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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Old Town Summary
| Public website: | en.vilnius.lt |
|---|
Lithuania – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted and commonly used, even for small transactions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not allowed and may result in fines. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in public areas but allowed in designated spaces. |
| Restoration of Independence (March) |
Public celebrations and closures. |
|---|---|
| St. John's Day (June) |
Bonfires and festivals. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and closures. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt, eTAKSI |
| Other: | Lithuania offers beautiful forests, lakes, and medieval architecture. Winters are cold, so dress warmly. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Old Town, Lithuania
Christmas market on Cathedral Square runs from late November to early January
Many cafe terraces and outdoor tables only open May to September
Kaziukas Fair, a large traditional crafts market, takes place on the Sunday closest to 4 March
Don't miss
- 🏰 Climb Gediminas Tower for panoramic Old Town views
- ⛪ Visit the impressive St. Anne’s Church and admire Gothic architecture
- 🚶♂️ Stroll along Pilies Street, bustling with local shops and cafes
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Vilnius Old Town is a sprawling 3.59 square kilometer area recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding preservation and mix of historic architectural styles spanning over six centuries. Founded in the 14th century, it has served as the cultural and political center of Lithuania through many tumultuous periods.
The Old Town’s streets meander through significant landmarks like Gediminas’ Tower, symbolizing the city’s medieval origins; the stunning Cathedral Square; and the prestigious Vilnius University, comprising 13 beautiful courtyards blending architectural traditions. The ornate St. Anne’s Church and vibrant Town Hall Square are also key highlights.
While the area feels serene and historic, visitors should be aware that cobblestone streets may be uneven and challenging for those with mobility issues. During festivals or weekends, the area can become quite crowded and like all tourist hubs, caution with belongings is advised.
The Old Town also offers a lively café culture, markets and museums, making it a place where history and contemporary life beautifully coexist. Exploring its narrow lanes reveals hidden courtyards and vibrant street life, offering a deeply immersive experience.
Why travel to Old Town?
🏯Places worth seeing
🎈Events
-
Kaziukas Fair
-
Vilnius Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes; cobblestones dominate Vilnius Old Town.
- Explore the Cathedral Square early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy quiet views of St. Anne's Church.
- Use the free walking tour app for historical context, but verify opening hours of museums before visiting.
- Local artisans sell handmade amber jewelry near the Gate of Dawn; purchase during market days for authentic souvenirs and better prices.
How to travel to Old Town
Vilnius Old Town is in the center of Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, easily accessible via Vilnius International Airport which offers flights from many European cities. From the airport, buses and taxis can take visitors directly to the city center. The Old Town is very walkable and public transportation within Vilnius is convenient for reaching nearby neighborhoods.
Access summary
- From Vilnius Airport (VNO): Train or bus to center, about 10–20 minutes.
- From Kaunas: Frequent bus or train to Vilnius, roughly 1–2 hours.
- From Riga: Long-distance bus to Vilnius center, typically around 4–5 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Old Town
Vilnius offers a range of accommodations near the Old Town, from boutique hotels housed in historic buildings to modern apartments, providing convenient access to all major attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Panorama Hotel
Novotel Vilnius Centre
Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva
Artagonist hotel
Art Hotel Moon Garden
Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, Vilnius
Urbihop Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre
Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
Airinn Vilnius Airport Hotel – Renovated 2025
Packing recommendations for Old Town
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 22% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Vilnius Old Town is generally safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. Tourists should stay vigilant in crowded areas, avoid poorly lit alleys at night, keep valuables secure and follow local advice for a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
Vilnius Old Town offers many accessible features: smooth cobblestones, ramps at key attractions and clear signage in multiple languages. However, narrow alleys can be challenging for wheelchairs and some historic buildings lack elevators. Plan ahead, use guided tours and check accessibility maps.
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