Discover the "Jerusalem of Lithuania" through its good times and bad while wandering around the streets of the former Jewish Quarter in Vilnius Old Town.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Heidi – Finland

Really interesting tour! Ten points to our guide Milda!

Eleni – Belgium

Milda was excellent. We'll structured documented explaining even difficult or sensitive topics. Clearly one of the best guides I have done a tour with

Highlights

Explore the narrow winding streets of the former Jewish Quarter
Learn why Vilnius became known as "Jerusalem of Lithuania"
Hear the fascinating life-story of the famous Jewish scholar Vilna Gaon
Visit the only surviving synagogue in Vilnius
Find out what is left of the Great Synagogue of Vilna

Full description

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.

Includes

Guided walking tour

Entrance to Vilnius Choral Synagogue (2€ fee - cash only)
Gratuities

Meeting point

Look for the guide with a yellow bag and a yellow "Vilnius with Locals tours" sign in front Vilnius town hall (Didzioji g. 31). Guides usually wait on the left side on the stairs of the Town Hall.

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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 177 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Value for money
4.8/5

Customer photos

+15

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Our guide was well informed, enthusiastic to share information, and sincere in dealing with a difficult subject for Jews and Gentiles alike, but for different reasons. I highly recommend this tour if Jewish history interests you. Our guide was Minda, a wonderful lady.

Vilnius: 2.5-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour