So, February rolled around, and we were itching for a getaway. Scrolling through flight deals, we stumbled upon some seriously cheap last-minute tickets to Vilnius. Now, let’s be real, Vilnius might not be the most obvious choice for a February trip (but then again, what European city is?), but it’s seriously underrated. Plus, with flights from Stockholm clocking in at under an hour and a half, it was the perfect quick escape.
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Here’s the qick list over the weekend, see the detailed itinerary down below:
Day 1: Old Town Charm and Bohemian Vibes
- Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Check out Cathedral Square, Vilnius University, and Gediminas’ Tower for some stunning views.
- Don’t miss the Gates of Dawn, a 16th-century gate with a beautiful Madonna icon.
- Wander down Literatu Street, a narrow alleyway dedicated to literature from around the world.
- Soak up the atmosphere on bustling Pilies Street.
- Explore the quirky, bohemian district of Užupis, with its street art, cafes, and art galleries.
- If you have time, hike up to the Three Crosses Monument for panoramic city views.
- Fuel up with a coffee break – Vilnius has a serious coffee culture!
Day 2: A Dose of History and Culture
- Dive into Lithuania’s past at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, a sobering but fascinating look at the country’s struggle for independence. We were particularly intrigued by the old prison cells.
- Or, check out some of Vilnius’ other amazing museums, like the MO Museum for modern art or the KGB Museum for a chilling glimpse into Soviet-era surveillance.
Planning a trip soon? We’ve put together a list of our top travel resources and must-have accessories to ensure you’re all set for your adventure!
– Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hotels.com
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When to Go
Vilnius is charming year-round, but here’s the breakdown:
Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor dining and festivals, but expect crowds and higher prices.
Spring/Autumn (May & September): Mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful blossoms in spring or fall foliage in autumn.
Winter (December): Magical Christmas markets and snowy scenery, but be prepared for the cold!
Things to keep in mind:
Peak season: June-August means more tourists and higher prices. Rain: Pack an umbrella, as Vilnius can be rainy any time of year. Events: Check for festivals and events happening during your visit.
How Long to Stay
A weekend is enough to hit the highlights, but if you have more time, consider a day trip to Trakai, a picturesque town with a medieval castle on an island.
Where to Stay
Budget:
Corner Hotel – around 40 euros a night for a comfy, centrally located stay.
Mid-range:
Amberton Cathedral Square Hotel Vilnius – a stylish option for about 80 – euros.
Luxury:
Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton – splurge on this elegant hotel with a spa and indoor pool for around 200 euros.
Do a qick search for accommodation here:
Getting Around
Vilnius is compact and walkable, but the bus is cheap (1 euro), and Bolt is a convenient option for getting around quickly.
Map
What to Pack
Clothes: Layers are key! Pack basics, jeans, sweaters, a jacket, and comfortable shoes. Toiletries: Don’t forget essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and sunscreen. Other: Passport, tickets, phone, charger, guidebook/map, and a small backpack.
Pro-tip: Roll your clothes to save space and use packing cubes to stay organized.
For travel clothes, shoes and backpacks we really recommend products from Tropic Feel that have some cool and environmentally friendly travel products:
Full Itinerary
Day 1
We started our day wandering through the enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports you back to medieval times. Vilnius boasts over 40 churches, making it one of the most ecclesiastical cities in Europe! After visiting Cathedral Square, Vilnius University, and Gediminas’ Tower, we admired the Gates of Dawn, a 16th-century gate with a beautiful Madonna icon. We strolled down Literatu Street, a narrow alleyway dedicated to literature from around the world, and soaked up the atmosphere on Pilies Street.
Next, we headed to the quirky district of Užupis, with its bohemian vibes, street art, and charming cafes.
We even hiked up to the Three Crosses Monument for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, we indulged in Vilnius’ famous coffee culture at a cozy cafe.
Dinner recommendations in the Old Town:
Etno Dvaras – Traditional Lithuanian food with great reviews.
Lokys – Another top-rated spot for Lithuanian cuisine.
Ertlio Namas – Modern Lithuanian dishes in a stylish setting.
Bunte Gans – German food if you fancy a change of pace.
Senoji trobelė – Cozy atmosphere and delicious Lithuanian food.
Day 2
After hitting most of the “must-sees” on Day 1, we opted for a dose of culture on Day 2. Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights was a powerful experience, shedding light on Lithuania’s struggle for independence under Soviet occupation.
Other museums worth checking out:
For History buffs: Nationalmuseum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, KGB-museet.
For Art lovers: MO Museum, Vilnius Picture Gallery, Radvila Palace Museum of Art.
If you want Something different: Museum of Illusions, Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania, Energy and Technology Museum.
For lunch, we stumbled upon Primas Blynas, a restaurant specializing in sweet and savory pancakes, housed in a former church. The service was fantastic, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the food was incredible!
Vilnius has a rich Jewish history and was once known as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.” Despite the Holocaust, there’s still a vibrant Jewish community in the city.
Final Thoughts
Our weekend in Vilnius was a delightful escape filled with history, culture, and charm. If you have more time, we highly recommend exploring Latvia and Estonia to experience the full Baltic experience.
- eSIM Plans for Travelers:
For easy and fast connectivity for your devices, we recommend an eSIM from iRoamly
Youtube video for inspiration
Check out our travel film from Vilnius – get inspired for your own adventure when you travel in Vilnius!
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