Vilnius

Inhabited since the Middle Ages, Vilnius has always been a multinational city with Polish, German, Jewish, Russian and Belorussian people making up a substantial share of its population. According to the last census of 2011, the population included 63.2% Lithuanians, 16.5% Poles, 12% Russians, 3.5% Belarusians, and 1.0% Ukrainians. During World War II, 80,000 Jews from Vilnius were murdered by the Nazis and their Lithuanian collaborators at the forest of Paneriai and other nearby places. After the war, most of the urban Polish population (about 65% of population) was resettled to Poland, while during 1950–1970 they were replaced by people from parts of Lithuania, neighbouring parts of Belarus, as well as Russia, Ukraine and other Soviet republics.

• Vilnius Tourist InformationHas 3 offices in the old town and a kiosk in the airport where you can obtain maps and suggestions free of charge.

By plane

• Vilnius International Airport

  phone: +370 5 273 9305
  address: Rodunios kelias 10a
  The largest civil airport in Lithuania. There are flights to most major airports in the northern half of Europe and a few destinations nearby former CIS countries and some regular and charter flights to Mediterranean destinations. Over half of the destinations are served by either budget or charter airlines. A list of airlines can be found here.

Bus #1 goes from the airport (Lithuanian: Oro uostas) to the central bus/train station ("Stotis").

Bus #2 goes from the airport to the bus/train station, passing the football stadium at Liepkalnis street.

Bus #88 goes from the airport to the City Business Centre (Konstitucijos avenue, Europa square), travelling through the Old Town first.

Night minibus #88N goes hourly 23:30–05:30 same route.

Bus#3G goes to the north through the centre (Lukiškės square) and business centre (Konstitucijos avenue), continuing on to the Fabijoniškės sleeping district in the north, near the beginning of the A2 highway towards Riga (within the city limits the highway is called Ukmergė street). The bus number's trailing letter "G" on a green background stands for "Greitasis" which means "Express bus". It stops at all relevant stops in the centre, while skipping some regular stops before and after the centre.

• Kaunas International AirportIt has fewer flights: the main operator is Ryanair, flying to Alicante, Bologna, Bristol, Burgas, Copenhagen, Cologne, Dublin, Eilat, Girona, Luton, Stansted, Milan Malpensa, Naples, Nuremberg, Paphos, Rhodes, Rimini, Shannon and Tel Aviv. Wizz Air fly to Alesund, Bergen, Eindhoven, Luton, Stavanger and Turku. LOT fly to Warsaw.

By train

• Vilnius railway stationThe station is just south of downtown, next to the bus terminal and a small shopping mall with cafes.

There are two trains between Białystok in Poland and Kaunas on Saturday & Sunday; Friday has just one eastbound train to Kaunas, Monday has one westbound train to Białystok. The schedule means you can leave Warsaw Centralna around 13:00, change at Białystok for the onward train at 15:40 to reach Kaunas by 21:30 (with a one hour time switch at the border, but no change of gauge or train); and there catch a train to Vilnius arriving 23:00. Westbound, you need to leave Vilnius not much after 06:00 to be on the 10:00 train from Kaunas to reach Białystok for 13:45 and change to reach Warsaw for 17:00. The other weekend train necessitates an overnight stay in Białystok. These trains do not enter Belarus.
There are three fast trains a day between Vilnius and Minsk in Belarus, taking under 3 hours, plus a couple of slow Russian trains taking over four hours. The Lithuanian railway company (Lietuvos Geležinkeliai) only lists its own trains on this route, check Russian Railways' English website for the full selection, but note that this only shows direct trains and can't grasp the concept of connections.
Those trains from Russia twice a day connect the exclave of Kaliningrad to Vilnius (6 hours) then continue to Minsk then fan out to Moscow, St Petersburg and beyond. There's even a direct train to Sochi and Adler on the Black Sea coast near the border with Georgia. Westerners on any of these routes need a Belarus transit visa as well as their Russian visa.
From Latvia, there is no direct train service from Riga (although this may change once the Rail Baltica project is completed), but there are two trains from Daugavpils every Saturday and Sunday, with the second train from Daugavpils departing late enough to allow travel from Riga to Vilnius in a single day.
Trains shuttle between Kaunas and Vilnius hourly, daily 04:30-22:30, taking 1 hr 40 min. Adult fares are about €6. The trains are usually Czech double-deckers.
There are five trains a day between Vilnius and Klaipeda, taking four hours, adult fare about €18.

By car

Motorways serve Vilnius from Klaipeda via Kaunas and from Panevezys. The modern four-lane motorways and main roads are of a very high standard, however, in the winter smaller roads are not cleared. The speed-limit is 130 km/h on the motorways (110 km/h in winter), but 100 km/h on the Vilnius-Kaunas sector, 90 km/h outside towns and 50 km/h in built-up areas.

By bus

The bus station is across the street from the main train station. A schedule of all regional buses is posted near the ticket window.
Eurolines, Ecolines and Lux Express operate services between Vilnius and Kaunas, Kaliningrad, Riga, Tallinn, Minsk, St. Petersburg, and Warsaw, with further connections all over Europe. Buses depart from Kaunas to Vilnius every 10-15 minutes and cost €6.50 to €7.00.
You can find some schedules for regional buses and trains here.

On foot

Although the Old Town is one of the largest in Europe, it can easily be explored on foot.

By bus or trolleybus

Vilnius Transport operates buses and trolleybuses in Vilnius. A single ticket for either bus or trolleybus use costs €1, purchased from the driver (cash only). A ticket bought from the driver needs to be stamped by putting it into the tiny red machine near the driver's cabin and pulling the rear part towards you to punch the ticket.
If you are planning to use public transportation more than a few times, buying a Vilniečio kortelė smart card may be a significantly cheaper option. A 24-hour ticket costs €3.48, 72-hour €6.08, 240-hour €11.87, and 30-day €28.96. The ticket must be validated on your first journey by swiping the smart card at the yellow electronic reader on the bus. Seniors older than 70 years are eligible for a 50% discount, while European Union students studying in EU universities are eligible for an 80% discount. An ISIC and/or ID card (or passport) must be provided when prepaying the smart card and in case of ticket control during the trip.
For less frequent trips you can top-up your Vilniečio kortelė card with 30-min and 60-min (€0.64 and €0.93) tickets (students and seniors are eligible for a 50% discount). Validated tickets allow passengers to change buses during the trip.
The Vilniečio kortelė smart card can be purchased from Lietuvos spauda or Narvesen kiosks, Maxima grocery stores, Lithuanian post offices, or at the Customer Service Center (Gedimino pr. 9A) for €1.5. You can prepay this card in these locations and in PayPost offices.
Alternatively the tourist-oriented Vilnius City Card includes unlimited use of public transportation for its 72-hr pass (free public transportation are not included in the 24 and 48-hr passes).
The official public transport route map can be found here.
Beware that trolleybuses and other buses each have their own overlapping but unrelated numbering systems - e.g. trollybus route 3 and bus route 3 are completely different routes.
There are several fast bus (not trolleybus) routes called Greitasis (Express) - buses on these routes stop only at major stops and connect important parts of the city (residential districts - centre - airport and such). They have the route number with a trailing letter "G" on a green background; the schedules and routes are marked in green. Routes and numbers of the regular buses are marked in blue, and those of the trolleybuses are marked in red.

By taxi

A regular cab may cost about €5-15 if you need to get from the periphery of the city to the centre, while the shortest trips will cost you ~€4. Somewhat higher priced and higher class taxi companies are Jazzexpress, Smarttaxi, and municipality-owned Vilnius veža. Every car is relatively new and equipped with a card reader so you can pay for the trip using your debit or credit card.
The easiest way to book a taxi is with the eTAKSI app for smartphones, a service similar to Uber/Lyft. You can also use Taxify or Yandex.Taxi. You can also order a taxi on the internet here. Ordering a taxi by phone is also an option. Street taxis charge as much as twice the price of taxis called by phone or app. Good practice is to dial the number written on the vehicle you see, tell the dispatcher the address you're at, and you will most likely get the same vehicle for a lower price.
All taxi cars must have a yellow license plate starting with the letter T with an additional 5 numbers and a 'Taxi' sign on the roof. A detailed price list alongside the driver's taxi-operator license must be placed on the panel right in front of the passenger seat next to the driver.
When paying for the taxi service it is expected to leave a €0.50-1 tip for the driver.

By car

Travelling by car is not advised during rush hours (07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:30) to and from the city center due to traffic jams. Parking fees can vary from €0.30/hr to €1.80/hr in the old town.

Car rental

There are several well known foreign car rental companies and several domestic companies in Vilnius.
It is advised to book online from an English language website such as Car Rental or Neo Rent. Cheaper options available are: JARR autoservisas, Drive.lt.
City-Bee operates a car sharing network where you can rent a car by the hour. There is no contract or monthly fee, you pay for the service only when you use the car, and there are no parking expenses when you are not using it. There are 13 pick-up points throughout the city, mostly in the centre and some relevant points in northern districts.

By bicycle

In the city centre you often find bike lanes; however, that doesn't mean they are well respected. The only "real" bicycle path leads along the River Neris north to Verkiai Nature park and the "Green lakes".

• Daytrip: If you go north to the "Green lakes" and have a decent map you can ride up to the "Europos parkas" outdoor exhibition of contemporary art, then carry on to the Geographical center of Europe.

Bicycle trails

Five reasonable bicycle routes within the city limits and Green Lakes area are presented in the bilingual leaflet Bicycle Routes in the City of Vilnius. Development of bicycle path connections and improvement of the existing network is scheduled to be completed in 2020. New paths to the most remote districts and recreation areas, and densification of the network in the centre is scheduled to be completed around 2027. So far development is fragmentary and carried out in relevant spots "step by step".

Bicycle rental

• Cyclocity VilniusA self-service bike rental system that features 36 stations in central locations operating annually during May-September. Every station has at least 9 bike stands. The stations require a Cyclocity Vilnius Card (obtained at Tourist Information Centers), Vilnius Citizen Card (the Vilniečio kortelė - public transport card), or a 3-day ticket card.

• Velo-City Vilnius

  phone: +370 674 12123
  address: Pylimo g. 31
  Bike rentals, including helmets, locks and lights. Daily bike tour at 11:00 (except Sundays).

• Velotakas

  phone: +370 618 45727
  address: Gedimino av. 26
  Free delivery of a bicycle to all hotels in Vilnius city, free helmets and locks. No deposit needed.

Old town

It is a district which has developed during Middle Ages as a city surrounded by a defensive wall. The urban structure reflects the development from ca. 14th century, the architecture of the buildings is mostly from late Renaissance to Classicism periods. There are 4 rather distinct areas of the Old Town: Castle complex with an old hill fort, Cathedral and newly reconstructed Ducal Palace, these all buildings and a Cathedral square form the very centre of the city; old Town Hall with its vicinity form the centre of the Old Town; "Užupis", a "subdistrict" separated by the Vilnia River (it reflects in its name, literally a "Place on the Other Side of the River"); and the north-west area featured by Vilnius Street, largely damaged during the World War II.
The most attractive part, historically known as a block of artisan guilds, in the beginning of World War II was turned into two Jewish ghettos, commonly known as Vilnius Ghetto. It operated until 24 Sept 1943. In 1994, the Old Town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• Gediminas CastleThe red-brick tower is restored from the Higher Castle erected in the 13th–14th centuries by Dukes of Lithuania. The top of the towers offer the best view of Vilnius.

• Upper Castle Museum

  phone: +370 5-2617453

Three Crosses HillA monument to seven Franciscan friars that were tortured here by pagans before the conversion of Lithuania to Christianity. Also symbolizes the importance of Christianity to Lithuania. During night time it offers a great view.

Vilnius Cathedral

address: Cathedral Square

The first cathedral was built here in 1251. In 1387 a Gothic-style cathedral was built. Now it is a classical style cathedral build by the project of Laurynas Gucevicius. The most beautiful part of the Cathedral, the baroque chapel of St. Casimir, was built in 1623–1636. The crypt shows a cross section of Vilnius through the ages, well worth seeing. You can also take a tour through the catacombs under the cathedral. 57-m high belfry. Outside the Cathedral, in the square, look for a particular tile on which there is written a word "Stebuklas" (means "miracle" in Lithuanian). Stand on it, make a wish and turn around three times. Your wish should come true! This tile also marks the end of the Vilnius-Tallinn human chain in the 1989 protest of the Soviet Union.

Vilnius University

phone: +370 5 268 7103

address: Universiteto street.3

Vilnius University is famous for its library, 13 courtyards of various sizes, astronomical observatory, and the Church of St. John. Guided tour available in Lithuanian, English, Russian and Polish.

Literatu Gatve (Street)

address: Literatu str.

Small artworks, dedications mounted on the walls. Dedications to the literature workers: writers, translators, everyone who has link with Lithuania and is important for Lithuanian or world literature. Artworks crafted in various outdoor-proof techniques: ceramics, sculpture, glass, wallpainting.

St. Ann's ChurchOne of the most beautiful churches in Vilnius and in Lithuania. Very small in size, but a very beautiful example of Gothic architecture. There is a legend that when during his conquests Napoleon came to Vilnius and saw this church he said he would like to take it on his palm and bring to France.

Užupis District

Užupis District used to be a largely unrestored area primarily occupied by artists, dreamers, squatters, and drunks; however, the neighborhood is developing with a wealth of small shops and cafes. In 1998, the residents unofficially declared the area to be an independent republic, with its own president, anthem, flag, and constitution. Great to visit on April Fool's day, when mock border guards stamp passports and the entire area erupts into a party.

• Angel of Uzupis Statue

  address: Uzupio & Malunu gatve
  Statue of an angel blowing a trumpet.

Churches

• St. Peter's and Paul's ChurchAnother shockingly beautiful church. Not so special from the outside, but extremely beautiful inside, with all the interior overcrowded with baroque sculptural works.

• Artillery Bastion of Vilnius Defensive WallClosed for reconstruction.

• Belfry of Saint John Church

  address: Sv.Jono street.12
  From the top of baroque style belfry, which is the tallest building in the old town, you can see an amazing panorama of the city.

Museums

• Museum of Genocide Victims aka KGB Museum

  phone: +370 5 249 8156
  address: Aukų g. 2A, LT-01113
  Occupies the former KGB headquarters. The bottom bricks of the buildings have the names of those who were believed to be executed inside the building. Visit the former prisoner cells. In 2011, after international criticism, the museum added one room, in a small KGB interrogation cell in the basement, devoted to the genocidal campaign against the Lithuanian Jews during the Nazi occupation.

• National Museum of Lithuania

  phone: +370 5-2629426
  address: Arsenalo Str. 1
  Biggest and oldest source of national cultural heritage in the country, which systematically collects, stores, displays, and popularises the history of the state.

• Contemporary Art Center

  address: Vokieciu str. 2
  There are always many extremely interesting modern art exhibitions.

• Old Arsenal Building

  address: Arsenalo Str. 3

• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

  phone: +370 5 212 7476
  address: Katedros a. 4, LT-01143
  In the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania there are two exhibition tour routes directly related to the historical functions of this residence. The first tour will show the historical and architectural development of the palace by highlighting the ancient ruins still in place, excavated artifacts and by using models and iconographic materials. The second tour route will bring the visitors into the ceremonial halls, which have been reconstructed in such a way as to show the evolution of architectural styles – from the late Gothic to the Renaissance to the early Baroque.

• Money Museum

  phone: +370 5 268 0334
  address: Totoriu g. 2 / 8
  Collection of coins and bills around the world. Located at the site of Bank of Lithuania.

Monuments & statues

• Frank Zappa Statue

  address: Kalinausko str. 1
  The first statue in the world for honoring this great musician. Erected in 1995 by the local Frank Zappa fan club. A replica of the statue has been erected in Baltimore.

Parks & cemeteries

There is an interesting Jewish cemetery in Šeškinė that includes the grave of Vilna Gaon, a very important rabbi. By the entrance to Vingis park is a war cemetery with Russian, German, Hungarian, Polish and Turkish soldiers from both wars. Oldest cemeteries are Rasų and Bernardinų. Also Saulės kapinės (Cemetery of the Sun) in Antakalnis district.

• European Park

  phone: +370 5 2377 077
  address: Joneikiskiu k
  The sculptures, which are the works of sculptors from more than 70 countries worldwide, are exhibited in the open area of 55 ha. Sometimes there is a very bad mosquito problem here, though not in winter time.

• Verkiai Regional Park

  address: Žaliųjų ežerų St 53
  One of the biggest parks in Lithuania, it's almost entirely in Verkiai elderate in the north of the city. One can reach the park by bus #35 or #36. It is known for Verkiai Calvaries, which have been constructed exactly following the plan of Jerusalem, with the distances, water bodies and elevations being very close to the original Way of the Cross. Way of the Cross consists of 22 chapels, 7 wooden and brick gates, and two baroque church ensembles. It is advisable to visit this park for those who likes great panoramic views.

Throughout the year, there are a variety of cultural, music, cinema, theatre, art, and fashion festivals taking place.

Spectator sports

• Lietuvos Rytas Basketball Games

  address: Ozo str 14
  The city's main team is named after one of its sponsors, Lietuvos Rytas newspaper. It uses Siemens Arena for its home games in European competition, as well as high-demand domestic games, most notably the national derby against Žalgiris of Kaunas. Other games are held at the adjacent Lietuvos Rytas Basketball Arena.

Music and theater

• Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theatre

  phone: +370 5 262 07 27
  address: A. Vienuolio str 1
  Beautiful ornate building. Three or four weekly performances.

• Oskaras Koršunovas Theatre (OKT)

  address: Ašmenos str 8
  One of the most original modern theatres in Europe

• Lithuanian Russian Drama Theatre

  phone: +370 5 262 05 52
  address: Jono Basanavičiaus str 13
  Performances mostly done in Russian language.

Adventure activities

• Super Segway

  phone: +370 526 20215
  address: Vilniaus str. 45
  Take a cheap, guided, segway tour around the main attractions of the city. The price is low because of insurance related issues.

• Go Karts

  phone: +370 699 56704
  address: Plytinės Street 27
  Try go karts in one of two tracks: open track at the outskirts of Vilnius or inside track with battery powered karts in Panorama Mall.

• Hot air balloon tourOne of the favourite tourist activities in Lithuania. It's an interesting way of sightseeing.

• Vilnius UniversityFounded in 1579 by King of Poland Stefan Batory, it is one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe.

• Vilnius Academy of Arts

• Mykolas Romeris University

• ISM University of Management and Economics

  phone: +370 5 212 3960
  address: Arklių St 18
  hrd

• Vilnius Cooperative College

  address: Konstitucijos pr. 11
  Has probably the best location of all the educational institutes in Vilnius as it is in the business center on the northern bank of the river Neris. The college has also very cheap accommodation building 20 m from the college (including guests rooms for visitors) and a good canteen (lunch for less than €3. Open for the public also. Discount for students).
• Lingua Lituanica is a language school in the center of Old Town and teaches small group classes and private sessions. Great atmosphere and value.

The average wage is around €670 a month. Lithuania's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the European Union.

ATMs are very common in Vilnius and most shops accept major credit cards.
Vilnius is famous for its amber, wool ware and flax ware. Most of these goods can be found in booths and road side stalls along the Pilies st. Also it might be worth visiting smaller souvenir shops like following:

• Ragainė

  phone: +370 6 271 9210
  Baltic crafts and music.

• LTaste

  phone: +370 5 219 0763
  Books, collections of food and other kinds of artisan works.

Upscale retailers present in Vilnius include Hugo Boss, Armani, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, John Richmond, Zara, United Colors of Benetton, H&M and Mango. There are also some young local designer butiques in Stiklių street.
Chains of grocery stores and large supermarkets are: Maxima, Rimi, Barbora, Iki, Aibė and Norfa.

• Kavos Draugas

  phone: +370 699 44844
  address: Upės g. 9, prekybos centras „VCUP“, III a.
  categorized coffee, coffee beans coffee machines, and all accessories for barista shop.

Shopping malls

• Akropolis

  phone: +370 5 249 2879
  address: Ozo str. 25
  One of the first and still one of the largest shopping centers built after the independence in Lithuania. Has multi-hall cinema center Forum Cinemas and ice arena.

• Banginis

  address: P. Lukšio St 34
  The shopping mall name means "Whale". Has the one of the largest stores of the construction, exterior and interior decoration materials, tourism equipment and electronics Senukai. There are several other stores that can't be found in the centre, restaurant-tavern of Lithuanian cuisine "Katpėdėlė", Wine Room "Vynoteka" (has several Vynoteka's in Vilnius and other cities) and a grocery store "Iki".

• Centro pasažas

  address: Gedimino av 16

• Europa

  phone: +370 616 95680
  address: Konstitucijos av. 7A
  The name refers to the opening date of 2004 when Lithuania joined EU, the square and all surrounding complex of buildings including the business centre tower was named after Europe to commemorate this event.

• GO9

  phone: +370 659 94 639
  address: Gedimino av. 9
  Shopping mall in the heart of Vilnius, home of biggest H&M store in Lithuania.

• Helios Centras

  address: Didžioji g. 28
• {{buy

| name=Ozas | url=http://ozas.lt/en | email=info@ozas.lt
| address=Ozo str 18 | lat=54.71440 | long=25.27355 | directions=Šeškinė district, next to the aqua park Vichy and the biggest sporting and concerts venue in Vilnius Siemens arena]
| phone=+370 5 210 0150 | tollfree= | fax=+370 5 210 0151
| hours=10:00-22:00 | price=
| content=One of the biggest shopping malls in Vilnius, variety of different stores and services, including multi-hall cinema center Multikino }

• Panorama

  phone: +370 5 219 58 11
  address: Saltoniškių str 9
  Panoramic view from the restaurant on the 3rd floor

• Parkas Outlet

  phone: +370 655 01137
  address: Verkiai St 29
  Shopping mall for discount stores.

• VCUP

  phone: +370 5 273 1515
  address: Konstitucijos av 16
  Second oldest of such kind of shopping centres in Vilnius, operates since 1974.

In addition to the restaurants listed below, almost all of the bars in Vilnius serve reasonably priced good quality food.

Budget

• Wok to Walk

  phone: +370 655 91919
  address: Vilniaus str. 19
  Wok to Walk franchise in Vilnius, Asian takeout.

• Čili Pica

  address: Didžioji g. 5, Gedmino 23 and 8 other locations
  Chain of restaurants offering pizza, pasta, salads. If you are after a good pica - this is a place to avoid. Better try one of upscale Italian restaurant offering pizzas at the same price.

• JammiChain of kebab shops that offers very good value.

• MaximaThe largest Lithuanian supermarket chain. Sells prepared food.

• RadhaRane

  address: Gedimino prospektas 32
  Especially for vegetarians. Menu has Indian curries, fragrant rice and bread. Also for a smaller bite, they have baked samosas.

Mid-range

• Amatininkų užeiga

  phone: +37052617968
  address: Didžioji 19/2
  Lithuanian and international food.

• Balti Drambliai (White Elephants)

  address: Vilniaus str. 41
  Cozy vegetarian-vegan cafe, world/reggae music, live concerts in the evenings.

• Cozy

  address: Dominikonų str. 10
  Suave but laid-back restaurant upstairs, DJ-bar downstairs, serves hearty modern food with a few vegetarian options.

• Fortas (Fort)

  address: Algirdo g. 17 (they have several restaurants all over Vilnius, including in “Ozas” and “Panorama” shopping malls)
  Pub-style food.

• Mano Guru (My Guru)

  address: Vilniaus g. 22
  All of the staff are former drug addicts. Fresh food. No alcohol. Food is mostly vegetarian.

• Marceliukės klėtis

  phone: +370 5 2725087
  address: Tuskulėnų g. 35
  Hearty portions of traditional Lithuanian food.

• Vapiano

  phone: +37052383489
  address: Konstitucijos pr. 7A
  Italian style, fast casual restaurant. Tasty salads, à la carte pastas and pizzas are made in front of the guest.

• Zoe's Bar & Grill

  phone: +370 5 212 3331
  address: Odminių str. 3
  Great Thai food, salads, soups, and cocktails.

• Joanos Carinovos smuklė

  address: Belmonto g.
  Traditional cuisine; their smoked beer is worth trying.

Splurge

• Balzac

  address: Saviciaus 7
  Traditional French cuisine, magnificently executed, great atmosphere.

• Belmontas Outdoor Cafe

  address: Belmonto str. 17
  A recreation area with folk-themed eateries near an old French mill and beautiful waterfall. Beautiful setting suitable for various events. A 15-minute drive from the center of Vilnius, or a 5-km bike tour.

• Bistro 18

  address: Stiklių str. 18
  Small restaurant and wine bar with good selection of cuisine.

• Čagino (Chagin's)

  address: Basanavičiaus str. 11
  Named after the famous Russian architect Nikolai Chagin. Live Russian music played on a guitar.

• Da Antonio

  address: Vilnius str. 23
  Excellent Italian food, more upscale than Čili Pica.

• El Gaucho Sano

  address: Pilies str. 10
  Argentinian-style food (lots of meat) in a spacious restaurant. Good service.

• Ida Basar

  phone: +370 5 262 8484
  address: Subačiaus str. 1
  Specializes in historical meals of Grand Duchy Of Lithuania, has a Culinary Heritage Museum.

• La Provence

  phone: +370 852616573
  address: Vokiečių str. 22
  French food. House specials include roebuck with cherry sauce. Popular among French people.

• Lokys

  phone: +370 5 2629046
  address: Stiklių str. 8
  Medieval restaurant. Specializes in Lithuanian traditional cuisine and game meals.

• Markus ir Ko

  phone: +370 5 262 31 85, +370 686 63203
  address: M. Antokolskio str. 11
  Great steaks and live music.

• Medininkai

  phone: +370 600 86491
  address: Aušros Vartų str. 8
  Part of Hotel Europa Royale. 18th century Italian artwork and courtyard. Lithuanian fusion food.

• Narutis Hotel - Cellar Restaurant

  phone: +370 5 2122894
  address: Pilies str. 24
  Eastern European food. Live violin music Th-Sa.

• Šventaragio sodas

  phone: +3705 208 0805
  address: L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus g. 1, Vilnius 01122
  The restaurant cherishes the old Baltic cuisine, adapted to the contemporary taste.

• Vanille Lounge

  phone: +370 603 61 532
  address: Vilniaus g. 29

The most popular local beer is Švyturys, meaning lighthouse. Like the other brands, they produce a variety of different styles; "Ekstra" is the familiar lager. The other big brands of beer include Kalnapilis, Tauras, and Utenos, all of whom have some variation on the theme of bog-standard euro-lager in their product range. Many breweries also produce “Tradicinis” (“traditional”), somewhat similar to lager but slightly stronger. Beyond that, Lithuania produces a huge variety of beers, including wheat beer, porter, stout, Belgian dubbel and various ales. If you're a beer enthusiast forget Švyturys and other big brands - try Alaus namai (The House of Beer) and Bambalynė (see section Bars).
Lithuanian vodka (Lithuanian degtinė) is of excellent quality. Popular brands of good quality include Auksinė (“golden”, produced by Stumbras) and Gera (“good”). Cranberry is also nice. Midus is a honey liqueur, available in different strengths (under different names) ranging from 30% to 70%. Another popular liqueur is Trejos Devynerios (Three Nines, written as 999), named after the 27 different herbs used in the mixture. There’s the original, yellow in color, as well as a dark variety called Žalios Devynerios (Green Nines) and a red one called Raudonos Devynerios (Red Nines). A couple of other liqueurs are also commonly found on shelves.
There are limitations on alcohol sales from 2018. Alcohol is sold at the shops from 10:00 till 20:00 (Monday-Saturday) and 10:00-15:00 on Sundays. Alcohol is not sold at all on September 1 (the first day of school) each year. Persons younger than 20 years old are prohibited by law to purchase, drink or even possess any alcoholic drink.
Drink carefully as most bars will politely ask you to leave if they notice that you appear drunk (staggering, yelling, grabbing strangers). Falling asleep in bars is not tolerated. If you break a glass, many places will expect to be repaid for it on the spot but it's usually a very reasonable price.
Smoking is banned in all public places. However, a number of nightclubs have internal smoke rooms; the ventilation can be of variable quality. If you leave a club to smoke outside, make sure you get stamped and get eye contact from the bouncers so you won't have problems getting back in. It can be a good idea to show the bouncer your cigarette or cigarette packet, before exiting the premises.

Clubs

• BIX

  address: Etmonų str. 6
  Tarantino-style bar founded by the Lithuanian rock band of the same name. Live rock/hardcore/metal bands on Friday nights, karaoke on Thursdays, and rock music (all the time) on the dance floor, made in the vault. Nice food and drinks!

• Brodvejus

  address: Vokiečių str. / Mėsinių str. 4
  Cozy bar/nightclub, playing mostly pop music. Popular among both tourists and locals. Courteous staff.

• Havana Social Club

  phone: +370 8526 10812
  address: Šermukšnių str. 4A

• Lindyhop.lt Klubas

  phone: +37064771111
  address: Kalvarijų str. 294d-16
  The coolest and oldest Lindy Hop club in Lithuania.

• Salento Disco Club

  address: Didžioji str. 28

• Soho Club

  address: Švitrigailos str. 7/16
  Popular with all sections of the LGBT community.

Bars

• Alaus namai

  phone: +370 68728930
  address: Goštauto str. 8
  Big saloon-type bar with raw beer of smaller Lithuanian beer brands from countryside.

• Apuokas

  address: Subačiaus str. 6
  Heavy metal bar (especially in the underground basement). Friendly metalheads, memorable personnel, great beer and famous chenachai (Karaitian meat dish).

• Artistai

  address: Kazimiero str. 3
  The large popular courtyard is a great place to relax and watch the sunset. Friendly service. Rock music.

• Bambalyne

  phone: +370 676 00075
  address: Stikliu str. 7
  Located in a hidden underground cellar, this bar specializes in rare beers and meats from the Lithuanian countryside. Great atmosphere and cheap prices!

• Būsi Trečias

  phone: +37052312698
  address: Totoriu str. 18
  The first bar/pub, which started to brew its own beer in Vilnius. Beside lager type beer, they brew dark black beer and also make various beer cocktails. Besides its main attraction beer, there are some good food. The food prices are rather low.

• Cactus

  phone: +370 601 12555
  address: Bokšto str. 7
  Vilnius's only tequila bar, tucked away in the alleys of the city. A warm, cozy atmosphere with unbelievably friendly staff, and great food. Play Tequila Checkers on their game board. Free shots of tequila at midnight. Serves exotic dishes such as crocodile, shark, and pheasant

• Liverpool Indie/Rock Bar

  phone: +370 604 89227
  address: Gynėjų g. 14, Vilnius
  Liverpool Indie/Rock Bar is a modern, smart musical bar. Implementing and sustaining the development of this style of music.

• Pogo

  address: Vilniaus str. 12
  Nice decoration and also serves good Italian food for a good price.

• Prie Universiteto

  phone: +370 604 195 67
  address: Universiteto str.
  Rock/punk rock music, friendly stuff and cheap prices. Best place for students and other not so serious people.

• Savas Kampas

  address: Vokiečių str. 4
  Cozy, friendly and always welcome place. In the summer,there is also a terrace to enjoy warm evenings.

• Šnekutis

  phone: +370 650 47054
  address: Polocko gatve, 7a, Užupis
  Indoor/outdoor dive bar with an exceptional craft/farmhouse beer selection, seats with a view, and traditional Baltic food. Lunch/dinner €3-6, beer €2 for 0.5l draught, €3-6 for 1.75l bottled. Menu in Lithuanian, Byelorussian, English and illustrated.

Cafes

There are plenty of cafés in Vilnius, including few coffee shop chains: Coffee-Inn, AJ Šokoladas, Šviežia Kava which are easy to find anywhere without any guidance. A proper café typically is not just a coffee shop but some sort of a restaurant which features certain café-like interior and has a rather democratic etiquette policy. During day time they often operate like simple eateries, in the evening they turn to the family style or youth restaurants.

• Buga

  phone: +370 5 240-2400
  address: Asanavičiūtė St 17
  Does not use semi-finished products. Hot chicken with chanterelles, hand-made dumplings, fresh kybyns, pizzas, carp steak "Ežys" ("Hedgehog"). Live music every Friday and sometimes on Saturday.

• Chaika

  phone: +370 648 74702 (mobile)
  address: Totorių St 7
  Universally cozy café; the interior is contemporary but designed in 1970s style. Many authentic items from soviet times cause cheerful memories of childhood for the local visitors. Café’s Russian name, spelt in English manner, in this case is a pun with several layers of meaning visible only for locals – they would tell you a lot. Variety of tea and coffee; of course Soviet times tea served in Soviet times style is available. Has 2 halls, capacity up to 16 people.

• Fabai

  phone: +370 5 273-6464
  address: Ateities St 21A
  Styled like a countryside tavern, has 5 halls: roaster, ballroom, bar, and 2 billiard halls. European and Caucasus cuisine.

• Fėjų kepyklėlė

  phone: +370 685 25157 (mobile)
  address: J. Basanavičius St 37
  Puff pastries, yeast dough buns, snacks, pizza, several kinds of kybyns, cookies, hot and cold drinks, ice cream, milk cocktails. Traditional menu of Lithuanian fairies. Cappuccino is almost the best in town.

• Ibrahim

  phone: +370 5 273-1743, +370 600 76890 (mobile)
  address: Kalvarijų St 24A
  Offer some authentic Turkish drinks: Ayran, Sahleb, Salgam Suyu, Cola turka, Turkish tea. Organize parties (up to 60 persons), buffet (up to 80 persons). Terrace, capacity up to 24 people.

• Lazdynų žibutė

  phone: +370 5 244-2562
  address: Šiltnamių St 38A
  Operates since 1969, never was closed. Has 3 halls. TV screen, fireplace, sauna. Day lunch 10:00-16:00. Suitable for seminars, conferences. Most popular speciality - Roast Chicken “Žibutė” (“Kidneywort”), several Lithuanian “vintage” dishes, such like rolls with mushroom sauce, herring tower “Metropolis”, and “Karališkasis tortas” (“Royal Cake”) for special occasions.

• Mažoji Ragainė

  phone: +370 5 270-7265 (orders)
  address: Įsruties St 22
  Café-bar, a division of culinary-confectionery company. Has a confectionery shop next door, also has another shop at Žukausko St 26 in Northern Town (Šiaurės miestelis), Žirmūnai district. Apart from a large variety of cakes and pastries offers ~100 kinds of salads, homemade dumplings with various fillings, cold snacks and hot meals.

• Pas Metą

  phone: +370 5 234-1791
  address: Antakalnio St 86
  Lithuanian cuisine; fresh juice, Lithuanian beer, also a Belgian beer Grimbergen; take-away food. Has a separate hall (up to 24 people) for the business and family events.

• Pilies kepyklėlė

  phone: +370 5 260-8992
  address: Pilies St 19
  Old time ice cream house; converted to a café-bakery, as the new owners had idea to bake the buns and serve them with a milk. During the restoration of the interior were uncovered excellent arches, this alone made the café very popular among locals. Assortment soon has become very rich: different types of cakes, cookies, sweets, curd desserts. The most popular are “Trapusis vyšnių pyragas” (Brittle Cherry Cake) and a “Karališkasis tortas” (Royal Cake), coffee of course. Also offer steaks, crepes, soups, salads. Has an outdoor tarrace in summer.

• Prie Neries

  phone: +370 5 272-2102, +370 654 74985 (mobile)
  address: Žvejų St 2
  Relatively remote location, easily accessible, good view through the large windows. Almost perfect place for business lunch, banquet or a private party for up to 80 people. Has 2 halls (spacious ballroom), sauna, outdoor café.

• Sakwa

  phone: +370 5 215-4562, +370 687 51101 (mobile)
  address: M. K. Paco St 1/2
  Café in the new two-storey building with an attic, retro styled like a suburban house. Lithuanian, Polish and European cuisine.

• Vegafé

  phone: +370 659 77411 (Totorių), +370 659 77072 (Augustijonų)
  address: Two vegetarian cafes: Totorių St 3 (Centre, close to Gediminas av., within premises of Ananda Yoga House and Augustijonų St 2-3/ Savičiaus St 13 (Old Town, close to Town Hall square – west of square towards Bokšto St, within premises of yoga ashram
  Vegetarian meals from natural products, adhered principles of ayurvedic food production. Represent lacto-vegetarian nutrition system. No microwave.

• Žaliasis bambukas

  phone: +370 5 260-8080, +370 679 94696 (mobile)
  address: Latvių St 7A
  Vegetarian and vegan café. Menu: five grain soup, kus-kus with vegetables and seeds, baked pumpkin, apple chutney, cake, thyme tea. Take away food: samosas with vegetable, apple, cottage cheese or caramel fillings; homemade unleavened bread, non-alcoholic wine, melted butter ghee.

• Mint Vintu

  phone: +370 618 20 347
  address: Šv. Ignoto 16/10, Vilnius, Lithuania
  Mint Vintu is an independent bookstore, café and Internet hangout place in the heart of Vilnius' old town (the capital of Lithuania) where good people meet.

Budget

• Domus Maria

  phone: +370 5 264 48 80
  address: Aušros vartų str. 12
  Unique and popular hotel within a monastery.

• Filaretai Youth Hostel

  phone: +370 686 555 89
  address: Filaretų gatvė 17
  Chilled out place. Laundry service (washing & drying) €4. Filaretai hostel is in the so-called Republic of Užupis, 10 minutes on foot from the heart of Vilnius Old Town. Self-service kitchen, washing machine, free WiFi sitting-room with free computers and TV.

• Hostelgate

  phone: +370 63832818
  address: Sv. Mikalojaus gatve 3
  Small hostel. Free wi-fi and internet, free tea and coffee, free parking.

• Jimmy Jumps House

  phone: +370 5 231 3847
  address: Savičiaus gatvė 12

• JNN Hostel

  phone: +370 5216 0254
  address: Sv. Stepono g. 11
  TV and kitchen.

• Litinterp Guesthouse Vilnius

  phone: +370 85 2123850
  address: Bernardinu str.7
  In a historic building on one of Old Town’s prettiest streets. Facilities are basic but more than ample, with options for everybody from single guests to families. There's a choice of en suite and shared bathroom facilities, plus all rooms have access to small kitchens.

• Paupio Namai Hostel & Guesthouse

  phone: +370 5 2643113
  address: Paupio 31a

• Pogo Hostel

  phone: +370 67079591
  address: B. Radvilaitė St 3-1
  Unique for its interior and cozyness. Unbelievably helpful staff, free coffee, tea. Free wi-fi, internet. Also you will find foosball table, PS2 console and many other activities. It's a good value for the price.

• Vilnius Guesthouse

  phone: +370 61293597
  address: S.Staneviciaus 79
  Vilnius Guest House is in the city, yet in a quiet area surrounded by a small forest, it offers accommodation with a sauna and billiards. Secure private car parking is available. The rooms at Vilnius are spacious and individually decorated in various colours. Each comes with a TV with cable channels, a wardrobe and a bathroom fitted with a shower. Free Wi-Fi is also provided. Breakfast included. There's a choice of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities

Mid-range

• Hotel E-GuestHouse

  phone: +370 5 2660730
  address: T. Ševčenkos str. 16, LT-03111 Vilnius
  Free parking and WiFi. Sauna free from 20:00-00:00. All rooms are equipped with nocturnal outdoor blinds, 24-hour front desk, Long breakfast. A total of 34 rooms decorated in a modern style. Near the Old Town (Senamiestis in Lithuanian).

• Ambassador Hotel

  phone: +370 5261 5450
  address: Gedimino avenue 12
  18-room hotel. Several rooms have baths in addition to showers. Popular restaurant on the first floor.

• Apia Hotel

  phone: +370 5212 3426
  address: Sv. Ignoto str 12
  12-room hotel.

• Comfort Hotel Vilnius

  phone: +370 5 2338833
  address: Gėlių g. 5

• Ecotel Vilnius

  phone: +370 5 210 27 00
  address: Slucko St. 8
  168-room hotel that occupies a former shoe factory. 10 minute walk to everything. Popular among sports groups as it is right near the stadium. Extra long beds for tall people.

• Embassy Hotel Balatonas

  phone: +370 5272 2250
  address: Latvių st. 38
  28-room Hungarian-owned hotel near the embassies. Popular among eastern European businessmen.

• Europa HotelsOperates 3 hotels in Vilnius - a 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star.

• Hotel Algirdas

  phone: +370 5 2326650
  address: Algirdo str. 24
  Scandinavian style hotel in the centre.

• Hotel Rudninku vartai

  phone: +370 5 2613916
  address: Rūdninkų str. 15/46
  Cosy hotel.

• Hotel Vilnius Europolis

  phone: +370 52150410
  address: Švitrigailos g. 11D
  26-room hotel in Vilnius offering free parking, wireless internet (all rooms), cafe and outdoor summer terrace.

• Mano Liza Guesthouse8-room family-run guesthouse popular with American and Canadian tourists. Nice artwork.

• Old Market Guesthouse

  phone: +37052404923
  address: Pylimo 57
  Hostel style bed-and-breakfast within walking distance of the bus and train station in Old Town. In-room breakfast, wireless internet, free parking, and satellite TV are all provided. Old Market also rents flats for short-term stays. Discounts for winter stays. Staff is friendly and helpful.

• Ratonda Centrum Hotels

  phone: +370 5 212 0670
  address: Gedimino Ave 52/1
  48-room hotel. Sauna and fitness center. Popular among politicians for its location near parliament.

Splurge

• Hotel Tilto

  phone: +370 5 2100021
  address: Tilto str. 8
  Irish-owned hotel in the centre. The 3-storey hotel features 35 fully equipped rooms, a cosy restaurant, and a leisure centre. In 2009 won the most hospitable hotel in Vilnius award.

• Mabre Residence Hotel

  phone: +3705 212 20 87
  address: Maironio str. 13
  This 41-room hotel occupies a grand neo-Classical Russian Monastery. High walls give it an exclusive feel. Sauna, fitness center, and pool. Wi-fi in rooms. The Steakhouse Hazienda is in the hotel.

• Novotel Vilnius Centre

  phone: +370 5 2666200
  address: Gedimino av. 16
  Very popular 159-room hotel opened in 2003. Tall building in the centre, close to Opera House and Cathedral square.

• Radisson Blu Astorija Hotel

  phone: +370 5-2120110
  address: Didzioji 35/2
  US President Bush and British Prince Charles have enjoyed the great service offered here. Private saunas are offered in some rooms.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva

  phone: +370 5 272 6200
  address: Konstitucijos pr. 20
  291-room hotel. High-rise building by the river. Popular for conferences. The even-numbered rooms offer great views of old town, also from top-floor 'Skybar'.

• Ramada Vilnius

  phone: +370 5 2553 355
  address: Subačiaus Str. 2
  55-room hotel. Wi-fi in the lobby but not in the rooms.

• Šarūnas Hotel

  phone: +370 5 2724888
  address: Raitininkų str. 4
  55-room hotel owned by and named after a Vilnius basketball star. Sauna, fitness center, and laundry services.

• Neringa Hotel

  phone: +370 5 268 19 10
  address: Gedimino Ave. 23
  60-room hotel. Foreign magazines, beautiful flowers, sauna, fitness center, wi-fi, pool, bar. Breakfast included.

• Shakespeare Hotel

  phone: +370 52 665 885
  address: Bernardinu str. 8/8
  31-room boutique English country-style hotel. Rooms are named after famous writers and books of that writer are inside each room. Nice views of nearby landmarks. Wi-fi included. Breakfast included.

Wi-Fi

There are abundant free Wi-Fi hotspots all over the city, including Gedimino prospect, Vokiečių street Gatve, Pilles street, Cathedral Square, and Town Hall Square. Free Wi-Fi is also available in some restaurants.

Internet terminals

There are not many public internet terminals in Vilnius. The following offer access to a computer:

• Alderada

  phone: +37052649797
  address: Pylimo str. 21
  VOIP calls, Internet phones, cheap international calls

• Omnitel

  address: Gedimino prosect 12
• Despina (within premises of Mokymo centras - Teaching Centre
  phone: +370 5 266-4520
  address: Kareivių St 2
  Cozy place to check your e-mails, chat, talk via Skype, learn and work.
• Senoji raštinė
  phone: +370 683 77680 (mobile)
  address: Pylimo St 54
  Shop of stationery and office products and services. Offer internet access as a part of office services: to receive and send e-mail, print, burn a CD or DVD.

• Taškas

  phone: +370 685 24024 (mobile)
  address: J. Jasinskis St 1/Dainava St 8
  Internet cafe service.

Postal service

Vilniaus centrinis paštas operates 173 post offices in Vilnius, including the large central post office at Gediminas ave 7. These offices handle all postal services, money orders, and Western Union money transfers.

Taxis in tourist areas can charge 3 times the normal rate.
Vilnius is a relatively safe city; however, crimes do occur. Use typical common sense.
Try and walk with confidence and never look lost. Being drunk and acting obviously foreign in the middle of the night is a bad idea. If you have traveled by train to visit a nightclub or other venue, take taxis to and from your venue, and upon return to the railway station remain in the ticket hall, which is patrolled by security guards.

Dangerous areas

• The area around the central train station is particularly dodgy and frequented by prostitutes and their clients.
• It is recommended not to enter South Vilnius suburbs, including Naujininkai and Kirtimai, especially at night, as well as some parts of Šnipiškės which are located any deeper than its business district.
• The 148 train to Moscow is a noted target and many have reported having their baggage stolen. The police are also not very helpful.

Left luggage

The coin-operated baggage lockers in the cellar of the railway station are a secure place to store bags and other items. Ensure that nobody is around when you are getting the receipt, because there are thieves who pretend to be station staff.

Medical help

• Baltic-American Clinic

  phone: +370 6 985 2655
  address: Nemenčinė highway 54a
  English-speaking.

• Clinic Northway

  phone: +370 5 234 2020
  address: S. Žukausko str 19

• Medical Diagnostic Center

  phone: +370 698 00 000
  address: V. Grybo str. 32

• Medicina Generalis

  phone: +370 5 261-3534
  address: Gedimino av. 1A-19
  English-speaking. Adult and children's health care.

• Santariškių klinikos

  phone: +370 5 236-5000
  address: Santariškių St 2
  Hospital complex encompassing the provision of medical care in heart and vascular medicine, transplantology, oncohematology, oncology and surgical oncology, radiology and nuclear medicine, children’s diseases and rehabilitation.

• Vaikų ligoninė

  phone: +370 5 272-0606
  address: Santariškių St 7
  Affiliate of Santariškių klinikos.

Dentists

• V. Pūro Odontologijos klinika

  phone: +370 5 231-2952
  address: Universiteto St 2 / Dominikonų St 18
  English-speaking. Dental diagnostic and treatment services (including surgical treatment and implantation) for children and adult.

Embassies

Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/lithuania

• Finland

  phone: +370 5 266 80 10
  address: K. Kalinausko g. 24, 2nd floor, LT-03107

• Georgia

  phone: +370 5 2736959, +370 5 2127848
  address: D. Poškos g. 13, 08123 Vilnius

• Greece

  phone: +370 5 2610526, +370 5 2610527, +370 6 1384438 (Emergencies)
  address: Rudninku 2

• Japan

  phone: +370 5 2310462
  address: M. K. Ciurlionio 82 b

• Russia

  phone: +370 5 2721763
  address: Latvių g. 53

• Spain

  phone: +370 5 2313961
  address: Algirdo 4

• United States

  phone: +370 5 2665500
  address: Akmenų g. 6

• Trakai - A very worthwhile day or half-day trip, home to five peaceful lakes and two castles. Previous capital of Lithuania, now centre of Trakai Historical National Park. Buses leave often from the central bus station, cost a few euros and take about 40 minutes. Trains depart a few times a day.
• Kernavė - medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kaunas - the second largest city, which served as the national capital in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Purnuškės - 25 km to the north of Vilnius, is one of the centres of Europe, this one marked by the National Institute of Geography of France in 1989. (It has now somehow moved a little closer.)
• Klaipėda - coastal Lithuania, a sea port.
• Nida - a resort town in Lithuania, located on the Curonian Spit. Curonian Spit is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Palanga - Lithuania's prominent SPA resort and summer holiday destination.
• Hill Of Crosses - a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania.
• Birštonas - famous mineral water resort 90 km south west from Vilnius.
• Minsk, Belarus — 3 hours away by train or 30 mins by plane.
• Nordic countries - take a cheap flight to Scandinavian cities by Norwegian.