Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, on the Neris and Vilnia rivers. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest medieval centres in Eastern Europe, mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches with the bohemian Užupis district and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Vilnius.
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1
Gediminas Tower and Upper Castle
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning or about an hour before sunset to avoid the busiest tour-group hours. · Wear shoes with grip; the cobbled path is slippery in rain, frost and snow. · Buy the funicular ticket separately if the uphill walk is too steep; it saves around ten minutes. · Allow at least an hour in total, including the climb, the exhibition and time on the platform. · Check lnm.lt for current opening hours, since winter schedules are shorter than summer ones.
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2
Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)
Tip: Dress modestly with covered shoulders and keep voices low, since the basilica is an active church. · Visit early in the morning for the calmest interior and the best light on the facade. · Attend Sunday mass only to listen; sightseeing in the nave is restricted during services. · Buy the crypt and treasury ticket separately if wanting to see the lower levels. · Combine with the bell tower and Gediminas Hill, which are both steps away.
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3
Vilnius Cathedral Bell Tower
Tip: Check the schedule on govilnius.lt, since the tower is closed on Sundays and can close in poor weather. · Wear comfortable shoes; the staircases are steep, narrow and uneven. · Go in clear afternoon light for the best photographs of the Old Town. · Arrive before late morning in summer to avoid queues at the ticket desk. · Last admission is about 30 minutes before closing.
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4
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Tip: Buy the full ticket (about €15) for all four routes, or pick one route if short on time. · Visit on Thursday evening, when the museum stays open until 20:00 and is quieter. · Take an audio guide or guided tour for context on the Grand Duchy's history. · Allow two to three hours for the full visit. · Remember the museum is closed on Mondays; check valdovurumai.lt for seasonal hours. · Students, seniors and families may qualify for reduced tickets.
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5
Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble and St. John's Bell Tower
Tip: Arrive in the morning, before the big tour groups, for quiet courtyards and softer light. · Buy the bell tower ticket separately; it costs about €5 and is worth the view. · Keep voices low in courtyards, as lecture halls and offices remain in use. · Check muziejus.vu.lt for guided tours and any access restrictions during exams or events. · Combine with Pilies Street and the Presidential Palace, both a short walk away.
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6
Church of St. Anne
Tip: Visit in late afternoon, when the red brick glows in low sunlight. · Photograph from across the street for the full facade, since the lane is narrow. · Entry is free, but dress respectfully and stay quiet during services. · Combine with the Bernardine Church and Garden, which are a few minutes away. · Check for closed doors outside of service hours, as interior opening times vary.
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7
Bernardine Church
Tip: Check govilnius.lt for opening hours, since the church opens around services. · Visit in the morning for the best light on the facade. · Pair with St. Anne's and Bernardine Garden for a 45-minute walking loop. · Dress modestly and speak quietly, as this is a place of worship.
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8
Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai)
Tip: Men should remove hats when passing under the gate, a local custom of respect. · Keep silent and avoid photography near the chapel, where worship is ongoing. · Visit early in the morning, or avoid Sundays and feast days if seeking a quiet visit. · Use the pilgrim information centre (Tuesday to Saturday) for background on the icon. · Combine with Town Hall Square, only eight minutes away on foot.
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9
Užupis (Republic of Užupis)
Tip: Visit on 1 April for Independence Day celebrations, with parades and mock passport stamping. · Go in the morning for quieter streets, since many cafes open after 10:00. · Respect the residential character and keep noise low in the evening. · Walk back via Bernardine Garden for a scenic loop to Pilies Street. · Cafes and galleries keep individual hours, so check ahead if planning a specific visit.
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10
Hill of Three Crosses
Tip: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot and walk back before dark. · Wear sturdy shoes, as the final path is steep and can be muddy or icy. · Bring water in summer, as there are no shops on the hill. · Take care after dark, since the park paths are poorly lit. · Combine with Gediminas Tower, which is a short walk down the slope.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Gediminas Tower and Upper Castle
Red-brick hilltop tower, the symbol of Vilnius, with the best central Old Town view
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Rebuilt Renaissance and Baroque residence of the Grand Dukes, now a museum
Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble
Thirteen courtyards in a campus founded in 1579
Town Hall Square
The Old Town's historic marketplace, home to the Christmas market
Religious
Vilnius Cathedral
Neoclassical cathedral with a separate bell tower in Cathedral Square
Church of St. Anne
Flamboyant Gothic red-brick church
Gate of Dawn
The only surviving city gate, with a revered icon of Our Lady
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
Baroque interior with over 2,000 stucco figures
Museums
MO Museum
Lithuanian modern art in a Daniel Libeskind-designed building
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
Soviet KGB headquarters and prison, now a memorial museum
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Four routes through the reconstructed palace
Viewpoints
Hill of Three Crosses
Hilltop monument with a free Old Town panorama
Vilnius TV Tower
Tallest structure in Lithuania with a restaurant and observation deck
Cathedral Bell Tower
Medieval tower with a city view
Parks_and_streets
Bernardine Garden
Riverside garden below the Bernardine Church
Pilies Street
The Old Town's main walking street, lined with cafes and amber stalls
Gediminas Avenue
Main boulevard linking the cathedral to Lukiškės Square
Užupis
Bohemian riverside district that declared itself a republic
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most museums close Mondays (some Tuesdays) and open about 10:00-18:00; churches, squares, parks and the Old Town streets are open daily
- Fees
- Museums cost about €3-16 (~$3.45-18.40); churches and the Old Town are free; the Vilnius City Card gives free or reduced entry at many sites
- Best Times
- May-September for long days; December for the Christmas market; shoulder months avoid peak crowds
- Booking
- Buy tickets on arrival or online at each official site (valdovurumai.lt, mo.lt, lnm.lt); the Vilnius Tourist Information Centre at Vilniaus g. 22 (+370 5 262 9660, govilnius.lt) sells the Vilnius City Card
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy the Vilnius City Card at govilnius.lt for free public transport and museum discounts
Walk uphill to Gediminas Tower instead of using the funicular if the weather is dry
Check opening days: many museums close on Mondays and the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights also closes on Tuesdays
Wear flat shoes: Old Town cobblestones are uneven
Frequently asked questions
How many days do visitors need in Vilnius?
Two to three days cover the Old Town, Užupis, the Hill of Three Crosses and one or two museums. Add a day for Trakai Island Castle.
Is Vilnius Old Town free to visit?
Yes, the streets, squares and most churches are free. Museums, towers and the Cathedral crypt charge about €3-15 (~$3.45-17.25).
What is the best view of Vilnius?
The Hill of Three Crosses is free, while Gediminas Tower (about €8, ~$9.20) and the Cathedral Bell Tower (about €3, ~$3.45) give closer Old Town views.