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Presidential Palace, Lietuva - Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania (Lietuva), is a captivating Baltic city where medieval charm seamlessly blends with modern European sophistication. The city's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved historic centers, featuring cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture that tells the story of centuries of Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian influence. At its heart stands the Presidential Palace, an elegant neoclassical building that serves as the official residence of Lithuania's president and symbolizes the nation's independence and democratic values. Beyond its historical significance, Vilnius pulses with contemporary energy through its thriving arts scene, innovative restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The city successfully balances reverence for its complex past with an optimistic embrace of its European future, making it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences without the crowds found in Western European capitals.

Top Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Explore Vilnius Old Town and Presidential Palace Area

Wander through Europe's largest baroque Old Town, taking in the Presidential Palace's neoclassical facade and the surrounding historic squares. The area encompasses Cathedral Square, Gediminas Avenue, and countless churches, courtyards, and medieval streets that showcase over 600 years of architectural evolution.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot. Consider joining a guided walking tour (€15-25) for historical context, especially during summer months when English-language tours run daily. Early morning visits offer the best photography opportunities with fewer crowds.

Visit Gediminas Castle Tower

Climb to the iconic symbol of Vilnius perched on Castle Hill for panoramic views over the city and surrounding forests. The tower houses a museum detailing Lithuanian history and offers insight into the medieval Grand Duchy of Lithuania, once one of Europe's largest empires.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €5 for adults, €2 for students. Take the funicular (€2) or hike the steep path. Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photography. Combined tickets with other museums offer good value at €12.

Discover Užupis Republic

Explore this bohemian artists' quarter that declared itself an independent republic in 1997, complete with its own constitution, president, and army of 11 men. The neighborhood features galleries, quirky cafes, and street art, embodying Vilnius's creative spirit and post-Soviet transformation.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Art galleries typically charge €3-8 entry. Visit on weekends when most galleries and studios are open. The area comes alive during the annual April 1st independence day celebration with free concerts and events.

Experience Lithuanian Cuisine and Local Markets

Sample traditional dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) while exploring local food markets and traditional restaurants. Vilnius's culinary scene blends hearty Baltic traditions with modern Nordic influences and international flavors.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €45-65 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include Hales Market for authentic local ingredients. Look for small group tours (max 12 people) for better interaction with vendors and chefs.

Take Day Trips to Trakai Castle

Visit the fairy-tale island castle just 28km from Vilnius, set on Lake Galvė and serving as the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The restored 14th-century castle houses a museum and offers boat trips around the scenic lake surrounded by forests.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost €35-55 including transport and castle entry. Independent travel by bus costs €2 each way plus €8 castle entry. Summer offers boat trips (€8) and outdoor dining, while winter provides beautiful snowy landscapes and ice fishing opportunities.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is the main gateway, located 7km south of the city center with direct flights from major European cities and seasonal connections to North America. The airport connects to downtown via bus (€1), taxi (€8-15), or ride-sharing services. For overland travel, Vilnius is well-connected by bus and rail to other Baltic capitals, with comfortable bus services to Riga (4 hours) and Tallinn (9 hours), plus train connections to Warsaw, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. The city is also accessible by car via the Via Baltica highway system.

Getting Around

Vilnius has an efficient public transportation system of buses and trolleybuses operating from 5:30 AM to midnight, with night buses covering major routes. Single tickets cost €1 when purchased from drivers or €0.65 with a Vilnius City Card. The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, while bicycles can be rented from numerous stations throughout the city for €1-2 per hour. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are affordable (€3-8 for most city trips) and useful for reaching attractions outside the center or during late hours.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center
New Town Business District
Žvėrynas Residential Quarter
Užupis Bohemian District
Šnipiškės Modern Area
Airport Area

Food & Dining

Vilnius offers an exciting culinary landscape ranging from traditional Lithuanian taverns serving hearty potato-based dishes and game meats to innovative Nordic-influenced restaurants earning international recognition. The Old Town features numerous restaurants in historic cellars and courtyards, while the trendy Užupis district offers quirky cafes and artisanal eateries. Local specialties include cepelinai, kugelis (potato casserole), and smoked fish, best paired with local craft beers or Lithuanian honey liqueur. The city's growing international food scene includes excellent Asian, Middle Eastern, and contemporary European options, with most quality restaurants offering mains between €8-18.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vilnius

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Casa La Familia

4.5 /5
(2157 reviews) 2

Osteria da Luca

4.6 /5
(1215 reviews)

Da Antonio

4.6 /5
(976 reviews) 3

CASA DELLA PASTA - PC Akropolis

4.5 /5
(996 reviews) 2
cafe

Firenze Vilnius

4.5 /5
(664 reviews) 2

Le Travi

4.6 /5
(494 reviews)
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May to September when temperatures range from 15-25°C and daylight extends until 10 PM during summer months. July and August offer the warmest weather and most festivals, but also the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful foliage, making them ideal for sightseeing and photography. Winter visits offer magical snow-covered landscapes and festive Christmas markets, though temperatures drop to -5°C and daylight is limited to 7-8 hours.

Insider Tips

Many museums offer free entry on the last Sunday of each month, and the Vilnius City Card provides significant discounts on attractions plus free public transport
Exchange money at local banks or Forex offices rather than hotels for better rates, and note that many restaurants and shops accept cards but some traditional markets prefer cash
Learn a few Lithuanian phrases as locals appreciate the effort, though most younger people and tourism workers speak excellent English

Explore Activities in Presidential Palace