Weekend in Vilnius: 48 Hours in Lithuania's Baroque Capital

Medieval towers, bohemian republics, and the best of the Baltics—all in one compact, walkable city.

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Vilnius doesn't shout for attention. While other European capitals jostle for tourists with grand monuments and famous museums, Lithuania's capital quietly goes about being one of the most atmospheric, affordable, and authentic cities on the continent.

Named Europe's second-best destination by Lonely Planet for 2025, Vilnius is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the largest medieval centers in Europe, its cafe culture rivals Vienna's, and its quirky independent spirit—embodied by a neighborhood that declared itself a republic—makes it unlike anywhere else.

A weekend here feels like discovering a secret that somehow escaped the rest of the world.

Day 1: Medieval Heart & Hilltop Views

Morning: Cathedral Square & Gediminas Tower

Begin at Cathedral Square, Vilnius's symbolic heart. The gleaming white Vilnius Cathedral, with its neoclassical columns, looks more Greek temple than Baltic church. Inside, don't miss the opulent Chapel of St. Casimir, dedicated to Lithuania's patron saint.

Behind the cathedral rises Gediminas Hill, crowned by the iconic Gediminas Tower—the last remaining piece of the original castle. The climb takes 10 minutes (or take the funicular), and the panoramic views over the red-roofed Old Town are worth every step. Inside the tower, a small museum traces Vilnius's history from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Late Morning: Old Town Wandering

Descend into the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels remarkably untouched by mass tourism. Pilies Street (Castle Street) is the main artery, lined with amber shops, art galleries, and cafes spilling onto cobblestones.

Detour down narrow lanes to discover hidden courtyards—Vilnius has over 50 university courtyards alone, many open to wanderers. The Vilnius University complex, founded in 1579, is particularly beautiful, with 13 interconnected courtyards.

For the city's most stunning interior, step into the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The stark white exterior hides an explosion of Baroque stucco—over 2,000 figures cover every surface, from saints to soldiers to skulls. It's overwhelming in the best possible way.

Lunch

Etno Dvaras serves traditional Lithuanian food in a cozy Old Town setting. Try cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat, shaped like zeppelins—hence the name), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup, shocking pink and delicious), or kibinai (meat pastries from the Karaite minority).

Afternoon: Užupis—The Bohemian Republic

Cross the Vilnele River into Užupis (literally "the other side of the river"), Vilnius's answer to Montmartre or Christiania. This formerly rundown neighborhood declared independence on April 1, 1997, complete with its own constitution, president, flag, and anthem.

The Užupis Constitution is posted on a wall in multiple languages. Its articles include: "Everyone has the right to be happy," "A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in times of need," and "Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation."

At the heart of Užupis stands the Angel of Užupis, a bronze trumpet-playing figure symbolizing the neighborhood's artistic resurrection. Wander the streets to discover galleries, workshops, and street art around every corner.

Sunset: Three Crosses Hill

For the best sunset view in Vilnius, hike up to the Three Crosses Monument on a hill overlooking the Old Town. The 12-meter crosses have a complex history—destroyed by Soviets, rebuilt after independence—and have become a symbol of Lithuanian identity. The vista as the sun sets over the Baroque spires is unforgettable.

Dinner

Lokys (The Bear) has been serving Lithuanian game cuisine since 1972. The medieval cellar atmosphere and dishes like wild boar, venison, and beaver (yes, beaver—it's traditional) make this a unique dining experience. Not for vegetarians, but perfect for adventurous eaters.

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Day 2: Soviet History & New Discoveries

Morning: Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Start your second day with a visit that's sobering but essential. The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, also known as the KGB Museum, occupies the former headquarters of the Soviet secret police.

The basement cells where prisoners were interrogated, tortured, and executed remain intact. Walking these corridors—seeing the cramped cells, the padded interrogation room, the execution chamber—brings home the reality of Soviet occupation in a way no textbook can. Allow at least 90 minutes.

Late Morning: New Discoveries

Lighten the mood with some of Vilnius's newer attractions:

Sapiegos Palace, reopened in 2024 after major renovations, combines noble history with contemporary art exhibitions. The palace tells the story of the powerful Sapieha family while hosting bold modern installations.

Alternatively, explore Lukiškės Prison. This former working prison (operational from 1904-2019) now hosts tours, art exhibitions, and events in a unique setting.

Lunch

Baleboste serves excellent Jewish cuisine, honoring Vilnius's history as the "Jerusalem of the North." Before World War II, Jews made up a third of the city's population. The food—try the gefilte fish or latkes—is both delicious and historically meaningful.

Afternoon Options

Option A: Jewish Vilnius Visit the Museum of Culture and Identity of Lithuanian Jews (opened 2024) for a deep dive into the community's rich history. Also worth seeing: the haunting Holocaust Museum and the Choral Synagogue, the only surviving synagogue from dozens that once filled the city.

Option B: Day Trip to Trakai If weather permits, take a 30-minute bus ride to Trakai, home to a storybook red-brick castle on an island in Lake Galvė. The Trakai Island Castle, rebuilt in the 20th century, is gorgeous and makes for excellent photos. While there, try kibinai from the local Karaite community—this is where the pastries originated.

Evening

End your weekend with dinner at Ertlio Namas, featured in the Michelin Guide. The focus is modern Lithuanian cuisine—think forest ingredients, fermentation, and local traditions elevated to fine dining. Choose the four or six-course tasting menu for the full experience.

Alternatively, hit the bars in the Old Town or Užupis. Vilnius's nightlife is unpretentious and fun—craft beer bars, wine spots, and clubs stay open late on weekends.

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Practical Information

Getting There

Vilnius Airport (VNO) has connections to most European capitals. Budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air make it increasingly accessible. The airport bus reaches the city center in 20 minutes.

Getting Around

The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. For further destinations, buses are cheap and efficient. Bolt (the European Uber equivalent) is widely available.

Best Time to Visit

• May-September: Warm weather, outdoor cafes, white nights in June
• December: Magical Christmas markets and festive atmosphere
• April: Užupis Independence Day celebrations (April 1)

Events in 2025

• Street Music Day (May 17): Musicians fill the streets across the city
• Vilnius Light Festival (January): Light art installations illuminate the Old Town

Where to Stay

The Old Town puts you at the heart of everything. Užupis offers a more bohemian vibe. Both areas have options ranging from design hostels to boutique hotels.

Budget

Vilnius is affordable even by Baltic standards:

• Coffee: €2-4
• Beer: €3-5
• Restaurant meal: €10-20
• Museum entry: €3-8

Language

Lithuanian is the official language—one of the oldest living languages in Europe. Young people speak excellent English. Learning "ačiū" (ah-choo, meaning thank you) will be appreciated.

Safety

Vilnius is very safe. Use common sense with belongings, but violent crime is rare. The city is LGBTQ+ friendly, especially in the central areas.

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The Verdict

Vilnius has everything you want from a European city break—history, beauty, great food, vibrant nightlife—without the crowds that swamp more famous capitals. Its size makes it perfect for a weekend: big enough to surprise you, small enough to feel like you've truly experienced it.

Come for the Baroque churches. Stay for the cepelinai. Leave planning when you'll return.

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Extended stay? Add a day trip to the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site covered in over 100,000 crosses—one of the most striking sights in the Baltics.