Flights to Vilnius

From the airport

A short train ride connects the airport with Vilnius railway station in under 10 minutes, though departures are less frequent than buses. City buses run into the centre in around 20 minutes, and taxis and ride-hailing cars are inexpensive. The station is a short walk from the Gate of Dawn and the southern end of the Old Town.

The baroque Old Town

Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with baroque churches, courtyards and narrow lanes. The Gate of Dawn, the only surviving city gate, holds a chapel with a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. Vilnius Cathedral and its separate bell tower stand on Cathedral Square, below the hill topped by Gediminas' Tower, reached on foot or by funicular. Vilnius University, one of the oldest in this part of Europe, has a series of linked courtyards and the ornate St John's Church.

Užupis, museums and food

Across a small river, Užupis declared itself a republic in 1997 and has a playful constitution displayed on a wall in many languages. The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights occupies a former KGB building. The Palace of the Grand Dukes, rebuilt beside the cathedral, tells the story of the medieval state. Try cepelinai, large potato dumplings, and šaltibarščiai, a bright pink cold beetroot soup.

When to plan your trip

Summer is warm, with outdoor cafés, while 1 April brings Užupis Independence Day celebrations. Winter is cold and snowy, with a Christmas tree and market on Cathedral Square. Spring and autumn are quieter for exploring the Old Town on foot. The Kaziuko crafts fair fills the streets in early March, and the Vilnius Christmas tree is lit with a different design each year. Many museums close on Mondays.

Want to see Trakai or travel on to Riga? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll help plan your flights.