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

Things to Do in St. Casimir's Church

St. Casimir's Church, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a captivating Baltic city where medieval charm seamlessly blends with modern European sophistication. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is one of Europe's largest surviving medieval city centers, featuring cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture that tells the story of centuries of Polish, Russian, and German influences. At the heart of this historic district stands St. Casimir's Church, a stunning baroque masterpiece dedicated to Lithuania's patron saint. Beyond its architectural treasures, Vilnius pulses with contemporary energy through its thriving arts scene, innovative restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The city serves as a cultural bridge between Eastern and Western Europe, offering visitors a unique perspective on Baltic history while embracing modern EU membership. From the bohemian Užupis district with its own constitution to the imposing Gediminas Tower overlooking the city, Vilnius rewards explorers with unexpected discoveries around every corner.

Top Things to Do in St. Casimir's Church

Explore Vilnius Old Town

Wander through one of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns, featuring St. Casimir's Church, Vilnius Cathedral, and countless baroque and Gothic buildings. The UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses over 1,400 buildings spanning various architectural periods. Every street reveals hidden courtyards, ancient churches, and remnants of the city's complex multicultural past.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot, but consider joining a guided walking tour (€15-25) for historical context. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.

Visit Trakai Island Castle

Take a day trip to this fairy-tale 14th-century castle situated on an island in Lake Galvė, just 30 minutes from Vilnius. The restored Gothic castle houses a museum showcasing Lithuanian history and the unique Karaite culture. The scenic journey through forests and lakes makes this excursion as memorable as the destination itself.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €8 for adults, €4 for students. Combine with a traditional Karaite meal (kibinai pastries) for €12-15. Best visited May-September when you can also enjoy boat rides on the lake.

Discover Užupis Republic

Explore this bohemian artists' quarter that declared independence in 1997 and has its own constitution, president, and currency. The former run-down district has transformed into Vilnius's creative heart, filled with galleries, quirky cafes, and street art. Cross the bridge over the Vilnia River to enter this whimsical 'republic' within the city.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, though art gallery visits may cost €3-5 each. Join the annual April 1st independence day celebrations for the full experience, or visit during summer evenings when outdoor cafes are liveliest.

Climb Gediminas Tower

Ascend to this iconic symbol of Vilnius for panoramic views over the Old Town and beyond. The tower is the remaining part of the Upper Castle complex and houses a museum about Lithuanian history. The climb or funicular ride to the top rewards visitors with spectacular 360-degree views of the city's red-tiled roofs and surrounding forests.

Booking Tip: Museum entry €5, funicular €2 each way (or free 15-minute walk up). Visit during golden hour for the best photography opportunities. Tower closes at 6 PM in winter, 8 PM in summer.

Experience Lithuanian Cuisine

Sample traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and locally brewed beer in authentic restaurants and modern gastropubs. The city's food scene ranges from traditional taverns serving hearty peasant fare to innovative restaurants reimagining Baltic cuisine. Don't miss trying Lithuanian rye bread, considered among the world's best.

Booking Tip: Traditional meals cost €8-15, fine dining €25-40. Book weekend reservations in advance at popular spots. Look for restaurants displaying 'Lithuanian Heritage' certification for authentic local cuisine.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport, located 7km from the city center, connects to major European cities with direct flights from London, Berlin, Paris, and other capitals. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer affordable connections, while national carrier airBaltic provides regional services. From the airport, take bus #1 or #2 to the city center (€1), a taxi (€8-12), or the convenient train service (€0.70). Overland, Vilnius is accessible by bus from Warsaw (6 hours), Riga (4.5 hours), and other Baltic capitals, or by train from Moscow and St. Petersburg, though these routes require advance visa planning.

Getting Around

Vilnius Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, with most major attractions within walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient public transport system of buses and trolleybuses covering the wider metropolitan area, with single tickets costing €1 (€0.65 with a rechargeable card). Taxis are reliable and affordable, while ride-sharing apps like Bolt are popular and cost-effective. For longer stays, consider renting a bike from the city's bike-sharing system or from local shops, as Vilnius has been expanding its cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city center.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Senamiestis)
New Town (Naujamiestis)
Užupis
Žvėrynas
Antakalnis
Šnipiškės

Food & Dining

Vilnius's dining scene beautifully balances traditional Lithuanian cuisine with contemporary European influences and international flavors. The Old Town features numerous restaurants serving authentic dishes like cepelinai and kugelis in atmospheric medieval cellars and courtyards, while the trendy Užupis district offers bohemian cafes and artisanal eateries. For fine dining, head to acclaimed restaurants like Džiaugsmas or Sweet Root, which creatively interpret local ingredients and Baltic culinary traditions. Don't miss the vibrant Halės Market for fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and traditional Lithuanian bread, or explore the growing craft beer scene in local brewpubs that pair perfectly with hearty Lithuanian fare.

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 ideal time to visit Vilnius is from late spring through early autumn (May to September), when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C), daylight hours 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 enjoying al fresco dining. Winter (December-February) brings a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and snow-covered medieval architecture, though temperatures can drop to -10°C. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal colors, making them excellent times for photography and cultural exploration at lower accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Vilnius City Card for free public transport and museum discounts, plus it includes free Wi-Fi access throughout the city
Many churches, including St. Casimir's, offer free entry but appreciate small donations - visit during evening vespers for a more authentic spiritual experience
The Constitution of Užupis Republic is displayed in multiple languages on Paupio Street - find it translated into over 40 languages including some quite obscure ones

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