Things to Do in St. Anne's Church
St. Anne's Church, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its remarkably well-preserved medieval Old Town and stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The city's crown jewel is St. Anne's Church, a breathtaking 16th-century Gothic masterpiece that Napoleon allegedly wanted to carry back to Paris in the palm of his hand. This architectural gem, with its intricate red brick facade and soaring spires, stands as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Eastern Europe.
Beyond its architectural wonders, Vilnius offers a vibrant cultural scene, charming cobblestone streets, and a unique blend of Lithuanian, Polish, and Jewish heritage. The city seamlessly combines its rich historical legacy with a modern, artistic spirit, featuring numerous galleries, cafes, and the quirky self-declared Republic of Užupis. Visitors can explore centuries of history while enjoying the city's contemporary energy, making Vilnius an enchanting destination that captures both the medieval past and dynamic present of the Baltic region.
Top Things to Do in St. Anne's Church
Explore Vilnius Old Town
Wander through one of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns, featuring cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and baroque palaces. The UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses St. Anne's Church, Vilnius Cathedral, and numerous architectural gems spanning several centuries.
Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided tours cost €15-25 per person. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.
Visit Gediminas Castle Tower
Climb to the iconic symbol of Vilnius for panoramic views over the city and Neris River. The remaining tower of the Upper Castle houses a museum showcasing Lithuanian history and medieval artifacts.
Booking Tip: Entry costs €5 for adults, €2 for students. Take the funicular for €2 or hike the hill for free. Best visited during clear weather for optimal city views.
Discover the Republic of Užupis
Explore this bohemian artist quarter that declared independence in 1997, complete with its own constitution, currency, and president. The area features galleries, quirky cafes, and street art throughout its charming streets.
Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Art galleries typically charge €3-8 entry. Visit on weekends when more galleries and artist studios are open to the public.
Experience Traditional Lithuanian Cuisine
Sample hearty Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and local craft beers. Many restaurants offer traditional folk music performances alongside authentic regional specialties.
Booking Tip: Restaurant meals range €12-25 per person. Book popular traditional restaurants in advance, especially Lokys and Ertlio Namas. Food tours cost €45-65 and include multiple tastings.
Tour Trakai Castle
Take a day trip to this stunning 14th-century island castle, the former residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes. The red-brick Gothic castle sits picturesquely on Lake Galvė, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Booking Tip: Castle entry costs €8 for adults. Tours from Vilnius range €25-45 including transport. Visit mid-week for fewer crowds, and bring layers as it's windier by the lake.
Getting There
Vilnius International Airport is located 7km south of the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and connecting flights from worldwide destinations. The airport is connected to the city center by bus (€1), taxi (€8-12), or train (€0.70). For overland travel, Vilnius has excellent bus connections throughout the Baltics and Europe, with the main bus station centrally located. The city is also accessible by train from Poland and other neighboring countries, though flight connections are typically more convenient for international visitors.
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 easily walkable, and most major attractions are within a 20-minute walk of each other. Taxis are readily available and affordable, with rides across the city center typically costing €5-8. For longer stays, consider renting a bicycle, as the city has expanding bike lanes and rental stations throughout the center, making it an eco-friendly way to explore both the historic core and modern districts.
Where to Stay
Old Town (Historic Center)
Užupis (Bohemian Quarter)
New Town (Business District)
Žvėrynas (Residential Area)
Antakalnis (Local Neighborhood)
Šnipiškės (Modern District)
Food & Dining
Vilnius offers an excellent dining scene ranging from traditional Lithuanian taverns to innovative modern restaurants. The Old Town features numerous restaurants serving hearty local specialties like cepelinai and kibinai, with atmospheric medieval cellars and courtyards. For upscale dining, head to restaurants like Džiaugsmas or Sweet Root, which offer contemporary takes on Baltic cuisine. The Užupis district provides bohemian cafes and international options, while local markets like Hales Turgus offer fresh produce and traditional snacks. Don't miss trying Lithuanian beer and locally distilled spirits, which pair perfectly with the rich, seasonal cuisine that emphasizes potatoes, rye, dairy, and forest ingredients.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Vilnius
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The best time to visit Vilnius is from May to September when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and daylight hours are longest, perfect for exploring the outdoor attractions and Old Town streets. Summer months offer numerous festivals, outdoor concerts, and the most vibrant street life, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide mild weather with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors, making them ideal for photography and sightseeing. Winter can be magical with snow-covered medieval streets and Christmas markets, but temperatures drop well below freezing and daylight hours are very short, limiting outdoor exploration time.
Insider Tips
Purchase the Vilnius City Card for free public transport and museum discounts - it pays for itself if visiting 3+ attractions
Many churches including St. Anne's are free to enter, but photography inside may require a small fee or permission
The bohemian Užupis district is liveliest on weekend afternoons when artist studios and galleries are more likely to be open