Explore Vilnius
Here I promise to share all the wonderful things that make me think it is the most adorable and livable city in the world (and I lived in quite a few places).
Vilnius is a modern European capital with a strong youthful spirit and a touch of sophistication. Despite being known for its medieval Old Town, the march toward renewal is evident as the city erects new buildings and restores the others.
But first things first and let's start from some practical issues like groceries:
Grocery stores 8-22:
You will find several food shops and bakery in G9 shopping mall on Gedimino av. 9, 2 mins away from the apartment
Lidl in G9 Deli floor, Gedimino 9, G9 SHOPPING MALL
There is also a nice wine shop on the same floor, so as the bakery, flower shop, pharmacy etc.
Other grocery shops nearby:
Maxima on Gedimino str 18 about 100m from the apartment.
IKI Jogailos str about 200m from apartment
Sightseeing:
Gedimino Castle – the cradle of Vilnius foundation
How it looks today and next to it This is how it would have looked if it wasn’t destroyed by numerous occupations and wars
Royal Palace (Valdovu Rumai) impressive fully resurrected Royal Palace of Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Vilnius Cathedral – Masterpiece of 6 centuries to survive major shift of power and preserve its sanctuary
Tree Crosses Hill - best Vilnius view, a place where Christianity started in Lithuania, ¨did you know that Lithuania was the last place in Europe to adopt Christianity - stubborn and proud people, very loyal to their values, a quality that helped Lithuania to regain the Independence form Soviets in 1990.
St Anns church - Sv Onos baznycia (the most beautiful Vilnius church that Napoleon wanted to "take back to Paris on his palm")
KGB museum - dramatic insight into Lithuanian Soviet occupation history, to understand the lengthy and painful path to Independence of Lithuania, one needs to visit this place.
If you crave nature – explore the natural hills of Hills park just behind the Gediminas castle or enjoy the serene Bernardinai garden.
My favorite places for Art
Galerija Vartai Vilnius str.
Founded in 1991, Galerija VARTAI was one of the first private galleries in Lithuania when the country regained independence after Soviet occupation. Since then it has acted as an important cultural hub, hosting concerts, discussions, and workshops, in addition to art exhibitions. Today it is one of the most prominent contemporary art galleries in the Baltic region, representing and exhibiting artists from home and abroad. It has a very international outlook, participating in major art fairs, and presenting exhibitions for the global project Artscape. Launched in 2009, during Vilnius’ year as European Capital of Culture, Artscape has showcased internationally acclaimed artists such as Knut Åsdam, Ignasi Aballi, Hans Op de Beeck, Tatjana Doll, Jesper Just, Atelier Van Lieshout, Alyson Shotz and Erwin Wurm.
MO Museum, Pylimo str
MO Museum is a modern art museum in Vilnius, Lithuania. As a private initiative of Lithuanian scientists and philanthropists Danguolė Butkienė and Viktoras Butkus, it functioned as an art museum without walls for about ten years. The collection of 6,000 modern and contemporary pieces contains major Lithuanian artworks from the 1950s to the present day.
The museum was opened to the public on 18 October 2018 in the building designed by Studio Libeskind and Do Architects studio.[1][2] Total building floor area: 3100 sq.m., height: 17 m. Architect Daniel Libeskind commented that although it is his smallest project, it is also one of his favorites, and he also noted that he used circular form in it for the first time (spiral staircase in the interior). Italian news agency ANSA included Mo Museum into Top 10 21st century museums to visit.] The museum hosts numerous exhibitions, film screenings, educational workshops, concerts and other cultural events, which are intended for various age groups.[
Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE , Uzupio str.
Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE located in the Užupis district in Vilnius provides an opportunity to get acquainted with Lithuanian art treasures and historical artefacts from cultural heritage through thematic curatorial exhibitions. The exposition can be visited individually or with a guided tour. The current exhibition “Vilnius Forever. A Dialogue of Artworks and Guides to the City” has been prepared in cooperation with the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in New York City and is dedicated to the 700th anniversary of Vilnius (curator – Laima Laučkaitė).
Paupys Art gallery, Aukstaiciu str.
The open-air Paupys Art Gallery is open to everyone and aims to provide an insight into contemporary public art. This genre is special in several ways. Firstly, outdoor works have a long life. On the other hand, such art objects have an important social function – to transform urban space and create a relationship with passers-by, with the atmosphere of the place and history.
As you wander around, you may come across artworks of different genres, created by different artists. Currently, the gallery is featuring Donatas Jankauskas-Duonis's sculpture "Morning" (Rytmetis), Linas Kutavičius's light installation "Boulders" (Rieduliai), Žilvinas Landzbergas's "Palm tree" (Palmė), the series of Beatričė Mockevičiūtė's works "Asukas", Jurgis Tarabilda's drawing "Paupys", Eimantas Ludavičius's sculpture "Doberman" (Dobermanė), Akvilė MagicDust's "Map of the Wanderers" (Klaidžiotojų žemėlapis), Žygimantas Kudirka's "Paupys Guides" (Paupio gidai).
Other attractions:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g274951-Activities-c42-Vilnius_Vilnius_County.html
Fun museums (kids and adults):
Illusions museum Vokieciu str
Illusions museum Gedimino str
Other attractions listed on Trip Advisor are also valid
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g274951-Activities-Vilnius_Vilnius_County.html
Cycling in Vilnius:
if you want to enjoy Vilnius with the wind in your hair - rent a bike, velotakas.lt - 5 min from the apartment offers some nice mountain bikes.
At the numerous cyclocity stands you can rent a city bike. https://www.cyclocity.lt/en/home
Outside Vilnius:
Go to amazing Trakai castle, eat at Apvalaus stalo klubas very good restaurant there or just simple pizza in their café or have some bubbles with the view to the castle Karaliene Bona lounge bar
To Trakai it is easiest to take a cab - about 20-25 EUR with Uber, or Smar taxi
or train https://www.traukiniobilietas.lt/portal/en
Playing golf in Vilnius
1. The V Golf Club, 17 km from Vilnius https://www.vilniusgrandresort.com/en/about-the-v-golf-club/
Even though golf is rare and upcoming in Lithuania the V Club has already made its mark. The golf course is tough but...
2. Capitals Golf Club https://capitals.lt/
“The capitals golf club“ – 48 km from Kaunas. The first professional golf club in Lithuania captured top honors.
3. Europos Centro Golfo Klubas https://www.golfclub.lt/en/
https://www.golfclub.lt/en/welcome-to-vilnius/
Main streets to explore for a walk:
Pilies str,
Didzioji str,
Subaciaus str,
Vokieciu str.,
Vilniaus street,
Gedimino str,
Bernardinu garden
get lost in Vilnius old town small streets around University😊
If you feel like working-out
I would suggest one of the parks :
Vingio Parkas or
Bernardinai Part and Kalnu parkas for run.
Or just take beautiful Neris river embankments.
For yoga :
There is no better spot than the Mai Ram Yoga Ashram in Augustijonų g. 2, led by guru Mai Ram, one of the most renowned Yoga and Satvik person in Europe. Authentic, real, and pure practice there is mind and body transformative.
https://www.vilniuswithlocals.com/
DID YOU KNOW THAT ?
1 Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence in 1990.
2 The country has a population of about 2.8 million people.
3 Lithuanian is one of the oldest languages in the world, closely related to Sanskrit.
4 Vilnius, the capital, is known for its baroque architecture and historic Old Town.
5 Lithuania has a high literacy rate, with nearly 100% of the population being literate.
6 Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania.
7 The country has a rich history of folk music and dance.
8 Lithuania is home to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9 The Hill of Crosses is a famous pilgrimage site with thousands of crosses.
10 Lithuania has a significant diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
11 The country has a strong tradition of amber craftsmanship, often referred to as "Baltic gold."
12 Lithuania was once part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, one of the largest states in Europe.
13 The country has a diverse landscape, including forests, lakes, and a coastline along the Baltic Sea.
14 Lithuania is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Eurozone.
15 The national dish is Shaltibarshchiai (cold red beet soup) and cepelinai, potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese.
16 The country has a growing tech industry, particularly in fintech and startups.
17 Lithuania celebrates Joninės, a midsummer festival with ancient pagan roots.
