Vilnius, the compact capital of Lithuania, is a beautiful Baroque city that holds great appeal for weekend travelers. It is the largest old town in Eastern Europe and serves as a vivid record of numerous historical conflicts. If you are here for the weekend, or have three days to spare, let us explore the wonderful scenery of Vilnius together, taste exotic delicacies, immerse ourselves in museum art, and embark on a personalized weekend trip.
【GEDIMINAS HILL】
Vilnius was built on this 48-meter-high hill, where people have settled since the Neolithic era. The history of the castle on the hill dates back to the 15th century, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city, which is particularly spectacular at sunset. A branch of the National Museum of Lithuania is located in the tower on the hill, displaying armor from the 16th to 18th centuries (lnm.lt; approx. 26 yuan).
【LOKYS RESTAURANT】
Dining in Vilnius for the first time, you will surely be captivated by traditional Lithuanian cuisine. Following the trail of the big wooden bear, you will find this very famous and cheerful local restaurant. It is located in 16th-century vaulted cellars that were once part of a merchant's residence. This restaurant specializes in game, such as roast venison, quail with pears and lingonberries, and even beaver stew with mushrooms. Many dishes may be ones you have never heard of before. If you usually enjoy tasting game, you can order based on your intuition. You might just be in for many surprises. In any case, from your mind to your tongue and stomach, this will be an unforgettable "bold adventure" in your life (lokys.lt; Stiklių Gatvė 8; noon to midnight; main courses from 56 yuan).
【BŪSI TREČIAS BEER BAR】
Locals know that this microbrewery is a great place to enjoy an affordable Lithuanian lunch. The wooden decor inside the bar is beautiful, and it serves 12 varieties of beer (including lime beer, raspberry beer, and caramel beer). There is always one that will satisfy your palate... It is hard to find such a rich variety of creative beers elsewhere. In warmer seasons, diners can also sit at tables in the courtyard (busitrecias.lt; Totorių Gatvė 18; Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00-23:00, open until midnight on Thursday, Friday to Saturday: open until 2:00 AM the next day; main courses from 35 yuan).
【PILIES KEPYKLĖLĖ】
Vilnius' busiest tourist and commercial street is lined with shops and bustling with activity. This beautiful crepe bakery with brick vaults stands out, perfectly blending old-world charm with a fresh and joyful atmosphere. Start your day here; the omelets and delicious pancakes served at 9:00 AM are not to be missed. The poppy seed cake is said to be the best in this district (00 3705 260 8992; Pilies Gatvė 19; 9:00-23:00; main courses from 21 yuan).
【VILNIUS OLD TOWN】
Vilnius Old Town is the largest old town in Eastern Europe and is well-deserving of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area was built in the 15th and 16th centuries, extending south from the Cathedral. The narrow, winding streets, hidden courtyards, and luxurious churches of the old town retain their former glory. You should spend at least a morning exploring here; starting from Pilies Street, you can wander aimlessly. Do not miss the classical-style Presidential Palace, the 13 spectacular courtyards within Vilnius University, and St. Anne’s Church, a favorite of Napoleon.
【MUSEUM OF GENOCIDE VICTIMS】
The building housing the museum was once the headquarters of the KGB (and also served as the headquarters for the Nazi Gestapo, Polish invaders, and Tsarist judicial departments). The museum is dedicated to collecting items related to the thousands of Lithuanians who were killed, imprisoned, or deported by the former Soviet Union from World War II to the 1960s. (genocid.lt/muziejus; Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00-18:00, open until 17:00 on Sunday; approx. 26 yuan).