2-Day Solo Culinary and Shopping Adventure in Vilnius for Locals

Vilnius, Lithuania

2 days

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

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.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic Old Town and Tasting Traditional Lithuanian Cuisine

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the cobblestone streets, admire the medieval architecture, and visit the local shops for unique Lithuanian crafts and souvenirs.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Lithuanian lunch at a local restaurant. Try the national dish, cepelinai, a type of dumpling made from grated potatoes and stuffed with meat, cheese, or mushrooms.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Vilnius Cathedral and its bell tower for a glimpse into the city's religious history. Then, head to the Gediminas' Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Dinner

For dinner, indulge in a gourmet meal at a high-end restaurant. Sample modern Lithuanian cuisine paired with local wines.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local wine bar. Taste a variety of Lithuanian wines and learn about the country's wine-making traditions.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Vilnius University and its historic library. Then, explore the bohemian neighborhood of Užupis, known for its artistic vibe.

Lunch

Have lunch at a cozy café in Užupis. Try the local pastries and coffee, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon shopping at the local boutiques and art galleries in Užupis. Then, visit the Bernardine Garden, a beautiful park with a variety of plants and a serene pond.

Dinner

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local bistro. Try the fresh seafood and pair it with a glass of Lithuanian beer.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing evening at a jazz club. Enjoy the live music and the vibrant nightlife of Vilnius.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Old Town

1
Old Town

The Old Town of Vilnius, one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe, has an area of 3.59 square kilometres. It encompasses 74 quarters, with 70 streets and lanes numbering 1487 buildings with a total floor area of 1,497,000 square meters.

Attractions
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
Vilnius University

4
Vilnius University

Vilnius University is the oldest university in the Baltic states and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. It is the largest university in Lithuania and has been an important center of learning and culture for centuries.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Užupis

5
Užupis

Užupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, largely located in Vilnius' old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Užupis means 'the other side of the river' in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Bernardine Garden

6
Bernardine Garden

Bernardine Garden is a public park in the city of Vilnius, Lithuania. It is located on the right bank of the Vilnia River between the Gediminas Tower and Bernardine Monastery.

Parks
Gardens

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

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sleepwear

  • Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool)

  • Weather-appropriate outerwear (check the forecast)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Boarding passes

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Local currency (Euros)

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Travel adapter for Lithuania

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guide for Vilnius

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Umbrella or raincoat

  • Sunglasses

  • Backpack or day bag for daily essentials

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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