21 Amazing Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania for Every Type of Traveler

Vilnius might not be the first city on your European bucket list, but it should be. Lithuania’s capital is packed with surprises, from cobblestone streets and colorful street art to buzzing cafés and stunning baroque architecture.

It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard. One moment you’re standing in a 600-year-old square, the next you’re in an artsy neighborhood that declared itself an independent republic. This city is quirky, cool, and full of contrast.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or using it as a base to explore the Baltics, this guide will show you what to look out for, where to wander, and how to soak up everything Vilnius has to offer.

The Best Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania: a Brief Intro

Before going over all of the fun things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, let's go over some of the basics, like why Vilnius is famous, and whether or not it's worth a visit.

 Why is Vilnius Famous?

Vilnius is famous for its beautifully preserved Old Town, a quirky mix of baroque churches, cobbled streets, and creative neighborhoods like Užupis. It’s also known for its blend of cultures, laid-back vibe, and the fact that it’s one of the few capitals in Europe where you can ride a hot air balloon right over the city.

Is Vilnius Worth Visiting for Tourists?

In our opinion, Vilnius wasn't as impressive as Riga or Tallinn. However, we really think it's because we need more time. We did enjoy it for our short weekend, and it certainly has plenty to offer for tourists.

If you know what to do and where to go, Vilnius truly can be an incredible city escape. Whether you are into history, adventure, partying, or like a mix, you can find some really cool things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania for your style.

The Best Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania

So, are you ready to explore all of the incredible things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania? This is the heart of our guide, where we'll be sharing top sights for first-time visitors, sun food & drink experiences, and unique activities for thrill seekers.

There's something for everyone in Lithuania's capital? So let's dive right in.

Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania: Sightseeing

First thing's first, let's go into the top things to see and do in Vilnius. From exploring the most significant buildings to chasing beautiful views, here are some of the top things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania if it's your first time visiting.

 Explore the Historic Center

As soon as you're visiting any new European city, the first things you'll want to do is explore the center. Vilnius may not be as mind-blowingly impressive as other cities, but it certainly has plenty of great spots to see. Here are some of the top churches, streets, and other sites to add to your sightseeing list:

• Katedros Aikštė: The main square - this is also where you'll find the Vilnius Christmas Market
• Vilnius Town Hall: A striking neoclassical building that anchors the Old Town and often hosts cultural events.
• Palace of the Grand Dukes fo Lithuania: Museum with incredible architecture
• Gate of Dawn: A historic city gate and pilgrimage site, home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary.
• Church of St Casimir: A beautiful baroque church with a pastel pink facade dedicated to Lithuania’s patron saint.
• Pilies g.: The oldest street in Vilnius, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and colorful architecture.
• Stiklių g.: A charming street in the former Jewish quarter, now full of boutiques, restaurants, and local charm.
• St Catherine’s Church: A stunning venue known for its elegant baroque design and live classical concerts.
• Lukiškės Prison: A former prison turned edgy cultural space that now hosts art, music, and underground events.
• St Anne's Church: A Gothic masterpiece made of red brick that even Napoleon admired enough to want to take home.
• Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos: A peaceful, historic cathedral that adds a distinctly Eastern touch to the cityscape.
• Vilnius University: The biggest university which has beautiful architecture.
• St John the Baptist and St John the Apostle and Evangelist Church: A stunning Baroque-style church located right next to the University
• Literatu Street: A beautiful street filled with displays of decorative and artistic plaques.

 Go on a Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to really discover the city is by taking a free a walking tour. Not only will your guide bring you to all of the top highlights of the city, but you'll learn unique stories and hidden gems that make the history of Vilnius special.

We always use GuruWalk, because the guides are excellent and are always locals. Tours are always completely free - just remember to leave a tip afterwards!

 Visit Užupis

If you're looking for one of of the most peculiar things to do in Vilnius, Latvia, then look no further than a visit to Užupis.

Located in the heart of Vilnius, this neighborhood has claimed themselves to be their own independent nation! You can even go into their tourism office and get a passport stamp, or exchange money for their vibrant bills.

Užupis is for creatives, so you'll be able to enjoy colorful street art, quirky cafes, and vintage shops while you're there. It's located along the river, and they also have a bridge full of locks to take a cute picture at.

 Visit the National Opera and Ballet

Catch a show at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre for a night that’s surprisingly affordable and seriously impressive. Even if you’re not usually into opera, the talent here might change your mind - it truly is one of the best cultural activities in Vilnius to experience.

 Climb the Gediminas Castle Tower

Looking for one of the best views of Vilnius? Head over to the Gediminas Castle Tower. It's just a short walk, but it gives you incredible panoramas of Lithuania's capital. 

We didn't make it up the tower because it was closed, but even if you head their outside opening hours you can still get pretty fantastic views.

 Take in the Views from the Three Crosses Monument

If you're looking for even more incredible vistas of Vilnius, then you can take a short hike up to the Three Crosses Monument, the highest point on the city.

 Go Up the TV Tower

Come check out the tallest building in the country, the Vilnius TV Tower, which extends up to 326 meters high. While the Gediminas Tower and the Three Crosses Monument have amazing views of Vilnius' center, the TV tower will give even more spectacular views of a much wider area of the city.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

 Explore the Museums

Other than the top sights of Vilnius, experiencing the museums is a great way to connect with the city's history and culture. Here are some of the top ones in the city to check out:

• Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights: A powerful museum inside the former KGB headquarters that tells the story of Soviet repression in Lithuania.

• Museum of Genocide Victims: This somber site focuses on the suffering of Lithuanians under Nazi and Soviet rule, with personal stories and historic exhibits.

• KGB Museum: Also known as the Museum of Occupations, it includes prison cells, interrogation rooms, and haunting artifacts from the Soviet era.

• Automuseum: A fun stop for car lovers, this museum showcases a unique collection of vintage vehicles, Soviet-era classics, and rare models.

• Palace of the Grand Dukes fo Lithuania: Located in the main square, it features a variety of art, archaeology, and history exhibits in a reconstructed palace.

The Best Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania for the Foodies & Partiers

Ready to eat and drink your way through Lithuania's capital? Here are some seriously fun and tasty activities in Vilnius you'll want to sign up for.

 Try a Food Tour

Not sure where to start? A food tour gives you a taste of everything without the guesswork. Expect local dishes, snacks you’ve never heard of, and maybe a sneaky shot of something strong.

Go on a Brewery Tour

Lithuanians take their beer seriously, and Vilnius is full of spots pouring craft brews with personality. A brewery tour is a fun way to learn a bit and sip a lot.

 Enjoy the Beer Spa

We are big lovers of beers spas, and Vilnius has one that just recently opened up! You'll get to soak in a tub of hops and malt whilst sipping on your brew. It's the perfect blend of relaxation and fun. 

We tried one in Budapest, Buenos Aires, and Texas. Every experience was incredible, so we have no doubt that this one will be too!

Join a Pub Crawl

If you're looking for a fun night out, then a pub crawl is the perfect way to meet new friends and get to see some of the top bars in the city. It's a great introduction to the nightlife, and also will potentially leave you with some new friends! It's my personal favorite while I'm solo traveling.

 Rent a Party Bus

Heading to Vilnius on a boy trip or bachelor party? Hop on this party bus tour and cruise through the center of Vilnius for 3 hours enjoying drinks, music, and even a 30-minute striptease.

It's one of the top things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania for a wild weekend getaway, and is for a group of up to 12.

 Fun Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania for the Thrill Seekers

If you've already seen the sites and had plenty of food and drinks, you may want to add a bit of thrill to your visit! Here are some truly unique and fun things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania for the adrenaline junkies, or those just looking for something a little different.

 Play Around at the Museum of Illusions

If the weather isn't in your favor or you're looking for just a few silly pictures, then one of the most fun things to do in Vilnius, Latvia is to stop by the Museum of Illusions. We didn't have time to go, but have been to the one in Belgrade which we really enjoyed!

 Try a Virtual Reality Escape Room

Step into a whole different world with a VR escape room that’s part game, part mental workout. It's weirdly intense and way more fun than you’d expect.

 Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you've noticed our logo, you can probably tell that we absolutely love hot air balloon rides! I mean, it's also the reason we chose Cappadocia for our wedding .

Well, we really wish we knew Vilnius has hot air balloons, because it would have been the first activity we'd sign up for!

You can actually choose between flying over Vilnius or the Trakai Castle, both with a glass of champagne in hand. It's truly one of the most fun and romantic things to do in Vilnius, and something to tick off your bucket list.

 Experience Go Karting

Channel your inner race car driver with a few laps around a Vilnius go-kart track. It's fast, fun, and perfect if you're traveling with friends.

 Go on a Safari Quad Bike Adventure

Looking for even more adventure? Head out of the city and into the dirt with a safari-style quad ride through forests and fields. It’s messy, bumpy, and a total adrenaline rush.

 Enjoy a Vilnele River Canoe Trip

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature at its finest? You can go on a canoe trip where you casually paddle down the Vilnele River - it's not only peaceful, but super scenic and a great way to see a different side of Vilnius.

 Try the Vilnius Shooting Experience

Now, I am absolutely petrified of guns, so this isn't one I'd personally choose, but if you're looking for a true adrenaline rush then you can do the Vilnius shooting experience, we're you'll learn about gun safety, and have turns shooting a variety of different guns in a safe environment.

 Take a Day Trip

Have you already experienced all of the best things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania? Well, there are also some incredible places nearby to check out! Here are a few places we recommend to check out on a day trip (many of them can be combined).

• The Hill of Crosses: A powerful and eerie pilgrimage site covered in thousands of crosses, just a few hours from Vilnius.
• Trakai Castle: A fairytale-like red-brick castle on an island, perfect for a day trip full of history and lake views.
• Rundale Palace: An elegant Baroque palace in Latvia that feels like a mini Versailles with manicured gardens and grand halls.
• Rumsiskes: An open-air ethnographic museum where you can walk through traditional Lithuanian villages and houses from centuries past.
• Aukštaitija National Park: A peaceful nature escape filled with lakes, forests, and tiny wooden towns that feel untouched by time.

 Bonus: One Way Day Trip Finishing in Riga

Planning on visiting Riga after Vilnius? Well, you can have a unique day trip that brings you from Vilnius to Riga, but rather than just transportation, it stops at several places along the way! It's truly one of the best ways to travel from one city to the other, and do some sightseeing all-in-one.

The Best Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania: Tips & Upcoming Content

Now you know all of the amazing things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania! Before you go though, we're going to share some of the basics for visiting the city.

 Getting There: Vilnius has its own airport, but also is well-connected to other cities by bus and train.

Getting Around: Most of Vilnius can be done on foot, but you can also use public buses, Uber, Bolt, or taxis.

 Tap Water: You can drink straight from the tap, and ask for tap water at restaurants.

 Language: The official language is Lithuanian, and a lot of people speak English and Russian.

 Entry: Lithuania is part of the EU and Schengen Zone.

 Food & Drink: Lithuania has a heavy cuisine based on animal products. The city has a ton of cute cafes, particularly along and nearby Stikliy g.

 Weather: Vilnius has really cold and snowy winters with short days, and sunny, mild summers with very long days.

 What's Next?

Now that you know all of the best things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania and some quick facts about visiting, you'll probably want to know more of the details for what it's like traveling in the city. We have a ton of guides coming up this week, which we'll then be linking as we go!

So are you ready for an amazing trip to Lithuania's capital? We hope you enjoy all of the fun things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. Want to learn more? Stay tuned for more upcoming guides about this city!

Want to learn about some of the other surrounding cities as well? We have several Tallinn travel guides, and Riga travel guides for you to check out. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, as well as exclusive content and discounts reserved just for our email list.

Ready to start planning an awesome trip to Vilnius and the other Baltic cities? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, with special itineraries created perfectly for you and your group. Ready to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

Here are some other articles you'll love: