One Day in Vilnius

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city known for its history, culture, and charm. From its well-preserved Old Town to its quirky arts scene, Vilnius offers a variety of experiences for visitors.

I visited Vilnius as part of a day trip from Tallinn, Estonia where I was based for a few months a few summers ago. I booked a roundtrip bus ticket that brought be there and back on the same Saturday. In this guide, I detail I spent one day in Vilnius.

With just one day to explore Vilnius, you’ll need to start the day early to try to see as much as you can. I’ve organized a one-day Vilnius itinerary to help you plan your trip. Apart from the half day trip to Trakai, all the sights and restaurants are within walking distances or short taxi rides.

How to Get to Vilnius

Vilnius, Lithuania is found in the Baltic region of Europe. It is well connected to many other cities, making it a great day trip option. If you prefer to arrive by air, Vilnius International Airport (VNO) offers both domestic and international flights. It is located 3.7 miles (6 kms) outside the city.

Vilnius has good rail connections with other European cities. The Vilnius railway station is located in the city center, making it convenient to access other parts of the city upon arrival.

When I visited, I arrived by bus. There are several bus companies operating routes to Vilnius from nearby countries such as Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Belarus. The main bus station in Vilnius is located close to the city center. If you’re staying the Baltic area, a visit to Vilnius is an easy day trip.

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One Day in Vilnius Itinerary

Your day trip to Vilnius will start with breakfast at a local café. Vilnius is home to numerous quaint cafes. Head to a cozy spot like Holy Donut or Gusto Blyninė to fuel up for the day with coffee and traditional Lithuanian pancakes or pastries. Both are found in Old Town.

After breakfast, you’ll take a half day tour to Trakai Castle which sits strategically within a lake outside Vilnius. This is the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and one of the best things to see in Lithuania.

Trakai Castle is a must-see on any Lithuania itinerary, even a short one. Departure times may vary, but it is probably best to do it first thing in the morning and then have the rest of the day to explore Vilnius. It is located only 7 miles (28 kilometers) from Vilnius. You can also enjoy a boat ride or kayaking at the lake. You don’t need a guide to visit Trakai, but it makes it a lot simpler for a quick visit.

After Trakai, you’ll head back into Vilnius to explore Old Town. The historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a fun place to wander around on winding cobblestone streets and into charming squares. Head to a local restaurant like Forto Dvaras or Lokys to try hearty dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), or traditional Lithuanian Žuvies Plovas (fish pilaf). One of my favorite things to eat were sweet blueberry dumplings with cream.

After lunch, explore Old Town and see city landmarks such as Vilnius Cathedral and the Gate of Dawn, just to name a few.

The cathedral’s history dates back to the 13th century when it was originally constructed in the Gothic style. The cathedral has strong ties to Lithuania’s royal history. It was the coronation site of several Lithuanian monarchs and served as the chapel for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Like many religious institutions in the Soviet Union, the Vilnius Cathedral faced repression and experienced neglect during the Soviet era. It was converted into a warehouse and later used as an art gallery. After Lithuania regained independence in 1990, efforts were made to restore Vilnius Cathedral. It was reconsecrated and once again became a place of worship. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral, recognizing its significance to both Lithuania and the Catholic Church.

If you like museums and enjoy learning about history, head to the Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum). Here you can insight into Lithuania’s tumultuous past by visiting the Museum of Genocide Victims, housed in the former KGB headquarters. It features exhibits detailing the Soviet occupation, resistance movements, and the experiences of those persecuted under communist rule.

Next, you’ll want to explore the bohemian neighborhood of Užupis, often referred to as the “Republic of Užupis” by its residents. This was one of my favorite parts of Vilnius. This self-proclaimed independent country is more of a district or neighborhood within Vilnius. They created their own flag, constitution, and many other components of an official state although it is not recognized as such. You can even get a Republic of Užupis passport stamp at the visitor center. The neighborhood is known for its quirky atmosphere, street art, and artistic community. You can visit the Užupis Constitution and browse local art galleries and studios.

Afterwards, head to the Gediminas Castle Tower. The exact date of the construction of Gediminas’ Tower is uncertain, but it is believed to have been built in the 14th century, during the reign of Gediminas. The tower’s silhouette dominates the skyline of Vilnius and has been featured on the Lithuanian currency and various emblems. This is a great spot to take in a good view of the city and there’s also a little museum here.

A short walk from the Gediminas Castle Tower is the Hill of Three Crosses. Take a short climb up the hill for panoramic views of Vilnius and the surrounding landscape. Legend has it that the three crosses symbolize the martyred monks who were crucified on the hill in the 17th century. The vantage point is an excellent opportunity for photos.

Finally, an itinerary of Vilnius’ best places should include St. Anne’s Church. It’s distinct red bricks and Gothic towers make it one of the prettiest churches in Vilnius in my opinion. It was built around 1500. The church is typically open to visitors daily.

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For dinner venture into Vilnius’s New Town at one of its trendy restaurants or cafes. You could enjoy a modern twist on Lithuanian cuisine and check out restaurants like Džiaugsmas or Sweet Root. These spots offer creative menus highlighting local ingredients and flavors.

You’ll likely end your 1 day Vilnius itinerary after dinner, but if you take a late bus or flight, you might want to check out Vilnius’s best bars. If you have time during your day trip, don’t miss out on trying some of Vilnius’ bar and nightlife scene. Check out some of the cozy pubs, hip cocktail bars, or even the lively nightclubs, depending on your preference. Vilnius offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails, live music, or dancing until dawn. Some of the best bars in Vilnius include Misterija (evening party scene) and Gringo (pub).

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Where to Stay in Vilnius

For a budget option head to Jimmy Jumps Hostel where dorms start at $17 a night (as of 2024). If you have a moderate budget, Artagonist Hotel has stylish, artistic rooms well located near Old Town. It is a short walk to popular sights like St. John Church and the Cathedral Square.

One of the best places to stay for most travelers is Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel, a perfectly located 5-star hotel with rooms starting at $210 a night (as of 2024).

How many days in Vilnius?

While this a 24-hour guide to Vilnius, you may find that 2-3 days is a more relaxing pace for exploring the capital of Lithuania. A day trip can suffice in a pinch, but at least one overnight rest will enable you to get a better sampling of what there is to see, especially within the nightlife scene which will probably be skipped on a day trip.

This Vilnius itinerary has packed a lot into one full day, so you may enjoy the pace better if you spread it across a weekend trip to Vilnius.

Is Vilnius worth visiting?

Of course. I found unique things in Vilnius that couldn’t be found elsewhere during my two months in Baltics. Kayaking Trakai lake was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and place. Vilnius has similarities to Riga and Tallinn, but stands out for its quirky artsy district of Užupis. Among the Baltic capitals, Vilnius was my personal second favorite (with Tallinn being first).

This Vilnius itinerary will keep you busy all day and you’ll be able to see most of the major sights in and nearby town.

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