Things to do in Vilnius Old Town

Our most recommended things to do in Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius: Trakai Tour with Audio Guide and Minibus Transfers

Vilnius: Trakai Tour with Audio Guide and Minibus Transfers

Depart Vilnius, and then journey by air-conditioned minibus to the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the pretty lakeside town of Trakai. Listen to an informative audio commentary on the 28-kilometer (17-mile) journey, and then get 2.5 hours to explore the historic Old Town at leisure.  See the amazing Insular Castle and well-preserved ruins of Peninsula Castle, constructed in the 14th century before falling into disrepair in the 17th century. Rebuilt after World War II, Insular Castle is now considered a major landmark of Lithuania. Learn about the small ethnic Karaites people who settled in Trakai, along with the Tartars, Russians, Jews and Poles who followed. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Galvė - the deepest of the region’s 200 lakes - before your return journey to Vilnius.

Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius

Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius

The tour starts next to Gediminas monument at the Cathedral Square. As your guide takes you out of the Old Town you will see the former Palace of Concerts and Sports - a brutalist Soviet-era building which housed concerts and basketball games back in the day. Your tour continues along the river with some spectacular views towards the Green Bridge which used to be famous for its Soviet propaganda statues which were taken down recently. You will explore places often overlooked by most travellers and discover the profound impact that Soviet rule had on the lives of ordinary people, as well as its influence on Lithuania's culture and architecture. The guides will show you where former Lenin's Square was located and how it has changed after the declaration of Independence. And finally, you'll finish the tour next to Seimas (parliament building) which was one of the spots where Lithuanians defended their independence in 1991.

Vilnius: City Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights

Vilnius: City Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights

Hop on a bike and explore the beautiful town of Vilnius with a guide. On this bike tour, learn about the history of Vilnius, ride down Gedimino Avenue from the Old Town to Zverynas District, and get that perfect photo from the Subaciaus observation deck. Meet your guide in the Old Town and pick up your helmet and bike. Follow the winding streets of Vilnius' Old Town, pausing to admire the many famous sights in this Unesco World Heritage area. As you bike, learn about Vilnius' fascinating history, from its medieval era triumphs to the 20th-century occupations and its successful fight for independence. As you bike down Gedimino Avenue, the main street of Vilnius, you can see how the city has grown. Before arriving in the Zverynas district, enjoy a break on the Cathedral Square near the stunning Gedimino Tower. Continue to the Subaciaus observation deck, admire the Old Town's beautiful architecture, and snap the perfect picture of Paupys and Uzupis.

Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius

Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius

Meet your guide on the stairs of Vilnius town hall and be introduced to the Jewish history of Vilnius. After getting to know your walking tour group and having a short overview of Jewish history in the city, the guide will take you through the narrow winding streets of the former Jewish Quarter to talk about Lithuanian Jews ('Litvaks') before World War II. Gaze at photos of the past, depicting what was once a vibrant Jewish community in Vilnius. After this, you will go to see the site of the Great Synagogue of Vilna and the area where Vilna Gaon used to live. Learn how during World War II the Jewish quarter was divided into two ghettos. Visit both ghettos and learn about Nazi rule in Vilnius. Moreover, learn about the development of modern Jewish community as well as how Lithuanians are dealing with the history today. If it's open, have the chance to visit the Vilnius Choral Synagogue. Afterwards, your guide will take you back to the area of the Big Ghetto to finish your tour near the Jewish Cultural and Information Centre for further exploration or bring you back to the starting point of the tour.

Vilnius Old Town walking tour with snacks

Vilnius Old Town walking tour with snacks

Your journey begins at Cathedral Square, in front of the iconic Gediminas Monument. Meet your guide, easily identifiable by a yellow sign, and learn about the founding of Vilnius. From there, continue to the Presidential Palace and Vilnius University, where you’ll have the opportunity to discuss current and relevant topics. Next, explore the famous St. Anne’s Church and stroll along the picturesque Street of Literature, an open-air gallery of artistic expression. Take a break at a local shop, where you’ll sample seasonal Lithuanian snacks. Depending on the time of year, you can expect to taste traditional cheese, meats, bread, and local desserts. As you wander through the narrow, winding streets, learn about the “Jerusalem of Lithuania” and visit the remnants of the Old Jewish Quarter. Don’t miss the famous Gates of Dawn with a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Along the way, your guide will lead you to hidden spots that you’re unlikely to discover on your own. Conclude your tour by immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of Pilies Street. Over the course of this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll gain a comprehensive historical overview of Vilnius, with a deeper understanding of the key features that define the Old Town. But the tour isn’t just about history! You’ll also learn how the city is evolving today. As your guide answers questions about topics such as politics, economics, and education, you’ll get a unique local perspective on daily life in Vilnius.

Vilnius: Then and Now Private Old Town Tour

Vilnius: Then and Now Private Old Town Tour

Vilnius is a beautiful city, renowned for it's green spaces and Baroque architecture. It is also a very old city with lots of history, which nuances are best presented by a local Lithuanian. We recommend starting your tour where the history of the city began 10,000 years ago (!) at the Cathedral Square. Walking through important buildings, streets and other objects you will find out how Lithuania emerged from the swamps to become the biggest country in Europe, how it came to its fall, what was the situation during the Soviet occupation and what the situation is now.

Vilnius: Lithuanian Flavors Experience

Vilnius: Lithuanian Flavors Experience

NB! If you have any allergies or food intolerances, especially nut or acorn allergies, please let us know during registration or email us at hello@vilniuswithlocals.com Embark on a culinary adventure in Vilnius, where centuries-old food traditions continue as the contemporary flavors. Let’s explore the rich tapestry of the Lithuanian menu: influenced by various nations, historical nuances and the Baltic lifestyle, our culinary delights extend much further than potato or meat dishes. You will indulge with Lithuanian nibbles & beverages, which for the most part are still loved by the locals. Along our journey through old town Vilnius, we will visit & support small local businesses. Prepare to be teleported to Lithuanian grandma's pantry and learn why Lithuanians are in love with rye bread and how we transform it into various shapes and textures. Although we will continue the journey through the cozy streets of Vilnius, the tastings will bring you as far as the shores of the Baltic Sea by the help of tender marinated herring filet two bite sandwich. After the tasty encounters with some of the essential ingredients in the contemporary Lithuanian cuisine, your culinary exploration will be complemented with traditional naturally infused spirits (for palate cleansing), with the flavors you hardly ever tried before. You will also be introduced to the importance of Jewish communities’ influence to Lithuanian cuisine. The tour will be rounded off with a savory surprise and if you wish - upon an optional order - a pint of Lithuanian beer. Throughout the tour, there will be more tiny surprises awaiting for you, but shhh..let’s keep it a tasty secret :).* *Bear in mind, that the tour is done in one/two bite tastings, thus the aim of the tour is to introduce you with the diverse flavors of our cuisine, so that after the tour your tummy is prepared for the heavier dinner :)

Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core

Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core

This is a English language GPS-guided (smartphone) audio tour of the central part of Vilnius Old Town. It consists of fully prepared tour with twenty-six sights. You will receive a web link that you can open on any browser or smart device to access a fully ready GPS-aided audio guide, complete with descriptions and images. Just enable location services to activate the GPS function. Vilnius is renowned for the architecture of its Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city played a pivotal role in the formation of the Lithuanian nation and served as the heart of Lithuania during the 15th century when it was the largest country in Europe. As a result of this rich history, Vilnius boasts a strong royal heritage, proudly reflecting the grandeur of that era. Religion has also been integral to Lithuania's history, resulting in a multitude of sacred buildings scattered throughout Vilnius. This tour focuses on the essence of Vilnius, providing a glimpse into its royal and sacred legacy. Upon completing the tour, we recommend exploring the Southern Part of Vilnius to further immerse yourself in the city's essence. This complementary experience will offer a comprehensive understanding of Vilnius's character and charm.

Vilnius, Trakai and Kernave Private Full-Day Tour

Vilnius, Trakai and Kernave Private Full-Day Tour

Once you are picked up by your guide at your accommodation, you will head to Gediminas tower in Vilnius to take a look at the Old Town of Vilnius. Later you will take a stroll in the Old Town. Then you will head to Kernave, the first Lithuanian capital, located 40 minutes drive from Vilnius. Upon reaching Kernave (a medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and today a tourist attraction and an archaeological site) you will explore 5 hill forts, archaeology museum and hand-made souvenirs shop. Afterwards you will head to Trakai. Trakai prides a magical castle, located on an island. You will be able to visit castle museum, to take a boat trip (additional charge), and have lunch in traditional restaurant owned by the Karaim family. After lunch you will head back to Vilnius, where you will do some more sightseeing in the Old Town

Kaunas, Rumsiskes & Pazaislis Monastery: Full-Day Tour

Kaunas, Rumsiskes & Pazaislis Monastery: Full-Day Tour

Your private tour will start from Vilnius, where you and your group will first head to the open-air museum in Rumsiskes, a Lithuanian country-life museum with open-air expositions. Here you can explore dwelling houses and economic buildings, from different regions in Lithuania.  After lunch, the tour continues to Kaunas, the second largest town in Lithuania, and the temporal capital of the country between the first and second world wars. The oldest part of Kaunas city is the Old Town, located to the east where the Nemunas and Neris rivers join. During the tour, you will visit most of the sites in the Old Town, including Kaunas Castle, St. George Church, Town Hall Square, the Jewish Quarter, and the Cathedral.  The tour will finish at Pazaislis Monastery -a unique baroque monument, considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of mature baroque in Northern and Eastern Europe, and distinguished by the quality of its art.

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What people are saying about Vilnius Old Town

Overall rating

4.8
(77 reviews)

Domas was an amazing guide and we all learned so much about Vilnius and the history of Lithuania. Starting with a delicious coffee, wondering around cobbled streets and ending in the Cathedral Square - it was a perfect start to our 4 night city break. Thank you so much for answering all our questions and giving us such a fascinating insight into the people and culture of this beautiful city. We can highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to find hidden gems - whilst walking and talking. Thank you from Jo, Jon, Tim, Maria, Tracy & Andy.

Our guide Domas had a very good knowledge of the country’s history. He explained everything detailed and was very polite with us! He make sure we understood everything and we saw all the parts of the city (new and old part).We totally recommended a tour with him!

Very convenient. The shuttle stops close to the castle and picks you up at the same place. Definitely for anyone who doesn’t feel like taking the train or bus.

Ugne was the best for showing me all around the old town and explaining all the history about it which i really enjoyed

Great tour! Walking around Vilnius old town with knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!