12 Best Things To Do in Vilnius, Lithuania, for Your Bucket List

Visiting Gediminas Castle Tower, exploring the Palace of the Grand Dukes, and riding a hot air balloon are among the best things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Lithuanian capital is known for its charming Baroque Old Town and quirky Užupis district — yet it is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

In fact, Vilnius is the only European capital where hot air ballooning is a common sight, making it a city of unexpected experiences.

We combined personal travel experiences with insights from local guides, expert recommendations, and traveler reviews. We prioritized attractions reflecting Vilnius’ rich cultural heritage while highlighting lesser-known experiences to help you make the best of this hidden gem.

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Top Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania_Hike to the Three Crosses Memorial

Three Crosses Hike 1/5

Top Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania_Explore the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

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Hot Air Ballooning 3/5

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Top Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania_Explore Užupis

Užupis Exploration 5/5

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Vilnius: NARUTIS Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of The World offers a historic stay in Vilnius Old Town with unique frescoed rooms, fine dining, and easy access to top landmarks like Gediminas Tower and the Cathedral.
Mid-range Hotel in Vilnius: Hotel Vilnia offers a stylish stay in a 19th-century building with heated floors, a lounge bar, and easy access to Gediminas’ Tower and the Vilnia River.
Budget Hotel in Vilnius: Congress Avenue Hotel offers a central stay on Gedimino Avenue with a rooftop terrace, easy access to top landmarks, and a short walk to Vilnius Cathedral.

Visit Gediminas Castle Tower – Gediminas Castle Tower is one of Vilnius’ most famous landmarks.
Explore the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania – The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is one of Vilnius’ most historic attractions.
Ride a hot air balloon – Riding a hot air balloon offers a new perspective of the city.

Visit Gediminas Castle Tower

Gediminas Castle Tower is one of Vilnius’s most famous landmarks. It sits proudly above the city on Gediminas Hill and has a storied history. The first wooden fortifications were built on the hill between the 13th and 14th centuries.

However, the tower we see today was rebuilt in the early 20th century. It features three floors and offers breathtaking views of the Old Town and Vilnius’ Central Business District. While the views draw in most travelers, there is much to learn inside the tower.

Various exhibitions detail the tower’s long history. You’ll find evidence of 14th to 15th-century Teutonic Knights’, medieval weaponry, and 14th-century letters written by Duke Gediminas.

Entry Fee: The entry fee for adults to Gediminas Castle Tower is €8 (USD 8) to access the tower and the museum exhibits inside.
Opening Hours: The tower is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Funicular Ride: If you’re not up for the steep walk to the top, a funicular railway takes you straight to the castle for €2 (USD 2) one-way.

Explore the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Exploring the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is a must if you love history. This magnificent palace was initially constructed in the 15th century for the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. However, today’s palace was rebuilt between 2002 and 2009 to restore Lithuania’s historical memory and heritage.

On a visit to the palace, you’ll learn much more about Vilnius’ history. For example, you’ll come to realize that a fortified settlement initially sat in the Palace’s place between the 4th and 8th centuries. Meanwhile, the on-site museum boasts a fascinating collection of historical, cultural, and archaeological findings.

Incredibly, over 300,000 artifacts were found during excavations between 1987 and 2009.

Entry Fee: Adults pay €13 (USD 13). This gives you access to the museum and the historical exhibits within the palace.
Opening Hours: The palace is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except Mondays.

Ride a Hot Air Balloon

Riding a hot air balloon is one of the most exciting and arguably terrifying things to do in Vilnius. Hot air balloon rides are the perfect way to take in panoramic city and landscape views. They’re also an excellent way to do something unique, memorable, and romantic.

This Vilnius Hot Air Balloon Flight allows you to take to the skies and admire the city from above. Soaring high above the city, you’ll be treated to a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Vilnius’ most famous landmarks. You can also see the city’s mesmerizing natural surroundings from the sky.

After your flight, you’ll be greeted back on the ground with a glass of sparkling wine. Sounds great, right?

Book in Advance: Hot air balloon rides in Vilnius can get fully booked, especially during peak tourist seasons. I recommend reserving your spot at least a week ahead, particularly if you want to fly at sunrise or sunset for the best views.
Flight Duration: Expect the flight to last around 45-60 minutes, but plan for a total time of about 4 hours, which includes preparation and landing.
Weather Considerations: Hot air balloon flights depend heavily on weather conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast, and be prepared for last-minute cancellations if it’s too windy or rainy. Operators usually confirm the flight the evening before.

Ride the Gediminas Hill Lift

If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground but still want a unique experience in Vilnius, ride the Gediminas Hill Lift. A fun activity for families, the Gediminas Hill Lift is an incline lift on the slope of Gediminas Hill. Visitors use it to reach the Upper Castle and Gediminas Castle Tower.

That said, you’ll likely ride this funicular if you don’t want to walk to the tower. The funicular only takes a minute to reach the top, but the ride is great fun. Besides, you’ll be rewarded with excellent city views during the journey.

It’s worth noting that the lift is free for preschool children, disabled people, and seniors over 80.

Check the Weather: The lift operates year-round but is best enjoyed on clear days. Wind or rain can cause delays or temporary closures, so check the forecast beforehand.
Early Access to the Hill: I recommend taking the lift early in the day when fewer tourists are around.

Stand at the Top of the TV Tower

Thrill seekers searching for their next fix must visit the TV Tower, Lithuania’s tallest building. At 1,071.1 feet (326.5 meters), this monumental structure is also the world’s 29th tallest self-supporting tower. Located in the Karoliniškės district, the Vilnius TV Tower offers sensational city views.

However, that’s not the only draw to this exhilarating attraction. While the views from the tower’s restaurant and viewpoint deck are enough for most travelers, daredevils can take things a step further. 557 feet (170 meters) up the tower is a viewing platform that allows visitors to stand at the tower’s edge.

You can even sit with your legs hanging over the tower’s cup. I think I’ll leave this one to you!

Ticket Pricing and Hours: Entry to the Vilnius TV Tower costs around €16 (USD 16) for adults and is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00.
Dinner with a View: The rotating restaurant offers a unique experience with panoramic views of Vilnius. I recommend booking a reservation beforehand, especially for dinner, to get a spot during sunset.

Walk Around Lukiškės Prison 2.0

Lukiškės Prison 2.0 is one of Vilnius’ most unique tourist attractions. For 115 years, Lukiškės served as a prison in the center of Vilnius. Tall stone walls, barbed wire, and prison guards heavily guarded it. However, today, the prison has become one of the city’s most fascinating tourist attractions.

Visitors are welcome to tour the prison, exploring the old cells, courtyards, and eerie hallways. That’s not all the prison offers, either. Despite the building’s dark past, Lukiškės Prison is also an artistic venue.

Various concerts and art installations pop up in the prison throughout the year. The property has even been featured in the hit TV show Stranger Things.

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Lukiškės Prison Tours: Guided tours costs €20 (USD 20). Book your tickets online in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
Nearby Restaurant 14Horses: After your visit, I recommend dining at 14Horses, a modern Lithuanian bistro. Reservations are highly recommended.

Enjoy a Day Trip to Trakai Island Castle

One of the must-visit tourist attractions near Vilnius is Trakai Island Castle. This awe-inspiring island castle was initially constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries as one of the main centers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It’s only a 30 to 40-minute drive from the capital.

Located on Lake Galvė, this fairytale-esque castle belongs in a storybook. Everything, from its serene natural location and round towers to its grand interior, is magical. You can learn more about the castle and its history in the Trakai History Museum.

You’ll find 16 exhibition halls jam-packed here with furniture, clocks, glassware, and artwork. Meanwhile, Tiltas į Pilies salą offers picturesque views of the castle.

Boat Tours: You can take a boat tour around Lake Galvė for a unique perspective of Trakai Island Castle.
Explore the Town: The town of Trakai itself is charming and worth exploring. Stroll around its quaint streets, visit the local markets, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Try a Local Wine: Some local restaurants in Trakai serve Lithuanian wines. If you’re into trying regional drinks, I recommend stopping by a local wine cellar for a tasting experience.

Hike to the Three Crosses Memorial

The Three Crosses Memorial is one of Vilnius’s most culturally significant landmarks. Located in central Vilnius, it sits atop the Hill of the Three Crosses. The best way to reach it is by hiking.

Walking to the memorial usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, but that will vary depending on where you’re walking from. The path to the crosses is relatively steep, but the entire route is paved, so you shouldn’t have much difficulty.

When you reach the top, you’ll find the three concrete crosses. These 39-foot (12-meter) tall crosses are believed to have been erected to commemorate three Franciscans martyred in the 14th century.

Needless to say, the views of the city are also worth the walk.

Start from Pilies Street: The most common starting point for the hike is from Pilies Street, which leads directly to the base of the hill. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk uphill to the Three Crosses.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Although the path is paved, it’s still quite steep. Wear sturdy shoes or sneakers with good grip to make the hike more comfortable and safe.

Explore Užupis

Užupis is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Vilnius. This vibrant bohemian area is well known for its colorful street art, lively atmosphere, and exciting attractions. Interestingly, it’s also famed for being a self-proclaimed independent state called the Republic of Užupis.

While there are many things to look for in Užupis, the best thing you can do is just explore. Get lost wandering the winding streets, keeping your eyes peeled for street art, artist studios, and quaint cafes.

As you walk the charming streets, keep your eyes peeled for the bronze Angel of Užupis statue, the Mermaid of Užupis sculpture, and the Lucky Belly. A walk down the beautiful Stiklių Street wouldn’t go a miss either.

Explore the Constitution: As you walk around Užupis, look for the Constitution of Užupis posted on a wall near the entrance to the neighborhood. It’s an amusing and artistic take on human rights, written in multiple languages.
Visit the Užupis Art Incubator: For those interested in the local art scene, stop by the Užupis Art Incubator. It’s a creative hub with rotating art exhibits, workshops, and performances, and it’s a great place to interact with local artists.

Relax in the Bernardine Gardens

The Bernardine Gardens is one of the best places in Vilnius to relax and unwind. Found on the left bank of the Vilnia River, these gardens offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets. You can enjoy leisurely strolls, romantic picnics, and explore a vibrant botanical garden.

However, it’s also worth noting that the Bernardine Gardens have a rich history. The gardens, created by Bernardine monks in the 15th century, are worth visiting. Evidence of the park’s long history remains, including an oak tree that is over 400 years old.

The park was restored to its authentic 19th-century environment in 2013. As such, it also now features a central square, a rock garden, meadows, and a fountain.

Hidden Art Installations: Keep an eye out for temporary small art installations and sculptures scattered throughout the park.

Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles

The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles is one of the hardest-hitting tourist attractions in Vilnius. Situated in a former Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti (KGB) building, it is dedicated to informing people about the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. The museum details the tragic 50 years, from 1940 to 1991, that the Lithuanian people suffered.

The museum currently contains over 144,000 exhibits, including books, documents, and photographs. Visitors can also visit a memorial wall, the old prison cells, and former KGB offices. Sadly, over 1,000 people were tortured and murdered in the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles, so it can often be hard to learn about the building’s dark and tragic past.

Entry Fee and Hours: The entrance fee is €6 (USD 6), and the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Take Your Time: The museum’s extensive collection requires time to process. Set aside at least 2 hours for your visit to explore the exhibits.

Admire the Gate of Dawn

The Gate of Dawn is one of Vilnius’ most beautiful landmarks. Constructed between 1503 and 1522, this beautiful gate was once part of Vilnius’ defensive fortifications. Interestingly, it’s the only one of ten city gates that remain.

The other gates were destroyed at the end of the 18th century. The Gate of Dawn’s historical significance makes it a must-visit landmark. In the 16th century, Vilnius’ city gates contained religious artifacts and chapels designed to guard the city and bless visitors.

Today, you can still enter the chapel to admire a portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can also see the picture from the street as you approach the gate.

Visit the Chapel: Don’t miss entering the chapel inside the Gate of Dawn. The iconic portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary is central to its significance.
Best Time for Photos: For the best photos of the Gate of Dawn, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer, and the street is less crowded.