Exploring Vilnius, the 2025 European Green Capital

Vilnius takes many first-time visitors by surprise. Those expecting a grey, Brutalist echo of Lithuania’s Soviet past are immediately taken aback. Just one glance at the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is enough to dispel that myth. As the seat of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from the 13th to 18th century, it has one of the largest and best-preserved historical centres on the continent. But the Old Town isn’t just for tourists; its creative streets are the soul of the capital and still home to many residents.

The other thing that surprises first-timers is just how green everywhere is. Nearly two-thirds of Vilnius is covered in foliage, with some 48% of the city taken up by forest. This isn’t solely the work of nature, though; a mass replanting scheme has transformed the city in recent years. Together with other sustainable initiatives, this has been key to Vilnius being named European Green Capital 2025. Walk or take the funicular up to Gediminas Castle to appreciate how lush a city can be.

Partly as a result of its greening, Vilnius is one of the world’s most walkable capitals. It is best explored on foot, even when venturing beyond the cobbles of the Old Town and across the river Neris, or along the grand boulevard of Gedimino prospektas. The nearby forested hills are likewise criss-crossed with walking trails, inviting visitors to explore further. Information boards along the way explain the pagan history of the area, adding a little culture to your stroll.

This is also a city with a story to tell. A visit to the Palace of the Grand Dukes reveals how Lithuania was once the largest country in Europe, and Vilnius its multicultural political centre. The capital’s modern history is more troubled, however. Older locals have endured Nazi and Soviet occupation of their beloved city. The country only gained its independence back in 1990, and a visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a must to not only understand what the decades under Russian rule were like, but also why Lithuanian support for Ukraine’s sovereignty is so steadfast across all generations.

Another surprise for visitors is how youthful Vilnius is. In 2024, Lithuania topped the World Happiness Report rankings for under-30s. One reason for this is the capital, where the nightlife is buzzing, education is free and the start-up ecosystem is producing tech unicorns such as the second-hand marketplace app Vinted, drawing a younger crowd.

It is perhaps this youthful exuberance that gives Vilnius its daring side. This is one of few capitals where you can float over it in a hot air balloon, kayak through the Old Town or test your nerve on a 175m-high skywalk on the exterior of its TV Tower. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong simply lazing on a summer terrace or browsing the museums.

Many cultural sites have recycled uglier elements of the city’s past, such as the Energy and Technology Museum, housed in Vilnius’s first power station, or Lukiškės Prison, a raw prison-tour experience and eccentric cultural hub that was used as a filming location for the hit TV series Stranger Things. In a city of surprises, it’s yet another reason to gasp.

In recent years, Vilnius has undergone a culinary renaissance, with traditional ingredients and methods being reinvented by innovative chefs leading the way in New Baltic Cuisine. Lithuania entered the Michelin Guide in 2024 with 34 establishments, four of which attained their first Michelin star. These include Pas Mus on Pilies Street, where chef-owner Vita transforms locally foraged, seasonal ingredients into taste sensations.

Farm-to-table and organic dining is particularly popular here, and one more reason for the city’s green status. Lithuanians are proud of their connection to nature, and mushrooming is like a national sport. The locally minded Senatorių Pasažas food court on Dominikonų Street is a gastronomic hub, featuring the Michelin-starred restaurant Nineteen18 and the highly acclaimed 14Horses, as well as a wine bar, summer grill, bakery and delicatessen. The thriving food scene is not exclusive, though, with moderately priced restaurants such as Grey (Pilies Street) and Farmer and the Ocean (Vilniaus Street) reliably exceeding expectations.

Traditional fare in a tavern such as Etno Dvaras (Pilies Street) is a must, but beware that a portion of bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes) or the national dish cepelinai – a gelatinous dumpling filled with meat – will keep you sated all day long. Be sure to try the beer snack kepta duona, deep-fried dark rye bread rubbed with garlic.

Vilnius’ Old Town has the largest concentration of Baroque architecture outside of Rome. During the 18th century, this flamboyant design flourished here, led by the prominent architect Johann Glaubitz, and it even became recognised as an independent architectural style, known as Vilnius Baroque.

Walking through the Old Town, you are never far from an ornate Baroque church painted in pastel pink or vivid red, standing proud like a tiered wedding cake. But it was not always like this. During the Soviet occupation, religion was banned and churches were desecrated, ransacked and used as warehouses. Today, you will see differing examples of their renovation, from the well-preserved and lavish interior of the Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit (Dominikonų Street) to St Virgin Maria’s Church (Savičiaus Street), which was irreparably damaged but now houses the excellent Pirmas Blynas café.

Vilnius University is an ensemble of Baroque, Renaissance and Classicism architecture, including St John’s Church, where you can ascend the bell tower for fine views of Vilnius. Architecture buffs and the naturally curious should visit in spring, during Open House Vilnius (openhousevilnius.lt), when a selection of usually off-limits public and private buildings are open to visitors for free.

Cultural and artistic freedom of expression is particularly important in Vilnius, which is hardly surprising after decades of its suppression under Russian occupation. A great example is Užupis, the bohemian self-proclaimed independent republic founded by artists in 1997 in a neglected part of the city. Pay it a visit to view the quirky installations of the art community of Užupis Art Incubator.

A stroll along Literatų Street reveals an open-air gallery dedicated to writers who have lived or worked in Vilnius, and it has grown to more than 200 plaques. Throughout the city, you’ll also find unassuming pop-up courtyards and terraces hosting live music or DJ sets in summer, or head to Menų Fabrikas Loftas (menufabrikas.lt) to party in a former factory. And one evening each summer, Culture Night (kulturosnaktis.lt) sees the Old Town and city centre host some 120 artistic performances in unconventional locations.

For fans of classical music, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society and Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra are great value. This year is also the 150th anniversary of Lithuania’s most eminent artist and composer MK Čiurlionis, with celebratory events being held across the country (ciurlioniui150.lt). Vilnius airport has even been renamed International Vilnius Čiurlionis Airport until the end of 2029.

4 things to do

To gracefully soar above the red roofs and church spires of the Old Town at sunrise or sunset is truly memorable. Conditions must be perfect for Vilnius flights, so be open to rescheduling or taking off from Trakai or Kaunas. Joining a group flight costs from £120 per person. hotairballoon.lt

Lithuanian Song & Dance Festival

Held every four years, this celebration of Lithuanian heritage is an extraordinary spectacle of vibrant regional costumes, formation dancing and powerful choirs. Having celebrated its centenary in 2024, the next festival is scheduled for 2028. dainusvente.lt

Kaziukas Fair

St Casimir (Kaziukas) is the patron saint of Lithuania. Every year on the weekend closest to 4 March (St Casimir’s Day), Vilnius holds its largest craft fair to commemorate the saint and welcome spring. The streets of the Old Town fill with the hustle and bustle of an artisan craft market, food stalls, entertainment and concerts. kaziukomuge.lt.

This vivid-pink one-day festival is dedicated to the Lithuanian phenomenon of Šaltibarščiai – cold beetroot soup. As early signs of summer arrive, this creamy pink soup hits menus, served with boiled potatoes and a hard-boiled egg. The main festival events are held at Kūdros Park in the Old Town and include a 50m-long slide into a bowl of soup, food markets and an open-air concert.
govilnius.lt/pink-soup-fest

Did you know?

Trakai Historical National Park lies around 27km from Vilnius and is one of the country’s most curious attractions. The highlight is the 14th-century Trakai Castle, built by the Grand Dukes of Lithuania as a strategic fortress amid four interconnecting lakes. Stroll along the shoreline for souvenirs, boat rental and spectacular views, then visit the colourful wooden houses of Karaimų Street, typical of the local Karaite community, who settled here hundreds of years ago. And be sure to try the regional delicacy kibinai, a Cornish pasty-like snack. There are regular bus and train services between Trakai and Vilnius, or you can take a guided day tour. trakai-visit.lt

Where to stay

This luxury design hotel has a fine historical pedigree. It is even said that Napoleon once addressed his troops from the Pacai suite balcony. Today, this 104-room hotel, housed inside the 17th-century mansion of a noble Lithuanian family, is perfectly located on the main Old Town thoroughfare of Didžioji Street. Choose from deluxe, superior or suite rooms to stay in the historical part of the building; standard rooms are in the adjoining modern section. The in-house restaurant is Michelin-recommended, offering à la carte and tasting menus of authentic Lithuanian cuisine. hotelpacai.com

The grand Neoclassical façade impresses on arrival, but it is the magnificent views from within that remind visitors they could be nowhere else but Vilnius. Ask for a room overlooking Cathedral Square and its iconic sights. Telegrafas restaurant is Michelin-recommended and dishes up modern European cuisine. It is named in recognition of the hotel building’s former role as a telegraph station. The GHV Spa offers luxurious treatments and the biggest pool in the Old Town. The attentive team will look after your every request. hilton.com

Tucked away amid the winding cobbled streets of The Glass Quarter (Stiklo kvartalas), the luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel Stikliai has long been a favourite of visiting dignitaries. Located in a 16th-century building that was once a glassblower’s workshop, this boutique hotel consists of 41 charming rooms and apartments. Guests can enjoy the Michelin-recommended Stikliai restaurant, small spa area, billiards room, traditional tavern and Ponių Laimė confectionary and café, all while being in the heart of the Old Town. stikliai.com

This boutique hotel oozes personality and is superbly located in the Old Town on Pilies Street. The 15th-century building once housed the workshops of dressmakers and clockmakers; it is now an oasis of contemporary art, with 34 guest rooms that have each been individually designed by a Lithuanian artist. Room décor ranges from murals to 3D installations. The top-floor suite has a balcony; the junior suite has its own terrace. The reception team are particularly warm and welcoming, adding to the general homely vibe. artagonist.lt

When to go

May and September are great for avoiding the busier summer period while making the most of the milder weather. In spring, the city’s hot air ballooning season (Apr–Oct) starts just as the parks and green areas come into bloom. Autumn offers plenty of fall colours, whereas winter sees Christmas markets take over the Old Town. The lake surrounding Trakai Castle freezes over in the coldest months, creating a wonderfully scenic natural skating rink.

Getting there & around

LOT (lot.com) flies from London City to Vilnius. There are many other direct flights from the UK, including Ryanair (ryanair.com) from London Stansted and Luton, and Wizz Air (wizzair.com) from London Luton. Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Belfast are served by direct Ryanair flights to Kaunas airport, a one-hour drive from Vilnius. Flights cost from £44 return and take around three hours.

Slow travel to Lithuania by train via Germany and Poland is possible, with the option to return by ferry from Klaipėda to Kiel in Germany (dfds.com). The latter costs from £37 per person for a four-bed cabin and takes 21 hours. Recommended tour operators covering this region include Baltic Holidays (balticholidays.com).

Further reading & information

For more information, visit govilnius.lt and lithuania.travel. A new version of the Bradt Guide to Lithuania by Sally Chambers will be published in November 2025.