Explore Vilnius, Lithuania in Just 1 Day: Ultimate Itinerary

Vilnius, Lithuania

1 days

Vilnius Cathedral
Gediminas tower
Financial district cityscape
St. Anne church
Aerial view of the old town

About Vilnius, Lithuania

Discover the enchanting city of Vilnius, Lithuania's vibrant capital. This city is a perfect blend of old and new, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town showcasing stunning Baroque architecture, cobblestone alleys, and medieval churches. Visit the iconic Gediminas' Tower for panoramic views of the city, or explore the bohemian district of Užupis, a self-proclaimed independent republic. Vilnius also boasts a thriving food scene, with traditional Lithuanian cuisine and modern gastronomic experiences. Don't miss the Museum of Genocide Victims for a sobering look at Lithuania's history. With its rich culture, history, and welcoming locals, Vilnius promises an unforgettable travel experience.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic and Cultural Highlights of Vilnius

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Vilnius Historic Centre. Explore the cobblestone streets, admire the medieval architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming old town.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Lithuanian lunch in a local restaurant. Try popular dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and kibinai (pastries filled with mutton and onions).

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the stunning Vilnius Cathedral and its bell tower. Then, head to the Gediminas' Tower for panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the Museum of Genocide Victims, a poignant reminder of Lithuania's past.

Dinner

For dinner, indulge in some modern Lithuanian cuisine in a trendy restaurant. Pair your meal with a glass of local beer or mead.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Vilnia River. The riverbanks are beautifully lit at night, offering a romantic ambiance. If you're up for some nightlife, check out a local jazz club or cozy pub.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Vilnius Historic Centre

1
Vilnius Historic Centre

The heart of Lithuania's capital, filled with baroque architecture and cobblestone streets. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Vilnius Cathedral

2
Vilnius Cathedral

One of the most important Catholic buildings in Lithuania. It's also a venue for cultural events.

Attractions
Religious Sites
Architecture
Gediminas' Tower

3
Gediminas' Tower

The remaining part of the Upper Castle in Vilnius. It offers panoramic views of Vilnius Old Town.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Museum of Genocide Victims

4
Museum of Genocide Victims

The Museum of Genocide Victims is located in the former KGB headquarters across from the Lukiškės Square, therefore it is informally referred to as the KGB Museum. The museum is dedicated to collecting, exhibiting and interpreting the testimonies related to Lithuania's 50-year occupation by the Soviet Union, the Lithuanian resistance, and the victims of the arrests, deportations, and executions that took place during this period.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Vilnia River

5
Vilnia River

The Vilnia is a river in Lithuania. It flows through the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, and becomes a tributary of the Neris River near the Green Bridge.

Attractions
Nature

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Cepelinai

Cepelinai

Cepelinai, also known as 'Zeppelin dumplings', are a national dish of Lithuania. They are large dumplings made from grated and riced potatoes and usually stuffed with minced meat, although sometimes cheese or mushrooms are used for the filling.

Šaltibarščiai

Šaltibarščiai

Šaltibarščiai is a popular Lithuanian cold beet soup. It's a perfect dish for hot summer days, usually served with boiled potatoes on the side. It's a unique blend of flavors that is very representative of Lithuanian cuisine.

Kibinai

Kibinai

Kibinai are traditional Lithuanian pastries, filled with mutton and onion, although variations with other fillings like cheese or mushrooms are also popular. They are a specialty of the Karaim people in Lithuania.

Šakotis

Šakotis

Šakotis is a traditional Lithuanian cake, often served at special occasions. It's a spit cake, made by painting layers of dough onto a rotating spit. The cake has a distinctive shape, similar to a tree's branches or a fireworks display.

Vėdarai

Vėdarai is a traditional Lithuanian dish, consisting of a sausage made from potatoes, usually served with sour cream and bacon. It's a hearty dish, perfect for cold winter days.

Midus

Midus is a traditional Lithuanian drink, considered to be the country's oldest alcoholic beverage. It's a type of mead, made from honey, water and yeast. It's a sweet and strong drink, often served at celebrations.

Gira

Gira

Gira is a traditional Lithuanian non-alcoholic beverage, made from fermented rye bread. It's a sweet and slightly tangy drink, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Bulviniai blynai

Bulviniai blynai, or potato pancakes, are a popular dish in Lithuania. They are made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs and flour, and are usually served with sour cream or a mushroom sauce.

Rugine Duona

Rugine Duona, or rye bread, is a staple of Lithuanian cuisine. It's a dark, dense and slightly sour bread, often served with meals or used to make sandwiches.

Kvass

Kvass

Kvass is a traditional Lithuanian fermented beverage, made from rye bread. It's a refreshing, slightly sweet and sour drink, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Riestainis

Riestainis is a traditional Lithuanian snack, made from rye bread. The bread is dried, then coated in garlic and other seasonings. It's a popular snack to enjoy with beer.

Žemaičių blynai

Žemaičių blynai, or Samogitian pancakes, are a regional dish in Lithuania. They are made from grated potatoes and usually filled with meat, although variations with other fillings like cheese or mushrooms are also popular.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Vilnius, Lithuania is during the late spring and summer months, from May to September. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city also hosts several festivals and events during these months, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. However, if you enjoy winter sports and don't mind the cold, December to February offers a different kind of charm with snow-covered landscapes.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 16

Fri

Independence Restoration Day

March 11

Mon

Independence Day/National Day

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

Labour Day

May 5

Sun

Mothers' Day

June 2

Sun

Fathers' Day

June 24

Mon

St John's Day/Day of Dew

July 6

Sat

King Mindaugas’ Coronation Day

August 15

Thu

Feast of the Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

November 2

Sat

All Souls' Day

December 24

Tue

Christmas Eve

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Second Day of Christmas

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Vilnius has a compact old town, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the city's main attractions, including the Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace, are within walking distance of each other.

Vilnius has a well-developed network of bicycle paths, and bicycles can be rented from various locations around the city. This is a great way to explore the city's parks and green spaces.

Vilnius has an extensive public bus network that covers the entire city. Buses are frequent and reliable, and tickets can be purchased from the driver or at newsstands.

Trolleybuses are another popular form of public transport in Vilnius. They are particularly useful for getting around the city center and the old town.

There are a few train routes in Vilnius, mainly used for reaching the suburbs or for intercity travel. The main train station is conveniently located in the city center.

Taxis are readily available in Vilnius, and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or via a mobile app. They are a convenient but more expensive way to get around.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Bolt, operate in Vilnius. These can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore outside of Vilnius. However, parking can be difficult in the city center, and traffic can be heavy during peak times.

Electric scooters are a popular way to get around Vilnius. They can be rented via a mobile app, and are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency LTL

Time zoneUTC+2

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Vilnius, Lithuania as a first time visitor

1

The official language is Lithuanian, but English is widely spoken especially among younger people.

2

The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

3

Public transportation is reliable and affordable. You can use buses, trolleybuses, and trains to get around the city.

4

Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street, booked online, or through a mobile app.

5

Vilnius has a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C). Winters (December to February) can be very cold with temperatures often dropping below 32°F (0°C).

6

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and features a lot of meat, potatoes, and dairy products. Be sure to try some traditional dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup).

7

Tipping is customary in Vilnius. It's common to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and cafes.

8

Vilnius is generally safe, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

9

The city is very walkable, and many of the main sights are located within a compact area. It's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.

10

Lithuania is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

11

The electrical outlets in Lithuania use Type F plugs, the same as in most of Europe. The standard voltage is 220 V.

12

Lithuania is a member of the European Union, so EU citizens can enter with a valid ID card. Non-EU citizens will need a passport, and possibly a visa, depending on their country of origin.

13

Tap water is safe to drink in Vilnius, but bottled water is also readily available.

14

Public restrooms are not always free. It's common to pay a small fee, so keep some coins handy.

15

Smoking is banned in all public places, including bars and restaurants.

16

Vilnius has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. The legal drinking age is 20.

17

Lithuania has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%.

18

Pharmacies are widely available throughout Vilnius. Over-the-counter medicines are available, but for specific medications, you may need a prescription.

19

Vilnius has free public Wi-Fi in many areas, including parks, squares, and public transportation.

20

The emergency number in Lithuania is 112. It can be dialed free of charge from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.

Basic Lithuanian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Labas

Lah-bahs

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Viso gero

Vee-soh geh-roh

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Prašau

Prah-shau

Making a request

Thank you

Ačiū

Ah-choo

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Taip

Taip

Agreeing or confirming

No

Ne

Neh

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Atsiprašau

At-see-prah-shau

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Atsiprašau

At-see-prah-shau

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Ar kalbate angliškai?

Ar kal-bah-teh ang-lish-kai

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Aš nesuprantu

Ahsh neh-soo-pran-too

Not understanding something

Where is...?

Kur yra...?

Koor yrah

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Tualetas

Too-ah-let-as

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Pagalba

Pah-gahl-bah

In need of assistance

Food

Maistas

Mai-stas

Talking about food

Water

Vanduo

Van-duo

Requesting water

Beer

Alus

Ah-loos

Ordering a beer

Wine

Vynas

Vee-nas

Ordering wine

Check, please

Sąskaitą, prašau

Sahs-kai-tah, prah-shau

Requesting the check at a restaurant

How much does it cost?

Kiek tai kainuoja?

Keek tai kai-noo-ya

Asking for the price

Call a doctor

Iškviesti gydytoją

Eesh-kvee-est-ee gyd-yto-ya

In case of a medical emergency

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)

  • Raincoat or umbrella

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo

  • Travel-size conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Travel-size lotion

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Euros)

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Memory card for camera

  • Travel adapter plug

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Travel guidebook for Vilnius

  • Map of Vilnius

  • Notebook and pen

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • First aid kit

Weather Conditions

Vilnius, Lithuania experiences a temperate continental climate with a mix of all four seasons. During the winter months, from December to February, Vilnius can be quite cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, averaging between -9°C to -1°C (16°F to 30°F). It's not uncommon for the city to be covered in snow during this period. Therefore, if you're planning a winter visit, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual increase in temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F). This is a beautiful time to visit as the city starts to bloom, but it's advisable to pack a mix of light and warm clothing due to the unpredictable weather. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with temperatures averaging between 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). This is a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions. However, occasional rain showers are common, so carrying a light rain jacket or an umbrella would be wise. Autumn, from September to November, sees temperatures dropping from 15°C to 5°C (59°F to 41°F). The city is particularly beautiful during this season as the leaves change color. Layered clothing would be the best option during this time, and don't forget to pack a light jacket or sweater. Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip to Vilnis, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

1° / -9°

January is the coldest month in Vilnius, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful snow-covered city.

February

3° / -9°

February is still very cold, but the days start to get longer. It's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts.

March

7° / -4°

March sees the beginning of spring with temperatures slowly rising, but still expect some chilly days.

April

13° / 1°

April is a transitional month with the last of the winter chill fading away. The city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

May

18° / 6°

May is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city and its parks.

June

22° / 10°

June marks the start of summer with longer days and warmer temperatures. Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

July

24° / 12°

July is the warmest month in Vilnius. Enjoy the city's many outdoor cafes, festivals, and events.

August

23° / 11°

August is still quite warm, but with fewer tourists. It's an excellent time to visit if you prefer a quieter vacation.

September

19° / 7°

September sees the start of autumn with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. It's a great time for hiking and photography.

October

13° / 3°

October is a cool month with the city's parks and streets adorned with autumn colors. Pack some warm clothes.

November

7° / -1°

November is a chilly month with shorter days. It's a quiet time to visit, perfect for those who enjoy museums and indoor activities.

December

2° / -6°

December is a festive month with the city beautifully lit for Christmas. It's cold, so pack warm clothes and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Vilnius is the capital and the largest city of Lithuania, with a population of about 540,000 people?

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