Things to Do in St. Casimir's Church, Lietuva

St. Casimir's Church is located in Vilnius, the enchanting capital of Lithuania (Lietuva), a city where medieval charm seamlessly blends with modern European sophistication. Vilnius boasts one of Europe's largest and best-preserved Old Towns, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets wind past Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture spanning over 700 years of history. The city serves as the cultural and political heart of the Baltic nation, offering visitors a unique glimpse into both Lithuania's complex past and its vibrant present as a member of the European Union. The historic center of Vilnius is dominated by numerous churches, reflecting the city's deep religious heritage and architectural diversity. St. Casimir's Church itself stands as a testament to the city's Catholic traditions and baroque architectural legacy, while the surrounding area offers countless opportunities to explore museums, galleries, traditional restaurants, and artisan workshops. Beyond the Old Town, Vilnius surprises visitors with its thriving arts scene, innovative cuisine, and the bohemian Užupis district, often called the 'Montmartre of Vilnius,' which even declared itself an independent republic with its own constitution and angel statue overlooking the Vilnia River.

Top Things to Do in St. Casimir's Church

Vilnius Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with its medieval streets, Gothic churches, and baroque palaces. The tour typically covers major landmarks including Cathedral Square, Gediminas Tower, and various historic churches including St. Casimir's. Most tours provide fascinating insights into Lithuanian history, from pagan times through Soviet occupation to independence.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate year-round and cost €10-15 in tips, while private guided tours range €80-120 for 2-3 hours. Book morning tours in summer to avoid crowds, and winter afternoon tours for better lighting. Look for guides certified by Lithuanian Tourism Association.

Lithuanian Cooking Class Experience

Learn to prepare traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and kibinai (pastries with meat filling). These hands-on classes often include market visits to select fresh ingredients and conclude with enjoying your prepared meal paired with local beverages. Many classes are held in historic settings or local homes for an authentic cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Classes cost €45-75 per person and typically last 3-4 hours including the meal. Book 2-3 days in advance, especially during summer months. Choose classes that include market tours and provide recipe cards to take home.

Trakai Castle Day Trip

Visit the stunning 14th-century island castle located 30 minutes from Vilnius, set on Lake Galvė and surrounded by pristine nature. The castle serves as a symbol of Lithuanian heritage and houses a museum showcasing medieval artifacts and the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The scenic journey through lakes and forests makes this one of Lithuania's most photographed destinations.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €8 for adults, with guided tours available for an additional €15-25. Best visited May through September for optimal weather and full access to grounds. Combine with traditional Karaite cuisine tasting in Trakai town for a complete cultural experience.

Užupis District Art Walk

Discover the bohemian Užupis neighborhood, a self-proclaimed independent republic known for its artistic community, galleries, and quirky constitution written in multiple languages on a wall. The area features numerous art installations, studios, cafes, and the iconic Užupis Angel statue. This former neglected area has transformed into Vilnius's most creative quarter, often compared to Montmartre in Paris.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, while guided art tours cost €20-35 per person. Visit Tuesday-Saturday when most galleries are open, and plan 2-3 hours to fully explore. Look for tours that include artist studio visits and interactions with local creatives.

Soviet History and KGB Museum Tour

Explore Lithuania's Soviet past through visits to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (former KGB headquarters) and other significant sites. The museum features authentic KGB cells, interrogation rooms, and exhibits documenting resistance movements during Soviet occupation. This powerful experience provides crucial context for understanding modern Lithuania and the Baltic independence movement.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs €4-6, with audio guides available for €3. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Book guided tours (€25-40) for deeper historical context and access to restricted areas. Avoid Mondays when the museum is closed.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is located just 7km from the city center and offers direct flights from major European cities including London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam, with budget carriers like Ryanair providing affordable connections. From the airport, take bus #1 or #2 to reach the city center in 15-20 minutes for €1, or use taxis/ride-sharing services for €8-15. Alternatively, Vilnius is well-connected by bus to other Baltic capitals and major European cities, with modern coaches from companies like Lux Express offering comfortable overnight journeys from cities like Warsaw, Riga, or Tallinn.

Getting Around

Vilnius has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and trolleybuses, with single tickets costing €1 when purchased from the driver or €0.65 with a rechargeable Vilnius City Card. The historic Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Taxis are affordable and reliable, while bike-sharing systems and electric scooters provide eco-friendly alternatives for longer distances, though be mindful that cobblestone streets in the Old Town can be challenging for cycling.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center

Užupis Bohemian Quarter

New Town Business District

Žvėrynas Residential Area

Antakalnis Quiet Neighborhood

Near Central Railway Station

Food & Dining

Vilnius offers an exciting culinary scene that blends traditional Lithuanian fare with modern European influences and international cuisines. The Old Town features numerous restaurants serving authentic dishes like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai in atmospheric medieval cellars and courtyards, while trendy establishments in Užupis and the New Town experiment with contemporary interpretations of Baltic ingredients. Don't miss trying local specialties at traditional beer halls, sampling craft beers from local breweries, or visiting the bustling Halės Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Many restaurants offer excellent value for money compared to Western European standards, with hearty three-course meals available for €15-25 per person.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius is from May through September when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C), days are long, and outdoor cafes and festivals bring the city to life. Summer months offer the warmest weather and white nights, perfect for exploring the Old Town's cobblestone streets and outdoor attractions, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide mild weather with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, while winter visits offer a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and snow-covered medieval architecture, though temperatures can drop below -10°C and daylight hours are limited.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Vilnius City Card for free public transport and discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions - it pays for itself if you visit 3+ sites

Many churches including St. Casimir's offer free entry, but dress modestly and avoid visiting during mass times unless participating in the service

The best panoramic views of Vilnius Old Town are from Gediminas Tower or the Three Crosses Hill, both accessible by foot or funicular, and particularly stunning at sunset

Things to Do in St. Casimir's Church