What to do in Vilnius

Make the most of your time in Lithuania’s capital while attending the conference. Vilnius combines centuries of history with contemporary culture, creative neighbourhoods, green spaces and a vibrant food scene. Its compact city centre makes it easy to explore many of the city’s highlights on foot, whether you have a few hours between conference sessions or extra days to discover the city.

Explore Vilnius Old Town

Take a walk through the UNESCO-listed historic centre and discover cobbled streets, courtyards, churches and architecture reflecting different periods in the city’s history. Pilies Street, one of the oldest streets in the Old Town, is a particularly enjoyable starting point for exploring the historic heart of Vilnius.

See Vilnius from Above

For one of the most memorable views of the city, visit Gediminas’ Tower, one of Vilnius’ best-known landmarks. From Gediminas’ Hill and the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the red rooftops, church towers and narrow streets of the Old Town. The tower also houses a historical exhibition exploring the development of Vilnius and its castles.

Other viewpoints around the city offer further opportunities to experience the Vilnius skyline.

Discover Užupis

Cross into Užupis, one of Vilnius’ most distinctive neighbourhoods. Located next to the Old Town, this small, creative district is known for its artistic character and its self-declared “Republic of Užupis”, complete with its own constitution.

Take some time to wander through its streets, discover public art and galleries, or simply stop at one of the neighbourhood’s cafés and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.

Experience Vilnius’ Museums and Galleries

Vilnius offers a wide variety of museums and galleries for visitors interested in history, art, technology and cultural heritage.

Among the possibilities are the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, MO Museum, National Gallery of Art, Museum of Culture and Identity of Lithuanian Jews, Energy and Technology Museum, and numerous smaller museums and galleries throughout the city.

For audiovisual archive professionals, the city’s contemporary art spaces and cultural institutions may also provide an interesting complement to the conference programme.

Discover Vilnius’ Creative Side

Beyond its historic architecture, Vilnius has a strong contemporary and creative identity. Explore street art, independent galleries and creative areas such as the Stotis District, Open Gallery　and Glass Quarter.

Visitors interested in film and visual culture may also wish to discover the Jonas Mekas Visual Arts Centre, established to promote film, documentary cinema, video art and the legacy of Lithuanian-born filmmaker and artist Jonas Mekas.

Taste Vilnius

Leave some time to discover Lithuanian food and Vilnius’ growing gastronomic scene. The city offers everything from traditional Lithuanian dishes and local markets to contemporary restaurants and fine dining.

Try Lithuanian specialities, explore Paupys Market, enjoy one of the city’s cafés, or discover some of the restaurants and culinary experiences available throughout the Old Town and surrounding neighbourhoods.

For something particularly Lithuanian, visitors can explore experiences centred on traditional cuisine or even learn about šakotis, Lithuania’s distinctive tree cake.

Enjoy Vilnius Outdoors

Vilnius is a remarkably green capital, so you do not have to travel far to find a peaceful break from the conference programme.

Take a walk through Bernardine Garden, located close to many of the Old Town’s main attractions, or explore Vingis Park, a popular green space for walking, cycling and relaxation. Those with more time can discover additional parks, riverside routes and nature trails in and around the city.

More adventurous visitors can experience Vilnius from a completely different perspective through cycling, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Take a Tour

If your time in Vilnius is limited, a guided tour can be an excellent way to discover the city. Walking tours introduce visitors to the Old Town, Užupis and some of Vilnius’ lesser-known stories, while sightseeing options are also available by bus, bicycle and on the water.

Go Vilnius also provides tourist maps, mini guides and themed routes covering subjects such as Jewish heritage, street art, modern Vilnius, gastronomy and film locations.

Make the Most of Your Visit

Conference participants planning to visit several attractions may wish to consider the Vilnius Pass, which is available for different durations and provides access to participating attractions as well as discounts and other benefits.

Whether you have just an evening after the conference sessions or several days to explore, Vilnius offers plenty to discover within easy reach.

For more information and to make the most of your stay in Vilnius, visit govilnius