Vilnius is not as well-known as other European capitals, it has recently gained popularity. The second-largest city in the Baltics has a wonderful combination of urban hustle and breathtaking greenery across its bohemian neighbourhoods, pine-studded parks, lush forests, and lovely Unesco-protected old town, which is famous for its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.
The lowdown
After a half-century of stringent arts and literary rules that forced artists to labor underground to escape imprisonment, the Baltic state has emerged as a creative powerhouse since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. The city’s cultural offerings are thriving, with exciting happenings at the newly established Vilnius Biennial of Performance Art, contemporary art venues such as Mo Museum, and the artist enclave and creative quarter at Lukiškė’s prison 2.0 (known for its starring role in hit Netflix series Stranger Things), attracting a new wave of travelers.
Next year, Vilnius will also be named the European Green Capital for 2025. In addition to striving for climate neutrality by 2030, the city has implemented a number of sustainable initiatives, including the prohibition on hazardous fuels and the renovation of its infrastructure. The city remains a pioneer in cultivating its rich biodiversity, with plans to plant thousands of trees and plants over the next few years. Aside from Vilnius’s ecological credentials, a thriving food scene is putting the city on the globe – not to mention its outstanding value for money, which will come as no surprise to budget-conscious travelers who saw the UK Post Office name Vilnius Europe’s best economical city break in 2024.
Why it’s hot
Lithuanian cuisine has long been associated with soul-warming comfort foods like smoked meats, pink beet soup, and potato dumplings, but a new generation of chefs is reinventing it by incorporating standout local produce like berries, mushrooms, and river fish, as well as reviving traditional techniques lost during the Soviet occupation. The first Lithuanian Michelin guide was published this year, awarding four restaurants with stars: Ninteen18, Pas Mus, Džiaugsmas, and Demo.
We are quite delighted to be recognized by the Michelin Guide; the award puts us on people’s radar,” says Mattia Rupilis, chef-patron of Le Travi, which received a Bib Gourmand in the guide for its seasonally inspired Italian cuisine. “Vilnius’ food scene is growing more lively and sophisticated, offering guests a wide choice of gastronomic experiences, including traditional Lithuanian cuisine, modern gastronomy, and informal eating.
What to expect
Vilnius has a vibrant nightlife, especially in the trendy Naujamiestis and Station areas. Personas bar is located on the platform of Vilnius Railway Station and has vintage train seats for outdoor dining beneath strings of fairy lights, while nightclub Gallery 1986 attracts an edgy clientele with tinted windows, concrete surfaces, and performances by local DJs. Opera Social House is noteworthy for its rooftop location and techno music.
The capital is one of Europe’s greenest cities, with green space covering 46 percent of the area. Bernardine Garden and Vingis Park are within walking distance of the old town, while the 13th-century Gediminas Tower offers panoramic views of the city. The Botanical Garden of Vilnius University, located just outside the city center, covers 490 acres and includes ponds, gardens, and rare plant kinds.
Don’t miss
Make time to see the free-spirited Užpis neighborhood, separated from the old town by the Vilnia River. On April Fools’ Day in 1997, a group of artists founded the self-proclaimed nation, which has a constitution consisting of 41 crazy regulations. Explore the mural-lined alleys and modern galleries, including the open-air Užupis Art Incubator, which has a rotating collection of sculptures and installations.
How to do it
Lithuania, which is bordered by Latvia to the north and Poland to the south, has excellent train connections to major neighboring cities, including Warsaw, Riga, and Krakow. Vilnius airport is the primary entrance point for international visitors, and it is only a 15-minute bus trip to the ancient center. It’s worth mentioning that AirBaltic will introduce seven additional flights to European locations in 2025.