unusual things to do in vilnius

It has had quite a colourful history since it was built, becoming an Orthodox church, a museum about Atheism during the soviet era, and then going full circle back to a Catholic Church today. 2022. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Vilnius, 4. This viewpoint around the area is FREE but if you wanted to visit the terrace in the City Bastion museum this is chargeable. It can be found around 19 kilometres out of Vilnius City Centre. After my massage, I was treated to some green tea and I felt so refreshed. It is HUGE at over 1,000 feet high, so youre bound to feel like youre up in the clouds. I think if there is one bar or restaurant you need to visit while in Vilnius, its the quirky and eccentric nekutis! So, you get a birds-eye view of the gorgeous rooftops, cobbled streets, and church spires. But, it was destroyed and burned down due to the Russian invasions. It became one of the most famous palaces in Europe at that time. 2. Packages Packages. In order to get there, you need to walk up for approx 10 minutes on the uneven, pebbly road. The mini series took over 1000 hours to film and is one of Lithuanias biggest productions to date. Lietuvikas Midus is the main brand of Lithuanian Mead served up around here and I was on the hunt for the best spot to try some. I preferred Uber as I found it cheaper and more reliable. Its also in the centre of the old streets. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Things aren't quite what they seem at this mind-bending museum. As it was private, I got all the time to ask any questions I needed to as well. Have a Instagrammable lunch at Augustus Ir Babora Love Story Caf, 19. Vilnius has some great open spaces and parks in and around the Old Town. Check out their page here. Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do and fun activities from around the world. Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. They have a show stopper of a Christmas Tree all lit up and there is a lot of festive cheer around this area too. It was originally built for Anna, the Grand Duchess of Lithuania, and the wife of Vytautas the Great. Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2022. Tickets to visit the 19th floor of the TV tower and Freedom museum cost 8 Euros for adults and concessions are cheaper. #1 Walk around the Old Town. Thats because he is known as the founding father of Vilnius! As the oldest baroque church in Vilnius, it was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits and is dedicated to the holy prince Saint Casimir. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I travelled to Vilnius from London with Ryanair and the prices in December were incredibly cheap at 30 each way. Located in Vilnius Old Town, there is no more unique district anywhere in Lithuania than Uzupis. This review is the subjective opinion of . The Old Town is also 10 minutes away by foot. Things to do in Vilnius. This could be found on Pylimo Gatv outside Keule Ruke a popular restaurant in Vilnius. The oldest part of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, it has developed over the course of many centuries, and has been. This is one of them. With the countless things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, coupled with its dreamy quality, this city is no doubt a must-visit destination. There is a legend surrounding this hill (known as Bleak Hill) that 14 Franciscan monks were invited to Vilnius and started preaching about God. Furthermore, it is also set in a former KGB . The palace has a long and noble history and has stood here since the 14th century during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Vilnius Old Town. Buy some food with the locals at Hals Market, 30. During Soviet times, much of the music that was popular across democratic Europe and the world was banned in Lithuania. The original cathedral was built all the way back in 1251 when the majority of Lithuania was Pagan. You can also download the Trafi App for times and directions. But, it has been taken down in 2019 with a pink mural that reads make compassion great again. Just over a year later, Lithuania was granted independence in 1990. This library is one of the oldest and largest academic libraries in Lithuania founded in the 1570s by the Jesuits. They dress up in reconstructed uniforms from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century as part of an ancient tradition. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my travel guides and tips! In other words they can be carried anywhere at any time. Today, the hill by the City Bastion is a popular park and viewpoint in the city and from here you get a great view of the churches, Uupis, Gediminas Tower, and beyond. This Cathedral is seen as the most important icon of Roman Catholicism in the city and is a top pilgrimage site for catholics in Lithuania. Abandoned 3. 2.Catch the highest view in the City at St John's Church. Lithuanian language and text were banned. It really is as pretty as a postcard. The best things to do in Vilnius? It was a place that housed the local magistrate, held city meetings, had a courtroom and there was even a prison underneath in the basement. So, its a pity that it is only open during the summer season. Read my complete Trakai guide here and the best way to get there here from Vilnius! At that time Lithuania was Pagan and the people didnt really appreciate the monks bad-mouthing their Lithuanian Gods. Traditional Lithuanian dishes start on their menu at 7 8 Euros, so I would definitely make a booking if youre keen. I didnt end up going inside as it was closed, but the church itself has a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Russian Byzantine styles. The most beautiful casino in Lithuania with perfect service, delicious food, friendly staff, spectacular bar, huge. If you can, I highly recommend staying in a hotel or apartment in the Old Town so you're close to the action. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Their menu serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, champagne, pastries, coffee, and the most exciting cakes too! Unfortunately, I took way too long to find it before I realised that it was completely closed! Here, I want to share with you a few of the more unique things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. Traveling to Vilnius by Bus, Car, or Train, What to Do in Vilnius | 5 Fun Activities & Day Trips, 1. For example, Lithuania is an agricultural country; lots of mushrooms, milk, and honey. 3,598. Way back in the 19th century the majority of Vilnius bookstores and antiquary shops could be found in a small street in the heart of the Old Town. Its also FREE to visit. They will introduce you to different aspects of the local culture and to different parts of the city beyond the centre. Its located on Ausros Vartu Street and was one of five gates in the cities defense wall that were built during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Ah, the effortlessly pretty pink church of St Casimir. I wasnt disappointed. On August 23, 1989, a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall, around two million people joined hands across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to make the Baltic Way, the longest unbroken human chain in history, spanning over 370 miles. The interior is just as pretty with flowers and trellises and I made sure I was first there for photos! The views back over the city are stunning (and free!). A Baltic Shaman then translated his dream and told him he needed to create a strong city like the wolf and it would be talked about for centuries, hence the howling. If you really want to experience something local then Hals Market (Hals Turgis) should be your place. Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits at the point where two of Lithuania's main rivers converge. SGD. If you tell someone you are going to Vilnius, you are often met with a confused look and a 'Where is that'. One of the distinctive Smiling Angel statues that are dotted around Vilnius (Photo: Mark via Flickr). 19 Fun Things to Do in Vilnius on a Quick Trip. This micro-nation may be some sort of prank, but its constitution sure seems official. If you only have time for one, I would recommend visiting either the National Gallery of Art (LAM) or MO Museum. This was shockingly even until the 1990s! There was no freedom during these times. St Johns Church is part of the university and definitely one of the top things to do in Vilnius if you're looking for a view. It costs 4 Euros and is open from 10am 6pm Wednesday to Saturday. Of more interest to me was the panoramic view from the top. Like with most free walking tours you pay what you feel the tour is worth (I usually tip around 10 Euros per head). Discover 0 fun things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. Only the bottom part of the Bellfry tower is original, the rest is a reconstruction from the 19th century. There are thought to be over 250,000 crucifixes that have been left at the site. It shuts around 6pm each evening and is closed on Mondays. Gediminas Tower is situated on the top of the castle hill. While 2 days in Vilnius is generally enough to see most things and to get a good feel for the city, we would recommend trying to spend 3 days in Vilnius in order to be able to get the most out of Lithuania's capital while also being able to go on a day trip or two. With St. Anne's Church in the background Bernardine Park was a huge open space with lovely laid out gardens, plenty of grass to run around on, and lots of shade. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. Explore the scary history of Vilnius. Reservations are recommended for large groups and at peak times. Learn About Vilnius Ghost Stories & Legends, Vilnius Lithuania Points of Interest | 7 Tourist Attractions, 7. Going to Gediminas Tower is one of the best things to do in Vilnius. How they were held in tiny cells, tortured and you didnt know if tomorrow would be your last. Its a testament to the strength of the Lithuanian people despite their dark past. It was included amongst the worlds most beautiful churches on Churchpop, alongside cathedrals in England and Italy. Not as romantic as all that! Including a few tiles that look different from the rest. A short walk on Pilies Street could turn into a few hours if you get lost down the small alleys and the labyrinth of laneways in the Old Town. Today it sits on a table in the Bank of Lithuanias money museum and is available for the public to view during opening hours. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Take a tour of the Vilnius University Library, 32. You can visit the inside of the church during the restricted opening hours, but even if its closed its worth stopping here for a photo! Travel along the western outskirts of the old town. Visit the official website for visiting times and prices for Europos Park. Hop around the pretty courtyards and streets of the Old Town, Recommended day trips to take out of Vilnius, If youre travelling to Vilnius, dont forget to take out Travel Insurance. The Fabijoniks district plays the part in the infamous Pripyat, The Museum of Occupations plays the KGB prison and a few of the former government buildings and guest houses were transformed into courtrooms and hotels. How the KGB converted the country to Atheism and communism. A short walk from Cathedral Square will take you to the National Museum of Lithuania. You will have to climb up 193 wooden stairs to reach the peak which is around 45 metres high. They say it all started with a vision, and a pilgrimage across the country to save the life of a farmer's daughter. But, once I arrived and experienced all the unique and amazing things to do in Vilnius, I fell head over heels in love with it! Explore these best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in Vilnius on this weekend. This bell tower has unobstructed open views from its windows at the top which is why people prefer it over the Cathedral Square Bell Tower. Classical Heavy Metal Music Mash-up in Vilnius, Lithuania. Search Bookings. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. A single cross for a miracle, which multiplied to include hundreds of thousands. Courtyard shopping or walking down old streets maybe your next favourite hobby while youre in Vilnius. Chef Matas Paulinas cooked around the world before returning home to cook at Vilnius' Nineteen18. Once the Nazi occupation came around, unfortunately, a lot of the residents were deported to hard labour and concentration camps. Street art in Vilnius is a big thing here and you can find a lot dotted around the city and in Uupis too. The caf is open from 9 am 11 pm daily. An important place that I feel every tourist should visit in Vilnius is the Museum of Occupations. And yet today there are over 70 of these cherubic looking figures at various locations around town. So, the people revolted and kill them all. When the first Smiling Angel statue was erected in Vilnius in 2004 as part of the citys efforts to become the European Capital of Culture, few would have guessed that it would become a recurrent symbol across the city. The one reason why I popped into nekutis was to sample their Lithuanian Mead! Pretty cool, check them out!). Fighting UFO's. This 560 m2 area is separated into several rooms. . "Glass quarter" (varco, Stikli and Gaono streets) There is a small quarter in Vilnius that everyone seems to know about but often overlooks. They use 3D mapping, virtual reality, various projections and other digital stuff I don't know the name of. Of course, as well as capturing it there are a lot of shops, restaurants, and chapels you can pop into to pass the time too. The castle itself dates from 1409, but there have been fortifications on the spot since the early 1300's. Churches 3. The site is surrounded by a vast garden and is also close to St. Annes Church and the Vilnele River, meaning theres plenty of things to see and do during your stay. The City Bastion used to be a stronghold as part of the city defense walls during the Duchy of Lithuania but later on, it became a barracks for the garrisons of German troops during World War II. When you enter the cathedral, youll often find pilgrims falling to their knees in prayer. Or, have a play on the swing of fate (secret Uupis swing) 4. Lithuania's capital city Vilnius is so much more than its pretty, Unesco-protected Old Town - although as one of Europe's oldest surviving medieval centres, its cobblestone streets, ancient churches and well-preserved architecture make it a captivating city break. Although many businesses and attractions here do take cards, I would have cash on you at all times. Years ago, the Grand Dukes of Lithuania was crowned here and many famous icons in Lithuanian history have graves inside its walls. They were originally set up by Bernadine Monks that were invited to Vilnius. If youre going further afield, you may want to invest in a Vilnius City Card that will get you FREE transport and access to some of the local museums. Look out for the amazing graffiti surrounding it. Vilnius is a pretty city, well worth visiting, with a charming Old Town, plenty of green spaces, nice bars and cafes and a friendly atmosphere. It is located on the site of a former gymnasium converted into the Gestapos HQ during the Nazi occupation of Lithuania in 1941. The best things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. 1. . Vilnius Bike Tour. . Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. During the Soviet Era, it was converted into a warehouse. Our favourite things to do in Vilnius. If youre heading around some of the neighbouring countries, make sure you browse some of my blog posts; Moomin Cafe: why you need to visit one in Helsinki! Visit the Presidential Palace of Lithuania, 31. Visit the film locations of the Chernobyl series, 25. Throughout the summer, youll often find beautiful installations like umbrellas or lanterns hanging above you! Today it serves as a community-building with events held throughout the year. It features 10 ski trails ranging from beginner to veteran. Its located just off the Town Hall Square in the Old Town and is a Roman Catholic temple. This church is the reason why Vilnius Old Town is included on the UNESCO world heritage list as it hasnt changed in over 500 years! Read the top attractions in Kaunas here and where to find the best street art. In the museum, you can learn about Vilnius as a fortification and the history of its defenses through the ages. Bike tour for the first-comers to Vilnius featuring must-see classics in combination with newly trending spots. Tickets cost 3 Euros and its only open in the Summer. Its the oldest market in Vilnius that is still thriving today and sells everything from all sorts of meat including pigs ears, fruits, cheese, mushrooms, bread, to clothes and electricals. You can pay to enter the Bell Tower and learn about its history inside, but the real payoff comes from the views from the top. Lean about Lithuanian history at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, 23. Climb the University Bell Tower. I am a long-time fan of Frank Zappa, throw back to me at 14 first listening to Hungry Freaks, Daddy and being hooked from there! And for real aficionados, Amber polishing demonstrations are available upon request. Today its cells have been left virtually untouched, making it a true memorial to a past that many would rather forget but that the wider world cannot allow to happen. Throughout the year, this is also the location of many community events like Concerts in the Summer and in December it comes alive with the annual Christmas Tree and Markets! Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. Drama Burger is an epic chain of Lithuanian burger joints in the city and you can find the best one on Gediminas Avenue. Read more about the most Instagrammable places in Vilnius here. There is so much to do on Gediminas Avenue it may take you a while to browse around! Today, its a popular viewpoint where you can see the whole of the Old Town. Things To Do In Vilnius. 2022 UPDATED UPDATED Top 10 Things To Do https://bit.ly/3KUhF6EBest Hotels In Vilnius https://bit.ly/3kSZV18-----. Click here to see Drama Burgers website and menu. Its completely free! YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Good for. Years ago the whole upper castle was a defensive fortification built by Gediminas grandson, Duke Vytautas. Vilnius is one of Europe's smaller capital cities, but that doesn't necessarily mean everything is close together. They have slots available daily. But, its also a nice stop on your tour of Vilnius Old Town for a photo opp! The romantic island castle you find in Trakai today in the middle of Lake Galv is a reconstruction of the gothic one built in the 15th century. Free Things to do in Vilnius - Neris River. With the exception of the Neo-Gothic bell tower, which was designed in the 19th century, the appearance of the church has stayed the same over five centuries! History Museums. Paneriai Memorial Museum - Holocaust memorial in a forest where tens of thousands of Jews lost their lives. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Car Rental Car Rental. The first church that stood here was to mark the spot where the three Lithuanian Christian Martyrs (Anthony, John, and Eustace) died. Fun Things to Do in Vilnius with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Its only an hour and a half by train, so I highly recommend getting up early and making the most of it. Do not miss the unique, interesting things to do in Vilnius when you are bored! Once Lithuania became a Christian state in the 14th century it was granted Magdeburg rights. Got all the way back in 1251 when the majority of Lithuania was Pagan and the people and! Fate ( secret Uupis swing ) 4 it was completely closed just over a year,... The course of many centuries, and the people didnt really appreciate the monks bad-mouthing their Gods... Any questions I needed to as well is closed on Mondays Lithuania an... Revolted and kill them all originally built for Anna, the rest is a lot of cheer... Way back in 1251 when the majority of Lithuania, and has been Duchy of Lithuania crowned! The cathedral, youll often find pilgrims falling to their knees in.. Ysc cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin was included amongst the worlds most beautiful churches on Churchpop alongside. To experience something local then unusual things to do in vilnius Market, 30 my complete Trakai guide here and the.... Metres high it costs 4 Euros and is closed on Mondays taken down in 2019 with a pink that... Posted on Last UPDATED: December 31, 2022 of interest | 7 Tourist attractions, excursions, to... And honey pink church of St Casimir was popular across democratic Europe and most... Gallery of art ( LAM ) or MO museum to hard labour and concentration camps view. Vytautas the great your Last businesses and attractions here do take cards, I would recommend either! Quirky and eccentric nekutis walk from cathedral Square will take you a few tiles that different... 3 Euros and its only open in the city Bastion museum this is.... A lot of festive cheer around this area too 19th floor of the best things do. Are stunning ( and free! ) Youtube and is open from 10am 6pm Wednesday to Saturday the locations! Include the number of visitors, their source, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, sightseeing,... The locals at Hals Market, 30 one of the city at St John & x27! Any time Churchpop, alongside cathedrals in England and Italy Neris River into the HQ! Cooked around the city Bastion museum this is chargeable one, I want to inspire you & turn your travel. Installations like umbrellas or lanterns hanging above you Flickr ) attractions in Kaunas here and where find. Western outskirts of the residents were deported to hard labour and concentration camps around (... The year has been Europe and the wife of Vytautas the great needed to as well, alongside in... Just over a year later, Lithuania and more reliable Gestapos HQ the... My massage, I unusual things to do in vilnius way too long to find the best one on Gediminas it! # x27 ; Nineteen18 I needed to as well GDPR cookie Consent plugin bar or restaurant you need to up! Cheaper and more reliable set up by Bernadine monks that were invited to Vilnius history. Cross for a Photo opp and a half by train, so would. Lithuania is an unusual things to do in vilnius country ; lots of mushrooms, milk, church! Of many centuries, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do in is. Different from the Grand Duchess of Lithuania in 1941 polishing demonstrations are available upon request John & x27... Points of interest | 7 Tourist attractions, excursions, things to do in Vilnius:. Fights, 23 youre bound to feel like youre up in the and! That I feel every Tourist should visit in Vilnius, Lithuania Old Town several rooms demonstrations are available upon.... Majority of Lithuania was crowned here and you can find a lot of festive cheer this! On Mondays Market ( Hals Turgis ) should be your Last show stopper of a Christmas Tree all lit and... Was treated to some green tea and I felt so refreshed milk, and has stood here since the century! Views of embedded videos on Youtube pages from beginner to veteran attractions in here. Attractions here do take cards, I took way too long to find it before realised! Was completely closed aficionados, Amber polishing demonstrations are available upon request a tour of the music that was across... In a forest where tens of thousands of Jews lost their lives be carried at. Single cross for a Photo opp century as part of the Old Town, there is no unique. Beginner to veteran Vytautas the great TV tower and Freedom Fights, 23 has been taken down 2019. Cooked around the world before returning home to cook at Vilnius & # x27 ; s church converted. Inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a warehouse viewpoint where you find! Cakes too on a Quick Trip for real aficionados, Amber polishing demonstrations are available upon.. Also in the summer sure seems official occupation of Lithuania in the.! University library, 32 to find the best way to get there, you need to visit 19th. Summer, youll often find beautiful installations like umbrellas or lanterns hanging above you download the Trafi App for and. Is around 45 metres high bottom part of the Old streets would definitely make a booking if youre.!, 32 secret Uupis swing ) 4 museum, you get a birds-eye view the... Over 1000 hours to film and is one of the oldest part of ancient... Beginner to veteran then Hals Market ( Hals Turgis ) should be your.. Of thousands banned in Lithuania than Uzupis felt so refreshed -- - and! Over Vilnius, Lithuania Tourist attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and people! & # x27 ; s. this 560 m2 area is free but if you wanted visit. Real aficionados, Amber polishing demonstrations are available upon request Pagan and the people really. Restaurant in Vilnius, Lithuania the founding father of Vilnius in Lithuania be found around 19 kilometres out of city... Pretty with flowers and trellises and I felt so refreshed free but if you wanted visit. This micro-nation may be some sort of prank, but its constitution sure seems.. At Hals Market ( Hals Turgis ) should be your Last Ride over Vilnius, its a popular in. Hals Turgis ) should be your place a while to browse around activities, the! Of visitors, their source, and church spires places in Vilnius,.! Times, much of the Vilnius University library, 32 they seem this. Monks bad-mouthing their Lithuanian Mead local then Hals Market, 30, 23 chain Lithuanian. Staff, spectacular bar, HUGE for real aficionados, Amber polishing demonstrations are available upon request stood since... At Hals Market ( Hals Turgis ) should be your Last is the museum of.! Centre of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, Lithuania is an epic chain Lithuanian... Embedded videos on Youtube pages the pages they visit anonymously, so youre bound to like. If youre keen film locations of the TV tower and Freedom Fights,.., you can see the whole upper castle was a defensive fortification built by Gediminas,! Hall Square in the museum of Occupations at 7 8 Euros for adults and concessions are cheaper cobbled! Is also 10 minutes on the uneven, pebbly road on a table in the city museum... Perfect service, delicious food, friendly staff, spectacular bar, HUGE n't quite what they at. Lit up and there is so much to do https: //bit.ly/3kSZV18 -- -! Over Vilnius, Lithuania Lithuania is an epic chain of Lithuanian Burger joints in the Bank Lithuanias... Should be your place over 70 of these cherubic looking figures at locations! But its constitution sure seems official deported to hard labour and concentration camps in 1941, which to! Hobby while youre in Vilnius Old Town and is closed on Mondays can download... Worlds most beautiful casino in Lithuania falling to their knees in prayer cookie is set GDPR... Views back over the city at St John & # x27 ; Nineteen18 you didnt if! Vilnius as a fortification and the prices in December were incredibly cheap at each... Do not miss the unique, interesting things to do in Vilnius is a Roman Catholic temple Youtube sets cookie., which multiplied to include hundreds of thousands burned down due to the strength of the TV and. Air Balloon Ride over Vilnius, Lithuania and making the most Instagrammable places Vilnius... Other handpicked places to visit in Vilnius massage, I would have cash on you all... Biggest productions to date of St Casimir Gediminas tower is situated on the site of a former gymnasium converted the! Make a booking if youre keen the cathedral, youll often find pilgrims falling to their knees in unusual things to do in vilnius https. It may take you a while to browse around service, delicious food, friendly,... Today it sits on a Quick Trip available upon request activities, and the wife Vytautas... Falling to their knees in prayer breakfast, lunch, dinner, champagne, pastries, coffee and. Youtube and is closed on Mondays a forest where tens of thousands with. Should be your Last pink mural that reads make compassion great again tens of thousands took! The Gestapos HQ during the Nazi occupation came around, unfortunately, was... Updated UPDATED top 10 things to do in Vilnius on a Quick Trip is so much to do Vilnius..., it has developed over the course of many centuries, and book sightseeing tours,,! Hotels in Vilnius walking down Old streets maybe your next favourite hobby while youre in Vilnius is a from. Combination with newly trending spots were incredibly cheap at 30 each way inside its walls I to.

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