Things to Do in Presidential Palace, Lietuva

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania (Lietuva), is a captivating Baltic city where medieval charm meets modern European sophistication. The city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval quarters, featuring winding cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture that tells the story of centuries of Polish, Russian, and Lithuanian rule. At the heart of this historic district stands the Presidential Palace, an elegant neoclassical building that serves as the official residence of Lithuania's president and symbolizes the country's independence and democratic values. Beyond its political significance, Vilnius offers visitors a rich cultural tapestry with world-class museums, vibrant street art in the bohemian Užupis district, and a thriving café culture. The city seamlessly blends its complex history with contemporary innovation, making it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic European experience away from the more crowded tourist circuits. From exploring centuries-old churches to discovering cutting-edge galleries, Vilnius provides an intimate yet sophisticated urban adventure in the heart of the Baltics.

Top Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Vilnius's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, one of Europe's largest medieval quarters, featuring stunning baroque and Gothic architecture. The tour typically includes major landmarks like Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, and the Gates of Dawn, providing insight into the city's complex history under various rulers.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily and cost around €10-15 per person in tips, while private guided tours range from €80-120 for 2-3 hours. Book morning tours to avoid crowds, and look for guides certified by the Lithuanian Tourism Association.

Presidential Palace and Government Quarter Visit

Take a guided tour of the Presidential Palace and surrounding government buildings to learn about Lithuania's path to independence and modern political system. The neoclassical palace offers insights into Lithuanian state ceremonies and diplomatic history through its elegant rooms and official chambers.

Booking Tip: Tours must be booked in advance through the official presidential website and cost €5-8 per person. Available only on weekends and select weekdays, with tours conducted in Lithuanian, English, and Russian. Bring valid ID for security screening.

Užupis Art District Exploration

Discover the self-proclaimed 'Republic of Užupis,' a bohemian neighborhood filled with art galleries, quirky cafés, and street art. This former slum turned artistic enclave has its own constitution, president, and unique cultural identity that embodies Vilnius's creative spirit.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but art gallery tours cost €15-25 per person. Visit on weekends when most galleries are open, and look for local artist-led tours that provide insider perspectives on the district's transformation.

Lithuanian Cuisine Cooking Class

Learn to prepare traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), borscht, and šakotis cake in hands-on cooking classes. These experiences often include market visits to source local ingredients and provide cultural context about Lithuanian culinary traditions and seasonal eating habits.

Booking Tip: Classes cost €45-65 per person and typically last 3-4 hours including the meal. Book classes that include market visits for the full experience, and look for small group sizes (6-8 people) for more personalized instruction.

Day Trip to Trakai Castle

Visit the stunning 14th-century island castle of Trakai, located just 30 minutes from Vilnius on a picturesque lake. This well-preserved Gothic castle houses a museum showcasing Lithuanian medieval history and the unique Karaite culture of the region's Turkic minority community.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €8 for adults, with guided tours available for an additional €15-20. Combine with traditional Karaite pastry tasting (kibinai) for €25-35 total. Visit midweek to avoid crowds, and consider renting bikes to explore the surrounding lakeside trails.

Getting There

Vilnius is easily accessible via Vilnius International Airport, located just 7km from the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and connecting flights from worldwide destinations. The airport is connected to the city by regular buses (€1), taxis (€8-12), or ride-sharing services. Alternatively, Vilnius can be reached by bus from other Baltic capitals (Riga 4.5 hours, Tallinn 9 hours) or by train from Belarus and Russia, though overland routes may require transit visas depending on your nationality.

Getting Around

Vilnius has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and trolleybuses, with single tickets costing €1 and day passes €3. The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, as most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are readily available and affordable, while bike-sharing systems operate during warmer months. Many hotels provide bicycles, and the city center is very pedestrian-friendly with well-marked walking routes.

Where to Stay

Old Town

New Town

Žvėrynas

Užupis

Šnipiškės

Antakalnis

Food & Dining

Vilnius's dining scene beautifully balances traditional Lithuanian cuisine with modern European influences and international options. The Old Town offers numerous restaurants serving hearty local dishes like cepelinai and kugelis, while trendy neighborhoods like Užupis feature innovative cafés and bistros. Traditional Lithuanian restaurants typically offer meals for €12-20 per person, while upscale dining ranges from €25-40. Don't miss trying local specialties like dark rye bread, smoked fish, and Lithuanian beer, along with the growing craft beer scene and specialty coffee culture that has flourished in recent years.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May to September when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and daylight hours are longest, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and café terraces. Summer months offer the most festivals and cultural events, though they also bring higher prices and crowds. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists, while winter visits offer a magical snow-covered Old Town and Christmas markets, though temperatures can drop below -10°C and daylight is limited.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Vilnius City Card for free public transport and museum discounts, available for 24, 48, or 72 hours

Many restaurants close on Sundays and Mondays, so plan dining accordingly and make reservations for popular spots

Learn a few basic Lithuanian phrases as English isn't universally spoken among older residents, though younger people and tourism workers are generally fluent

Things to Do in Presidential Palace