Begin your tour at Cathedral Square, Vilnius’ historic heart, anchored by the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and its freestanding bell tower. Admire the Gediminas Statue and the square’s open elegance, with the Gediminas Tower looming on the hill. From here, stroll north along Pilies gatvė, a lively cobbled street lined with pastel-coloured buildings, cafés, and artisan shops, capturing Vilnius’ charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After about 10 minutes, stop at Etno Dvaras (Pilies gatvė 1), a cozy restaurant with rustic decor, offering a quick lunch of Lithuanian classics like cepelinai (potato dumplings with meat) or šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), affordable, no reservations needed, but arrive early to avoid the midday crowd.
Continue north to Didžioji gatvė, home to the Town Hall Square, a vibrant plaza surrounded by baroque buildings. Pop into the St. Casimir’s Church, a bubblegum-pink Jesuit church with a lavish interior, for a quick look (free entry). Nearby, explore Aušros Vartų gatvė, leading to the Gates of Dawn, a 16th-century city gate with a revered chapel housing the icon of the Virgin Mary, a brief visit offers a spiritual touch.
Head west along Aušros Vartų gatvė to St. Anne’s Church, a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece, said to have enchanted Napoleon, with its intricate brickwork. Next door, the Bernadine Church and Monastery add to the historic cluster. Wander through the adjacent park for a moment of calm, then head north to Literatų gatvė, a quirky alley adorned with literary plaques and artworks celebrating Vilnius’ writers.
Loop south to Vilnius University, a 16th-century institution with a stunning ensemble of courtyards and frescoed halls. A quick 20-minute visit to the St. John’s Church (free entry) within the university showcases its baroque splendor. For a sweet treat, stop at Sugamour (Vokiečių gatvė 7), a chic patisserie for a coffee or hot chocolate with a honey cake (medaus tortas), no reservations needed, but arrive promptly to enjoy its modern vibe.
Continue west to Vokiečių gatvė, a lively pedestrian street with terraces and historic buildings. From here, head north to Bernardinų sodas, a serene riverside park along the Vilnia, and cross to Užupis, Vilnius’ bohemian “republic” with quirky art and a free-spirited vibe. Pop into the Užupis Art Incubator (Užupio gatvė 2A) for a quick look at local creations (free entry, if open).
End your tour at Pilies gatvė’s Rūdninkų skveras, a charming square near the Old Town with views of the cathedral’s spire. For a final treat, visit Špunka (Užupio gatvė 9), a cozy bar for a glass of local mead (midus) or a šakotis (spit cake), soaking up Vilnius’ eclectic charm. Alternatively, relax at Bromas (Pilies gatvė gatvė 20), a historic café, watching the city’s vibrant street life unfold.This 3-4 km route captures Vilnius’ baroque beauty, Lithuanian cuisine, and artistic soul, perfect for a four-hour stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled Old Town streets and bring a light jacket for Vilnius’ often cool, breezy weather
