Our travel adventures in the heart of Europe began in the beautiful city of Vilnius, Lithuania. Besides being an up and coming Baltic state, Lithuania is fast becoming the center stage for art & culture of eastern Europe & Vilnius being the capital is at the center of this rapid change.
“Did you know that from mid-16th century to late 18th century, Poland and Lithuania merged to form a single state called the “Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth”
We spent 2.5 momentous days in Vilnius in which we covered all there was to see and do. Before we share our itinerary, a few key points to note about our trip:
We stayed in the heart of Vilnius Old Town (called Senamiestis), so all the tourist attractions are within a 2 km to 3 km radius from us.
We highly recommend walking versus public transport, because exploring the narrow historic alleys of Vilnius was the key highlight of our trip.
English is widely spoken and understood and travelling around old town is extremely safe.
So, here’s how to get the most out of your stay in Vilnius in just 2.5 days:
Day 0.5 (Friday)
After landing, checking in to our hotel and getting ready we only had half a day left before close of business, so headed off as soon as we could.
Vilnius Cathedral
The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius (aka Vilnius Cathedral) is the main Roman Catholic cathedral of Lithuania. Built in 1783, the cathedral is dedicated to Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus. The coronations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania took place within its confines, and you will find most of these Dukes buried in the crypts below.
Timings: 7am to 7pm (Everyday) | Entrance Tickets: Free | Time Spent: 30 minutes
Website: https://www.katedra.lt/
Location: Click Here
Hill of Three Crosses
Next stop, Hill of Three Crosses where the famous Three Crosses monuments can be found. According to a legend, seven Franciscan friars were beheaded on top of this hill for bad mouthing pagan Lithuanian gods.
Though you have to climb slightly steep yet beautiful wooden stairs to reach the top of the hill, a spectacular panorama of the Vilnius Old Town makes its completely worth it.
Timings: 24 Hrs (Everyday)
Entrance Tickets: Free
Time Spent: 60 minutes
Website: http://www.vilniauspilys.lt/
Location: Click Here
St Anne’s Church
Built in 1500, St Anne’s Church is a Roman Catholic church and in my opinion the jewel in Vilnius’s crown.
A fabulous example to red brick gothic architecture, legend has it that, Emperor Napoleon wanted to take the church back to France with him.
Timings: 11am to 6pm (Mondays Closed) Entrance Tickets: Free
Time Spent: 30 minutes
Website: N/A
Location: Click Here
Day 1 (Saturday)
Excited and re-energized, on our first full day in Vilnius, we got up super early and were out of out hotel by 8am, giving us an opportunity to take some beautiful pictures around town.
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Originally constructed in the 15th century for the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the future Kings of Poland, the palace, is now a museum, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history, archaeology, royal interiors, music & weaponry of Lithuanian royalty.
Entrance tickets to the Palace are not available online.
Timings: 10am to 6pm (Mondays Closed) Entrance Tickets: 8 Euros (Routes I – IV) Time Spent: 120 minutes Website: https://www.valdovurumai.lt/en Location: Click Here
Gedimina's Castle Tower
Gedimina's Tower is the last remaining part of the original Upper Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Originally completed in 1409, the top of the tower gives the most panoramic and picturesque view of the city. It is possible to reach the tower by climbing the hill on foot or by taking a funicular lift. The tower houses a museum exhibiting archaeological findings from the hill and the surrounding areas.
Timings: 10am to 6pm (Mondays Closed) Entrance Tickets: 5 Euros
Time Spent: 60 minutes Website: http://www.lnm.lt/en/ Location: Click Here
Republic of Uzupis
A fun, artsy and eccentric neighborhood to visit the Uzupis, most popularly known as the Republic of Uzupis. In a humorous turn of events, the residents of the area declared the Republic of Užupis, along with its own flag, unofficial currency, president, cabinet of ministers, a constitution, an anthem, and an army of approximately 11 men.
The Uzupis constitution and its funny articles are placed on wall, translated in different languages and are a must see for every tourist. The neighborhood is occupied by artists, whose surreal work is displayed across the district.
Timings: 24 Hrs | Entrance Tickets: Free | Time Spent: 60 minutes Website: N/A Location: Click Here
An Evening Stroll around Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to historic buildings, local eateries, numerous churches, souvenir shops and beautiful cobble stone streets.
It’s a labyrinth of narrow and mysterious alleys where every turn has a new surprise waiting around the corner.
An evening romantic stroll around the old town, exploring, shopping and taking pictures is the most perfect way to end the day.
Day 2 (Sunday)
Lukiskiu Square
Lukiškės Square is the largest square, located in the center of the city.
Formerly known as the Lenin Square, the site used to be a symbol of terror where Soviet opponents were interrogated and executed.
The infamous Soviet NKVD Palace can be found on the square which now houses the Museum of Genocide Victims.
Timings: 24 Hrs (Everyday)
Entrance Tickets: Free
Time Spent: 30 minutes Website: N/A Location: Click Here
Church of St Peter & Paul
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a Roman Catholic church located 30 minutes’ walk from Old Town.
The place is streaming with tourists and is the master piece of Polish- Lithuanian heritage. Its interior in unique in Europe and has masterful compositions of some 2,000 stucco figures.
If you’re looking for that one Instagram picture that describes your trip, then the interior of this church is the place to be.
Timings: 7am to 6:30pm (Everyday) Entrance Tickets: Free
Time Spent: 45 minutes Website: https://vilniauspetropovilo.lt/en/ Location: Click Here
Church of St. Casimir
The Church of St. Casimir is the first and the oldest baroque church in Vilnius, built in 1618. The church was built in the memory of the holy prince Saint Casimir who was canonized in 1604.
Its rumored that when the coffin of St Casimir was opened in a ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the church, the entire room filled up with a wonderful smell.
Timings: 7am to 6:30pm (Everyday) | Entrance Tickets: Free | Time Spent: 30 minutes Website: https://vilniauspetropovilo.lt/en/ Location: Click Here
Gate of Dawn
The Gate of Dawn is one of the most important religious, historical and cultural monuments a major site of Catholic pilgrimage in Lithuania.
The Chapel in the Gate of Dawn contains an icon of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy, said to have miraculous powers.
For centuries the picture has been one of the symbols of the city and an object of veneration for both Roman Catholic and Orthodox inhabitants. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures of this holy relic.
Timings: 6am to 7pm (All Days)
Entrance Tickets: Free
Time Spent: 30 minutes Website: https://www.ausrosvartai.lt/ Location: Click Here
Pilies Street
Finally, we ended our trip with a visit to Vilnius’s famous Pilies Street.
Pilies Street is the oldest and most flamboyant street in the Old Town of Vilnius.
The street is lined bars, eateries, coffee shops, souvenir stores and book shops. A nice long stroll through the street was the perfect way for us to wrap up our tour of Vilnius.
Timings: 9am to 6pm (Everyday)
Entrance Tickets: N/A
Time Spent: 120 minutes Website: N/A Location: Click Here