Things to do in Vilnius: stroll through the large baroque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the Gate of Dawn to Cathedral Square, climb Gediminas Tower for the view, visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes, step into the university courtyards and St. Anne’s Church, cross the « republic » of Užupis, then make sense of the 20th century at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. Allow 2 to 3 days to visit Vilnius, plus half a day for Trakai Castle. The best time to go is May to September.
The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is the southernmost of the Baltic capitals and is linked by bus to Riga. This guide covers the highlights, a 3-day itinerary, budget, neighborhoods, the month-by-month climate and a comparison of the Baltic capitals calculated from official climate normals.
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Vilnius at a glance
- Country Lithuania (capital)
- Language LithuanianEnglish widely spoken by younger people; some residents speak Russian or Polish
- Currency euro · currencies
- Time zone UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer): 2 hours ahead of London, 7 hours ahead of New York
- Airports Vilnius International Airport · details
- Entry Schengen rules: visa-free short stays for US and UK citizens · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Ideal length 2 to 3 days, plus half a day in Trakai
Things to do in Vilnius: the highlights
Cathedral Square and Gediminas Tower
The neoclassical cathedral and its freestanding bell tower mark the entrance to the Old Town. Behind it, Castle Hill is topped by Gediminas Tower, the last remnant of the Upper Castle: walk up or take the funicular for the view over the rooftops and steeples. At the foot of the hill, the rebuilt Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania tells the story of the Lithuanian state.
The baroque Old Town
It is one of the largest old towns in Central and Eastern Europe: Pilies and Didžioji streets, Town Hall Square and baroque churches on every corner (St. Casimir’s, and the slightly out-of-the-way Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, famous for its white stucco). The Gate of Dawn (Aušros vartai), the only surviving gate of the city walls, houses an icon of the Virgin revered by both Catholics and Orthodox believers.
The university and St. Anne’s Church
Vilnius University, founded in the 16th century, is open to visitors: arcaded courtyards, St. John’s Church and a bookshop with painted ceilings. Nearby, the red-brick Gothic St. Anne’s Church is one of the city’s symbols, with the Bernardine ensemble just behind it.
Užupis
On the other side of the Vilnia River, this artists’ quarter declared itself a « republic » in 1997. Its tongue-in-cheek constitution is displayed in many languages, including English, on a wall on Paupio Street. Workshops, cafés and the angel statue on the main square make it a pleasant walk.
Museums and the memory of the 20th century
The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, housed in the former KGB headquarters, shows the detention cells and traces the Soviet and Nazi occupations. The Jewish heritage of the city, once nicknamed the « Jerusalem of the North », can be explored in the former Jewish quarter and in the museums devoted to it.
Hill of Three Crosses, Halės Market and the modern city
The Hill of Three Crosses, in Kalnai Park, offers the other great panorama over the Old Town. Halės covered market is the place to try cepelinai (stuffed potato dumplings) and dark rye bread. Across the Neris River, the business district and Vingis Park show the contemporary city.
Trakai, the must-do day trip
Near Vilnius, the red-brick Trakai Castle stands on an island in Lake Galvė, linked to the shore by a wooden footbridge. You can get there by bus or train from Vilnius. While there, try kibinai, the pastries of the Karaim community, which has lived in Trakai since the Middle Ages.
Itinerary: Vilnius in 3 days
- Day 1: Cathedral Square, Palace of the Grand Dukes, Gediminas Tower, then Pilies Street, the university and St. Anne’s Church
- Day 2: Gate of Dawn, baroque churches, former Jewish quarter, Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights; Užupis in the late afternoon
- Day 3: Trakai Castle in the morning, Halės Market or the Hill of Three Crosses on your return
- Optional day 4: Kaunas (by train), or onward to Riga
Vilnius, Riga or Tallinn: comparing the Baltic capitals
| Capital | January max | July max | Rain per year | Sunshine per year (h) | Main draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn | −0.7 °C (31 °F) | 22.2 °C (72 °F) | 701 mm (27.6 in) | 1,923 | Medieval old town, sea, ferry to Helsinki |
| Riga | −0.1 °C (32 °F) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 675 mm (26.6 in) | 1,879 | Art Nouveau, biggest city, Jūrmala |
| Vilnius | −1.5 °C (29 °F) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 678 mm (26.7 in) | 1,769 | Baroque, Užupis, Trakai |
Vilnius, the most continental of the three, has the coldest winters but summers as warm as Riga’s. To continue your trip, see our guide to things to do in Riga, our Latvia page and, farther north, our guide to visiting Tallinn. To the south, Vilnius also combines well with Poland (Warsaw).
When to go to Vilnius
The best time is May to September: 18.5 °C (65 °F) to 23.1 °C (74 °F) in the afternoon and long days (17 h 16 min of daylight on June 15). July is the warmest month but also the wettest (92 mm (3.6 in), often in thunderstorms). Winter is cold (−1.5 °C (29 °F) in the afternoon and −6.0 °C (21 °F) at night in January) and dark (7 h 16 min of daylight on December 15); the Christmas tree on Cathedral Square and the Christmas market liven up December (see our Christmas markets in Europe).
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Sunshine (h) | Daylight (15th) | Sunset | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | −1.5 °C (29 °F) | −6.0 °C (21 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 35 | 7 h 51 min | 4:23 pm | ❌ Cold, frost, short days |
| February | −0.4 °C (31 °F) | −5.6 °C (22 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 56 | 9 h 46 min | 5:25 pm | ❌ Cold, snow possible |
| March | 4.5 °C (40 °F) | −2.7 °C (27 °F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 132 | 11 h 49 min | 6:22 pm | ⚠️ End of winter |
| April | 12.7 °C (55 °F) | 2.6 °C (37 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 195 | 14 h 06 min | 8:21 pm | ⚠️ Cool spring |
| May | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 7.5 °C (46 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 261 | 16 h 06 min | 9:18 pm | ✅ Mild and bright |
| June | 21.8 °C (71 °F) | 11.2 °C (52 °F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 263 | 17 h 16 min | 9:57 pm | ✅ Long days, Midsummer |
| July | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 13.6 °C (56 °F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 263 | 16 h 45 min | 9:47 pm | ✅ Warmest, but wettest |
| August | 23.1 °C (74 °F) | 12.7 °C (55 °F) | 76 mm (3.0 in) | 246 | 14 h 57 min | 8:51 pm | ✅ Warm |
| September | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 8.5 °C (47 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 168 | 12 h 44 min | 7:36 pm | ✅ Mild, fewer visitors |
| October | 10.3 °C (51 °F) | 3.8 °C (39 °F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 95 | 10 h 33 min | 6:21 pm | ⚠️ Cool, autumn colors |
| November | 3.9 °C (39 °F) | −0.1 °C (32 °F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 31 | 8 h 27 min | 4:17 pm | ❌ Gray, early nightfall |
| December | −0.1 °C (32 °F) | −4.1 °C (25 °F) | 51 mm (2.0 in) | 25 | 7 h 16 min | 3:52 pm | ⚠️ Cold, Christmas tree and market |
Budget for visiting Vilnius
Your budget depends mainly on accommodation and the season. Vilnius is generally a little cheaper than Tallinn.
Getting around Vilnius
- From the airport: train to the central station, bus or taxi (about a quarter of an hour).
- In town: the Old Town is best explored on foot; buses and trolleybuses cover the rest, with tickets on an app.
- Day trips: buses and trains to Trakai and Kaunas; international buses to Riga, Tallinn and Warsaw.
- Taxis: the UK FCDO advises using a recognized taxi app or phoning for a registered taxi with a meter, and making sure the meter is switched on (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
Where to stay in Vilnius
| Area | Best for | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | First visit | Everything on foot, baroque setting |
| Užupis | Couples, artistic vibe | Quiet, cafés, steps from the center |
| Naujamiestis | Mid-range budget | Renovated district, restaurants, close to the station |
| Right bank of the Neris | Business trips | Modern hotels, views of the Old Town |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Lithuania applies Schengen rules. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay, and you will need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated September 3, 2026).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented: fingerprints and a photo may be taken, free of charge (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
- Safety: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), there have been instances of drink spiking in Vilnius and at festivals: do not leave drinks unattended in bars, clubs and restaurants. The FCDO also reports that some Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have crossed into Lithuanian airspace: follow official guidance.
- Health: the State Department lists tick-borne encephalitis among the diseases present (travel.state.gov, last updated September 3, 2026): check yourself for ticks after walks in the forest and ask about vaccination before you travel. UK travellers need a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare (GOV.UK).
- Emergencies: dial 112 and ask for an ambulance (GOV.UK). See our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips for Vilnius
- Payment: cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Internet: see our eSIM guide.
- Churches: dress respectfully and keep quiet during services.
- Belarus border: according to the UK FCDO, only one crossing point with Belarus remains open (Medininkai-Kamenny Log), by private vehicle only; scheduled buses are not running across it (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Vilnius?
Two days for the Old Town, Gediminas Tower, Užupis and a museum; three with Trakai.
What is the best time to visit Vilnius?
May to September, with long days and 18 °C (64 °F) to 24 °C (75 °F) in the afternoon.
How do you get to Vilnius?
Most international travelers fly into Vilnius International Airport, often with a connection; buses also link Vilnius with Riga, Tallinn and Warsaw. Check current routes when you book.
How do you get to Trakai from Vilnius?
By bus or train: half a day is enough.
Do US and UK citizens need a visa for Lithuania?
Not for short tourist stays: Lithuania applies Schengen rules, with up to 90 days in any 180-day period for UK citizens (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026). US citizens need a passport valid at least three months beyond the stay (travel.state.gov, last updated September 3, 2026).
Vilnius or Riga: which should you choose?
Vilnius for baroque architecture, Užupis and Trakai; Riga for Art Nouveau and the beach at Jūrmala. Buses link the two cities.
Our sources
- Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service (LHMT) and World Meteorological Organization: 1991-2020 normals for the Vilnius station; average highs and lows published by the WMO, via the climate table of the Wikipedia article « Vilnius »
- Estonian Weather Service and LVĢMC: 1991-2020 normals for Tallinn and Riga, via the Wikipedia articles « Tallinn » and « Riga »
- Destination de Voyage calculation: daylight and sunset (NOAA solar algorithm), comparison of the Baltic capitals
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Lithuania country information (last updated September 3, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Lithuania (updated 11 August 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To plan the rest of your trip, see our Lithuania travel guide, our guide to things to do in Riga and our other destinations in Europe.
