Things to Do in Vilnius Old Town, Lietuva

Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, stands as one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval old towns. This enchanting historic center showcases over 1,500 buildings spanning Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles, creating a captivating maze of cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and church spires that tell the story of Lithuania's rich cultural heritage. The Old Town serves as the beating heart of Lithuania's capital, where centuries-old churches like St. Anne's Gothic masterpiece coexist with vibrant cafes, artisan workshops, and contemporary galleries. From the imposing Gediminas Castle Tower overlooking the Neris River to the bohemian Republic of Užupis with its own constitution, Vilnius Old Town offers visitors an intimate journey through Baltic history while maintaining a lively, modern atmosphere that makes it one of Europe's most charming capital city centers.

Top Things to Do in Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Walking Tour

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town through guided walking tours that reveal hidden courtyards, medieval streets, and architectural gems. These tours typically cover major landmarks including Vilnius Cathedral, St. Anne's Church, and the Gates of Dawn while sharing fascinating stories about Lithuanian history and culture.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily and accept tips (€5-10 suggested), while private tours cost €80-150 for groups. Morning tours (10-11am starts) are less crowded and offer better photo opportunities. Look for guides certified by Lithuanian tourism authorities.

Gediminas Castle Tower Visit

Climb to the iconic symbol of Vilnius for panoramic views over the Old Town and Neris River valley. The tower houses a museum showcasing medieval artifacts and the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, while the surrounding hill offers excellent vantage points for photography.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €5 for adults, €2 for students. Take the funicular (€2) or hike the trail (15 minutes). Visit during golden hour for spectacular photos. The tower is closed on Mondays, and advance booking isn't necessary except for large groups.

Traditional Lithuanian Food Tour

Discover authentic Lithuanian cuisine through guided food tours featuring traditional dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and local craft beers. These tours combine tastings at traditional restaurants, markets, and local eateries with cultural insights about Lithuanian culinary heritage.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €45-75 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include 6-8 tastings and visit both traditional restaurants and local markets. Vegetarian options are available but should be requested when booking.

Užupis District Exploration

Visit the self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis, a bohemian neighborhood that declared independence in 1997 and has its own constitution, president, and army. This artistic quarter features galleries, quirky cafes, street art, and the famous Užupis Constitution displayed in multiple languages on Paupio Street.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, though guided tours cost €15-25. Visit on Republic Day (April 1st) for special celebrations and passport stamps. The area is best explored on foot, and many galleries offer free entry. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.

Soviet History and KGB Museum Tour

Delve into Lithuania's Soviet period through visits to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (former KGB headquarters) and other sites that document the country's struggle for independence. These tours provide sobering insights into life under Soviet occupation and the peaceful Singing Revolution.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs €4-6, guided tours €20-35. Book English-language tours in advance as they're limited. The KGB museum can be emotionally intense; not recommended for young children. Combine with visits to other Soviet-era sites for a comprehensive experience.

Getting There

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is located 7km south of the city center, with direct flights from major European cities including London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. The airport connects to the Old Town via bus (€1), taxi (€8-15), or ride-sharing services. For overland travel, Vilnius is accessible by bus from Riga (4.5 hours), Warsaw (7 hours), and other Baltic capitals, with the main bus station located 2km from the Old Town. Train connections are limited but available from Poland and Belarus, while driving from Western Europe takes you through Poland via the scenic Via Baltica highway.

Getting Around

Vilnius Old Town is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance and many streets are pedestrian-only cobblestone paths. The city operates an efficient public transport system with buses and trolleys (€1 per ride, €3 day pass) connecting the Old Town to other districts, though visitors rarely need public transport within the historic center. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are readily available and affordable (€3-8 for most trips), while bicycle rentals and e-scooters offer alternative ways to explore the wider city beyond the medieval streets.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center

Užupis Bohemian Quarter

New Town Business District

Žvėrynas Residential Area

Antakalnis Quiet Neighborhood

Near Gediminas Avenue Shopping

Food & Dining

Vilnius Old Town offers an excellent dining scene that balances traditional Lithuanian cuisine with modern European influences. Traditional restaurants serve hearty dishes like cepelinai, kugelis, and game meats, while contemporary establishments offer innovative takes on Baltic ingredients and international fusion cuisine. The Old Town features numerous cozy cafes perfect for trying šakotis cake and Lithuanian coffee culture, alongside wine bars specializing in natural wines and craft beer pubs showcasing the country's growing brewing scene. Dining is generally affordable compared to Western European capitals, with excellent meals available from €15-30 per person, while street food and casual lunch spots offer quality options for €5-10.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilnius Old Town is from May to September when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and daylight extends until 10pm during summer months, perfect for evening strolls through cobblestone streets. Late spring (May-June) offers fewer crowds and beautiful blooming trees, while summer brings festivals, outdoor dining, and the famous Song Festival. Autumn (September-October) provides stunning foliage and comfortable temperatures, though days grow shorter. Winter can be magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered medieval architecture, but temperatures drop below freezing and daylight is limited, making indoor attractions and cozy restaurants the main draws.

Insider Tips

Visit St. Anne's Church early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups and capture the best light on its intricate Gothic facade

Explore the courtyards behind Old Town buildings - many contain hidden cafes, galleries, and artisan workshops not visible from the street

The Gates of Dawn chapel is free to visit but can be very crowded; go early morning or during weekday evenings for a more peaceful experience

Things to Do in Vilnius Old Town