Imagine a capital where you can cross a river into an artists’ republic, sip coffee in baroque courtyards, and sail around a medieval castle – all in one weekend. It’s Europe’s hidden masterpiece, still flying under most travelers’ radar.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets – rich in baroque architecture, fascinating history, and an unexpectedly vibrant café and cultural scene.
In this 3-day Vilnius itinerary, you’ll dive deep into Old Town, cross into the whimsical republic of Užupis, take a quintessential Lithuanian day trip to Trakai Castle, and explore museums and local flavors.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning wanderer, this guide offers a balance of iconic sights and hidden gems – and is built to remain relevant year after year. These recommendations on how to spend 3 days in Vilnius are offered by Valentina from Valentina’s Destinations.
3 Days in Vilnius Itinerary: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Travel Tips
Vilnius is a charming European city with so much history & culture to experience. With 3 days in Vilnius, you can see the major highlights, enjoy local flavors, and get a feel for the city. If you stay longer, you’ll have time to explore the surroundings too. This itinerary is action-packed with all of the best Vilnius attractions, restaurant recommendations & tips from local guides.
Want a taste? On day 1 in Vilnius, you’ll explore historic Old Town and eat traditional Cepelinai. During day 2 in Vilnius, you’ll take a day trip to the dreamy Trakai Island Castle.
Finally, on day 3 in Vilnius, you’ll visit the Chernobyl filming location & taste Lithuanian beer. Enjoy these exciting things to do in Vilnius & much, much, more!
Why Vilnius?
There are so many reasons to visit Vilnius that I don’t even know where to start! Vilnius is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets – a city that feels intimate yet rich in history, brimming with Baroque churches, cozy cafés, and surprising lookout spots.
Vilnius is also one of the most affordable city breaks in Europe, according to various barometers.
English is widely spoken in restaurants, hotels, and with younger Lithuanians, making navigation easier for many visitors. WiFi is ubiquitous in cafés and hotels.
Lithuanian is the national language, but many Baltic and European airlines (such as airBaltic, Wizz Air, Ryanair) connect Vilnius to major hubs.
Compared to many Western European capitals, Vilnius remains relatively affordable. Midrange hotels typically start around €40–€70, and local meals at cafés often cost €8–€20 (fine dining will be higher).
Vilnius’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and beyond medieval walls, there is a layered history: pagan traditions, the era of Grand Dukes, Soviet occupation, and modern revival.
Add to that winding streets, hilltop vistas, and neighborhood surprises – and you begin to see why 3 days in Vilnius can feel deeply satisfying.
Where to stay in Vilnius
Staying just outside Old Town? Many budget/midrange hotels are in areas like Rasos or Naujamiestis, just a tram or 10-minute walk away. You may save a bit, but be sure your location is well served by public transport, especially in evening hours.
Amenities to prioritize: free breakfast or included breakfast, free WiFi, soundproofing (Old Town can get lively at night).
Top hotel picks
- Hotel PACAI – the top luxury option, housed in historic palaces, is often priced toward the higher end.
- Radisson Royal Astorija / Grand Hotel Vilnius (Curio Collection by Hilton) premium choices in Old Town; expect rates above €120 in peak season.
- Artagonist Art Hotel / Shakespeare Boutique / Hotel Tilto – stylish “boutique-luxury” or midrange options beloved by travelers.
- Budget/value options – you’ll find rooms from ~$35–€60 in simple guesthouses or hostels (check hostels & guesthouses in Rasos, Naujamiestis).
Tips
- Book early during peak season (May–Sept), as prices climb and availability shrinks.
- Use cancellation-friendly rates.
- If staying just outside Old Town, ensure good tram/bus access to the historic center.
Getting Around Vilnius
Vilnius is an extremely walkable city. You can get pretty much anywhere on foot. Use this Sightseeing Map of Vilnius to navigate from one attraction to another.
Walk, bike, or scooter
Vilnius’s Old Town is compact, making most main attractions accessible on foot. In good weather, walking is often the best way to soak up ambiance. E-scooters and bike rentals are also widely available.
Public transport & airport connection
- The Vilnius Expressbus (routes 1, 2, 3) connects the airport with the city center every ~20–30 minutes; travel time is typically 15–25 minutes, ticket ~€1.50–€2 (2025 level).
- City buses/trams cover other neighborhoods; a single ride is usually under €1.50.
Ride-hail / taxis
Uber, Bolt, and local taxis operate in Vilnius. A 10-minute ride within the center typically costs €3–€8, depending on time and demand. At peak hours, expect surge pricing.
Ticket passes
If you’re taking multiple buses/trams, look for 24-hour or multi-ride passes (check current rates). These can save cost compared to buying single tickets each time.
Safety & etiquette
On scooters or bikes, watch out for pedestrians. On public transport, offer your seat to elderly, etc.
Intermodal transfers
In some neighborhoods, a short tram + walk is faster than a direct bus (depending on traffic). Use apps like Trafi / Moovit for real-time route suggestions.
Tips
- Use the Trafi app or Moovit to check schedules.
- Validate your public transit ticket upon boarding.
- For airport trips with luggage, the Expressbus may still be your best bet.
Day 1 in Vilnius
Morning (coffee & walking tour)
Begin your day with a cozy breakfast at Sugamour (or consider other quality cafés like [new local café]) in Old Town.
After that, head to Town Hall Square, where many walking tours depart around 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM, exploring both Old Town and Užupis (often tip-based).
This walking tour was the absolute best thing we did in Vilnius! The guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We learned so much about Vilnius that we’ll never forget. I highly recommend it to anyone. It is operated on tips, so it can fit any budget.
Užupis is one of the best places to see in Vilnius. I didn’t know much about it until we went on this tour. It’s quite a romantic place.
Užupis is a small artist neighborhood across the River Vilnia that considers itself an independent nation. It has its own constitution and president.
While exploring Užupis, note that its “constitution” (displayed on a wall) and symbolic president are artistic features – this is not a sovereign country in reality.
PRO TIP: bring your passport – you may get a symbolic Užupis “stamp” at the Information Center (check hours).
Midday (lunch & Old Town Highlights)
Head to Etno Dvaras to eat traditional Cepelinai. Cepelinai is Lithuania’s national dish. They are giant potato dumplings traditionally filled with ground pork.
These Zeppelin shaped dumplings are served with sour cream and bacon bits. Don’t worry, you won’t leave hungry!
If Etno Dvaras is busy, alternatives for traditional Lithuanian fare include Senoji Trobelė or Lokys.
Late Afternoon/ Early Evening
After a hearty and satisfying meal, you’ll be ready for more Vilnius sightseeing. Cathedral Square is one of the most dramatic places in Vilnius.
Right away, you’ll notice the massive Neo-Classical Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower. Skip the Bell Tower climb here; there’ll be plenty of other scenic lookout opportunities.
Walk around Cathedral Square and you’ll notice the Palace of the Grand Dukes & the National Museum of Lithuania. The Vilnius Cathedral is also essentially a living museum. It has impressive frescoes & age-old altarpieces.
From Cathedral Square, you’ll also be able to appreciate Gediminas Castle Tower. Notice it up on the hill.
Also, make sure to find the Magical Brick! This red tile in Cathedral Square grants wishes. Stand on the tile, close your eyes, turn around 3 times & make a wish.
End your sightseeing in Vilnius at the Hill of 3 Crosses. You can watch the sunset or simply take in the stunning views.
The climb up to the Hill of Three Crosses is moderate; if you’d rather avoid steep paths, consider visiting Gediminas Tower for panoramic views.
There are many scenic lookouts in Vilnius, but this is arguably the most stunning panorama of the city! It’s quite a climb, but well worth it. This is one of the most romantic things to do in Vilnius.
For dinner, make a reservation at Sweet Root. It’s the most innovative and well-known restaurant in Vilnius. It’s formal and chic.
If you are looking for a more affordable dining experience, check the schedule for Open Kitchen Vilnius. It’s a community-run open-air food festival that takes place most weekends during the summertime.
Day 2 in Vilnius
Morning/ Early Afternoon
Have breakfast at Strange Love coffee shop. It’s one of the trendiest cafes in Vilnius. On day 2, you’ll set out on an adventure into the Lithuanian countryside.
To get to Trakai, you can take a bus (departing ~every 30–40 min, ticket ~€2–€3) or train (~€2.40 one-way, ~35–40 min) from Vilnius.
Trakai Island Castle is one of the top places to visit in Lithuania. It’s about 30–40 minutes by car or ~35–50 minutes by bus/train, depending on traffic and departure. You could rent a car, but you don’t have to! For 2025, admission is about €12 for adults (off-season: €10) and €6 for students/seniors.
The Marijampolė Bus Route takes you from the Vilnius Bus Station to Trakai (with only 2 stops).
A combined ticket for the island + peninsula castles is sometimes offered with a discount.
Trakai Island was home to a massive castle complex in the 14th Century. At that time, Trakai was central to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
After many epic battles, the castle fell into disrepair and lay barren for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until after WW II that reconstruction work on the castle could begin.
Trakai Castle has been beautifully reconstructed. On the grounds, there is also a museum where you can see how people actually lived in the castle during Medieval times.
When you arrive at the ticket booth, you can ask for a tour of the castle. It’s only 15 euros for an English-speaking guide! I’m obsessed with tours, so for me, this was particularly exciting. Also, no need to book in advance.
Note: bus and train schedules may vary; check current times at Vilnius Bus Station or railway info before departure.
Guided tours at Trakai often require an extra fee – check at the ticket desk for English-language group times (they may book out in summer).
Boat rentals are seasonal (usually May–September); in early spring or late autumn, availability may be limited.
The church walk may be organized as a loop (2–3 km) – plan your route so you don’t backtrack too much.
After you visit the castle, rent one of the paddle boats and set out into the lake. You’ll get remarkable views of the castle from the water.
For lunch, visit Trakų Dvarelis for authentic Lithuanian homestyle cookin’. In Trakai, the regional delicacy is Kibinai. Kibinai are savory pastries stuffed with lamb and onion.
Late Afternoon/ Early Evening
Head back to Vilnius after your lovely day in Trakai. You can explore the grounds of Vilnius University & climb the Bell Tower at St. John’s Church. Another incredible lookout point, this place directly overlooks the historic center of Vilnius.
Vilnius University is one of the lesser-known tourist places in Vilnius. The campus is quite historic and impressive. It was one of the first Universities ever established in Central Europe.
If you can find the philosophy department, you’ll be rewarded with a very famous fresco.
Explore Vilnius more by going on a church scavenger hunt. The most impressive include St. Anne’s Church (which is right next to St. Francis of Assisi), the Church of St. Casimir & the chapel at the Gates of Dawn.
This loop is about 2–3 km and takes 40–60 minutes with photo stops.
It is said that from any point in Vilnius, you can spot at least 3 churches. Lithuania’s history was established in the spirit of tolerance. Evidence of tolerance today can be seen in the diversity of religions & churches throughout the city.
Finish off day 2 in Vilnius with dinner at Gaspars – a unique Indian-European fusion place! Head to Piano Man for drinks & live music.
Gaspars is a good option, but it’s wise to have 1–2 backup restaurants in mind (check their opening hours). Live music venues like Piano Man may have different schedules, especially off-peak.
Day 3 in Vilnius
Morning/ Early Afternoon
The coffee shop of the day is BREW. You’ll need energy for another exciting day touring Vilnius. On day 3, I recommend a tour of the Chernobyl Filming Locations.
Did you know HBO’s hit series Chernobyl was filmed in Vilnius? If you haven’t seen it, you should! It’s rated 9.5 on IMDb. Historical dramas are rarely this good. It’s chilling, suspenseful & shockingly authentic. The scenes of Pripyat were shot in the Vilnius suburbs.
Many Chernobyl filming tours operate on set schedules and may require booking days in advance. Some locations are private property, so check tour coverage.
Also include a stop at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (former KGB building) to understand Lithuania’s 20th-century history.
You’ll get to tour these locations and learn about the history of Chernobyl. Also, the shared history experienced by many nations that were occupied by the Soviet Union.
Read here our complete guide to Chernobyl today – what to see on a Chernobyl and Pripyat tour.
If you are looking for a more thrilling tour, consider a day trip to the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, considered “Chernobyl’s sister.”
The Ignalina plant is roughly 2–3 hours away and may be a strenuous day; check operator logistics before committing.
On this Travel Addicts tour, you’ll get to suit up in traditional safety uniforms and tour the nuclear power plant. Visit the control room, turbine hall, and surroundings. This is also where many Chernobyl scenes were filmed!
Grab lunch back at Vilnius at the Meat Lovers Pub (or a more local street-food spot if open). This is a very popular place among University students!
If Meat Lovers is closed, try a local bistro or student-favorite café in the university area.
Late Afternoon/ Early Evening
Walk down Literature Street and appreciate the unique art installations. Every piece commemorates an important Lithuanian writer. Literature Street spans a few blocks; walking through and pausing at plaques takes ~15–20 minutes.
Climb to the top of Gediminas Castle Tower. Appreciate another amazing vantage point in Vilnius.
Have dinner at Mason Gastropub. After dinner, head to Beer Library or a local craft beer bar to sample Lithuanian and international brews. Vilnius has a growing craft beer scene you don’t want to miss.
Essential Travel Tips & FAQs for Vilnius
Drink Švyturys beer while in Lithuania – a Lithuanian staple – and explore the city’s growing craft beer scene.
If you have more time in Lithuania, spend a few days in the seaside city of Palanga. Palanga is a resort town on the Baltic Sea. You can get there by road in ~3–4 hours, or via train + bus connections.
When to visit
The best time is May to September, when weather is mild, daylight is long, and many seasonal attractions (boats, festivals) are active. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and good deals. Winters are cold and dark, though holiday markets can charm.
Currency & prices
Lithuania uses the euro (EUR). As of 2025, expect midrange hotel rooms in Vilnius to start around €40–€70, with nicer boutique / luxury options climbing above €100 in peak times.
Meals at local cafés / bistros may cost €8–€20, while fine dining can be higher.
Language & communication
Lithuanian is the official language. However, English is widely spoken in tourism, hospitality, cafés, and restaurants — especially among younger people and in cities.
Transport & connectivity
Use local apps like Trafic, Moovit, or Trafi to navigate public transport. Purchase tickets before boarding when required. Many cafés & hotels offer free WiFi.
Safety & what to watch
Vilnius is considered safe for solo travelers, including at night in Old Town. Still, use normal precautions with belongings and avoid poorly lit alleys.
Cultural tips
- In churches, dress modestly out of respect (no bare shoulders).
- Tipping: 10% is usual in nicer restaurants; rounding up is fine in cafés.
- Try local Lithuanian specialties beyond cepelinai – kibinai, šakotis (tree cake), and seasonal foraged ingredients. If it’s hot, also try šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) – a local favorite.
Must-try beer/drink
Don’t miss Lithuania’s beer culture. Švyturys is a staple, but local microbreweries and craft pubs abound. Pair your itinerary with a beer tasting evening or visit a brewpub.
Extending your trip
If you have more days, consider visiting Kaunas, Kernavė, or the Baltic coast (e.g., Palanga, ~3–4 hours away).
About Valentina’s Destinations
Valentina’s Destinations was born from my obsession with meticulously researching, organizing, and planning my travel itineraries. I’m originally from Serbia, but I grew up in Chicago. I love hunting down local restaurants, unique experiences, and hidden gems. Follow Valentina on Social media too: Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
3 Days in Vilnius: Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough in Vilnius?
Yes – 3 days gives you time to see the main sites, take a day trip (Trakai), and enjoy culture + food. If you have more, explore the surroundings.
Is Vilnius expensive?
Compared to many Western European capitals, Vilnius remains relatively affordable, especially in lodging and food.
Do I need a tour guide?
Not necessarily. The city is walkable, and a self-guided tour is possible, but a walking tour or a few guided museum visits add depth.
Is the Užupis “Republic” real?
No – it’s symbolic and artistic; it has a constitution and fun traditions, but it’s part of Vilnius.
