Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe. Its stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque parks make it a popular destination for tourists. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to narrow down the list of must-see attractions. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 places to visit in Vilnius.
1. Cathedral Square: Cathedral Square is the heart of Vilnius and is home to the city’s most important religious buildings. The square is dominated by the 18th-century Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus, which is the oldest church in Vilnius and one of the oldest in Lithuania. The square is also home to the 16th-century Church of St. Anne, the 16th-century Church of the Holy Spirit, and the 17th-century Bell Tower of the Cathedral.
2. Gediminas Castle Tower: The Gediminas Castle Tower is the symbol of Vilnius and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The tower stands atop a hill overlooking the city and is the only remaining part of the original castle that was built in the 14th century. The tower offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to take photos.
3. Old Town: The Old Town of Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quaint churches make for a beautiful sight. The Old Town is also home to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, the Vilnius Town Hall, and the Gates of Dawn.
4. Town Hall Square: Town Hall Square is the center of Vilnius’ Old Town and is home to the Town Hall and several other important buildings. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings and is the perfect place to people watch or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
5. Vilnius University: Vilnius University is the oldest university in the Baltic region and was founded in 1579. The university’s main building is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is one of the most photographed buildings in Vilnius. The university also has a beautiful library and several other historic buildings.
6. The Gates of Dawn: The Gates of Dawn is a 16th-century gate that is one of the most important landmarks in Vilnius. The gate is decorated with a painting of the Virgin Mary and is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
7. Uzupis: Uzupis is a bohemian neighborhood in Vilnius that has become a popular tourist destination. The area is full of art galleries, cafes, and bars and is a great place to explore. The neighborhood also has its own constitution, anthem, and flag.
8. National Museum of Lithuania: The National Museum of Lithuania is one of the best museums in the city and is home to a large collection of artifacts and artworks from Lithuania’s history. The museum also has a large collection of coins and medals from around the world.
9. Presidential Palace: The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the President of Lithuania and is one of the most important buildings in Vilnius. The palace is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and is open to the public on certain days.
10. Bernardine Gardens: The Bernardine Gardens are a beautiful park in the center of Vilnius. The park is home to several sculptures, fountains, and monuments and is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the city.
11. Vilnius TV Tower: The Vilnius TV Tower is the tallest building in Lithuania and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The tower was built in the 1980s and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
12. KGB Museum: The KGB Museum is a unique museum in Vilnius that is dedicated to the Soviet secret police. The museum is housed in the former KGB headquarters and is a fascinating look into the history of the Soviet Union.
13. Užupio Republic: Užupio Republic is a unique micro-nation in Vilnius that is home to a large number of artists, musicians, and writers. The area is full of galleries, cafes, and bars and is a great place to explore.
14. Vingis Park: Vingis Park is the largest park in Vilnius and is a great place to spend a sunny day. The park is full of walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
15. Trakai Castle: Trakai Castle is a stunning castle that is located just outside of Vilnius. The castle was built in the 14th century and is a great example of Gothic architecture. The castle is now a museum and is a popular tourist destination.
16. Žvėrynas: Žvėrynas is a beautiful neighborhood in Vilnius that is home to some of the city’s most impressive architecture. The area is full of colorful buildings and is a great place to explore.
17. Gediminas Avenue: Gediminas Avenue is one of the main streets in Vilnius and is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The avenue is also home to several important monuments and is a great place to people watch.
18. Vilnius Cathedral: Vilnius Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city and is one of the most important religious buildings in Lithuania. The cathedral was built in the 14th century and is a great example of Gothic architecture.
19. National Gallery of Art: The National Gallery of Art is one of the best art galleries in Vilnius and is home to a large collection of Lithuanian and international artworks. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions and is a great place to learn about Lithuanian art.
20. Three Crosses Monument: The Three Crosses Monument is a famous monument in Vilnius that is dedicated to the martyrs of the city. The monument is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the city.