To help you make the most of your time in Lithuania, we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory to attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest across the country, as well as neighbouring countries.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Lithuania
Discover the best of what Lithuania has to offer with this top 10 list.
1. St. Anne’s Church
While being overshadowed by the larger Bernardine Cathedral in Vilnius, St. Anne’s Church is nonetheless a stunning example of late-Gothic architecture with its rose windows and elaborate spires. The church’s front is the main lure, and the quick visit to the church’s modest interior makes it a convenient pit stop on a stroll through Old Town.
2. Vilnius Old Town (Vilniaus Senamiestis)
No visit to Vilnius is complete without taking in the ancient Vilnius Old Town (Vilniaus Senamiestis), a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history. The city’s original core has changed little over the years; now, its winding, commercial streets are a delightful entryway to the nearby Upper Castle.
3. Gate of Dawn (Ausros Vartai)
The 16th-century Gate of Dawn (Ausros Vartai) is a major tourist attraction in Vilnius since it is the last surviving section of the city’s defence wall. It is the belief of many Orthodox Christians that the Vilnius Mary, a sacred holy image housed in the fortification’s church, possesses miraculous curative abilities.
4. Uzupis
The artistic neighbourhood of Uzupis, which to some may seem like a city unto itself, declared its independence from the rest of Vilnius over twenty years ago.
The revitalised bohemian neighbourhood was left to decay under Soviet administration, but now it is home to numerous art galleries, hip cafes, and delicious eateries, all within walking distance of the Old Town.
5. Vilnius University (Vilniaus Universitetas)
The University of Vilnius (Vilniaus Universitetas) is one of the oldest in Europe and a living museum of Lithuanian culture and history. St. John’s Church features a wide range of architectural styles, a library built in the 16th century, and stunning vistas. The bell tower of the church is the highest point in the Old Town, providing a wonderful vantage point.
6. St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church
The outside of the magnificent Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (Sv. Apastalu Petro ir Povilo Baznycia) from the 17th century may look characteristically baroque, but the interior is anything but. Within, you’ll find an abundance of detailed details, from the thousands of figurines to the boat-shaped art nouveau chandelier.
7. Pazaislis Monastery
Religious travellers, artists, and even secular sightseers all flock to the Pazaislis Monastery since it is one of Lithuania’s most cherished cultural relics.
One of the most impressive specimens of Italian baroque architecture in all of Northern Europe, this monastery is the largest in all of Lithuania. Tours of the monastery are available, as are liturgies and pilgrimage events.
8.Gediminas Castle Tower
This recognisable red-brick structure overlooking the Old Town is a relic of the mediaeval Upper Castle in Vilnius. In addition to the historic displays housed within, visitors to the Gediminas Castle Tower (Gedimino Pilies Boktas) can take in breathtaking views of Vilnius from the tower’s elevated observation deck.
9. Presidential Palace
Vilnius’ Presidential House is an elaborate home suited for a head of state, located on Daukanto Square among other grand buildings. It has an impressive neoclassical façade and beautiful palace gardens.
Stopping by here on your way to explore Old Town is convenient, and the weekly flag-changing celebrations are a lot of fun.
10. Siauliai Hill of Crosses
Around a hundred thousand crosses, a potent symbol of Lithuanian national faith and identity, stand atop a small hill in the country’s northern region. Religious pilgrims have left crosses, rosaries, sculptures of the Virgin Mary, and even miniature carvings at the spot over the years, while its origins remain a mystery.
