Home › Destinations › Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius Old Town, Lietuva - Things to Do in Vilnius Old Town

Things to Do in Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide

Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, stands as one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval old towns, spanning 352 hectares of cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and Gothic architecture. The historic center of Lithuania's capital seamlessly blends centuries of history, from its founding in the 14th century through periods of Polish, Russian, and Soviet influence, creating a unique architectural tapestry that tells the story of Eastern Europe's complex past. Today, this enchanting district pulses with modern life while maintaining its historical charm, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Baltic culture through its artisan workshops, cozy cafes, and vibrant cultural scene. The Old Town's narrow winding streets lead to hidden courtyards, magnificent churches, and panoramic viewpoints, while the bohemian Užupis district within adds an artistic flair that has earned it the nickname 'Montmartre of Vilnius.'

Top Things to Do in Vilnius Old Town

Explore Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower

Marvel at the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Lithuania, and climb the adjacent bell tower for panoramic views over the Old Town's red-tiled roofs. The cathedral houses royal crypts and serves as a symbol of Lithuanian independence and faith. The bell tower climb offers one of the best vantage points in the city.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but bell tower access costs around €4.50. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos. Book tower tickets in advance during summer months as capacity is limited to small groups every 30 minutes.

Wander Through Užupis Republic

Discover the self-declared 'Republic of Užupis,' a bohemian neighborhood that playfully declared independence in 1998 with its own constitution, president, and army of 11 men. This artistic quarter features galleries, quirky cafes, and the famous Angel of Užupis statue. The area transforms from a quiet artists' enclave by day to a lively nightlife district after dark.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided tours cost €15-25 and provide fascinating insights into the district's history and art scene. Visit on April 1st (Užupis Day) for special celebrations, or weekday afternoons when galleries are open and artists are often working.

Climb Gediminas Tower and Castle Hill

Ascend to the iconic red-brick Gediminas Tower, the last remaining part of the Upper Castle, for spectacular 360-degree views of Vilnius and the surrounding forests. The tower houses a museum showcasing the city's medieval history and the story of Lithuanian Grand Dukes. The hill itself is considered the birthplace of Vilnius according to local legend.

Booking Tip: Tower entry costs €5, with a funicular available for €2 each way (recommended for those with mobility issues). Free hiking trail takes 15-20 minutes. Visit during golden hour for the best photography, and dress warmly in winter as the tower can be quite cold.

Tour St. Anne's Church and Bernardine Complex

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of St. Anne's Church, a masterpiece of red brick construction that Napoleon allegedly wanted to carry back to Paris in his palm. The adjacent Bernardine Church and monastery complex showcases different architectural periods and houses beautiful frescoes. The ensemble represents one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Eastern Europe.

Booking Tip: Church visits are free but donations are appreciated. Interior access may be limited during services, so check schedules online. Best photographed from across the Vilnia River in late afternoon light. Guided architecture tours cost €20-30 and provide detailed historical context.

Experience Traditional Lithuanian Cuisine

Savor authentic Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and locally brewed beer in traditional restaurants within medieval cellars and historic buildings. The Old Town offers everything from rustic taverns serving hearty peasant fare to upscale restaurants reimagining Baltic cuisine with modern techniques.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €45-65 per person and include 4-6 tastings plus cultural insights. Book dinner reservations in advance, especially at popular spots like Lokys or Šnekutis. Try lunch specials (€8-12) for budget-friendly authentic meals, and don't miss the local craft beer scene.

Getting There

Vilnius is easily accessible via Vilnius International Airport (VNO), located just 7km from the city center with direct flights from major European cities and seasonal connections to North America. The airport connects to Old Town via bus (€1), taxi (€8-12), or ride-sharing services in about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, Vilnius is well-connected by bus and train to other Baltic capitals, with comfortable overnight trains from Warsaw and regular bus services from Riga (4.5 hours) and Tallinn (9 hours). The central bus and train stations are within walking distance of Old Town.

Getting Around

Vilnius Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other along well-maintained cobblestone streets. The city offers an efficient public transport system of buses and trolleybuses (€1 per ride, €3 for day pass) that connect Old Town to other districts, though most visitors find walking sufficient. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are readily available and affordable, while bicycle rentals and e-scooters provide eco-friendly alternatives for longer distances, though cobblestones can make cycling challenging in the historic center.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center
Užupis Artistic Quarter
New Town Business District
Žvėrynas Residential Area
Antakalnis Quiet Neighborhood
Šnipiškės Modern District

Food & Dining

Vilnius Old Town offers an exceptional dining scene that ranges from traditional Lithuanian taverns housed in medieval cellars to innovative Nordic-Baltic fusion restaurants earning international acclaim. Local specialties include hearty potato-based dishes, game meats, and seasonal ingredients like mushrooms and berries, best paired with local craft beers or Lithuanian mead. The area around Town Hall Square and Pilies Street concentrates many restaurants, from budget-friendly local joints serving authentic cepelinai for under €10 to upscale establishments reimagining Baltic cuisine, while cozy cafes tucked into historic courtyards offer excellent coffee culture and homemade pastries perfect for afternoon breaks between sightseeing.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vilnius

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

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)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Vilnius Old Town is from late May through early September when temperatures range from 15-25°C, allowing comfortable exploration of cobblestone streets and outdoor dining in charming courtyards. Summer brings the magical White Nights phenomenon, extended daylight hours, and numerous festivals, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful foliage, while winter transforms the Old Town into a fairytale setting with Christmas markets and snow-covered medieval architecture, though temperatures can drop to -10°C and daylight hours are limited.

Insider Tips

Look for the 'miracle tile' in Cathedral Square - standing on this unmarked spot and spinning three times clockwise is said to make wishes come true, and it marks the end point of the human chain that connected the three Baltic states in 1989.
Many churches and museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, and several attractions provide significant discounts with the Vilnius City Card, which also includes free public transport.
Explore the hidden courtyards and passages throughout Old Town by looking for small archways and gates - many lead to artisan workshops, galleries, and quiet cafes that aren't visible from the main streets.

Explore Activities in Vilnius Old Town