Vilnius: A Hidden Gem!

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is strongly underrated as a tourist attraction. The city offers plenty of exciting and interesting places, no matter what you would like to see.

The city holds more than 500,000 inhabitants and is named after the River Vilnia which runs through part of the city. Vilnius is not located by the ocean as the other Baltic capitals Tallin in Estonia and Riga in Latvia but is situated way in the country and not very far from the Belarusian border.

After the liberation from the Soviet Union the country has undergone a drastic development and especially after the country became a member of the European Union things have moved fast. Today, Vilnius is a modern city alongside other European cities. It is first when you reach the city limits that you’ll see old, grey, and depressing concrete buildings. Buildings that you think would belong in the old Soviet Union.

Vilnius is an old city, and you’ll find influences from many foreign cultures. The old part of town in Vilnius which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List is the place you go to if you want to see interesting sights – side by side with cozy cafés and exciting small shops.

The new part of town in Vilnius is for the most part built around the exceptionally long shopping street Gedimino prospektas. The street is where you can buy anything that your heart desires. Prices are at the same level as in other EU countries. However, there is one exception to the rule. It is fairly cheap to eat at restaurants in Vilnius.

Vilnius is a very charming and interesting city that is definitely worth a visit and on top the Lithuanians are friendly and open-minded people. Luckily, a great number of people speak English as their native tongue is quite incomprehensible for a foreigner. Prices for accommodation is very reasonable.

The bell tower which is located away from the Cathedral

Visiting a champagne bar in Vilnius

The independent republic Uzupis in Vilnius. An interesting place to go. 

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