Magical Vilnius in 2025: 10 Things to Do in Lithuania’s Whimsical Capital

Vilnius is calling! Discover the 10 best things to do in Lithuania’s magical capital in 2025—from historic towers to quirky art districts. Start planning now!

Magical Vilnius in 2025: 10 Things to Do in Lithuania’s Whimsical Capital

Vilnius has all the beauty of Prague or Budapest, without the crowds. It’s where cobbled lanes meet street art, and every corner holds a story. If you’re craving old-world charm with a twist of the unexpected, Lithuania’s capital will surprise and delight you. From mysterious legends to bohemian enclaves, Vilnius in 2025 is bursting with character—and fewer selfie sticks.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a slow exploration, this Vilnius travel guide will take you through the top 10 things to do in Vilnius this year. Let’s explore the quirks, charm, and beauty of this Baltic gem.

1. Wander Through Old Town – A UNESCO Fairy Tale

Imagine getting lost in a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, pastel Baroque facades, Gothic church spires, and cozy courtyards where time seems to slow down. That’s Vilnius Old Town.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. It’s compact enough to explore on foot but vast enough to uncover surprises around every corner—from hidden chapels to artisan coffee shops.

Don’t Miss:

Pilies Street for vibrant shops and street musicians
The Church of St. Anne, a Gothic masterpiece, Napoleon wanted to take back to Paris
Try a fresh “kibinai” pastry while people-watching in a sun-dappled square

Travel Tip: Wear comfy shoes—these cobbles have character (and might test your balance).

2. Visit Gediminas Tower – The Best View in Vilnius

You’ll spot it from just about anywhere in the city: Gediminas Tower, standing proudly atop a hill, waving the Lithuanian flag in the breeze.

The tower is all that remains of the Upper Castle, but it offers sweeping 360° views over the city’s red rooftops, church spires, and the Neris River. It’s a postcard-perfect spot, especially at sunset when Vilnius glows in gold.

Climbing the hill is half the fun—there’s a funicular if you prefer not to puff your way up—and once there, the small museum inside offers a fascinating peek into Lithuania’s medieval past.

Instagram Moment: The view from the top is one for the grid.

3. Explore the Republic of Užupis – The Quirkiest Place in Town

Welcome to Užupis, the bohemian soul of Vilnius. This self-declared “republic” has its president, flag, constitution, and even army (of about 12 people and one dog, give or take).

Cross the bridge over the Vilnelė River, and you enter a whimsical world of murals, sculpture gardens, poetry plaques, and philosophical manifestos. It’s artsy, quirky, and wonderfully weird.

Check out the Constitution of Užupis, posted in multiple languages, with rules like: “Everyone has the right to be idle” and “A dog has the right to be a dog.”

Don’t Miss: Užupis Art Incubator and the Angel of Užupis sculpture

4. Step Inside Vilnius Cathedral – Where Pagan Roots Meet Christian Grandeur

Set in Cathedral Square, this striking Neoclassical cathedral doesn’t look like your typical European church. From the outside, it resembles a Roman temple more than a medieval basilica.

Inside, it’s richly adorned, with frescoes, ornate altars, and a crypt holding the remains of Lithuanian royalty. The free-standing bell tower next to it offers another killer viewpoint if you’ve still got energy to climb.

Fun fact: This site was once a pagan temple to Perkūnas, the thunder god. Now, it’s the spiritual heart of Christian Lithuania. That’s some cultural layering right there.

Local Insight: Join locals in the square during events and festivals—it’s a social hotspot, especially in summer.

5. Climb the Three Crosses Hill – A Peaceful Pause with a View

If you’re in the mood for a nature walk with a reward at the end, head to Three Crosses Hill, just behind Old Town in Kalnai Park.

The three white crosses, first erected in the 17th century, symbolize national resilience and pay tribute to monks once martyred on this hill. The current version is a modern rebuild, but the views? Still stunning.

Expect lush greenery, birdsong, and the occasional jogger as you hike up. At the top, the panorama of Vilnius will take your breath away (if the climb hasn’t already).

Tip: Early morning visits offer solitude and soft golden light—pure magic.

6. Stroll Through Literatų Street – A Tribute to the Written Word

Hidden in plain sight near Pilies Street, Literatų gatvė (Literature Street) is a quiet, poetic gem.

Along this short alley, you’ll find hundreds of small art plaques—ceramic, metal, wood—each dedicated to a writer who has a connection to Lithuania. It’s a living museum, always evolving, where every plaque tells a tiny story.

It’s not loud or flashy. Just one of those charming discoveries that makes you pause and smile.

Fun Fact: Even global literary giants like Czesław Miłosz and Romain Gary are honored here.

7. Tour the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights – Haunting but Important

Not all of Vilnius is sunshine and whimsy. Some parts of its history are dark, but necessary to understand.

Housed in the former KGB headquarters, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights offers a powerful look at Soviet repression in Lithuania. You’ll see chilling prison cells, execution rooms, surveillance equipment, and heartbreaking personal stories of resistance.

It’s a tough but vital stop, especially if you want to understand Lithuania’s fierce pride and independence.

Travel Note: The museum is intense. Allow time afterward to decompress, perhaps with a quiet coffee in a nearby café.

8. Eat Traditional Lithuanian Dishes in Cozy Taverns

Let’s talk food—because Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, soulful, and perfect after a day of exploring.

Try cepelinai, the famous potato dumplings stuffed with meat and topped with sour cream and bacon. Warm up with šaltibarščiai, the neon-pink cold beet soup (yes, it tastes better than it sounds). And don’t miss kibinai, savory pastries filled with lamb or cheese.

Head to a traditional “karčema” (tavern), where wooden beams and candlelight set the scene. Local favorites include Etno Dvaras, Senoji Trobelė, or Lokys, where wild game is on the menu.

Bonus Tip: Pair your meal with a cold Lithuanian beer or a glass of mead for full medieval vibes.

9. Join a Walking Ghost Tour – After Dark Thrills

When the sun sets, Vilnius shows off another side—one filled with legends, secrets, and things that go bump in the night.

A walking ghost tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s haunted past. Guides in capes and lanterns will tell you tales of medieval executioners, haunted courtyards, and ghosts said to still wander the cobbled alleys.

You’ll see familiar spots—like Town Hall or Cathedral Square—in a completely new light. Slightly creepy, entirely fascinating.

Pro Tip: Bring a jacket—Lithuanian nights can be brisk, even in summer.

10. Relax at Bernardine Garden – The City’s Green Heart

When you’re ready to unwind, head to Bernardine Garden, a peaceful park nestled between Old Town and the Vilnelė River.

Think fountains, flower beds, willow trees, and quiet benches. Locals stroll, kids play, musicians strum guitars. You might stumble upon a chess game or an open-air concert.

There’s a charming botanical garden, a rose maze, and even a small café where you can sip coffee with birdsong in the background.

Travel Hack: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom—absolute magic.

Final Thoughts: Vilnius Is Pure Baltic Enchantment

Vilnius in 2025 is not just a destination—it’s a feeling. A mix of old-world elegance, bohemian energy, and resilient spirit that draws you in and lingers long after you leave.

Whether you’re gazing out from a hilltop, getting lost in Užupis, or sipping beet soup under fairy lights, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook—written in multiple languages, with a few plot twists and a lot of charm.

So go ahead. Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a scarf—it gets breezy) and explore Vilnius, one magical moment at a time.