As far as national museums go, this one is well worth the price of admission. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It might be a bit unusual to name a cemetery as a tourist attraction but Antakalnis Cemetery (Antakalnio kapins) is definitely a must if you are in the vicinity. Protect yourself from theft, injury, illness, or the unexpected. One of the countrys longest-running music festivals, it takes place over a period of two months, with countless musical acts across dozens of venues throughout the city. A wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cocktails and finger food. The cemeterys verdant expanse is full of crosses and tombs inscribed in Lithuanian, Russian and Polish. Oddly enough, it doesnt look much like a cathedral from the outside, more like a library or museum in fact. Many government and cultural institutions such as the Lithuanian Parliament and the Lithuanian National Drama Theater can be found here. Thank you, Hi Caro, thank you for your kind words! Its exterior is intricate (mostly sandstone and granite) but not particularly embellished; the true jaw-dropping beauty was saved for the interior. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. But get in quick the monument will come down one day, with all of its coins earmarked for childrens charities. One of the best ways to truly appreciate a city is from the air. The name Uupis translates to behind the river and this scenic part of central Vilnius has narrow streets filled with 19th-century houses and hidden courtyards that are home to various cafes and art galleries. Shopping and dining options are aplenty on Gediminas Avenue with a lot of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. NIGHTLIFE. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Spin around clockwise on the tile three times and make the biggest wish that you can conjure. You can easily cover the Old Town in a few hours while stumbling upon architectural wonders and sights. It features hilarious articles like Everyone has the right to understand nothing and Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily. Situated on the foot of a hill, a few minutes walk from the Bohemian district of Uzupis in the city centre, this is one of Vilnius most unique accommodation options. Having been razed during the Soviet era, the monument was rebuilt in 1989. Its littered with Catholic and Orthodox churches, and no matter where you are in the city, you can see the ever-presentGediminasTower. Another advantage of visiting Vilnius in the summer is that many attractions, especially those with outdoor features, operate longer opening hours. The Gediminass Castle Tower (Gedimino pilis) is a red-brick octagonal tower that is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle complex, which once included defensive structures. It was intended to be a lasting monument to peace and a celebration of Vilniuss deliverance from the Russians, who had just vacated the city after a thirteen-year occupation. 4. A trio of wooden crosses built in the 17th century originally stood here in honor of a bunch of Franciscan monks who were slain on the hill. With St. Annes 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. During summer evenings you can also enjoy the musical fountain and light show. Many of the citys key landmarks are situated here or in the vicinity. The entrance to the Trakai Island Castle and museum costs 8-12 EUR depending on the time of your visit. Our favorite thing is to find the statues of cats, as we are cat lovers. Free entrance. Its reconstruction resulted in the building that stands today, a rich and visually astounding tapestry of styles. Vilnius University is the oldest university in Eastern Europe having been founded as a Jesuit College in 1568, before becoming a school of higher education in 1579. Da Antonio this well-renowned Italian restaurant serves pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and other Italian classics. 3. Get A Birds Eye View of Vilnius From The TV Tower St. Theresas Church Gediminas Avenue Presidential Palace Walk Around the Town Hall Square Take A Day Trip To Trakai 1.

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The museum is housed in a yellow-colored early 19th-century barrack, known as the New Arsenal, and has a touch of Neoclassical splendor to it. WebGedimino pilies boktas (Gediminas Castle Tower) Gediminas Castle Tower is the symbol of Vilnius. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. And yet today there are over 70 of these cherubic looking figures at various locations around town. The interior of the church is something of a spectacle and you will see ornately carved wooden pews as well as flower arrangements, gilt furnishings, and brightly colored decorations. From breathtaking street art, the cobbled streets of the old town, ancient castles and even a Devil museum (yep! As for the choice of statue by the entrance Tony Soprano from the iconic TV drama The Sopranos be sure to ask one of the bar staff during your visit. There is a wide range of things to do in Vilnius for all visitors, and its a highlight of any trip to the Baltics. Whether or not thats true is up for debate, but the stone has a much richer history than simply granting wishes: it was once a powerful display of quiet protest during the dying days of the country as a republic under Soviet Rule. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation. There are plenty of good options in or in the vicinity of the Old Town for all budgets. 4 Pay your respects at the Freedom Monument. Right in the heart of the Old Town district of Vilnius, The Joseph Signature Hotel Vilnius is only 300 m from Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and an 8-minute walk from Gediminas Tower. On the ground floor, there is a small photographic exhibition commemorating the 12 unarmed civilians who were shot or crushed beneath Soviet tanks while trying to defend the tower on 13 January 1991. Vilnius Central Post Office - Tour this local landmark and admire its distinctive design. The castle itself dates from 1409, but there have been fortifications on the spot since the early 1300s. Its not quite a wishing well, but according to legend, this magical tile tucked away in Cathedral Square can grant wishes and make your dreams come true. It was introduced to Lithuania by the Crimean Karaites. Towering 57m high, it's one of, Katedros aikt buzzes with local life. Days are very short and sometimes the sun doesnt make an appearance for days on end. Vilnius has some great open spaces and parks in and around the Old Town. There is a monument nearby dedicated to the countrys last king. Napoleons soldiers actually used the church as a barracks on their way to Moscow in 1812. On your way to the castle, youll pass some quaint old wooden houses, each typically with gable ends and three windows facing the street. Having functioned as a warehouse and a science museum during the Communist era, the church wasnt reconsecrated until 1991. According to popular legend, Napoleon Bonaparte was so dazzled by the fairytale, pinnacle-encrusted towers of St. Annes Church that hes said to have wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Tickets then need to be validated by punching it in one of the machines onboard. Miraculously, the beautiful facade has survived tumultuous times (of course it has been renovated several times). Gediminas Castle Tower 3,600 History Museums By light30 Ekipaas is one of the more reliable taxi services in Vilnius. Cold beet soup (altibariai) is a traditional summer favorite that is usually served with chopped hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, kefir, dill, and potatoes. The brainchild of two Lithuanian physics students, the pyramid featured a delicately balanced stack of over 1,000,000 disused coins from the countrys previous currency. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Obviously, a little extra is appreciated for special services rendered, but it isnt mandatory or expected. The Christianization of Lithuania took place in 1387, following the union of Lithuania and Poland. The tower is located 48 meters above the city allowing you scenic views and you can take in the signature hexagonal shape from the outside or explore the weapons and armory exhibitions inside. Wander Around the Old Town Vilniuss Old Town is Europes largest Baroque Old Town and is undoubtedly one of the main things to see in Vilnius. During Soviet times, much of the music that was popular across democratic Europe and the world 2. 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. Skybar at Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel The Skybar on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel offers expansive views across the city. The inside has a central nave but also side altars and several chapels. Visit the Jewish Quarter #9. The University Bell Tower is one of a few things to do in Vilnius that will get you a birds-eye view of Old Town Vilnius. Public transport in Vilnius is cheap and efficient. Today, Literatu Street is home to a wall commemorating this heritage, featuring over 200 wooden, ceramic, glass or metal tiles engraved with the names of some of Lithuanias most famous literary names. The displays showcase the history of Lithuania up to modern times. It retains very little of its original stonework having been restored and houses a small museum that gives a glimpse into what the castle looked like in medieval times. 2023 Atlas Obscura. With a professional local guide leading the way, you will visit the best spots in Vilnius to take lovely photographs. 4. There are also dance performances, most of which are combined with an LED light show for something truly visually spectacular. Also worth seeing is the crypt, which holds the remains of two Grand Dukes and two wives of Sigismund Augustus. The Uupis district, a self-declared independent republic since 1997, shows a more bohemian side to the city, full of artists, creative studios and colourful graffiti. The whole ensemble was conceived by Italian masters Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli., who spent an incredible 11 years cramming every available centimeter of the upper walls and ceiling with over 2000 moldings. Now named after Duke Gediminas, this expansive, cobbled boulevard has previously been named after St. George, Mickiewicz, Stalin, and Lenin reflecting the succession of different regimes (Tsarists, Poles, and the Soviets). Most of the must-see attractions in Vilnius lie within the borders of the Old Town. Here, you will also see plaques commemorating the founders, patrons, and notaries of the university. Visit Gediminas Castle Tower #6. by Paul Joseph|Published June 7, 2017, The 20 Most Unique Easter Celebrations in the World.

Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika) is the citys chief Roman Catholic cathedral and has been a national symbol for ages. On a site that has been settled since the 4th century AD stands the latest in a procession of. If youre a Zappa buff like us, this place wont disappoint . They have many draft beer options ranging from 1.30-3. Or just chill in one of the copious bars and cafes watching the world go by. The chapel houses the most cherished and venerated of the citys many sacred images, The Madonna of Mercy. Climb up to see the Hill of Three Crosses and take in the panoramic city views or enjoy one of the regular festivals and events held here.

If youre passing through the citys Old Town, then chances are you wont be very far away from the Church of St Johns. The splendid St. Theresas Church (v Teress banyia) is yet another in Vilniuss cavalcade of Baroque churches. The national park here was formed in 1991 to guard the precious ecosystems found in the Curonian Spit and you will find a wide range of waterfowl here in the wetlands and dunes. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Vilnius 1. Explore the Old Town. Single-trip tickets cost 1 EUR (only cash) from the driver and 65 cents (in the form of an electronic ticket) when bought from kiosks marked with the sign Vilnieio kortel. If you only see one museum in Vilnius, make it this one. The Vilnius TV Tower is open from 11:00-21:00 (Sunday-Thursday) and 11:00-22:00 (Friday-Saturday). This chic bar is located on the 22nd floor atop the Radisson Blu Hotel. Huracn Coffee Vokieiai trendy cafe in the heart of the Old Town that serves some of the best light roasted coffee and cakes in Vilnius. As you walk in, prepare to be amazed by over-the-top stucco work, featuring cavorting cherubs, rich foliage and exotic plants laden with fruit. OISY Izakaya: Do not recommend - See 8 traveler reviews, 24 candid photos, and great deals for Vilnius, Lithuania, at Tripadvisor. The Gates of Dawn is open daily from 6:00-19:00. The Museum of Illusions in Vilnius (or Vilnil) is packed with interactive, mind boggling items, from optical illusions and 3D art to Perhaps the best of these was Bernardine Park. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Vilnius Cathedral. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Another one of the best things to do in Vilnius is walking around Uzupis. We recommend Trakai Castle as one of the top things to do in Vilnius, even though its not in the city. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. This is limited to those traveling to Vilnius in the summer months, but its status as a cultural city icon earns it a mention on this list. This Renaissance-style icon was painted on oak in the 1620s and is rumored to have miracle-working powers making it a top place of pilgrimage for Lithuanians and Poles. Sounds like Vilnius has many great sights to offer. Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of flat shoes rather than heels as they can get stuck in cobblestones on the pavement. The present campus, constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries, is a blend of different architectural styles and is spread over 13 courtyards. In the days of old it would have been used to make flour and produce electricity although now it is a museum that also has a hotel attached. Mykolo g. 8 HOURS Mon-Sun 9am-5pm 10am-7pm. - Klook US With the countless things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, coupled with its dreamy quality, this city is no doubt a must-visit destination. Map. Hot Air Balloon Experience Vilnius or Trakai, Full-Day The Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius. Vilniuss Old Town is Europes largest Baroque Old Town and is undoubtedly one of the main things to see in Vilnius. One of Lithuanias largest, longest-running and most popular music festivals, dating 3. Though the church was originally a simple wooden structure, it was destroyed during a time of war with Russia. Spending more time in the Baltics? But with the fall of communism came a cultural liberation and suddenly bands that were previously outlawed were pumping out of teenage bedrooms, park stereos and music venues across the nation. Known in full, Founded in 1579 during the Catholic Counter Reformation, Vilnius University was run by Jesuits for two centuries. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. WebFree Things to Do in Vilnius . Home to impressive churches and cathedrals, cozy cafes, and quirky art installations, Vilnius boasts one of the best-preserved Old Towns in Europe. This is where Vilnius first began to emerge as a town in the Late Middle Ages. It is an absolute must-see! WebCathedral Bell Tower (Vilniaus Katedros Varpin): It is the best viewpoint in town from what the locals told us. Exhibitions of the works of artists working with amber are also regularly held here and visitors can buy amber jewellery in the on-site store. The city is the most populist in the capital of Lithuania. The cathedral contains many notable works of art from the 14th through the 19th centuries, including frescoes in the underground chapel and the famous Sapiega Madonna. Remember that its common to tip 10% on food bills in many parts of Europe; read more about tipping in Europe. Oh, there's also my partner in crime Jacky who's not too bad either , Wow! They were among the many trying to defend the tower from Soviet troops trying to usurp power and to reassert authority over the new republic (Lithuania declared its independence on 11 March 1990, the first of any of the Soviet republics to do so). As far as tipping in Lithuania is concerned, service charges are generally included in hotel and restaurant bills. Since the Virgin Mary is often associated with sunrise, the gate became locally known as the Gate of Dawn. This article may contain affiliate links. Duration: 30 minutes. Much of Vilniuss Old Town is closed to vehicles and walking is the best way to discover its many hidden gems and appreciate its true character. Drink Cool, Cheap Lithuanian Beer in Vilnius. One of the main sights in the city is the Island Castle which is also the host of the Trakai Castle Festival and the entire town is surrounded by pretty water. The interior is a vibrant display of baroque architecture, and over 2000 stucco figures decorate the inside of the church hall. The most popular thing to do in Trakai is visit Trakai Castle, a 14th-century castle surrounded by Lake Galve. The spit is the product of a glacier that dates back 5,000 years and it has some of the highest dunes in all of Europe. The largest city in Lithuania is full of small cafes, charming shops, restaurants, art, and history. Vilnius is a compact city, and most sights are easily reached on foot. You can purchase a Vilnius Pass online or in the Vilnius Tourist Information Centers. At the top, you will find amazing 360 views of Vilnius. Visiting the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is definitely one of the top things to do in Vilnius. The formidable castle looks very romantic out in the water with its cluster of red-brick watchtowers and squat round turrets topped with spindly weathercocks. These are similar to Cornish pasties or the Argentine empanadas. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company.

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