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About Vilnius
Vilnius sits where the Vilnia meets the Neris, about 30 km from the Belarus border and 300 km from Riga. The Old Town is compact, ringed by hills and church spires, and centred on Cathedral Square, Pilies Street and Town Hall Square. Across the Vilnia river, Užupis is an artists' quarter, while Gediminas Avenue and the New Town hold shops and offices. The city is walkable, and Trakai Island Castle is about 30 minutes away by train.
- Capital
- Vilnius
- Largest city
- Vilnius
- Population
- ~610,000 (city, 2025 estimate); ~810,000 (metropolitan area)
- Languages
- Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, English
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer)
Explore Vilnius by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Vilnius
The 19 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)
Vilnius Cathedral Bell Tower
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble and St. John's Bell Tower
Church of St. Anne
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Vilnius Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Vilnius, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Vilnius
- Days 1-2Vilnius city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Vilnius
- Days 1-3Vilnius comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Vilnius, departure
Where to stay in Vilnius
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €45 (~$51.75)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €120 (~$138)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €280+ (~$322+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton
Five-star Old Town hotel beside the Presidential Palace and a short walk from Cathedral Square, formerly operated as Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square. It combines a restored historic setting with a spa, a restaurant and a central address for the Old Town sights.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Pacai
A member of Design Hotels set in a restored Baroque palace on the Old Town's main street. Falstaff named it Lithuania's Hotel of the Year in its Nordics Hotel Guide 2026. It has a restaurant, a spa and individually styled rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comNarutis Hotel
Small Luxury Hotels of the World member in a 16th-century building on Pilies Street, the Old Town's main pedestrian route between the Town Hall and the cathedral. Rooms sit around historic courtyards and the Old Town sights are on the doorstep.
Check rates on Booking.comStikliai Hotel
Historic Old Town hotel in a 17th-century building in the former Glass Quarter, one of the longest-established upscale addresses in Vilnius. Quiet courtyards and a restaurant are on site, and the Town Hall is a short walk away.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Vilnius
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Lokys
Cellar tavern in the Old Town serving game and traditional dishes.
Bernelių Užeiga
Old Town tavern known for cepelinai and local beer.
Etno Dvaras (Aušros Vartų)
Rustic restaurant offering Lithuanian national dishes.
Stikliai Tavern
Traditional tavern attached to the Stikliai Hotel in the historic glass quarter.
Neringa Restaurant
Long-standing restaurant on Gedimino Avenue with a traditional menu.
Sweet Root
Seasonal Baltic restaurant in Užupis.
Book a food tour in Vilnius We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Vilnius
Vilnius Airport (VNO) is about 6 km south of the centre. The railway station (Geležinkelio g. 16) and bus station (Sodų g. 22) sit on the southern edge of the Old Town. Buses and trolleybuses cover the city; the Old Town is walkable.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €18 (~$20.70) hostel dorm | €65 (~$74.75) | €160 (~$184) |
| Food (per day) | €14 (~$16.10) | €30 (~$34.50) | €70 (~$80.50) |
| Transportation | €3 (~$3.45) | €8 (~$9.20) | €20 (~$23) |
| Activities | €10 (~$11.50) | €17 (~$19.55) | €30 (~$34.50) |
| Daily total | €45 (~$51.75) | €120 (~$138) | €280+ (~$322+) |
Best time to visit Vilnius
Weather through the year in Vilnius
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Vilnius.
Vilnius has four seasons. July highs are about 23C (73F) and January averages about -3C (27F). Spring and autumn are cooler and quieter.
The Christmas market on Cathedral Square runs from late November to early January. Public holidays on 16 February, 11 March and 6 July close shops and some museums.
Essential travel tips
- Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere
- The Vilnius Tourist Information Centre at Vilniaus g. 22 (+370 5 262 9660, govilnius.lt) gives maps and sells the Vilnius City Card
- Many museums close on Mondays
- Try cepelinai, šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) and kibinai at a local restaurant
- Tipping about 10% is customary if no service charge is added
- Lithuanian is the official language; Russian, Polish and English are widely spoken; 'ačiū' means thank you
Safety information
Vilnius is one of the safest capitals in Europe; the main risks are petty theft and the occasional tourist overcharge by unlicensed taxis
Keep phones and wallets in front pockets in the Old Town, at the bus and railway stations, and in crowded trolleybuses
Use the Bolt or Uber apps or a taxi from a rank rather than hailing a car on the street
Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas around the railway station (Geležinkelio g.), the Naujininkai district, and on the outskirts
Do not wander toward the Belarus border; the frontier zone is closed to non-residents without permission
Winter pavements ice over from December to March; wear shoes with good grip
Do not drink and drive or cycle; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.04%
Save 112 in the phone; it works in all of Lithuania and connects to English-speaking operators
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Vilnius?
Lithuania is in the EU and Schengen area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Check urm.lt for other nationalities.
What currency is used in Vilnius?
The euro (EUR). About 1 EUR equals 1.15 USD. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Is Vilnius safe for tourists?
Yes, Vilnius is very safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and call 112 in an emergency.
How many days do visitors need in Vilnius?
Two to three days cover the Old Town, Užupis and the main museums; add a day for Trakai Island Castle.
Explore Vilnius by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.