What to see, where to stay and how to get the most out of your visit to Vilnius
Bored of brioche? Pale at the prospect of pasta? Why not sample somewhere different for your next city break?
Taking the baton from Liverpool, Vilnius is the new European Capital of Culture. And with a host of special events organised in celebration, now’s the time to discover Lithuania’s medieval-yet-modern gem.
The Old Town
Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Vilnius’ Old Town. The narrow, cobbled streets hug every curve and slope of the hillside and hide churches, markets, squares and artists’ workshops.
A visit to the Užupis district is a must. Not only is it a self-declared republic, its residents helped furnish the city with the world’s first-ever public statue of musical pioneer Frank Zappa – a man who’d never even set foot in Lithuania!
St Anne's Church
Rising up out of the Old Town in gothic splendour, this 16th century red brick church is not to be missed. Napoleon was apparently so struck by the building he wanted to carry it back to Paris.
Europos Parkas
Just outside the main city, Europos Parkas is an open-air museum set in woodlands, springs and rolling hills, with over 90 sculptures by international artists.
The park occupies the official geographical centre of Europe, and is marked with a monument that lists the distance to every European capital, so you can work out just how far away from home you are!
The Amber Museum-Gallery
The amber trade has been at the golden heart of Vilnius’s merchant community for centuries. This museum and exhibition space explores the history and offers live demonstrations of the material being worked. There’s also a permanent collection of petrified plants and insects!
Where to stay
This pocket-sized capital city isn’t short on accommodation options. Catering for all budgets, from the frugal to the big spenders, Vilnius offers plenty of places to rest after a day’s exploring.
Vilnius Ecotel is a large two-star hotel that won’t dent the savings, and is well located near the Old Town.
The modern and mid-budget Martialis Hotel is nestled in the Antakalnis district - a short bus ride from the city centre.
And if money is no obstacle – the elegant four-star Hotel Ratonda is in the very heart of the city.
For great accommodation deals, compare hotels at Confused.com.
Money matters
Lithuania is all set to join the Euro in 2010, but in the meantime you’ll need to invest in some litas. You can find a handy Confused.com guide to finding the best deals on foreign currency here.
Credit cards are widely accepted, and there are plenty of ATMs to withdraw cash, so you can hit the shops and open-air markets with confidence.
Getting there and getting around
Vilnius’ airport is just a short bus or taxi ride outside the city. And once you’re in the centre, there are over 80 tram and bus routes to help you get around.
Invest in a City Card from the tourist information centre. They come in 24-hour and 72-hour varieties and give you free or discounted public transport and entry to many museums.
Last but not least…
If all this has got in the mood for a trip to Vilnius, see if you can save money on travel insurance with Confused.com. And for more information on the 2009 European Capital of Culture, visit the official website.
