Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and one of the oldest European cities. It attracts tourists with its history, architecture, and free museums. Vilnius is beautiful and cozy, with a pleasant atmosphere, friendly people, and lovely buildings. There is much to say about the capital of Lithuania, and the attractions in Vilnius will leave no one indifferent.
Gates of Dawn (Aušros Vartai)
The Gates of Dawn, known as “Aušros Vartai” in Lithuanian, is one of the oldest structures in the city. Built along with the Vilnius city wall, the Gates of Dawn is one of the symbols of the Lithuanian capital. It is part of the defensive wall, leading straight into the Old Town. The structure is a large three-story building, with the facade adorned with griffons, symbols of Lithuanian state power.
Above the gates is a chapel housing the famous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, framed in gold. Known as the “Vilnius Madonna,” the icon is believed to perform miracles, attracting a large number of tourists and Catholic pilgrims from around the world yearly. Vilnius residents deeply respect religion, and the celebration of the Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a grand city-wide event.
While photography in the chapel is allowed, it can be inconvenient due to the crowds and praying believers. It’s best to respect the sanctity of the place and the people seeking healing. The Gates of Dawn can be reached by buses 13, 31, 34, 74, and 88. The chapel is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, with free entry.
Vilnius Cathedral
The most beautiful and oldest cathedral in Vilnius was built in the 14th century on a pagan prayer site. Over the centuries, the cathedral has withstood fires, floods, restorations, and reconstructions. It holds the title of Basilica and attracts tourists with its stunning beauty and rich history. The cathedral resembles ancient Greek structures, with sculptures of Saints Stanislaus, Casimir, and Helena above the facade. An old bell tower stands nearby.
The interior is luxurious, featuring paintings, frescoes, and other artworks, including figures of Lithuanian and Polish princes, marble walls, and exquisite reliefs. The cathedral houses the urn containing the heart of King Władysław IV Vasa. The upper floor has a museum with ancient pagan artifacts. The cathedral has 11 chapels, the most beautiful being the Chapel of Saint Casimir, housing his sarcophagus and adorned with magnificent frescoes.
Visitors can even go behind the altar, and photography is allowed throughout. The cathedral is bright, clean, and spacious, often accompanied by majestic organ music during celebrations. It can be reached by buses 2, 3, 4, 5, 14, 17, and 88 to the Karaliaus Mindaugo stop. It is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, with free entry during mass.
Užupis
Užupis is a unique district in Vilnius, transformed from the poorest area into a local attraction. When Vilnius’s infrastructure developed, Užupis remained semi-ruined until local artists and writers decided to help by decorating the area with their works. Street graffiti, drawings, and sculptures quickly appeared, attracting some tourists.
The district declared itself an Independent Republic, which did not affect its status with Lithuania but drew thousands of tourists. Užupis now develops its infrastructure and features landmarks like the mermaid Undinė under a bridge and the bronze angel statue on the central square, symbolizing rebirth and freedom. Wealthy people have started moving in, and dilapidated buildings are being demolished.
The Independent Republic is favored by nonconformists and youth. Despite its history, it is a peaceful and interesting area worth visiting for those open to new and unusual experiences. It is located near the Vilnius center, with the Gediminas Tower as a landmark. Buses 10, 33, or 88 to the Dailės akademija stop or route 11 to Vilnios station will get you there.
Vilnius TV Tower
The TV tower is the tallest building in Vilnius, standing over 326 meters high. It houses a television and radio broadcasting center, with its highlight being the “Milky Way” restaurant. This unique restaurant is built in a circle around the tower’s axis, with a rotating observation deck offering panoramic views of Vilnius while dining.
The view from the tower is spectacular, with the entire city visible, and on clear days, even Belarus can be seen. The first floor of the museum features a photo exhibition on the 1991 Vilnius tragedy, where 14 people died during a coup attempt. The “Milky Way” restaurant is 165 meters high, and those afraid of heights or with health issues should consider skipping the visit.
Lithuanians take pride in their unique tower, decorating it with colorful lights during New Year and transforming it into a basketball hoop during the 2006 World Basketball Championship. Photography in the restaurant is prohibited. The tower can be reached by bus 2G or trolleybus 16. Tours are available daily from 11 am to 9 pm, and “Milky Way” is open from 11 am to 11 pm. Tickets cost about 6 euros for adults and 3 euros for children, with free entry for kids under 5.
National Art Museum
The National Art Museum is another Vilnius attraction, housing artworks by Lithuanian and foreign artists. The museum consists of five branches: Vilnius Picture Gallery, Museum of Applied Arts, Clock Museum, Miniature Art Museum, and Pranas Domšaitis Gallery.
The Picture Gallery showcases works depicting Lithuanian life over centuries through graphics, paintings, and sculptures, including contemporary art. The Museum of Applied Arts displays interior items from the Palace of the Rulers, ancient city walls, household items, clothing, furniture, and even burial sites. The Clock Museum features 16th-19th century timepieces by master craftsmen from England and Germany, with the highlight being silver clocks from the 16th century.
The Miniature Art Museum has antique medals, handmade fans, beautiful boxes, and luxurious purses. Pranas Domšaitis Gallery displays around 500 works by the Lithuanian expressionist artist, making it the largest collection in the world.
Operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday are: Picture Gallery and Pranas Domšaitis Gallery from 12 pm to 6 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Museum of Applied Arts from 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Clock Museum from March to October from 12 pm to 6 pm, November to February from 11 am to 5 pm. Miniature Art Museum from 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets cost around 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children, with free entry for kids under 7.
Church of the Holy Spirit
Located in the Old Town of Vilnius, this modest cross-shaped church is an architectural monument. Rebuilt several times and surviving fires and reconstructions, the first wooden structure was erected in the 14th century, later accompanied by a Dominican monastery.
The interior is magnificent, with 16 altars dedicated to various saints, luxurious vaults, beautiful frescoes, and ancient portraits. The sunlight streaming through small windows creates a sense of peace. Photography is allowed, though clergy are not very positive about it. Despite the crowds, the church feels pleasant and cozy.
The church’s 9-cellar crypt is surrounded by many legends and stories, with rumors of more burials than recorded. Unfortunately, tours of the labyrinth are currently unavailable. The church can be reached by bus 88 to the Vokieciu st stop and is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm. Winter hours are from 12 pm to 3 pm, and summer hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, with free entry.
Customs Museum
Established in 1994, the Customs Museum initially served Customs School students but later opened to the public. It features collections of smuggled goods and technical equipment, with tours in Russian, Lithuanian, and English. The museum traces the history of customs services from the 11th century to the present.
Visitors are particularly interested in the smuggled goods exhibition, displaying items like alcohol with snakes, rare animal skins, and insects for collections. The museum also showcases gifts like unique gold and gem-adorned robes from Uzbekistan’s customs services. Another exhibit focuses on the dangerous profession of customs officers, with photos depicting their challenging work, including those who died protecting their country.
The museum is located in the northern part of the city, far from the center. It can be reached by bus or taxi for about 7 euros. Operating hours are from 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday, closing at 3 pm on Saturday, with free entry.
Amber Museum
Amber, known as “Lithuanian gold,” is the only valuable natural resource mined in Lithuania. Baltic amber is highly valued worldwide, considered among the best. The Vilnius Amber Museum, not the only one in the country but the largest and most renowned, opened about 20 years ago in a building nearly 600 years old.
The museum showcases amber stones of various shapes, sizes, and shades, including those with preserved insects, plants, and lizards. Stunning amber jewelry delights female visitors. A souvenir shop on-site sells beautiful creations by Lithuanian craftsmen, complete with certificates of authenticity.
The museum’s pride is its archaeological amber collection, one of the oldest and largest in the world, with the largest stone weighing about 4 kg. The museum can be reached by bus 8 to the Sv. Mykolo gatve stop, with free entry for all visitors. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
Central Police Museum
This fascinating museum is dedicated to one of the most challenging and dangerous professions. Exhibits showcase police work up to 1940, including badges, uniforms, hats, and police car models from various countries. The museum is known for its high-quality exhibits, created by art and design specialists.
The exhibitions are designed to reflect the eras they represent, with artists and designers ensuring every detail is accurate. Visitors can learn about the most interesting solved crimes and see the police’s achievements. The museum is located within Vilnius, with free entry. Operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard
Located in Vilnius’s Old Town, this massive Gothic-style red-brick church is one of the largest in the country. It is part of a complex with the Church of St. Anne, serving as a defensive structure. The exterior is modest, but the interior is stunning, with three magnificent stone altars and 11 wooden ones, each unique and beautiful.
The church features crystal vaults, exquisite murals, and sculptures, including the most famous crucifix in Lithuania. It houses a large organ and ancient icons, with a photo collection depicting the church’s history over centuries. The complex includes a branch of the Vilnius Art Museum and a vast library collected by the adjacent monastery’s monks, containing ancient manuscripts, pacts, and Lithuanian statutes.
The church is open from 7 am to 6 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and from 10 am to 7 pm on Wednesday and Saturday, with free entry. It can be reached by bus 88.
National Museum of Lithuania
The National Museum of Lithuania in Vilnius is the largest repository of Lithuanian culture and history in the country, with its main exhibitions held in Vilnius Castle. The museum attracts thousands of tourists annually, showcasing the country’s centuries-old history, traditions, and customs.
The museum features various exhibits, including household items, ancient clothing, old coins, paintings, and icons. It is divided into several sections: ethnic culture, iconography, numismatics, and archaeology, with collections of bronze items, weapons, coats of arms, Egyptian statuettes, portraits of great people, and ancient fabrics from different cultures.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and has a restoration hall. Annual archaeological excavations in Lithuania contribute new artifacts, and scientific expeditions study Lithuanian culture and life.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm from May to October and closed on Monday and Tuesday from October to April. Admission is 2 euros, with guided tours costing between 8 and 15 euros. Audio-guided tours are available for 3 euros. The museum can be reached by trolleybuses 2, 3, 4, 10, 17, and 20 to the Karaliaus Mindaugo tiltas stop or buses 10, 11, 88, and 33 to the Bernardinu sodas stop.
Vilnius is one of the most beautiful cities in Lithuania, exuding coziness and tranquility. Its ancient and beautiful buildings, churches, museums, and memorable places make a trip to this Lithuanian city unforgettable.
