We spent one day in Vilnius as part of our Baltic road trip. I have to admit that Vilnius was my least favourite of the Baltic capitals – Riga had more of a buzz and Tallinn felt somehow more intimate. Below is our one day walking tour itinerary. The route covers around 5 km in total, taking in most of the city’s main attractions, but with not much time spent at each. If you prefer to linger in churches and museums, stick to the old town (omitting the last two attractions) or split the itinerary over two days.
How to get to Vilnius
We drove to Vilnius from Latvia, stopping at Trakai Castle en route. Alternatively, Vilnius can be reached by plane from around 40 European cities. Vilnius International Airport is around 5 km south of the city. There are also a number of international bus options. If you travel direct to Vilnius, make sure to add a side trip to the spectacular Trakai Castle.
Getting around Vilnius
The main attractions are predominantly in the old town and are best visited on foot.
Where to stay in Vilnius
We accidentally chose to visit on the weekend of the Vilnius Marathon, so ended up some way out of town – Vilnius Palace.
Vilnius in 1 Day Itinerary
| Drive to Vilnius Accommodation – Vilnius Palace | |
| Day 1 | Vilnius Cathedral Cathedral Bell Tower Gediminas Castle Tower Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Town Hall Church of St Casimir Church of the Holy Trinity Gates of Dawn Vilnius University Presidential Palace Three Muses Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles Picnic on Tauras Hill |
Drive to Vilnius
We drive the 20 miles from Trakai Castle to the outskirts of Vilnius; an easy journey, primarily along the A1. We spend the night at a rather strange hotel with a castle theme going on. Note: Since our stay, it has reinvented itself as a palace – Vilnius Palace, to be precise.
Accommodation – Vilnius Palace
The grounds are quite pleasant but the bed is probably the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever slept on. It looks a bit like my bed at home would like if you removed the mattress. It’s also Saturday night and there’s a wedding taking place featuring very loud Lithuanian folk music well into the night (next morning). In all, not a great night’s sleep.
Vilnius Day One
In the morning, we check out and drive into central Vilnius. We manage to arrive in the midst of the Vilnius Marathon, which takes place around the centre on closed roads. Trying to reach our destination is like being stuck in a bad dream. Whichever way we turn, we hit a road block. Eventually, after multiple attempts, we give up, abandon the car and walk the rest of the way to Vilnius.
Vilnius Cathedral
We start at Vilnius Cathedral, or the Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus to give it its full title. The current building dates from the 18th Century. However, there has been a place of worship on the site since the 13th Century. As a result, there are many prominent Lithuanians buried within the cathedral, dating back as far as this time. We can’t go inside, as is it Sunday and a service is taking place, but the grand interior contains many paintings and frescoes.
The cathedral is open daily from 7 am until 6 pm (7 pm on Sunday), unless there is a mass taking place. Entry is free.
Cathedral Bell Tower
Next to the cathedral is the freestanding 57 metre tall Cathedral Bell Tower, which houses the country’s oldest clock. You can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. We don’t, as it’s closed on Sundays, plus there is an equally panoramic view from nearby Gediminas Hill.
The bell tower is open daily except Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm (7pm in summer). Adult entry costs €6.
Gediminas Castle Tower
Next, Gediminas Castle. The castle sits atop Gediminas Hill, overlooking the city, with spectacular views across Vilnius and beyond. You can reach the castle either by funicular or on foot. We opt to take the funicular up because (a) it’s all part of the experience and (b) we’re lazy.
The 15th Century tower houses a museum telling the history of the castle and the city.
The castle and funicular are open daily from 10 am until 8 pm. Adult entry to the castle costs €8. Funicular tickets are €2 one way (€3 return).
Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church
The pretty, pink Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church was rebuilt in Byzantine style in the 19th Century. It was one of the few churches to remain open during Soviet occupation.
Town Hall
The 18th Century neoclassical Town Hall is the focal point of the old town. Out front, the large Town Hall Square hosts events and concerts and serves as a general gathering point.
Church of St Casimir
The striking pink Baroque Church of St Casimir was built by the Jesuits in the 17th Century. During Soviet occupation, the church became a wine warehouse. It has subsequently been restored and reconsecrated.
Church of the Holy Trinity
The 16th Century Church of the Holy Trinity, with its mixture of architectural styles adorned in yellow, looks like it has fallen off the top of a wedding cake.
Gates of Dawn
The Gates of Dawn are the last remaining city gates built into the old town walls. The gates also house the Gate of Dawn Chapel of Mary the Mother of Mercy; tongue twister and site of an allegedly miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary.
Vilnius University
Vilnius University was founded in the 16th Century, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The Architectural Ensemble consists of 13 patios, arcades and galleries. Highlights include a 64 metre high bell tower, Baroque church, courtyard and fresco-laden hall.
The Architectural Ensemble is open daily from 9 am until 7 pm. Entry is free for individual visitors.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace, the residence of the Lithuanian President, is in the 16th Century former Bishops of Vilnius’ Palace. A Flag Replacement Ceremony takes place at midday on Sundays featuring soldiers in modern full dress uniform and a Guard of Honour clad in medieval armour.
Free tours of the Presidential Palace take place on Saturdays and Sundays (in Lithuanian and English) between 10 am and 3 pm. Bookings must be made in advance, at least 3 days prior to your visit. Further details here.
Three Muses
The Three Muses sit atop the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre. The black robed, gold masked figures are meant to represent drama, comedy and tragedy.
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles
To satisfy my curiosity about the Communist era, we round our tour off at the former KGB building, which is now the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles. The museum tells the stories of some of the thousands of Lithuanians who were imprisoned, deported and murdered by the authorities during Soviet occupation.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm (5 pm on Sunday). Adult entry costs €6.
Tauras Hill
We finish our busy day in Vilnius off with a picnic on nearby Tauras Hill, where you can sit on the grassy bank overlooking the city.
- Trip Taken: September 2016
- Updated: July 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For guides to more destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full list of Independent Travel Itineraries here.
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