The Ultimate Vilnius Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Vilnius, Lithuania? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The capital and largest city of Lithuania, with a population of approximately 592,000.
Founded in the 14th century, Vilnius is known for its rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its historic Old Town, one of the largest surviving medieval towns in Northern Europe.
Nickname: The Jerusalem of the North.

Currency: Euro (EUR).
Spoken Languages: Lithuanian, Russian, English.
Best time to visit: May to September for pleasant weather, lively outdoor events, and longer daylight hours. Expect possible rainfall, particularly in May.
Visiting in winter? Catch the Christmas markets and festivities/
Arriving via airport: Vilnius Airport (VNO) is about 6 km from the city center, accessible by bus (routes 1 and 2) for €1.20.
– Taxis are also available and cost around €23 to the city center. Bolt or UberX will probably be cheaper (€15)

Old Town is the heart of Vilnius and a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring charming streets, historical landmarks, and a wide range of accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels.
Užupis, a bohemian neighborhood, is known for its artistic vibe, galleries, and quirky cafes, ideal for solo travelers seeking a unique experience.
Naujamiestis is a trendy area with a mix of modern amenities and local culture, packed with restaurants and bars, attracting a younger crowd.

Vilnius is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
Public transport includes buses and trolleybuses with a unified ticketing system. Single tickets cost €1.00 when purchased from kiosks or €1.50 if bought on the bus.
A 24-hour transport pass costs €5.00 and allows unlimited travel. Night buses (route 88N) run hourly.
The city now boasts 140 km of biking paths and 1,490 km of walking trails.
Use CityBee or Bolt scooters for short trips (~€0.20/minute).
Rent mountain bikes at Velotakas.lt (~€20/day) to explore forest trails like Pavilnis Park
Taxis have a base fare of around €1.00, plus €0.30 for every kilometer traveled.
For better rates, use apps like Bolt or UberX (base fare €0.80 + €0.33/km)

Drinking age is 18, and venues typically remain open until the early morning hours.
While Švilpikai is great for laid-back pubs, the Old Town has vibrant bars and nightclubs, such as Kablys and Opium, popular among locals and tourists alike.
Some recommended spots for cocktails include Alchemikas and Vyno laboratorija for a unique tasting.
For live music and clubbing, venues like Tamsta Club and Loftas offer varied programming from local and international artists.
For craft beer: Špunka (local microbrews ~€4/pint) or Alaus Biblioteka (100+ Lithuanian beers).
Keep an eye on cultural events and festivals like Vilnius Jazz, which can enliven the nightlife scene.

Gediminas’ Tower offers a panoramic view of the city and is part of the historic Gediminas Castle complex.
The stunning Vilnius Cathedral and its bell tower are central to Lithuanian identity and history, marking the site of many significant events.
The Museum of Genocide Victims is located in the former KGB headquarters, providing a poignant insight into Lithuania’s tumultuous history during Soviet rule.
Day trip ideas:
– Trakai Castle: 30-minute train ride (€1.40) to this 14th-century island fortress.
– Curonian Spit: Full-day guided tours (€75+) with hiking, dunes, and traditional fishing villages.

Stroll through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, taking in the architecture of St. Anne’s Church and the Presidential Palace.
Wander along the Vilnia River and relax at the peaceful Bernardine Gardens, a perfect escape within the city.
Explore Užupis, an artistic and independent neighborhood known for its whimsical artwork and the “Republic of Užupis” (small self-declared state).
Visit the Vilnius University campus, one of the oldest in Eastern Europe, for its historical buildings and beautiful courtyards.
The Green Lakes trail (35-40 km loop through Verkių Regional Park) and Belmontas Watermill area for historic views.
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, check out the greenspaces around the city, like the sprawling Vingis Park or the Hill of Three Crosses.

Traditional Lithuanian cuisine includes hearty dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).
Popular local restaurants: Lokys (traditional cuisine), Sugihara (Japanese), and Šturmų Švyturys (seafood).
Where to find good cheap eats: street food markets and kiosks; try out kibinai (savory pastries) available at various spots.
Budget pick: Hales Market (lunch ~€5-8) for smoked cheese, rye bread, and kibinai.
Michelin-starred picks: Džiaugsmas (seasonal tasting menu ~€45) and Nineteen18 (modern Lithuanian cuisine ~€30/meal).
Tipping: A tip of around 10% is appreciated, but it’s not obligatory. Many will round up the bill to the nearest Euro.

Lithuanian honey and crafted ceramics make for lovely souvenirs.
Use free drinking water fountains in parks or refill bottles at cafes (look for “vandens punktas” signs).
Sample local craft beers at various breweries; items like Nealkoholinis (non-alcoholic beer) are also quite popular.
Dangerous areas: stay vigilant against pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport, but Vilnius is generally safe for travelers.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days