FROM beautiful architecture to vintage shops and cheap restaurants, there’s plenty to see in Lithuania’s super-cool capital.
We share our tips for a summery weekend break to Vilnius.
ROAM AROUND TOWN
Start with a free guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to learn about its history and take in its eclectic mix of gothic, renaissance and neoclassical architecture (Vilniuswithlocals.com).
Among the city’s 28 churches, you’ll find stunning painting Our Lady Of The Gates Of Dawn – don’t miss it.
Vilnius is one of the few European capitals from which you can take a hot air balloon tour.
Give yourself a break from pounding pavements and glide through the skies instead, taking in unforgettable views of the baroque Old Town. A hot air balloon tour costs £88 for an hour (Ballooning.lt).
DRINK AND BE MERRY
Lithuanians love a craft beer and you’ll find heaps of trendy bars in the Old Town.
Visit Alaus Biblioteka, AKA the beer library, for an A-Z of the best pints in the city (Beerlibrary.lt). Ale not your thing? Hit cosy cocktail bar Nomads – our fave was the lemon coriander martini for just £5.
No wonder this city was named Europe’s best-value break in a recent poll!
Across the Vilnia River is the tiny “republic” Užupis, which has its own legal constitution dedicated to boozing and having fun. Covered in graffiti, it’s where all the cool kids hang out.
After getting your passport stamped, lounge in the ramshackle pubs next to the water’s edge and soak up live music and quirky art installations.
GORGE ON 14 COURSES
Traditional Lithuanian food is hearty – think potato pancakes and dumplings.
For something a bit special, head to the award-winning Sweet Root. The 14-course tasting menu – yes, 14! – comes in at £65 and showcases the area’s best local ingredients.
We loved the pike with nettles for main and the mirabelle plums with hazelnut for pudding (Sweetroot.lt).
Meanwhile, excellent veggie spot Vegafe serves delicious dumplings stuffed with peas, £4.50 (Vegafe.eu).
BTW
- Basketball is massive in Lithuania and several of the national players have gone on to make it big in the NBA.
- Flights from London Luton with Wizz Air start from £35 return (Wizzair.com).
UNCOVER A DARK HISTORY
It’s easy to forget that this gorgeous, lively city was once occupied by the Soviets and before that, fought over by the Nazis.
Look back on the city’s violent past at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, entry £3.40 (Genocid.lt).
In the former KGB HQ, you’ll see rooms where torture and executions were carried out by the Russians. It’s chilling stuff.
BE A SMOOTHIE
Try out a host of local delicacies including a variety of smoked meats and handcrafted cheeses at the famous Hales Market.
Held every day except Mondays inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building with a glass roof, you’ll find gourmet sausages and bagels, as well as a legendary juice bar run by a woman called Jelena.
She’ll sort you out with a delicious smoothie to help with any ailment – from a common cold to a stinking hangover (Halesturgaviete.lt).
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
CATCH 40 WINKS
Lithuanian hospitality isn’t just warm – it’s exceptionally good value.
Huge double rooms at the central Artis Centrum Hotel cost from £59 per night including breakfast (Artis.centrumhotels.com).
The comfortable beds are like sleeping on a cloud, too.
Popular vintage clothes shop De’Žavu is also just around the corner and is well worth a visit – bonus!
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