At once impressively ancient and compellingly modern, Vilnius is Lithuania’s capital, and its beating heart. Beautiful baroque architecture, lively bars and pretty parks form the backdrop to a city that’s friendly, fascinating, and packed with culture.
LANDMARKS
The medieval Old Town is a red-roofed enclave with wrought-iron balconies, cobbled streets and enticing doorways. Between the charming shops and houses, churches and castles send spires reaching for the sky. With its street-spanning archway, The Gate of Dawn is a survivor from the original city wall, while the Museum of Occupations is an imposing building with a dark past – it once housed the soviet KGB office during the country’s occupation.
FOOD AND DRINK
Traditional Lithuanian cuisine comes in the form of hearty stews and soups, fried breads (served as a side with beer), and pastries packed with beef, mushrooms and vegetables. For the ultimate comfort food, order a plate of cepelinai – zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings with mouth-watering fillings. Local favourites aside, there’s also a burgeoning fine dining scene in the city. The Michelin Guide recently awarded its first stars to four Vilnius restaurants, with 34 other dining spots also highlighted.
SHOPPING
For cosy boutiques and independent crafts, dive into the labyrinthine alleyways of Old Town. The ideal place to get a little lost while indulging in some retail therapy, the picture-perfect shopfronts, unique designs and vintage finds will inspire for hours. Make your way along Pilies Street to experience happiness incarnate at AJ Chocolate Restaurant, explore the Stikliai Quarter for fashion, and head for the Amber Museum’s shop for exquisite Baltic jewellery.
Cross the river to bohemian Uzupis, a thriving artistic district that considers itself a separate republic.
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