Things to Do in St. Anne's Church

Vilnius, Lithuania's baroque capital, unfolds like a living museum where cobblestone streets wind past Gothic spires and Orthodox domes. The Old Town, one of Europe's largest medieval quarters, actually feels lived-in rather than preserved - you'll find art galleries tucked into 14th-century cellars and trendy cafes occupying former merchant houses. St. Anne's Church stands as the city's most photographed landmark, its flame-like Gothic towers creating a silhouette that's remained unchanged for over 500 years. The city has this interesting energy where Soviet-era brutalist architecture sits comfortably alongside Renaissance courtyards, and where you might hear Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian spoken within a single block. Vilnius tends to surprise visitors with its creative spirit - the self-declared Republic of Užupis feels like a bohemian experiment, while the contemporary art scene rivals much larger European capitals.

Vilnius dining has evolved considerably, moving beyond the heavy Soviet-era fare to embrace both traditional Lithuanian cuisine and international influences. You'll find excellent value in the Old Town's cellar restaurants, where atmospheric stone vaults serve everything from medieval-inspired feasts to modern European cuisine. The local food scene particularly shines with its use of seasonal ingredients - wild mushrooms, berries, and game in autumn, while summer brings fresh herbs and vegetables. For something uniquely Lithuanian, try the various preparations of dark rye bread, which locals consider almost sacred, or sample the surprisingly refreshing cold beet soup that's perfect for warm weather.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most comfortable weather and longest daylight hours, with July bringing nearly 17 hours of daylight. Summer temperatures typically range from 15-25°C, perfect for wandering cobblestone streets without overheating. That said, winter has its own appeal - the Old Town looks particularly magical under snow, Christmas markets add warmth to the squares, and you'll have attractions largely to yourself. Just be prepared for short days (as little as 7 hours of daylight in December) and temperatures that can drop well below freezing.