10 Wonderful Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania

1. Admire the Beauty of Trakai Island Castle

Trakai is probably one of the most photogenic places in Lithuania. It is one of the main reasons why I wanted to visit Lithuania in the first place.

Trakai is an island castle located on an island in the middle of Lake Galve, not too far from Vilnius. Built in the 14th century, this red stone castle was constructed as the main center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Despite its name, this historic city was actually built and preserved by a diverse group of nationalities. The communities of Karaims, Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews, and Poles were said to have inhabited the city together in harmony, which is quite rare for the time.

Historically speaking, its strategic location on an island made Trakai one of the most formidable fortresses in the region. But nowadays, it has been converted into a museum, and it is becoming one of the coolest places you can visit in Europe.

Inside, you will find a permanent exhibition with all kinds of displays and cool old artifacts, all devoted to preserving the history of the town of Trakai, its castles, and the people that used to inhabit the area.

There is quite a lot to see inside Trakai Island Castle, with many rooms and towers to climb, so be sure to spare around 2-3 hours for the place. The entrance fee to Trakai Island Castle is 12 EUR per person, and the castle gate opens from 9 AM - 6 PM every day from May to September, and from 8 AM - 5 PM on weekdays and 10 AM - 5 PM on weekends from October to April.

To get from Vilnius to Trakai Island Castle, you will have to catch one of the many buses from Vilnius Bus Station. The bus from Vilnius to Trakai runs from 5 AM to 8 PM almost every hour every day, taking about 35 minutes, and costs around 2.25 EUR per person.

The bus from Vilnius will drop you off at Trakai Bus Station, and you will then have to walk another 30 minutes to get to Trakai Island Castle. It's a nice, easy walk that goes through a town, allowing you to see what life is like there. To get back from Trakai to Vilnius, you can catch another bus from the same bus station.

2. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Trakai

Now, if you want a more epic experience in Trakai, and if the weather permits, I highly recommend you go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Trakai in the early morning. This will allow you to see Trakai Island Castle and the beautiful Lake Galve in all its full glory.

The hot air balloon tour usually costs around 150 USD per person, and it should take about 3 hours, including transfers to and from Vilnius. It is an incredible experience to have in Vilnius.

If you are lucky enough to be there on a foggy morning, you will be rewarded with a dreamy view of the Trakai Island Castle surrounded by mystical low clouds, almost as if it came straight from a fairy tale.

If you want to book a hot air balloon ride over Trakai Island Castle, you can reserve your spot with a link below:

Book A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Trakai

3. Visit Vilnius Cathedral

One of the most prominent landmarks that you will likely see the moment you arrive in Vilnius is the Vilnius Cathedral, a classical-style Roman Catholic Cathedral that was constructed in the 18th century over a pagan temple.

During the Soviet reign, it was converted into a warehouse until 1988 when Lithuania gained independence and it was converted back into a cathedral that anyone can enter.

The decor inside is pretty interesting to see, but what caught my attention is the Gediminas Castle Tower at the top of the hill behind it, where anyone can climb up for a stunning view over the city.

You can pay 5 EUR to enter the Gediminas Castle Tower and climb to the top for a stunning view of the Old Town and all its beautiful orange roofs, but you can also enjoy a nice view from the bottom of the tower without paying the entrance fee. Either way, getting to the top of the hill is a must if you are looking for an incredible viewpoint over Vilnius.

4. Learn the Lithuanian History at Museums

Did you know that Lithuania used to be a major military power back in the 13th Century when it ruled this part of Europe from the coast of the Baltic Sea all the way to the Black Sea? I didn't until I actually learned about the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and its rich and mostly forgotten medieval history at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum.

When we talk about European history, we are often focused on the West, but a lot also happens in the East, and there is no better place to learn about it than in Vilnius, Lithuania, and all its museums.

If you are interested in Lithuania's medieval past, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum is the first place I recommend you visit. There are several routes you can follow that will take you through each exhibition, covering all kinds of topics from archaeological discoveries to traditions, everyday life, and music.

The entrance fee for the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum is 7 EUR, and the museum opens from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday, the 1st of November, and from the 24th to the 26th of December.

Another good museum to visit is the New Arsenal of National Museum if you want to see some old artifacts. However, if you are looking for a museum in Vilnius to learn a bit more about its dark past during the Soviet era and its fight for independence, I highly recommend you check out the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights as well.

The museum is built inside an old KGB headquarters and prison, and it is dedicated to honoring the Lithuanians who were killed there during the Soviet reign. The entrance fee to the museum is 6 EUR, and it opens from 10 AM to 9 PM from Wednesday to Sunday every week.

5. Drop by St. Anne's Church

There are many amazing architectures to see in Vilnius, but one of the most impressive ones out there is St. Anne's Church, a Roman Catholic Church constructed in the early 16th century using red-painted clay bricks that gave it its unique Gothic look.

The main facade of St. Anne's Church is one of the most striking features of the church, and it represents one of the greatest examples of the Flamboyant Gothic architectural style. This style incorporates traditional Gothic elements and shapes that are not seen in other architectural designs found in the city.

Even though the interior of St. Anne's Church was a little underwhelming, in my opinion, the striking features of the facade sure make up for it. The place opens from 11 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday, and the best part is, it is free to enter.

6. Check Out Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Another impressive church that you should definitely check out while you are in Vilnius is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, located a little bit northeast of the city center. You can easily walk there in about 30 minutes, or you can catch a local bus heading east and get off at the next roundabout.

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a Roman Catholic church built in the 17th century, and what makes this church stand out is its beautiful baroque style and the orange/yellow-colored exterior, which is such a contrast from what you will find inside.

Do not let the colorful exterior of the church fool you, as the moment you walk inside, you will find yourself in an all-white nave filled with extremely detailed plain white sculptures and statues all over.

The only objects that are not white are the wooden benches, the tiles, the main altar, and some of the murals on the walls and ceilings of the church, which create a stark yet beautiful contrast that is hard to explain in words.

The interior of the church is truly a sight to behold, and I highly recommend you see it for yourself. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul opens from 7 AM to 6:30 PM every day, and it is free for anyone to enter.

7. Stroll Around the Republic of Užupis

Did you know that there is a republic inside Lithuania? The Republic of Užupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius that declared itself an independent republic with its own flag and constitution back in 1998, and it has since been a place for young creatives and artists to congregate and hang out.

The history before its bohemian uprising is much darker, however, as the area used to house most of the Jewish population who were killed during the Holocaust, and it became one of the most neglected areas in the city up until Lithuania's declaration of independence, where the younger generation and creatives breathed new life into it.

Now it is a great place for us to stroll around and see what the newer generations of Lithuania are up to. One of the most important landmarks is the Angel of Uzupis, and you will often find walking tours you can join to learn a bit more about this bohemian haven.

There are also plenty of cool cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and many other creative outlets in which you can indulge yourself. If you have a few hours to spare in Vilnius, be sure to drop by here and indulge yourself in all the creative activities the Republic of Uzupis has to offer.

8. Explore Vilnius Old Town Starting from the Gates of Dawn

Built in the 16th Century, the Gates of Dawn are the only surviving gate out of all 10 gates of the old Vilnius defensive wall. They mark where the old town of Vilnius begins, making it a great place to start your exploration.

From inside the city's walls, you will see a stunning painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, right at the top of the gate. This painting is considered to be one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in the entire country.

As you continue north, you will find another impressive Catholic church, the Church of St. Theresa, towering over you, which is also worth a visit. You will also find the Holy Trinity Church & Basilian Gate and Church of St. Casimir, Vilnius, which are worth a visit in themselves.

Basically, there is a ton of beautiful architecture to see in Vilnius Old Town, and if you would like to see it all, I suggest you start at the Gates of Dawn and make your way up north from there.

9. Hike Up to the Three Crosses Monument

For the best sunset spot and a viewpoint to see the stunning nightscape of Vilnius, it has to be at the Three Crosses Monument, a hill behind Vilnius Cathedral that you can climb.

The Three Crosses Monument was built on top of the site where the old wooden crosses were erected in the 17th Century. It became an integral part of the city until the Soviets took it down. After gaining independence, the city reconstructed the monument to remind itself of the dark past during the Soviet reign.

As it turns out, it is also a great viewpoint for seeing the unobstructed skyline of Vilnius, and it is one of the popular places for locals to hang out at sunset. The hill is pretty easy to climb, and it should take no longer than 20 minutes to walk up. The best time to climb is right before sunset, and make sure to stay until the blue hours to see the city light up.

10. Go On A Day Trip to the Hill of Crosses

Last but not least, if you are looking for a day trip to do from Vilnius, one of the most popular trips to do is to visit the Hill of Crosses, a sight of pilgrimage located in northern Lithuania.

As the name suggests, the Hill of Crosses is a hill full of crosses, crucifixes, statues, and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries left by Catholic pilgrims from all over the country.

How many crosses are there, you asked? Well, speaking approximately, it is said that there are more than 100,000 crosses up here. With the tour, you will also be able to learn more about the history of the hill and why the hill became such an important pilgrimage site for Catholics.

Since it is a little far, I highly recommend you go with an organized tour instead, as you will be able to visit the place all in one day without having to worry about the logistics.

The tour should take an entire day, and they will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the Hill of Crosses, among other sites, before taking you back to your hotel in the evening. If you have a day to spare in Vilnius, going on a day trip to the Hill of Crosses is the way to go.

When to Visit Vilnius, Lithuania?

The best time to visit Vilnius, Lithuania is from June to August, when the weather is nice and warm, making it great for you to explore the outdoors.

This period is considered to be the high season, but since the Baltic countries don't get as many tourists as other places in Europe, you do not have to worry about big crowds ruining your trip.

Other months outside of the peak season can be extremely cold in the Baltic countries, and many of the tourist attractions you might want to visit might not be open, so I highly recommend you stick with the summer months when planning a trip here.

How to Get to Vilnius, Lithuania?

To get to Vilnius, you will have to either fly into its international airport or catch one of the many buses that run between other cities in Europe to Vilnius via Poland from Western Europe or via Latvia from Northern Europe.

To find a flight to Vilnius, you have to search for flights that fly into Vilnius International Airport (VNO).

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Vilnius. However, you can still fly into the city via one of the many transit flights that pass through cities like Frankfurt (Lufthansa), British Airlines (London), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) from big cities in the US like New York, Boston, and Miami. The journey should take about 13 hours and cost 300 USD or more.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Vilnius. You can also opt for low-cost airlines like Wizz and RyanAir, which often offer direct flights from major cities across Europe for as low as 12 USD.

From Asia, your only option is to fly into Vilnius via transit flights through big European cities like Frankfurt and Amsterdam, which can take anywhere from 17 to more than 24 hours, including transit time.

It's not ideal, but this is the only way to do it from Asia. A better way would be to visit Vilnius as part of your larger Europe trip, which is exactly what I did to make the long flight worthwhile.

To find a cheap flight to Vilnius, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.

Getting From Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania

To get from Poland to Vilnius, you will have to first get yourself to Bialystok, an industrial city near the border, either by train or bus. You can book a bus from Warsaw to Bialystok from here: Book Warsaw to Bialystok Bus. The journey should take about 3 hours and cost 5 USD per person.

Once you arrive at Białystok Bus Station, you can then catch a 9 AM bus operated by Lux Bus, which should take you to Vilnius in about 6.5 hours and for around 18 USD. You can book the bus from Białystok, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania here: Book Białystok to Vilnius Bus.

As you can see, the bus from Bialystok to Vilnius runs pretty early, so make sure you get from Warsaw to Bialystok on an early bus or train that arrives 30 minutes prior to its 9:05 AM departure time.

How to Get Around Vilnius, Lithuania?

By Walk: Vilnius is pretty well concentrated when it comes to its tourist attractions, and you can easily travel between these places on foot.

By Intercity Bus: For attractions that are further away, like Trakai, you can easily catch an intercity bus that often runs between these places every 1 to 2 hours every day. All you have to do is visit Vilnius Bus Station and take the bus that goes to Trakai, and that's it.

By Train: You can also take a train from Vilnius to places like Trakai, but you will have fewer options when it comes to time. There is only one train that leaves from Vilnius Railway Station to Trakai at 8:04 AM. However, I find the bus to be much more comfortable.

By Tours: If you want a more deep-dive experience into Vilnius, going with an organized tour like this Soviet City Walking Tour or taking day trips to places like Trakai is also a great option too.

You will get more information about the city than when you explore by yourself, and you do not have to worry about the logistics of visiting other places. It should all be organized for you.

For more tours, you can join in Vilnius, click the link below:

Book Day Trips in Vilnius

How Many Days To Spend in Vilnius, Lithuania?

Two full days should be enough to see everything Vilnius has to offer, with some time to relax in between. Below is a rough itinerary of things to do in Vilnius for 2 days:

Day 1: Visit all the tourist attractions within Vilnius, such as Vilnius Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Duke, St. Anne's Church, Uzupis, and climb up the Three Crosses Monument for a nice sunset before ending the first day.

Day 2: Visit Trakai for half a day and then spend the rest of your second day visiting museums or indulging yourself in local cuisine in the city.

How Much Money Do I Need For Vilnius, Lithuania?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will spend in Vilnius, Lithuania as follows:

Accommodation: For 3 nights in Vilnius, you can expect to pay around 42 USD (35.57 EUR) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 7 EUR on average per meal, so for 2 days, you can expect to pay around 42 EUR per person for food.

Transportation: For transportation, you will only need to buy a round trip bus ticket to Trakai, which should cost around 4 EUR, and that is it for transportation.

Activities: For activities, you will have to pay the entrance fee to Gediminas Castle Tower (5 EUR), Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museums (7 EUR), and Trakai Castle (12 EUR). So, in total, you will pay around 24 EUR for activities in Lithuania.

Total Budget for 2 days in Vilnius: 105.57 EUR (124.61 USD)

Is it Safe in Vilnius, Lithuania?

Lithuania is generally quite safe, especially when compared to bigger cities like Paris and Barcelona. Petty thefts can still happen, but they are not as prevalent as in Western Europe.

That said, it is always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your belongings and surroundings when you are traveling. Petty thefts, like bag snatching and pickpocketing, do still happen in big cities like Vilnius, especially in crowded areas. So, don't forget to keep your belongings near you when you are out and about at all times.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Lithuania?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Vilnius, Lithuania without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Vilnius, Lithuania:

There are 3 major carriers in Lithuania: Telia, Tele2, and Bitee, all of which offer pretty similar coverage. However, the best one to get is Ežys and Extra, a prepaid brand offered by Telia.

With Ežys by Telia, you can buy a SIM card for around 1.5 - 2 EUR, and then easily purchase top-up vouchers from Telia stores or various shops in Vilnius.

Regular data plans for Ežys by Telia should cost between 2.59 EUR for 2 GB and unlimited for 11.99 EUR, all with a duration of 30 days. The activation and top-up can be done entirely online, and you should be able to pay with an international credit card.

For more information about Lithuania's local SIM card: Lithuania's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Vilnius, Lithuania?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Vilnius, Lithuania:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Europe? Check out:What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for the Baltic Countries and its Neighbors

I hope you found this Baltic travel guide useful. If you want to read more about the Baltic Countries and their neighbors, here are a selection of articles you might like:

• For a complete itinerary for the Baltic Countries, check out: One Week Itinerary for the Baltic Countries.
• You can't travel to the Baltics without visiting Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Here is a complete travel guide and the 10 Best Things to Do in Riga, Latvia.
• Tallinn is one of the prettiest cities in the Baltics and a must-visit for those who love medieval architecture and colorful traditional houses. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia.
• Helsinki is a great place to travel to from Estonia. If you are heading that way, be sure to visit our 9 Best Things To Do In Helsinki as well.
• Stockholm is a beautiful city with a ton of things to do and places to see that can be quite overwhelming. Here's a travel guide and 3-day itinerary on things to do in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Poland is also a great country to visit after Lithuania. If you are heading south, be sure to check out our 2-week backpacking itinerary for Poland.
• Are you traveling to Sweden as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• You can also watch my Baltic Countries travel video here: "Go with the Baltic Flow" travel video.
• To see all the articles about Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, visit Lithuania Travel Guide page, Latvia Travel Guide page, and Estonia Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Eastern Europe Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.