Vilnius-7-day-itinerary

Vilnius 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

Places to Go:

  • The Cathedral Square (Aušros Vartų aikštė): Start your day with a visit to this beautiful square, home to Vilnius Cathedral.
  • The Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai): This 16th-century gate is the last remaining part of the city walls and features an impressive painting of the Virgin Mary.

Activities:

  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town, admiring the beautiful Baroque architecture.
  • Visit the Vilnius City Museum (Muziejų miestas) to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Where to Eat:

  • Šaltibarščiai: Try this traditional Lithuanian restaurant for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Try their signature dish, cepelinai (zeppelins).

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Tilto: A modern hotel located in the heart of the Old Town, with comfortable rooms and a great breakfast buffet.

Things to Know:

  • Don’t forget to try some local beer, such as Švyturys or Utenos.
  • Be prepared for some cobblestone streets and uneven pavement in the Old Town.
  • Learn some basic Lithuanian phrases, such as “Sveiki” (hello) and “Ačiū” (thank you).

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Vilnius is on foot. However, if you need to take public transportation, buses and trams are available.
  • You can also rent a bike or taxi for longer journeys.

Day 2: History and Culture

Places to Go:

  • The National Museum of Lithuania (Lietuvos nacionalinis muziejus): Learn about the country’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • The Gediminas Tower: Climb to the top of this 15th-century tower for panoramic views of the city.

Activities:

  • Visit the Vilnius History Centre (Istorijos centras) to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Attend a traditional Lithuanian music or dance performance at the Vilnius Concert Hall (Koncertų salė).

Where to Eat:

  • Gediminas Tower Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner with stunning views of the city.

Tips:

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some traditional Lithuanian food, such as kibinai (meat pies) or šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).
  • Be sure to visit the Gediminas Tower at sunset for breathtaking views.

Day 3: Parks and Gardens

Places to Go:

  • The Botanical Garden (Botanikos sodas): Escape the city bustle with a peaceful stroll through this beautiful garden.
  • The Vingis Park: Relax in this picturesque park, featuring walking paths, gardens, and a lake.

Activities:

  • Take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the parks and gardens of Vilnius.
  • Visit the Vilnius Botanical Garden Museum (Botanikos sodas muziejus) to learn about the garden’s history and plant species.

Where to Eat:

  • The Botanical Garden Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by nature and beautiful views.

Day 4: Art and Architecture

Places to Go:

  • The National Gallery of Art (Nacionalinis dailės muziejus): Admire the country’s impressive art collection, featuring works from the Middle Ages to the present day.
  • The Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard (Šv. Pranciškaus ir Šv. BERNardo bažnyčia): Marvel at this beautiful church’s unique architecture.

Activities:

  • Visit the Vilnius Art Museum (Dailės muziejus) to learn about the city’s art scene and culture.
  • Attend a concert or performance at the Vilnius Concert Hall (Koncertų salė).

Where to Eat:

  • The National Gallery Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful art.

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

Places to Go:

  • The Vilnius Market (Vilniaus turgaus): Browse the stalls selling traditional Lithuanian goods, such as crafts, clothing, and food.
  • The Gediminas Avenue: Shop at this popular street’s many boutiques and department stores.

Activities:

  • Visit the Vilnius Craft Centre (Kunstų centras) to learn about traditional Lithuanian craftsmanship.
  • Attend a market day event at the Vilnius Market (Turgaus diena).

Where to Eat:

  • The Vilnius Market Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious meal amidst the bustling market atmosphere.

Day 6: Day Trip to Trakai Island Castle

Places to Go:

  • Trakai Island Castle: Visit this beautiful castle, located on an island in Lake Galvė.
  • The Trakai National Park: Explore this stunning park’s scenic lake shores and forests.

Activities:

  • Take a ferry ride across the lake to visit the castle.
  • Attend a traditional Lithuanian music or dance performance at the Trakai Castle (Žemaičių Galos muziejus).

Transportation:

  • The best way to get to Trakai is by car, but you can also take public transportation.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last day in Vilnius exploring any last-minute sights or shopping.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Lithuanian food for breakfast before departing!

Tips and Recommendations

  • Be sure to try some local beer and visit the famous Šaltibarščiai restaurant.
  • Learn some basic Lithuanian phrases, such as “Sveiki” (hello) and “Ačiū” (thank you).
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to see the beautiful sunset at the Gediminas Tower.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Tilto: A modern hotel located in the heart of the Old Town.
  • Hotel Neringa: A comfortable hotel with a great breakfast buffet.

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Vilnius is on foot. However, if you need to take public transportation, buses and trams are available.
  • You can also rent a bike or taxi for longer journeys.

Currency

  • The official currency of Lithuania is the Euro (EUR).