in advance. Look for restaurants in Old Town or Užupis for authentic atmosphere and traditional recipes.

Explore Trakai Castle

Take a day trip to the stunning 14th-century island castle located 30 kilometers from Vilnius, set on Lake Galvė. This reconstructed Gothic castle houses a museum showcasing medieval Lithuanian history and offers boat rides around the picturesque lake surrounded by forests.

Booking Tip: Castle entry costs €8, boat rides €5-10. Trains run hourly from Vilnius (€2-3, 35 minutes). Best visited May-September for weather and boat availability. Book guided tours (€25-40) for transport and historical insights.

Discover Soviet History and KGB Museum

Learn about Lithuania's Soviet occupation period at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, housed in the former KGB headquarters. The museum features authentic prison cells, interrogation rooms, and exhibitions documenting resistance movements and the path to independence in 1990.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €4-6, guided tours €10-15. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Book guided tours for deeper insights into Soviet-era experiences. Allow 2-3 hours for comprehensive visit including basement prison cells.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport is located 7 kilometers south of the city center, with regular flights from major European cities and some direct connections to North America. From the airport, take bus #1 or #2 to the city center (€1, 20 minutes), or use taxis/ride-sharing services (€8-15). Vilnius is also well-connected by bus to other Baltic capitals, with comfortable coaches from Riga (4 hours) and Tallinn (5 hours). Train connections are limited but available from Poland and Russia, while driving from Western Europe takes you through Poland via the scenic Baltic route.

Getting Around

Vilnius has an efficient public transportation system of buses and trolleybuses covering the entire city, with single tickets costing €1 and day passes €3. The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are affordable and convenient for longer distances or evening travel. Consider renting a bicycle during warmer months, as the city has expanding bike lanes and rental stations throughout the center.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Senamiestis)

New Town (Naujamiestis)

Užupis District

Žvėrynas Neighborhood

Antakalnis Area

Šnipiškės Business District

Food & Dining

Vilnius offers a diverse culinary scene ranging from traditional Lithuanian taverns serving hearty comfort food to innovative modern restaurants experimenting with Baltic ingredients. The Old Town features numerous restaurants in historic cellars and courtyards, while Užupis offers trendy bistros and artisan cafés. Don't miss trying cepelinai, šaltibarščiai, and local craft beers at traditional establishments like Lokys or Ertlio Namas. For modern Lithuanian cuisine, visit restaurants like Sweet Root or Nineteen18, which reimagine traditional dishes with contemporary techniques. The city also has excellent international options, from Italian and French to Asian cuisine, concentrated mainly in the city center and New Town areas.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May to September when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and days are long, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying street café culture. Summer months offer the warmest weather and numerous festivals, though this is also peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors. Winter can be magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered architecture, but temperatures drop well below freezing and daylight hours are very short, making it less ideal for extensive sightseeing.

Insider Tips

Visit the National Museum of Lithuania early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photos from Gediminas Hill

Many museums offer free entry on the last Sunday of each month, perfect for budget travelers wanting to explore multiple cultural sites

Try šakotis, Lithuania's traditional tree cake, at local bakeries - it's a unique dessert you won't find elsewhere and makes for a perfect souvenir or afternoon treat

Things to Do in National Museum of Lithuania