How To Spend One Day In Vilnius: Perfect Lithuania Itinerary

10 Things To Do During One Day In Vilnius

I’ve packed 10 epic things to do into this one-day itinerary. There’s a mix of gorgeous views, history, street art and cats!

1. Start Your Day At The Subačius Viewpoint

Wake up and head straight to Subačius Viewpoint. If you’re staying at Downtown Forest Hostel (which I highly recommend that you do!) Subačius Viewpoint is just a 2-minute walk. The viewpoint offers some gorgeous views over the city. I always like to start with a viewpoint to get my bearings.

There is a small cafe here so it’s a perfect place to grab a coffee and pastry for breakfast. If you’re visiting in summer there is a nice outdoor decking area with loungers so you can chill whilst checking out the view.

2. The Bastion Of The Vilnius Defensive Wall 

Once you’ve gotten your fill of coffee and views, take a 10-minute walk to the  Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall.

This defensive wall was built between the 16th and 17th centuries to protect the city from invaders. It’s a great place to wander around, take photos and learn about the history of Vilnius.

It costs €6 to enter or is free with the Vilnius Pass.

3. Cathedral Square

Next, head to one of the most famous spots in Vilnius – Cathedral Square. This square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and has the striking Vilnius cathedral at its centre.

Whilst you’re here, stop for a moment to admire the statue of  Gediminas, the founder of Vilnius. Most European capitals have a statue of a historical figure riding a horse into battle, but the statue of Gediminas is a little more unique. Gediminas is depicted as standing in front of his horse, this is to show that he was a kind-hearted pacifist who hated to fight.

💁🏻‍♀️JJ’s Top Tip: Look down at the floor and try to spot the Miracle Tile. A supposedly magical wish-granting floor tile. Once you find the tile spin around three times clockwise, jump up, clap once and make your wish!

4. Free Walking Tour Of Vilnius Old Town

After exploring Cathedral Square, it’s time to dive deeper into the charming streets of Vilnius Old Town.

But why walk around aimlessly when you can join a free walking tour and learn about the city’s history? These tours run daily and last around 2 hours. They are completely free, but tips are expected and you do need to book in advance.

I love taking walking tours as they often give me glimpses of hidden spots that I would have missed otherwise. Plus, the guides are usually locals who are passionate about their city and share plenty of interesting stories and insights.

The free old town walking tour will show you many highlights of the old town including some of the city’s many churches, The Gate of Dawn, Pilies Street (Pilies gatvé), The Town Hall Square and The Presidential Palace.

5. Gediminas Tower

As you explore the old town, you’ll spot a large hill with a small castle tower on top – this is Gediminas Tower. This iconic tower is one of the most famous symbols of Vilnius and holds an important place in Lithuanian history.

To reach the top of the hill to get to the tower, you can take a funicular or climb up the stairs (around 300 steps). Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and its surrounding areas. The tower also houses a small museum where you can learn more about its significance.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Tickets to enter the tower are €8, but to be honest, the views from the base of the tower are still pretty great so you should only pay to go inside if you are super interested in the history as they have a few small exhibits inside. If you just came for the views then save yourself the cash and take your pictures from outside the tower. 

6. Užupis Independent Republic

After enjoying the views from Gediminas Tower, make your way to Užupis, a quirky and bohemian neighbourhood just outside the old town.

This area declared itself an independent republic in 1997, with its own constitution, flag, anthem, currency and even a ginger cat as its ambassador!

Užupis is filled with street art, small cafes, galleries and unique shops. It’s a nice place to stop for lunch or to take your time wandering around and soaking up the creative atmosphere of this self-proclaimed republic.

You may even come across one of their famous “Republic Day” celebrations held on April 1st (no joke!).

I really enjoyed visiting Uzupis. Visiting independent republics and countries that don’t officially exist is actually one of my hobbies so I was happy to tick this one off the list!

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Don’t forget to get your passport stamped at the Uzupis ‘Border Control’, a fun souvenir to take home!

7. Climb The Bell Tower Of St. John’s Church

Another great spot for panoramic views of Vilnius is the Bell Tower of St. John’s Church, located in the heart of the old town.

The church itself dates back to the 14th century and its bell tower is one of the tallest in Vilnius, standing at 69 meters high. The observation platform is at 45 metres.

For €5, you can climb up the stairs (or take the elevator!) to the top and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city’s rooftops and surrounding areas.

8. Literature Street

Next, pay a quick visit to a unique street dedicated to literature.

Located in the old town, Literatų Street is lined with colourful book sculptures and plaques honouring famous Lithuanian writers and poets. It’s a great spot for book lovers or those looking for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.

💁🏻‍♀️JJ’s Top Tip: If you’re hungry there is a fantastic bagel shop located on this street. Did you know that bagels were invented in Lithuania?

9. KGB Prison Museum

Experience a piece of Lithuania’s history by visiting the KGB Prison Museum, also known as the Museum of Genocide Victims or the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights.

This former Soviet prison was used to detain, interrogate and torture political prisoners during Lithuania’s occupation by the Soviet Union. The museum offers a chilling insight into this dark period in Lithuania’s history through exhibits, documents and reconstructed cells.

I found some of the exhibits to be very upsetting, but it’s an important reminder of the resilience and bravery of the Lithuanian people during this time.

Entrance is €6 for adults, I recommend spending at least an hour here.

10. Vilnius Cat Cafe 

Finish your day with some furry and friendly company at the Vilnius Cat Cafe.

This cafe is home to several rescued cats and offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy coffee, mulled wine, traditional Lithuanian cuisine and plenty of cuddles from the resident felines. It’s the purr-fect way to end your day in Vilnius.

💁🏻‍♀️JJ’s Top Tip: Book in advance as this popular spot can get busy, especially on weekends, and try the potato pancakes with mushroom sauce (thank me later 😉).

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3 Day Vilnius Itinerary

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Is One Day In Vilnius Enough? 

With just one day in Vilnius, you can get a taste of this baltic city’s rich history, culture and food. However, if you have more time to spare, there is certainly enough to see and do for a longer stay.

I recommend staying for at least three days if you want to fully explore Vilnius and maybe take a day trip to its surrounding areas.

If You Have More Than One Day In Vilnius 

If you have more time and are spending two days in Vilnius, or more, here are some other sights and activities that are worth checking out:

Take One Of The Many Tours In Vilnius

There are a bunch of cool tours in Vilnius that you can take depending on your interests. Here are some that I recommend if you are looking for a unique travel experience:

Food Tour

Street Art Tour

Swamp Tour

Drive A Military Tank

Beer Tour

Bike Tour

Photography Tour

Take A Hot Air Balloon Flight

For a truly unique experience, take a hot air balloon flight over Vilnius. This will give you an incredible view of the city from above and is sure to be an unforgettable memory.

Explore Three Crosses Hill 

Located in Kalnai Park, Three Crosses Hill offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. It’s also a great place to go for a hike or a picnic.

Learn About The Jewish History Of Vilnius 

Vilnius has a rich Jewish history and several museums, synagogues, and memorials pay tribute to this community. Take a tour or visit some of these sites to learn more about the Jewish heritage in Vilnius.

Visit The Palace Of The Grand Duke Of Lithuania

This palace was the political, diplomatic and cultural centre of Lithuania in the 15th-16th centuries. It now serves as a national museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Lithuania through various exhibits and artefacts.

Indulge In Traditional Lithuanian Food 

No trip to Vilnius is complete without trying some traditional Lithuanian dishes. Some must-try foods include cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat), kugelis (potato pudding), and šakotis (spit cake). Don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of locally brewed beer!

Brave The Vilnius Cathedral Catacombs

The Cathedral of St. Stanislav is the main Roman Catholic cathedral in Vilnius and is known for its beautiful architecture. But what many people don’t know is that it also has catacombs underneath, which you can explore on a guided tour.

Take A Day Trip From Vilnius

I wrote a whole blog post about the best day trips from Vilnius, but here are my three favourite places to visit from Vilnius:

Trakai Castle: This historic castle is located on an island and has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. You can take a guided tour of the castle or rent a boat and explore on your own.

Kaunas: The second-largest city in Lithuania, Kaunas is known for its charming old town, filled with colourful buildings and quaint cafes. It’s also home to some interesting museums such as the Devil’s Museum.

Hill of Crosses: A unique pilgrimage site with over 100,000 crosses, this hill holds great spiritual significance for many visitors. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Vilnius but worth visiting if you have time.

Where To Eat In Vilnius

I was pleasantly surprised by how great the foodie scene was in Vilnius. For the best places to eat in Vilnius check out my Vilnius food guide.

Where To Stay In Vilnius 

I stayed at Downtown Forest Hostel and Camping. The dorm rooms were spacious, the bathrooms were clean and it was great value for money. 

I also enjoyed the cosy communal areas and spent a few hours each evening sitting by the fireplace with a beer and a good book. 

What To Do In Vilnius At Night

Vilnius has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from, especially in the city centre. For a fun night out, I recommend tagging along on an organised pub crawl.

It’s worth mentioning that I travelled to Vilnius as a solo female traveller and felt really safe going out at night and walking alone in the city. But as with anywhere be sure to use your common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.

When To Visit Vilnius 

I visited Vilnius in winter and can definitely recommend it as an excellent winter destination. The city is covered in snow, making it incredibly picturesque and the Christmas markets are a must-visit. There are also fewer crowds and cheaper prices during winter.

However, Vilnius is also beautiful in the summertime with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

How To Get Around In Vilnius 

Vilnius is a fairly small and walkable city but if you don’t want to walk then I recommend getting a taxi or using a ride-sharing app. 

Uber and Bolt both operate in Vilnius but I found that Bolt offered a more reliable service with less wait times. 

Vilnius also has a good public transport system with buses and trolleybuses.

FAQs: One Day In Vilnius

Is 1 day enough for Vilnius?

One day is not enough to fully explore everything Vilnius has to offer, but it is enough time to visit the main attractions and get a feel for the city. If you only have one day, make sure to visit the Old Town, climb up Gediminas Tower for stunning views of the city, and try some traditional Lithuanian cuisine.

How much time do you need in Vilnius?

To fully experience Vilnius, I would recommend spending at least 3-4 days in the city. This will give you enough time to explore the main attractions and take day trips to nearby towns such as Trakai or Kaunas.

Is Vilnius worth seeing?

Absolutely! Vilnius is a beautiful and charming city with a rich history and unique culture. It’s definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in discovering hidden gems of Europe.

Is English widely spoken in Vilnius?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Vilnius, especially by younger generations and those working in the tourism industry. You should have no trouble communicating with locals and getting around the city using English. However, it’s always polite to learn a few basic phrases in Lithuanian such as “hello” (labas) or “thank you” (ačiū). It shows that you are making an effort to connect with the local culture. 

What is the best month to visit Lithuania?

The best month to visit Lithuania depends on personal preferences. For warmer weather and outdoor activities, the summer months (June-August) are ideal. However, if you prefer lower prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder season of April-May or September-October. The winter months (November-March) can also be enjoyable for those who enjoy winter sports and holiday festivities. 

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Final Thoughts: One Day In Vilnius

Vilnius is such an underappreciated gem in Europe. From its beautiful architecture to its intriguing history, there is so much to see and do in this fun and quirky city.

One day may not be enough to experience everything Vilnius has to offer, but with this Vilnius itinerary, you can definitely get a taste of the city’s best highlights.

This charming city will leave you wanting more and I can guarantee that you’ll be planning your next trip back to Vilnius before even leaving 😉

So pack your bags, grab some bagels and head over to Vilnius for an unforgettable adventure!