Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius, has been charming visitors for years with its baroque Old Town, unique culture, religious buildings and fascinating history. Those who are in the know refer to it as a hidden gem and it’s widely considered to be underrated. Most travellers visiting Vilnius tend to head straight to Old Town, a beautiful historic district which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is considered to be one of the most well-preserved eastern European cities. Old Town Vilnius is so packed with so many things to do and see that it can be difficult to know where to start, so we compiled a list of the best sights in Old Town Vilnius to make things simpler for you.
Gediminas Hill
You can’t visit Vilnius Old Town without hiking up to the top of Gediminas Hill. Not only does the top of the hill boast phenomenal views of Vilnius and Old Town, but if you venture higher, you’ll find a historic tower housing a museum and a rooftop viewing platform. Stroll up the winding path from the base of the hill and enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s red roofs, church towers and the narrow streets of Old Town, or learn about the castle’s intriguing history in The Gediminas Tower Museum. There’s even a funicular for those amongst you who’d rather take a shortcut. Whether you’re looking for the best views in Vilnius or want to learn more about the city’s rich history, visiting Gediminas Hill is practically a rite of passage when visiting Lithuania’s capital city.
Gates of Dawn
As the only remaining gates of the original city wall, the Gates of Dawn are historically significant and a well-known pilgrimage site. The 16th-century gate was once one of 10 gates and is known for the Chapel of Mary the Mother of Mercy which houses the ‘Vilnius Madonna’. This iconic Renaissance painting of the Virgin Mary without baby Jesus attracts Christians from all over and the gate is a major spiritual destination for people of all nationalities. The chapel is open to the public and can be accessed by a small door on the left as you’re walking up the hill. If you’re a culture or history buff, we highly recommend checking out this significant piece of Vilnius’ history.
Vilnius Cathedral Square
At the bottom of Gediminas Hill, you’ll find the main square of Vilnius Old Town. One of the most popular sites in Cathedral Square is Vilnius Cathedral. Built and rebuilt several times between the 13th and 18th centuries, the impressive Roman Catholic cathedral is an important symbol of the city, easily recognisable by its unique white columns adorned with three sculptures and a separate 57-metre bell tower. Meanwhile, the square hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, so there’s always something going on here. Marvel at the cathedral’s neoclassical architecture, admire the square’s historical attractions and then grab a coffee and taste some Zagareliai (fried pastry strips).
Hill of Three Crosses
As you’ve probably already realised, Vilnius has quite a number of breathtaking viewpoints throughout the city. Another one you shouldn’t miss is the Hill of Three Crosses, which lies behind Cathedral Square and offers sweeping views of the modern parts of the city as well as Old Town Vilnius. Standing atop the hill, the 12-metre-tall Three Crosses monument definitely stands out. There’s also a terraced viewpoint perfect for drinking in views of the city below and at nighttime, the imposing monument lights up, standing tall on the hill for all to see. If you’re searching for the best view in Vilnius or just want a break from the urban jungle below, this one’s for you.
Vilnius University
One of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in Lithuania, Vilnius University dates back to the 16th century. It is now the top university in the country as well as one of the top sights in Old Town Vilnius and is an absolute must-see. Aside from the newer sections of the university, the Old Campus is a charming complex made up of picturesque courtyards, ornate architecture and even a beautiful library storing more than 5 million prints and ancient manuscripts. Plus, there’s a university church with a bell tower if you fancy climbing up the stairs for a stellar view. We recommend opting for a guided tour to learn about the university’s fascinating past and get the most out of your experience.
What are you waiting for? Discover this charming historic Old Town and visit Vilnius!
For a hassle-free start after your flight, we recommend pre-booking a Vilnius Airport transfer to your hotel or accommodation so you can enjoy a convenient and personalised door-to-door experience. Welcome Pickup’s trained, English-speaking drivers will greet you at the gate, welcoming you with a mini tour during the ride. Not only that, but you can also get travel tips, pre-order essential travel products and take advantage of our 24/7 customer support.
