Whether you arrived by train from Tallinn or followed the route on a multi-day itinerary, this city leaves a lasting impression, with its rich history, modern energy, and welcoming spirit. Consider a curated option like our Beautiful Baltic States by Rail tour and enjoy guided walks, cultural insights, and free time to explore gems like Vilnius at your own pace.

A Perfect Day in Vilnius, Lithuania – What to See and Do

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the Baltics, Vilnius is a city that quietly impresses. With its cobbled streets, baroque architecture, creative neighbourhoods, and vibrant café culture, Lithuania’s capital offers the perfect blend of old and new. Whether you’re stopping over on your own or joining our small-group rail tour of the Baltics, like our Beautiful Baltic States by Rail, this guide will help you experience Vilnius’ best highlights in a day.

Morning: Stroll Through the UNESCO-Listed Old Town

Start your day with a guided or self-guided walking tour of Vilnius Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. You'll wander narrow lanes lined with pastel-coloured facades, ornate churches, and bustling courtyards.

Must-see stops:

• The Gates of Dawn: a historic city gate housing a revered icon of the Virgin Mary.
• Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square: a stunning Neoclassical structure and a hub of city life.
• Pilies Street: perfect for grabbing a coffee and people-watching.

Take your time soaking in the history. Vilnius has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries, playing a vital role in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, once one of Europe’s largest states.



The Gates of Dawn (Photo from: WalkableVilnius)

Cathedral Square, Vilnius (Photo from: Locationscout)

Midday: Explore the Quirky Užupis District

No visit to Vilnius is complete without a detour into Užupis, the city’s bohemian, semi-independent neighbourhood. This self-declared “republic” has its own constitution, president, and national day. It’s also a haven for artists and creatives.

What to do in Užupis:

• Spot quirky street art and sculptures
• Visit local galleries or artisan shops
• Snap a photo next to the Užupis Constitution, which is displayed in multiple languages
• Enjoy lunch in one of the riverside cafés or garden terraces

Užupis (Photos from: Fodorstravel)

Afternoon: Dive Into Lithuania’s Past or Climb for a View

With the afternoon free, tailor your experience based on your interests. Here are a few contrasting options:

For History Buffs:

• Head to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights located in the former KGB headquarters. The museum provides a powerful, sobering look into Lithuania’s Soviet-era history.

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (Photos from: WhichMuseums)

For View Seekers:

• Climb Gediminas Tower perched on a hill above the Old Town. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views over red rooftops, green parks, and church spires, a perfect photo spot.

Gediminas Tower (photo from: WalkableVilnius)

Late Afternoon: Relax Like a Local

After a full day of walking and exploring, wind down in one of Vilnius’s many stylish cafés or leafy parks. Locals love spots like Bernardinai Garden for a peaceful stroll or Backstage Café for a quality brew. If you’re visiting in summer, outdoor terraces are buzzing with life. In winter, cosy indoor spots serve up hearty Lithuanian fare like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).

Backstage Café (Photo from: Europeancoffeetrip)

Cepelinai dish, at Senoji trobelė (Photo from: Tablein)

Šaltibarščiai, at restaurant SMOKE by Chef the viking. Photo from: Tablein)

For more information on Lithuania and Vilinius, explore our website to see what our tours have to offer. Carefully curated and designed for a variety of interests, our Baltic States tours are the perfect way to experience the region’s rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes.

Final Tips:

• When to visit: Spring to early fall offers the best weather; December is magical with Christmas markets.

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Language: Lithuanian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Getting around: The Old Town is easily walkable, but rideshares and buses are also available.