Things to do in  Vilnius

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historical wellspring, and no trip is complete without exploring the medieval Vilnius Old Town (Vilniaus Senamiestis. Evolving over centuries, the oldest part of the city features labyrinthine streets busy with restaurants, bars, and shops, and offers visitors a charming gateway to the Higher Castle.

Though dwarfed somewhat by Vilnius' towering Bernardine Church, St. Anne's Church remains an architectural gem known for its rose windows, ornate spires, and late-Gothic design. Centrally located in the Old Town, the church's facade is its draw; the humble interior is quick to see, so it's an ideal stop on a walking tour.

Uzupis may feel like a city within a city, which is no surprise, since this artsy district actually declared independence from greater Vilnius more than two decades ago. Though left to crumble under Soviet rule, the renewed bohemian enclave is packed with galleries, bars, and restaurants, and offers easy access to Old Town sights.

As the only remaining defensive wall in Vilnius, the 16th-century Gate of Dawn (Ausros Vartai is a top historic attraction. The fortification and its church are perhaps best known as home to a revered religious icon, the Vilnius Madonna—which some believe is imbued with healing powers—making the sight a top draw for Orthodox visitors.

Located on Daukanto Square and surrounded by stately mansions, Vilnius' Presidential Palace is an ornate residence befitting a head of state. It's hard to miss its grand neoclassical exterior and charming palace gardens. It's an easy stop while exploring the Old Town, and the flag-changing festivities, held each Sunday, are a top draw.

Vilnius University (Vilniaus Universitetas is among the oldest universities in the region, and it showcases a microcosm of Lithuanian history. Find diverse architecture, a 16th-century library, and great views from St. John‘s Church. Atop the church's bell tower, you can appreciate views from the tallest building in the Old Town.

Located in the former headquarters of both the KGB and the Gestapo, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (Okupaciju ir Laisves Kovu Muziejus is a must-see for history enthusiasts. From prison cells and an execution chamber to history exhibitions, the museum offers a careful look into key events of modern Lithuanian history.

This red-brick landmark above the Old Town is one of the last remaining vestiges of Vilnius' medieval Upper Castle. Beyond its historic exhibition spaces, visitors to Gediminas Castle Tower (Gedimino Pilies Bokštas can admire fantastic views from this hilltop landmark with panoramic vistas of Vilnius from its viewing platform.

Built in the 15th century and taking center stage at the heart of Vilnius’ Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and one of the city’s most important monuments. Reopened in 2018 after a 15-year reconstruction, it’s now home to the National Museum of Lithuania.

With a long and storied history dating back to the 13th century, the Vilnius Cathedral is a sacred landmark to the Lithuanian people, and the heart of the country’s Catholic spiritual life. After having been burnt and rebuilt several times, and surviving the Soviet occupation, the cathedral and belfry have undergone a thorough renovation since Lithuania’s independence in 1990.

The marvelous 17th-century Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (Sv. Apastalu Petro ir Povilo Baznycia may seem typically baroque, but the relatively dull exterior belies its interior brilliance. Step inside to find detailing that's almost overwhelming, from thousands of intricate statues to a boat-shaped, art nouveau chandelier.

Little remains of the 16th-century city walls that once protected Vilnius, save for a few gates and the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall. Today, the bastion has been restored and repurposed into a museum with exhibits on Vilnius’ history of weaponry and warfare. From the terrace on top of the bastion, you can enjoy views of the city.

A centuries-old piece of the city's infrastructure, Bernardine Church (Bernardinu Parapija was built atop a razed 15th-century church, survived wars and invasions, and once formed a piece of Vilnius' defensive walls. This worship space is an architectural gem mixing baroque and Gothic detailing and features ornate interior carvings.

Carving its way through the modern heart of Vilnius, Gediminas Avenue (Gedimino Prospektas) is the city’s main street. This elegant boulevard runs from the Neris River, past government buildings and restaurants, to Cathedral Square. The avenue serves as a visual timeline of Vilnius, with a range of architectural styles.

From mind-bending 3D paintings to interactive optical illusions and distorted mirrors, the Vilnil Museum of Illusions is filled with fun exhibitions to challenge your perceptions. Entertaining for all ages, the museum offers the opportunity to take unique and Instagram-worthy photos.