City Break Vilnius: A 3-Day Guide to Baroque Spires and Bohemian Spirits (2025)

Vilnius is a capital city that feels like a well-kept secret. While other European capitals are overwhelmed by crowds, the Lithuanian capital retains an air of mystery and effortless charm. It is a city where one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe sits comfortably alongside a neighbourhood that declared itself an independent republic. The skyline is a forest of baroque church spires and cross-topped hills, piercing a sky that often seems wider and bluer here than anywhere else in the Baltics.

The atmosphere is a captivating blend of deep history and youthful energy. You can walk on cobblestones that have seen Grand Dukes and emperors, then turn a corner to find a piece of street art or a third-wave coffee shop inside a centuries-old courtyard. The city is compact, green and incredibly walkable, with the Vilnia and Neris rivers wrapping around its heart like a ribbon. It is a place that doesn't just show you its history; it invites you to live in it, from the dark cells of the former KGB headquarters to the sunny terraces of the glass quarter.

Vilnius feels like a secret Europe is keeping

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that is affordable, historically profound and full of quirky character, a trip Vilnius is the perfect choice. This expert-crafted 3 days in Vilnius itinerary is designed to peel back the layers of this Baltic gem. We will climb the hills for the best panoramas, cross the border into an artist's utopia and taste the hearty comfort of Lithuanian cuisine. It is the definitive Vilnius travel guide for planning your journey, detailing exactly what to do in Vilnius during your unforgettable Vilnius weekend itinerary.

Day 1: The Old Town and The Republic

Day one is dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre and the city's artistic soul. We will explore the grand squares, hidden courtyards and a neighbourhood that has its own constitution.

Morning: The Miracle Tile and The Tower

Start your day in Cathedral Square. This vast white plaza is the heartbeat of the city. The Vilnius Cathedral, with its separate bell tower and Greek-temple facade, looks more like a museum than a church. Before you enter, search for the "Stebuklas" (Miracle) tile in the square. Legend says if you stand on it and spin around three times clockwise, your wish will come true. It was also the end point of the human chain that spanned three countries during the Baltic Way protest in 1989.

From the square, hike up (or take the funicular) to Gediminas' Tower. This red-brick octagon is the last remaining part of the Upper Castle. The view from the top is the best orientation you can get: the red roofs of the Old Town on one side and the modern skyscrapers on the other.

Lunch: Cepelinai

Descend and head towards Pilies Street for lunch. This is the main artery of the Old Town. You simply must try Cepelinai (Zeppelins). These are massive potato dumplings stuffed with meat, cheese or mushrooms and drenched in a sauce of sour cream and bacon bits.

Try them at Etno Dvaras, a restaurant famous for being the first to certify its dishes as authentic Lithuanian heritage. It is heavy, hearty and absolutely delicious.

Afternoon: The Republic of Užupis

Cross the bridge over the Vilnia River to enter the Republic of Užupis. This bohemian neighbourhood declared its independence on April 1st, 1997. It has its own president, anthem and a constitution that is displayed on a wall in multiple languages.

Read the constitution; it includes rights such as "A dog has the right to be a dog" and "People have the right to be happy". Wander the street art-filled alleys, visit the Angel of Užupis statue and get your passport stamped at the local information centre. It is whimsical, artistic and totally unique to Vilnius.

Evening: The Glass Quarter

Return to the Old Town and explore the Glass Quarter (Stiklo Kvartalas). Historically the Jewish quarter, it is now a maze of narrow streets filled with boutiques, jewellers and cozy restaurants. The atmosphere here at night, with strings of lights hanging above the streets, is magical.

For dinner, try Lokys, a medieval merchant restaurant found in a 15th-century cellar. They specialise in game meat, so you can try boar or venison just as the Grand Dukes might have done.

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Gediminas' Tower	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	€8.00	£6.80	Arsenalo g. 5.
Vilnius Cathedral	11:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Free	Free	Katedros a. 2.
Lunch – Cepelinai	12:30 PM – 02:00 PM	€12.00 avg	£10.20 avg	Etno Dvaras, Pilies g. 16.
Užupis Constitution	02:30 PM – 04:00 PM	Free	Free	Paupio g.
Dinner – Game Meat	07:30 PM	€35.00 avg	£29.75 avg	Lokys, Stiklių g. 8.
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	Walkable	0	0	City centre is compact.

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Day 2: History, Height and Pink Soup

Day two confronts the darker side of the city's 20th-century history but balances it with vibrant culinary experiences and stunning gothic architecture.

Morning: The KGB Museum

Start your day at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (often called the KGB Museum). Housed in the former KGB headquarters, this is a sobering but essential stop.

The upper floors document the Soviet occupation and the Lithuanian partisan resistance. But the basement is the most powerful part: the actual prison cells and execution chamber used by the KGB have been left largely as they were. It is a chilling reminder of the price of freedom.

Lunch: Pink Soup

After a heavy morning, you need something colourful. It is time for Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beetroot Soup). This shocking pink soup is made with pickled beets, kefir, cucumbers and dill, served cold with hot boiled potatoes on the side.

Head to a local spot like Bernelių Užeiga or a modern canteen. It is refreshing, healthy and arguably the most Instagrammable soup in the world.

Afternoon: Gothic Masterpieces

Walk back towards the Old Town to see St. Anne's Church. Legend has it that Napoleon wanted to carry this church back to Paris in the palm of his hand. It is a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, built from 33 different types of red brick.

Behind it lies the Bernardine Garden, a lovely park with fountains and botanical displays. It is a perfect place to rest your feet. If you have energy left, hike up to the Three Crosses on the Bleak Hill. The concrete crosses replace 17th-century wooden ones and offer a sunset view that rivals Gediminas' Tower.

Evening: Fried Bread and Beer

Lithuania has a fantastic beer culture. For your evening, find a local pub like Šnekutis or Bambalynė.

You must order Kepta Duona (Fried Bread). These are strips of dark rye bread fried in oil, rubbed with garlic and often smothered in a cheese sauce. It is the ultimate bar snack. Pair it with a farmhouse ale (kaimiškas alus) which is earthy and unique to the region.

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
KGB Museum	10:00 AM – 12:00 PM	€6.00	£5.10	Aukų g. 2A.
Lunch – Pink Soup	12:30 PM – 01:30 PM	€8.00 avg	£6.80 avg	Traditional bistro.
St. Anne's Church	02:00 PM – 02:30 PM	Free	Free	Maironio g. 8.
Three Crosses Hill	03:30 PM – 04:30 PM	Free	Free	Hike through Kalnų Park.
Dinner – Pub Food	07:30 PM	€15.00 avg	£12.75 avg	Fried bread & beer.
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	Walkable	0	0	Central exploration.

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Day 3: The Island Castle Escape

Your final day takes you out of the city to one of the most photographed sites in the Baltics. We will visit a fairy-tale castle on a lake and taste the food of a unique ethnic minority.

Morning: Train to Trakai

Take a train or bus from Vilnius station to Trakai. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Trakai was the medieval capital of Lithuania.

The main attraction is Trakai Island Castle. This red-brick gothic fortress sits on an island in the middle of Lake Galvė, connected to the mainland by a long wooden bridge. It looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel. Explore the courtyard, the ducal palace and the history museum inside.

Lunch: Kibinai

Trakai is home to the Karaites, a Turkic ethnic group brought here by the Grand Duke in the 14th century. Their traditional dish is the Kibinai, a crescent-shaped pastry filled with mutton, beef or vegetables.

Do not leave Trakai without eating these. Go to Senoji Kibininė or Kybynlar. They are flaky, savoury and perfect for a cold day.

Afternoon: Lake Galvė

Spend the afternoon enjoying the nature around the castle. In summer, you can rent a pedal boat or take a yacht tour around the lake to see the castle from the water. In winter, the lake often freezes over and people walk or skate right up to the castle walls.

Visit the Užutrakis Manor Estate on the opposite shore if you have time, or simply walk along the lakeside promenade enjoying the clean air.

Farewell: New Town Dining

Return to Vilnius for your final evening. Head to Gediminas Avenue in the New Town. This broad boulevard is lined with shops and grand buildings.

For your farewell dinner, look for a restaurant serving modern Baltic cuisine such as Nineteen18 (if you want to splurge) or Grey. These places take traditional ingredients like beetroot, dill and herring and reinvent them for the 21st century. Toast to your city break with a glass of Lithuanian mead or berry wine.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Train/Bus to Trakai	09:30 AM – 10:15 AM	€5.00 (Return)	£4.25	From Vilnius Station.
Trakai Castle	10:45 AM – 12:30 PM	€12.00	£10.20	Island on Lake Galvė. Book here tour with including transport
Lunch – Kibinai	01:00 PM – 02:00 PM	€10.00 avg	£8.50 avg	Karaites pastry shop.
Boat Ride (Optional)	02:30 PM – 03:30 PM	€5.00	£4.25	Pedal boat rental.
Farewell Dinner	08:00 PM	€40.00 avg	£34.00 avg	Modern Baltic cuisine.
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	€5.00	£4.25	Return ticket to Trakai.

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a stay that offers royal treatment right in the heart of the historic action, this boutique hotel is the ultimate choice.

IMPERIAL Hotel & Restaurant (Book here)

• Location: Situated at Subačiaus g. 2, this hotel boasts a prime location at the gateway to the Old Town. You are just a few minutes' walk from the Gate of Dawn and the Town Hall Square. It sits in a quiet spot that allows for peaceful sleep while being moments away from the main sights and restaurants.

• Style & Amenities: This is a true independent boutique hotel with a 5-star pedigree. Housed in a 16th-century building, the interiors are unapologetically lavish, featuring crystal chandeliers, Italian furniture and velvet drapery. It feels like staying in a ducal palace. Guests can enjoy a champagne breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice, a small but luxurious spa area with a steam bath, and a courtyard that is an oasis in summer.

• Rates: Reflecting its luxury status, double rooms typically start around €130–€180 (£110–£153) per night depending on the season. It offers a premium experience that transports you back to the opulent days of the Grand Duchy.

  
  

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your Baltic trip Lithuania is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Transport

• Airport Transfer: Vilnius Airport is very close to the city (only about 6km). You can take the train from the airport to the main station for just €0.70, or bus 3G which takes you to the centre for €1.00. A taxi or Bolt ride usually costs between €10–€15.

• Walking: The Old Town is largely pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot. However, the streets are cobbled, so leave the high heels at home.

• Public Transport: The bus and trolleybus network is extensive. You can buy tickets via the Trafi app or buy a paper ticket from the driver (cash only, exact change preferred).

Currency and Etiquette

• Currency: Lithuania uses the Euro (€). It is a very modern digital society; cards are accepted almost everywhere, including market stalls and small cafes.

• Safety: Vilnius is one of the safest capitals in Europe. You can walk alone at night in the city centre with very little worry.

• Language: The official language is Lithuanian, which is one of the oldest living languages in the world. However, English is widely spoken, especially by the younger generation.

• Weather: Winters can be harsh and snowy, while summers are warm and pleasant. If visiting in winter, pack serious thermal clothing.

• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is standard for good service.

Vilnius is a city that enchants you slowly. It doesn't shout for attention; it waits for you to discover its courtyards, its history and its quirky spirit. It is a European capital that still feels human-sized. Gero kelio! (Have a good trip!)