Guidebook for Vilnius
Food Scene
A good place to eat. From the 2nd floor You can enjoy the view of the Palace, Vilnius Cathedral.
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Grey
2 Pilies g.A good place to eat. From the 2nd floor You can enjoy the view of the Palace, Vilnius Cathedral.
Čili Pizza
5 Didžioji g.A budget friendly chain pizzeria.
St. Valentino
47 Vilniaus g.Considered a high-end Italian restaurant.
Keisti ženklai
13 Trakų g.Grill London
33 Vilniaus g.A very popular restaurant-pub among young people.
La Provence
22 Vokiečių g.The Smoke House
18a Vokiečių g.Great WIFi, great coffee and tea. A nice place if you want to do some work with yourlaptop or just chill out. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly.
Second Cup
1 Vokiečių g.Great WIFi, great coffee and tea. A nice place if you want to do some work with yourlaptop or just chill out. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly.
Caffeine LT
17 Vilniaus g.Jurgis ir Drakonas (PYLIMO)
22 D Pylimo g.Great Neapolitan style pizza, not too expensive
As the name suggests, a meat restaurant. Great burgers and meat dishes, also decent choice of beers.
24 locals raden deze aan
Meat Lovers Pub
8 Liejyklos g.As the name suggests, a meat restaurant. Great burgers and meat dishes, also decent choice of beers.
No Forks Mexican Grill (Vokiečių)
9 Vokiečių g.Mexican food restaurant.
Arguably the best pizza in town, also great fresh fruit cocktails. Not too expensive, definitely worth a visit.
PIZZALAND
4 Trakų g.Arguably the best pizza in town, also great fresh fruit cocktails. Not too expensive, definitely worth a visit.
Soprano
3 Pilies g.Great ice cream, one of the best around!
RoseHip Vegan Bistro
7 B. Radvilaitės g.Vegan restaurant, great vegan burgers!
Large portions of mouthwatering food. Everything from soups and salads to pizzas and enormous burgers. Often has a queue, but if you can get a spot, definitely worth it.
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Talutti Bakes 'n' SHAKES
35 Vilniaus g.Large portions of mouthwatering food. Everything from soups and salads to pizzas and enormous burgers. Often has a queue, but if you can get a spot, definitely worth it.
Drinks & Nightlife
Pabo Latino
3 Trakų g.Mojo Lounge Vilnius
2 Vokiečių g.Mojito Nights
28 Vilniaus g.Nesė Pramogų bankas
8 A. Stulginskio g.Bocmanas Bar
27 Vilniaus g. A popular Vilnius' classic.
Arts & Culture
The church of St Anne is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period. There is no nonsensus about its originator or its construction period. Popular legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte, who was fascinated by the beauty of the church, wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Unfortunately, the reality is not that romantic: during the march of the Napoleonic army through Lithuania, the church was consigned to the French cavalry forces. However, Napoleon did mention in a letter to his wife that „Vilnius is a very beautiful city“.
St Anne’s Church, which has survived to the present day without changing for over 500 years, has become a symbol of Vilnius.
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Sint-Annakerk
8 Maironio g.The church of St Anne is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period. There is no nonsensus about its originator or its construction period. Popular legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte, who was fascinated by the beauty of the church, wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Unfortunately, the reality is not that romantic: during the march of the Napoleonic army through Lithuania, the church was consigned to the French cavalry forces. However, Napoleon did mention in a letter to his wife that „Vilnius is a very beautiful city“.
St Anne’s Church, which has survived to the present day without changing for over 500 years, has become a symbol of Vilnius.
The reconstruction of the Palace recently reached completion and it is now fully open to visitors.
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Paleis van de Groothertogen van Litouwen, Nationaal Museum
The reconstruction of the Palace recently reached completion and it is now fully open to visitors.
The Vilnius Castle Museum was opened in 1960, and in 1968 it became a subdivision of the Lithuanian National Museum. The exposition of the Vilnius Castle Museum displays reconstruction models of Vilnius castles of the second part of the 14th and the beginning of the 17th centuries, armament, iconographic material of old Vilnius. An observation deck on the top of the tower is the best place from which to appreciate a magnificent panorama of Vilnius.
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Gediminas Kasteeltoren
5 Arsenalo g.The Vilnius Castle Museum was opened in 1960, and in 1968 it became a subdivision of the Lithuanian National Museum. The exposition of the Vilnius Castle Museum displays reconstruction models of Vilnius castles of the second part of the 14th and the beginning of the 17th centuries, armament, iconographic material of old Vilnius. An observation deck on the top of the tower is the best place from which to appreciate a magnificent panorama of Vilnius.
The Cathedral of St. Stanislav and St. Vladislav is the most important place of worship for Lithuania’s Catholics, and the venue for the country’s main Christian and national festivities.
In 1922, the Cathedral was granted the title of ‘Basilica’, by Pope Pius XI.
Many key figures in Lithuanian history are buried in the Sovereigns’ Mausoleum, which is located beneath the chapel of St. Casimir. Its vaults contain the remains of Vytautas The Great, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and King Alexander of Poland. The vaults are not only restricted to kings, either – the two wives of Žygimantas Augustas, Queen Elisabeth of Austria and Queen Barbora Radvilaitė.
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Kathedraal van Vilnius
Šventaragio gatvėThe Cathedral of St. Stanislav and St. Vladislav is the most important place of worship for Lithuania’s Catholics, and the venue for the country’s main Christian and national festivities.
In 1922, the Cathedral was granted the title of ‘Basilica’, by Pope Pius XI.
Many key figures in Lithuanian history are buried in the Sovereigns’ Mausoleum, which is located beneath the chapel of St. Casimir. Its vaults contain the remains of Vytautas The Great, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and King Alexander of Poland. The vaults are not only restricted to kings, either – the two wives of Žygimantas Augustas, Queen Elisabeth of Austria and Queen Barbora Radvilaitė.
The Gates of Dawn is one of the most visited shrines in Vilnius that is famous not only in Lithuania but also abroad, worshipped by the representatives of other creeds too. This is the only surviving gate of the first original five gates in the city wall that was built between 1503 and 1522.
Gate of Dawn
14 Aušros Vartų gatvėThe Gates of Dawn is one of the most visited shrines in Vilnius that is famous not only in Lithuania but also abroad, worshipped by the representatives of other creeds too. This is the only surviving gate of the first original five gates in the city wall that was built between 1503 and 1522.
One of the oldest universities in Central Europe, Vilnius University was founded in the 16th century while Europe – and of course Lithuania – was in the grips of the Protestant Reformation movement. Catholic monks, Jesuits, were called to stop the spread of the movement and were asked to take over education policy. In 1569 they established a college and just 10 years later, the University of Vilnius was born.
Afterwards, the campuses of VU were built and as a result, all feature Gothic, Baroque and Classical styles of architecture, and the main building’s medieval exterior is a stark contrast to its lively student atmosphere.
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Vilnius University
3 Universiteto g.One of the oldest universities in Central Europe, Vilnius University was founded in the 16th century while Europe – and of course Lithuania – was in the grips of the Protestant Reformation movement. Catholic monks, Jesuits, were called to stop the spread of the movement and were asked to take over education policy. In 1569 they established a college and just 10 years later, the University of Vilnius was born.
Afterwards, the campuses of VU were built and as a result, all feature Gothic, Baroque and Classical styles of architecture, and the main building’s medieval exterior is a stark contrast to its lively student atmosphere.
Some say, that the origins of the three crosses date back to the 17th century when three monks placed them there to pay tribute to a group of fellow monks who were martyred in the 14th century. According to the history books, seven monks were killed and seven were tied to wooden crosses and floated down the Neris River, with the instruction to return to the west where they came from.
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Three Crosses
Some say, that the origins of the three crosses date back to the 17th century when three monks placed them there to pay tribute to a group of fellow monks who were martyred in the 14th century. According to the history books, seven monks were killed and seven were tied to wooden crosses and floated down the Neris River, with the instruction to return to the west where they came from.
In 1387, Lithuania became a Christian state and Vilnius was granted Magdeburg rights. Thus, there appeared a need for headquarters for the city authorities. As the main square of the city was located here, it was decided to build the Town Hall in the same place. The building housed the magistrate (in other words, the city councillors) as well as court rooms, the treasury, archives, an arms and ammunition warehouse, and rooms for preserving standards of measurement. A prison was established in the basement.
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VšĮ Vilniaus rotušė
31 Didžioji g.In 1387, Lithuania became a Christian state and Vilnius was granted Magdeburg rights. Thus, there appeared a need for headquarters for the city authorities. As the main square of the city was located here, it was decided to build the Town Hall in the same place. The building housed the magistrate (in other words, the city councillors) as well as court rooms, the treasury, archives, an arms and ammunition warehouse, and rooms for preserving standards of measurement. A prison was established in the basement.
The Presidential Palace, called “Prezidentūra” (President’s Office) in everyday life, was built in the square of Simonas Daukantas (a graduate of Vilnius University and the author of the first history of Lithuania published in the Lithuanian language in the 19th century).
Whichever way you chose to approach Daukanto Square, a narrow street will suddenly broaden and blend into the square predominated by a Classical building from the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century: a former nobleman’s house and the present-day Office of the President. The grandeur of the square is somewhat allayed by the Baroque towers above the roof of the palace.
Presidential palace viewpoint
30 J. Žemaičio a.The Presidential Palace, called “Prezidentūra” (President’s Office) in everyday life, was built in the square of Simonas Daukantas (a graduate of Vilnius University and the author of the first history of Lithuania published in the Lithuanian language in the 19th century).
Whichever way you chose to approach Daukanto Square, a narrow street will suddenly broaden and blend into the square predominated by a Classical building from the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century: a former nobleman’s house and the present-day Office of the President. The grandeur of the square is somewhat allayed by the Baroque towers above the roof of the palace.
The National Museum of Lithuania is the largest depository of Lithuanian historical cultural heritage in the country. It is the oldest museum in Lithuania, dating back to 1855, when the Museum of Antiquities was established in Vilnius. Authentic exhibits help to recall the history of Lithuania and its national culture and customs.
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National Museum of Lithuania
1 Arsenalo g.The National Museum of Lithuania is the largest depository of Lithuanian historical cultural heritage in the country. It is the oldest museum in Lithuania, dating back to 1855, when the Museum of Antiquities was established in Vilnius. Authentic exhibits help to recall the history of Lithuania and its national culture and customs.
The Museum of Genocide Victims is arguably the darkest in Vilnius. Its bloody history began when this former gymnasium became the headquarters of the Gestapo during the Nazi occupation of Lithuania in 1941.
It was then re-occupied by the Soviet Secret Police – the KGB – when the Nazis left in 1944. The KGB stayed until 1991 when Lithuania became independent from the Soviet Union.
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Museum van Bezettingen en Vrijheidsstrijd
2A Aukų g.The Museum of Genocide Victims is arguably the darkest in Vilnius. Its bloody history began when this former gymnasium became the headquarters of the Gestapo during the Nazi occupation of Lithuania in 1941.
It was then re-occupied by the Soviet Secret Police – the KGB – when the Nazis left in 1944. The KGB stayed until 1991 when Lithuania became independent from the Soviet Union.
The Museum was founded in 1988. The exhibits on display at the Amber Museum-Gallery tell visitors about the morphology of amber. It is revealed in the exhibits of various sizes, forms and color. The unique collection of inclusions and the reconstruction of Juodkrantė treasure are on display here. Visitors can also see the ceramics baking shop of the end of the 15th century found in the basement of the Museum, authentic earthenware. Exhibitions of the works of artists working with amber are constantly held at the Gallery. One can also buy amber jewelry of modern and classical design here.
Amber Museum-Gallery
8 Šv. Mykolo g.The Museum was founded in 1988. The exhibits on display at the Amber Museum-Gallery tell visitors about the morphology of amber. It is revealed in the exhibits of various sizes, forms and color. The unique collection of inclusions and the reconstruction of Juodkrantė treasure are on display here. Visitors can also see the ceramics baking shop of the end of the 15th century found in the basement of the Museum, authentic earthenware. Exhibitions of the works of artists working with amber are constantly held at the Gallery. One can also buy amber jewelry of modern and classical design here.
The Gallery is established in a beautiful and spacious estate of the noblemen Chodkiewicz noted for impressive interiors of late Classicism. The permanent exposition of this Gallery offers a visitor the opportunity to become thoroughly and consistently acquainted with the development of Lithuanian art from the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century. It houses a collection of works by artists of Vilnius Art School. Different exhibitions, evenings of culture, concerts of classical music are organised at the Gallery.
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Vilnius Picture Gallery
4 Didžioji g.The Gallery is established in a beautiful and spacious estate of the noblemen Chodkiewicz noted for impressive interiors of late Classicism. The permanent exposition of this Gallery offers a visitor the opportunity to become thoroughly and consistently acquainted with the development of Lithuanian art from the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century. It houses a collection of works by artists of Vilnius Art School. Different exhibitions, evenings of culture, concerts of classical music are organised at the Gallery.
Sightseeing
Užupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, largely located in Vilnius' old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Užupis means "the other side of the river" in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River; the name Vilnius was derived from the Vilnia. The district has been popular with artists for some time, and has been compared to Montmartre in Paris and to Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, due to its bohemic and laissez-faire atmosphere. On April 1, 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic (The Republic of Užupis). Since the first of November 2014 Jaap van Ark is president of republic Užupis.
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Užupio gatvė
Užupio gatvėUžupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, largely located in Vilnius' old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Užupis means "the other side of the river" in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River; the name Vilnius was derived from the Vilnia. The district has been popular with artists for some time, and has been compared to Montmartre in Paris and to Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, due to its bohemic and laissez-faire atmosphere. On April 1, 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic (The Republic of Užupis). Since the first of November 2014 Jaap van Ark is president of republic Užupis.
Vilnius started developing faster in the middle of the 19th century, when the rail line St. Petersburg – Vilnius was built. New industrial, trading and residential developments were established next to the Old Town. A new central street of the city, Georgij Avenue was built. The names of the avenue changed with the change of authorities. Later on the avenue had the names of A. Mickiewicz, Stalin, Lenin, and in 1989 it was known as Gediminas Avenue. Buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries were built next to the avenue, currently housing central government authorities and public institutions, trading and catering companies.
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Gediminas Ave
Gedimino ProspektasVilnius started developing faster in the middle of the 19th century, when the rail line St. Petersburg – Vilnius was built. New industrial, trading and residential developments were established next to the Old Town. A new central street of the city, Georgij Avenue was built. The names of the avenue changed with the change of authorities. Later on the avenue had the names of A. Mickiewicz, Stalin, Lenin, and in 1989 it was known as Gediminas Avenue. Buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries were built next to the avenue, currently housing central government authorities and public institutions, trading and catering companies.
Pilies Street is the oldest and most flamboyant street in the Old Town of Vilnius. The street appeared in place of the former road from Vilnius Castle to the south, towards Poland and Russia. This was the main road to the castle, with its branches finally turning into side streets. The name of Pilies Street was mentioned in historical annals as early as 1530.
Kings, legates of the Pope, and envoys from other countries passed this street on their way to the castle. Noblemen and rich citizens built their houses in Pilies Street. Vilnius University occupied a whole quarter of the city beside Pilies Street, and university professors used to live there.
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Pilies Street
Pilies gatvėPilies Street is the oldest and most flamboyant street in the Old Town of Vilnius. The street appeared in place of the former road from Vilnius Castle to the south, towards Poland and Russia. This was the main road to the castle, with its branches finally turning into side streets. The name of Pilies Street was mentioned in historical annals as early as 1530.
Kings, legates of the Pope, and envoys from other countries passed this street on their way to the castle. Noblemen and rich citizens built their houses in Pilies Street. Vilnius University occupied a whole quarter of the city beside Pilies Street, and university professors used to live there.
The Vilnius Television Tower is the tallest building in Lithuania at 326.5 metres high, and is an immediately recognisable fixture on the cityscape.
Located in the in Vilnius’ Northeastern microdistrict of Karoliniškės, the Television Tower played host to the January Events; events that took place in January 1991 as Lithuania fought for its independence from the Soviet Union.
During the affair, 14 unarmed Lithuanian civilians were killed, while another 700 were injured as Soviet troops seized the tower. A small museum dedicated to them is on the ground floor and crosses in their memory are by the main entrance.
Vilnius Television Tower
10 Sausio 13-osios gatvėThe Vilnius Television Tower is the tallest building in Lithuania at 326.5 metres high, and is an immediately recognisable fixture on the cityscape.
Located in the in Vilnius’ Northeastern microdistrict of Karoliniškės, the Television Tower played host to the January Events; events that took place in January 1991 as Lithuania fought for its independence from the Soviet Union.
During the affair, 14 unarmed Lithuanian civilians were killed, while another 700 were injured as Soviet troops seized the tower. A small museum dedicated to them is on the ground floor and crosses in their memory are by the main entrance.
It is thought that this street was named “Literatai” only at the second half of 19th century in the honour of Adam Mickiewicz who lived here. The poet Adam Mickiewicz lived at the beginning of this street, what is witnessed by three plaques on the building in the Lithuanian, Russian and Polish languages.
From 2008 a group of artists had an idea to revive the street and to decorate it with artworks related with litterateurs. A wall was solemnly opened in the street where painters and other field artists created plates or small objects made of metal, wood, glass, etc. in the honour of litterateurs.
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Literatų gatvė
Literatų gatvėIt is thought that this street was named “Literatai” only at the second half of 19th century in the honour of Adam Mickiewicz who lived here. The poet Adam Mickiewicz lived at the beginning of this street, what is witnessed by three plaques on the building in the Lithuanian, Russian and Polish languages.
From 2008 a group of artists had an idea to revive the street and to decorate it with artworks related with litterateurs. A wall was solemnly opened in the street where painters and other field artists created plates or small objects made of metal, wood, glass, etc. in the honour of litterateurs.
The Seimas Palace is a symbol of resistance of the Lithuanian nation against the Soviet occupation. On 11 March 1990, the Act for the Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania was declared here. On 13 January 1991, thousands of people defended the building against attempts by the Soviet Army to seize it. This event is immortalized by the remains of barricades and commemorative signs.
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Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania
53 Gedimino pr.The Seimas Palace is a symbol of resistance of the Lithuanian nation against the Soviet occupation. On 11 March 1990, the Act for the Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania was declared here. On 13 January 1991, thousands of people defended the building against attempts by the Soviet Army to seize it. This event is immortalized by the remains of barricades and commemorative signs.
One of the most popular streets in Vilnius and a great nightlife spot with plenty of bars and night clubs.
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Vilniaus gatvė
Vilniaus gatvėOne of the most popular streets in Vilnius and a great nightlife spot with plenty of bars and night clubs.
Parks & Nature
Bernardine Garden is situated right in the heart of Vilnius, between Gediminas Hill, the Vilnelė River and the Bernardine monastery. After more than a year of renovations, the Bernardine Gardens (former Sereikiškės Park) have opened to Vilnius residents and guests. The restored park has regained its historic name, which was used from the end of the XVth century up until World War II, as well as its authentic appearance, which was created by artist Vladislovas Štrausas in the XIX century.
The park will feature botanical and monastic expositions as well as authentic restored park elements, such as an alpinarium, a pond, Belvedere Hill, a central square, and paths along the Vilnelė River.
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Bernardine Park
8A B. Radvilaitės g.Bernardine Garden is situated right in the heart of Vilnius, between Gediminas Hill, the Vilnelė River and the Bernardine monastery. After more than a year of renovations, the Bernardine Gardens (former Sereikiškės Park) have opened to Vilnius residents and guests. The restored park has regained its historic name, which was used from the end of the XVth century up until World War II, as well as its authentic appearance, which was created by artist Vladislovas Štrausas in the XIX century.
The park will feature botanical and monastic expositions as well as authentic restored park elements, such as an alpinarium, a pond, Belvedere Hill, a central square, and paths along the Vilnelė River.
Entertainment & Activities
Together with OZAS, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Vilnius.
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AKROPOLIS Vilnius
25 Ozo g.Together with OZAS, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Vilnius.
Shopping and entertainment center, perhaps more entertainment venues then in AKROPOLIS, better suited for families with children.
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Ozas PPC
18 Ozo g.Shopping and entertainment center, perhaps more entertainment venues then in AKROPOLIS, better suited for families with children.
Getting Around
No contracts! Forget contracts and long-term agreements! To use CityBee you only need to have a driver’s license and register at CityBee website or mobile app.
http://www.citybee.lt/en/
CityBee Airport
2 Rodūnios keliasNo contracts! Forget contracts and long-term agreements! To use CityBee you only need to have a driver’s license and register at CityBee website or mobile app.
http://www.citybee.lt/en/
No contracts! Forget contracts and long-term agreements! To use CityBee you only need to have a driver’s license and register at CityBee website or mobile app.
http://www.citybee.lt/en/
CityBee
17 Pylimo g.No contracts! Forget contracts and long-term agreements! To use CityBee you only need to have a driver’s license and register at CityBee website or mobile app.
http://www.citybee.lt/en/
Vokiečių gatvė
Vokiečių gatvėBus stop, although Trakų street stop is more common.