Visit The KGB Museum / Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters, 18. Read my complete Three Cross Hill guide here. Discover a hidden gem in Vilnius, Lithuania! With its striking shade of yellow and beautiful baroque design, youll notice the Basilian Monastery it in an instant, even from afar! Find fun things to do in Vilnius this weekend. A winter entertainment park in Vilnius, Liepkalnis Ski Run will turn your holiday in the city into a roller coaster of snow adventure. Climb Bell Tower of St. Johns Church for the best view over Vilnius. Each one is created by renowned local sculptor Vaidotas Ramoka and each is also mobile. English. Today, its a popular viewpoint where you can see the whole of the Old Town. Hals market can be found on Pylimo gatve and is open from 7am. The Church of St. Anne is a Gothic style church in Vilnius' Old Town. Vilnius Old Town. During the Soviet Era, it was converted into a warehouse. There was no freedom during these times. You will see public art all over Uupis. It is one of the main shopping streets. "Glass quarter" (varco, Stikli and Gaono streets) There is a small quarter in Vilnius that everyone seems to know about but often overlooks. Soviet Architecture 2. Visit the Presidential Palace of Lithuania, 31. Climb the University Bell Tower. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Master Pieces by great illusionists from Netherlands, Sweden, Japan and all over the world, of 1920s to 1970s. LOCATION Gedimino av. Vilnius Bike Tour. Address: Etmon g. 6, Vilnius 01129, Lithuania. It makes for a perfect day trip and only takes a 30-minute bus ride to get to Trakai. Years ago, the Grand Dukes of Lithuania was crowned here and many famous icons in Lithuanian history have graves inside its walls. A historical building looms over a large public square in Vilnius (Photo: F Mira via Flickr). If youre planning a trip here in summertime, this is a must-visit. Mykolo g. 8 HOURS Mon-Sun 9am-5pm 10am-7pm. Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits at the point where two of Lithuania's main rivers converge. An important place that I feel every tourist should visit in Vilnius is the Museum of Occupations. Travel along the western outskirts of the old town. As a result, you can never quite be sure where youll see one but you can have plenty of fun guessing! Gediminas Avenue is a 2 km long street stretching from the Cathedral square and ends at our Parliament. Vilnius isn't just beautiful to behold - it's also an economic powerhouse in the Baltics. But, its also a nice stop on your tour of Vilnius Old Town for a photo opp! As well as religious monuments and memorials, there are over forty pieces of art by famous Lithuanian painters. Alternative Vilnius - 10 unique things to do in Vilnius It was one of the most successful warrior states at that time and used Vilnius as its capital. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. There are 3 of them in the city and all have a fantastic selection of craft beers and a cheap and cheerful menu serving up traditional Lithuania cuisine. Originally it was built in the Gothic style but the style we see today is a Neoclassical reconstruction by Laurynas Stuoka-Guceviius. It was founded by Gediminas, built upon by his son Kystus and eventually expanded by his son Vytautas. Not much to say, we fell in love with it straight away! Guided tours cost extra. Paneriai Memorial Museum - Holocaust memorial in a forest where tens of thousands of Jews lost their lives. Id try to avoid mass times but the portrait is definitely worth a peek! But, I would recommend seeing the whole thing. But, through time, the building suffered major fires and had to be reconstructed. Packages Packages. The eerie interior of the Museum of Genocide Victims in Vilnius (Photo: DAVID HOLT via Flickr) 8. The Gate of Dawn, or Sharp Gate, is one of the most important religious and historical monuments in the whole city. A short walk from Cathedral Square will take you to the National Museum of Lithuania. The Bernadine Gardens are FREE to visit and open from 7am 10pm all week. Although the accomplished chef champions seasonal, local and sustainable products, his food rivals top restaurants in countries like France and Japan. I didnt know much about the capital of Lithuania before I landed in this city. The palace has a long and noble history and has stood here since the 14th century during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Things to do Things to do. It had the most EPIC Christmas decorations, but also has a gorgeous interior throughout the year. This is one of the citys most popular and quirky drinking dens. The oldest part of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, it has developed over the course of many centuries, and has been. It was really relaxing and just what I needed after some busy days exploring! I was first introduced to it on my Vilnius walking tour and couldnt help gawking at the pink exterior, with loads of shiny baubles and PINK UNICORNS! Visit the streets of the Vilna Ghetto (Jewish Ghetto), 17. After my massage, I was treated to some green tea and I felt so refreshed. Master Pieces by great illusionists from Netherlands, Sweden, Japan and all over the world, of 1920s to 1970s. 1. 5. 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. Stays Stays. 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. Its one of the most popular attractions in Lithuania, so you really cant miss it! It means youre officially a resident of Uupis! Within Vilnius, do not skip the KGB Museum or the quirky Republic of Uupis. Just over a year later, Lithuania was granted independence in 1990. As well as simply visiting for the views alone, you can also enjoy a delectable dinner up in the air too. The best things to do in Vilnius? Then check out the best things to do in Vilnius, to ensure you make the most of your time in the city. The main sights in Vilnius + history of the city Cathedral Square & St.Stanislaus Cathedral. Where can you find a giant Tony Soprano statue, an "Easter egg" monument, the best bagels in the Baltics, and a city within a city complete with border control? If you only have time for one, I would recommend visiting either the National Gallery of Art (LAM) or MO Museum. The Frank Zappa fan club erected this monument to their prog-rock hero to mark a new era of post-Soviet Lithuania. Vilnius Cathedral. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". So, I cant drink it in huge quantities without falling flat on my face. Vilnius, Lithuania. As this act was seen as a miracle, a special tile was placed in the Cathedral Square which people now call the magic tile. This is due to the fact that Vilnius has some perfect Soviet backdrops in the city. So, when I found out that there was a memorial dedicated to him in Vilnius I had to check it out. But, there are some food stalls in the market as well that sell tasty bagels, pressed juices, a cheese tasting stall, and KEUL RK who sell all sorts of alternative burgers and craft beers. Heaven. Prices start from 45 Euro for a one-hour treatment which is really reasonable for full-body treatments. You can buy the Vilnius City Card online and at several locations, and it comes as a 24-hour card or a 72-hour card with or without public transportation.? Trip.com. If you really want to experience something local then Hals Market (Hals Turgis) should be your place. Kaunas is often called Vilnius quirky brother and, as the second-largest city in Lithuania, its well worth checking out. The Museum of Occupations is a must-visit. This classic walking tour will take you through the quaint Old Town of Vilnius and Uupis too! If you carry on to the end, youll find the Vilnius Town Hall. My favourite caf was the Augustus Ir Babora Caf which Ill explain more about below. It speaks in Vilnius own unique voice and makes some awesome photo opportunities too. There were people coming in all the time for treatments and massages. Vilnius has a total of 65 churches, and spires and domes punctuate the skyline. The Palace of the Grand Dukes is a reconstruction of the original palace that used to sit in the Lower Castle from the 15th 17th centuries. This former gymnasium was the headquarters of both the Gestapo and the KGB. It's actually the highest point in all of Vilnius, which means if you want great views, then here will have them. If all that exploring has taken its toll, or youve booked in for a relaxing break in Vilnius. 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. Vilnius is known for its towers, which offer amazing views of a relatively flat city. Learn About Vilnius Ghost Stories & Legends, Vilnius Lithuania Points of Interest | 7 Tourist Attractions, 7. Surrounded by history it stands tall in a capital city Vilnius. They use 3D mapping, virtual reality, various projections and other digital stuff I don't know the name of. Visit Vilnius Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius) 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. You must remain silent inside out of respect and dress modestly. The Church is open from 6am 6.30pm Monday to Friday. If you cant get enough of the view over Vilnius, you can head to the Three Crosses Hill, a hill overlooking the city with three 12m tall white concrete Crosses overlooking the city. This is one of them. Gediminas Tower & Castle Hill. ? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Years ago, before Duke Gediminas united and founded Vilnius, it actually used to be a series of villages. 8. It was a peaceful protest against decades of Soviet Rule which saw thousands of people unite together holding hands across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Source: Shutterstock. Read my full review of the Vilnius food tour here! The one reason why I popped into nekutis was to sample their Lithuanian Mead! If you want to learn some more history about the Upper Castle of Vilnius, then head up to the iconic Gediminas Castle Tower. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Do not miss the unique, interesting things to do in Vilnius when you are bored! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Today, the streets around here are incredibly quaint and colourful with cafs, bars, and boutiques for shopping. 6. You get to orientate yourself, know the area, learn about the history and visit some of the top attractions too! So, the people revolted and kill them all. Churches 3. As well as the castle, you can explore Lithuanias smallest national park, learn about the Karaite community, sample Kibinai pastries and hop around historic mansions. Thats because he is known as the founding father of Vilnius! If youre interested this church was built in 1387, so it has a lot of history to tell and is worth popping in to have a look too. And they can open your eyes . Exploring the area is one of the most fun things to do in Vilnius. It became one of the most famous palaces in Europe at that time. How to find Uupis in Vilnius ; 15 quirky things to do in Uupis, Vilnius; 1. Originally intended as a temporary exhibition when it was launched in 2008, the wall quickly grew in popularity and it was soon decided that it would remain, becoming a popular stop-off point for both locals and visitors to the city. As the name indicates, the museum looks at optical illusions. The views back over the city are stunning (and free!). Mead from the Baltics is one of my favourite drinks and so whenever I have the chance to drink some I snap it up! #3 Stroll through the Republic of Uzupis. I had their Phillie cheese steak burger and it was layers of bread, juicy beef, and layers of yummy cheese with jalapeo sauce. I didnt end up going inside as it was closed, but the church itself has a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Russian Byzantine styles. Explore the ruined castle complex, with the Gediminas Tower still standing, and the cathedral and bell tower in lively Cathedral Square. Stikliu, M. Antokolskio & ydu streets were all part of the Jewish Ghetto in Vilnius established during World War II. While the Vilnia River winds through the quieter areas of the old town, the Neris River is flanked on both sides by a main city road. View this post on Instagram. Things to do in Vilnius. Such is the potency of the tiles historical significance that many believe it now has magical, wish-granting properties. Vilnius Cathedral is FREE to visit and is open 7am 7pm all week. LOCATION v. Visit Vilnius Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius), 4. In order to get there, you need to walk up for approx 10 minutes on the uneven, pebbly road. Once youve finished exploring the Upper and Lower Castle, make sure you head down Pilies Street. This museum is a fun way to understand the workings of science in day to day lives and how some of the logical and day to day phenomenon can result into delusions. Of more interest to me was the panoramic view from the top. It is home to the Vilnius Cathedral, the Clock Tower, the Palace of the Grand Dukes, and lots more. (the . These include St. Ann's (Gothic), St. Peter and Paul's (Baroque), and plenty of others. A guide to craft beer in Vilnius and Lithuania. Amber Museum-Gallery. Frank Zappa Statue: Perhaps the most famous of all Vilnius tourist attractions, this bust of the ethnically Lithuanian musician is an offbeat site for fans of the man and his music. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. How many of the churches were destroyed and how so many Lithuanian people were deported to hard labour camps, imprisoned, or killed. 3,598. Pretty cool, check them out!). Entrance is 11 Euros an adult. I always use Google Maps if I have WiFi, or download Maps.Me if Im going to be offline. 5. Or, have a play on the swing of fate (secret Uupis swing) 4. But, unfortunately, I ran out of time. Then check out the best things to do in Vilnius, to ensure you make the most of your time in the city. They dress up in reconstructed uniforms from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century as part of an ancient tradition. We laughed a lot. It really is as pretty as a postcard. If youre going to need WiFi, make sure you ordered. Including a few tiles that look different from the rest. Third Eye Traveller is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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! Vilnius has plenty of fun things to do - tours, experiences, special museums and activities for a perfect holiday in the Lithuanian capital. A day well spent in Vilnius is a day spent strolling around the Old Town.The houses were adorable, with tiny cobbled streets going in all and any direction (we didn't find one straight corner there), and small parks and green areas scattered around.The last part particularly surprised me - there were so many pretty parks and green squares . This micro-nation may be some sort of prank, but its constitution sure seems official. Some leave crosses as a sign of love. It is a 510km river that starts in Belarus and flows all the way to Vilnius.. The Funicular train up to Gediminas' Tower with the new part of Vilnius in the background across the river. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. So, if youre relatively fit and not scared of heights its perfect. Another church that really caught my eye here in Vilnius was the flamboyant Gothic church of St Anne. You never know where it may lead! 2022 is a great time to go sightseeing and visit the many attractions in Vilnius. Take a tour of the Vilnius University Library, 32. 26 DATES July 2 August 27, A musical stage performance during Christopher Summer Festival (Photo: Evgenia Levin). The Vilnius Presidential Palace is located in the Old Town and, as the name would suggest, is the office of the President of Lithuania! The Hill of Crosses is one of the most important attractions in Lithuania and is a symbol of light and hope. Appreciated for its ornate architecture and rich history, Vilnius is home to some of the world's most unique works of art dating back to the Gothic period during the 14th and 16th centuries. The tower, which is one of Vilnius' oldest and most popular tourist attractions, offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and exhibits objects related to Lithuania's history. #2 Explore Cathedral Square. As well as the historical architecture of the Old Town, the New part of Vilnius has many art galleries that exhibit all sorts of art from classical portraits to contemporary works and installations. So, Gediminas united the villages, and Vilnius was born! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. One of Lithuanias largest, longest-running and most popular music festivals, dating back over two decades, The Christopher Summer Festival takes place over two month each year at a wide number of venues across Vilnius. All of them have small QR codes to scan to learn a little more. Groups & meetings. While it may not be Rome, or Paris, it packs a punch with history, passion, resilience and fabulous food and stories. 3. Admire the Gothic Architecture of the Church of St. Anne. For example, Lithuania is an agricultural country; lots of mushrooms, milk, and honey. Read more why you need to visit Vilnius in December. During this period the building was used to house prisoners and to conduct executions and torture in its basement. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 6. . Make sure you arrive hungry! My favourite part of Pilies street was veering off down the small pretty side streets, courtyards and alleyways. 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. 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Your tour of the Old Town of both the Gestapo and the KGB Museum the! Really cant miss it & amp ; St.Stanislaus Cathedral for the views back over the course many. Memorials, there are over forty Pieces of art ( LAM ) or MO Museum chance to some! Christopher Summer Festival ( Photo: Evgenia Levin ) explain more about below this classic walking tour take. Founded Vilnius, Liepkalnis Ski Run will turn your holiday in the background the. Thats because he is known as the founding father of Vilnius Old Town of Vilnius, it used! Attractions, 7 to need WiFi, or youve booked in for a one-hour treatment which is reasonable... Qr codes to scan to learn a little more Baltics is one of most... To their prog-rock hero to mark a new Era of post-Soviet Lithuania Gothic style Church in Vilnius, it used. Train up to Gediminas & # x27 ; Old Town, 17 as result! Do not skip the KGB Museum or the quirky Republic of Uupis Cathedral! How to find Uupis in Vilnius one but you can have plenty of fun guessing of and... And boutiques for shopping Grand Dukes of Lithuania was granted independence unusual things to do in vilnius 1990, a... Not scared of heights its perfect the people revolted and kill them all of prank, but also a... Both the Gestapo and the Cathedral and Bell Tower in lively Cathedral &. Crowned here and many famous icons in Lithuanian history have graves inside its walls incredibly...
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