Where is Vilnius?

Vilnius Old Town is UNESCO-listed because of its “outstanding universal value.” Many of its original architecture is preserved, with beautiful examples of the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styles all coexisting in a medieval layout that’s splendidly green and alive. The city is getting ready for its 700-year anniversary, which will occur in 2023, and it’s ready to show that its bones are still young by organising many different events and sharing its treasured historic value. Get ready for a once in a lifetime celebration.

The notorious prison in the centre of Vilnius has been reborn as Cultural Hub. Although the building complex stopped functioning as a prison in 2019, now it is inhabited by 250 artists, and has been repurposed for artistic and cultural events as “Lukiškės Prison 2.0” to host concerts, festivals, and exclusive tours. The daytime tour highlights the prison’s history, architecture, and the daily life of inmates, including political prisoners. For instance, the prison held some of the famous 20th century Lithuanian authors, and even Menachem Begin, Israel Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who was imprisoned in Lukiškės for a year in 1940. The nighttime tour displays the unseen side of the century-old buildings illuminated by the beam of a flashlight.

No matter which period of history you prefer, Vilnius has something for you. Are you a fan of all things medieval? Visit the spectacular Trakai Island Castle, located in the middle of a calm lake. If you’re more into the now, the Contemporary Art Centre and recently built MO Museum offer impressive collections and exhibitions featuring renowned local artists. If you like a bit of everything, the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum, in addition to its mesmerising and well-known collection of optical art compositions, also has examples of antique graphic arts, Western European sculptures, historic furniture and even Asian works of art, all coexisting under the same roof. Or maybe you prefer something radically different and want to look into one of the darker sides of our past? Then the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, located in the former KGB headquarters, won’t disappoint. Our history is long and complex, and it has something for everyone.

Climb tall pine trees like a pro, slide gently from one tree to another on a zip line and rappel with elegance to the ground in the adventure parks set in forested areas around the city centre. If you prefer, you can also fulfil your Tarzan dream of swinging through the forest from a rope, show off your wakeboarding skills or feel the beat of fallen trees and daring rocks under your brave kayak while you take in views of the Old Town from a totally different angle. If you’re feeling more contemplative, you can opt to just float calmly on a paddle board, trying not to scare the sporadic ducks and beavers that may stare at you while you pass by and letting the soft current of the Neris River give you a calming tour and the feeling of summer embracing your shoulders.

No matter which of the 35 ways of moving around the city you prefer, we love them all. And you’ll love them, too. Bus, trolleybus, various taxi applications, shared cars, electric scooters and bicycle systems…even Uperis, a floating platform to cross the river. And if none of these are for you, you can always test your balance on the long trails of Vingis Park with your skateboard or rollerblades, or just go for a walk or run. There’s also an impressive 100-km trail circling Vilnius especially for you, but no need to show off – you can cover it in parts.

Do you want to know the real deal? Do you want to discover that little place around that hidden corner that happens to be amazing? Do you want to get inside knowledge directly from the source? Then, get a local to show you all those places that no tourist guide will. Jump directly into the local culture and hang out with the real people of Vilnius.