Vilnius – Where Urban Life Meets Rustic Traditions

Posted by Laura Želvytė  |  July 28, 2016

One of the Baltic capitals, Vilnius brings modern life together with old-school traditional Lithuanian culture. It’s a city packed with monuments, churches, and museums, complemented by green spaces and parks, a thriving bar culture, and an appreciation for everything new and exciting. Surely, Vilnius – where urban life meets deep and rustic traditions – is a Lithuanian gem worth spending quality time at. So, choose a Vilnius city tour, put on your walking shoes, and let’s get started.

Unique Old Town

From the beginning of the 13th to the end of the 18th century, Vilnius was the political center for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The city had a massive impact on the cultural development of Eastern Europe, despite Lithuania being invaded and partly destroyed so many times. Vilnius preserved an extraordinary collection of architectural creations, museums, and historical landmarks. When you visit Vilnius, take time to get lost in the cobblestone streets – it’s truly something special!

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Places to See

Vilnius guided tours offer you the chance to visit historic monuments such as the Vilnius Cathedral, Peter and Paul Church, Gediminas Castle, Gates of Dawn, Palace of the Dukes, and much more. Keep in mind that with the abundance of places to visit in Vilnius, you won’t get bored and will return home with culture flowing through your veins. Surely, seeing the historical yards of Vilnius University is an absolute must – the university is a place where so much of Lithuanian history was made. What is more, Vilnius has plenty of more interesting and new spots for you to visit. If you’re a fan of space – don’t miss a chance to see an old-school planetarium. Or maybe if you love art – visit the National Art Gallery and enjoy an exhibition covering all the most important art movements. And if you’re lucky enough, your tour in Vilnius will be during a traditional Kaziukas fair – stretched all over the city center, a mesmerizing fair can offer you a great amount of traditional Lithuanian activities, food, and souvenirs.

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One of the best things about Vilnius is its green spaces. Vilnius recently renovated The Bernardini Garden, making it so beautiful – you’ll never want to leave it! There is also Vingis Park, a park – so big, it continually hosts concerts, has plenty of bars and restaurants, rents bikes, longboards, and roller skates so that you can stay active. Since Vilnius is located by a river, it has an embankment going all through the city and a couple of neighborhoods. It is perfect for jogging or just an evening stroll. Lithuania is famous for its beautiful nature, and Vilnius made sure to keep it visible all through the city.

A Country Within a City

The Independent Republic of Užupis is one of the greatest Vilnius attractions. A neighborhood across the Vilnelė river was always home to artists and bohemians. The life there was so different from the rest of Vilnius that the locals just decided to become an independent republic! Everyone in all Vilnius and most likely Lithuania knows that the Republic of Užupis is just a tiny amazing country, where a whole different life is happening. If you want to feel the bohemian spirit when you visit Vilnius, be sure to tour around in Užupis and its small but art-filled streets.

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Growing Urban Life

Since Vilnius is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, urban life is booming and growing. The city has a great public transport infrastructure, and if you’re not a fan of buses – you can always rent an orange city bike – they are all over the city. Probably the best thing about a Vilnius tour is that it provides you with the opportunity to experience the excellent nightlife of the city. Trendy bars and nightclubs are more popular than ever; there are so many events in Vilnius, such as concerts and performances, you won’t be able to see even one-third of them. A fast-growing economy makes sure that there are new and promising businesses starting every day. The youth of Vilnius is genuinely creative and hardworking, promising a brighter future for all of Lithuania.

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In Case You Get Hungry

A long Vilnius guided tour can make anyone hungry. So when your tummy starts rumbling, don’t hesitate to visit one of the many places to grab a bite. Ranging from sandwich shops, dessert cafes to high-class restaurants and bistros, serving traditional Lithuanian dishes. If you are in the mood for something traditional, there is an infinity of restaurants serving excellent Lithuanian dishes for you to enjoy. Be sure to try Cepelinai or a vibrant pink soup – cold borscht, or choose from a wide range of Lithuanian dishes. Lithuanians are very proud of their traditional cuisine, so when you visit Vilnius, there will surely be plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy some delicious Lithuanian food. And the greatest thing is that throughout the year, different fairs take place in Vilnius, offering a wide variety of beautiful rustic dishes.

Of course, one of the best things about visiting Vilnius is the availability of numerous one-day tours from Vilnius to anywhere in Lithuania! So as you tour around the capital, you have the chance to see the rest of the country.