Vilnius caught me completely off guard! Wandering through the city’s baroque Old Town felt like stepping into a storybook, but what really got me was climbing up to the Three Crosses at sunset. Standing there above the city, watching the light play off all those church spires while hot air balloons drifted overhead… I couldn’t stop taking photos (or just staring with my mouth open).
From the funky street art in Užupis (yes, that quirky art district that once declared itself an independent republic!) to the gleaming white Vilnius Cathedral, these are the most beautiful places in Vilnius that made me fall for Lithuania’s capital. Sure, I’d seen photos before visiting, but trust me, nothing prepares you for how magical this Baltic gem really is. Let me show you my favorite spots!
Top Must-See Places in Vilnius in 2025
Visiting Vilnius in 2025? Spend the day exploring Aukštaitijos National Park, take in the views from Bastion Hill, or relax in the scenic Bernardine Garden. Stroll through the charming streets for shopping and dining, visit Chiune Sugihara Sakura Park for a peaceful retreat, or discover the city’s rich history at its many landmarks. Whether you’re into nature, culture, or urban adventures, Vilnius has plenty to offer!
1. Aukstaitijos National Park
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, kayakers 🚣, wildlife enthusiasts 🦊
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Pristine lakes, ancient pine forests, traditional Lithuanian villages frozen in time
- 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking the interconnected lakes, cycling forest trails, visiting the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Senosios Gegutės Guest House – Charming lakeside lodging with traditional architecture
Escape the digital overload and discover Lithuania’s wilderness playground just 90 minutes northeast of Vilnius. Aukstaitijos National Park offers the adventure reset every millennial deserves with over 100 interconnected lakes waiting to be explored.
I’ve never seen forests so pristine, with ancient pines sheltering elk, deer, and beavers across 40,000 hectares of protected wilderness. Traditional wooden villages like Stripeikiai and Ginučiai showcase rural Lithuanian life unchanged for centuries.
Paddle through the park’s famous lake system or cycle over 100km of marked trails. Climb Ladakalnis Hill for Instagram-worthy views across seven lakes. The unique Museum of Ancient Beekeeping reveals Lithuania’s honey-making heritage through interactive exhibits perfect for your social feed.
2. Bastion Hill
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, photographers 📷, romantic strollers 💑
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Lush green slopes, medieval fortification remnants, panoramic Vilnius views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the reconstructed artillery bastion, wandering peaceful parklands, sunset photography
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Amberton Cathedral Square Hotel – Elegant accommodation near Old Town
Need that perfect skyline shot for your feed? Bastion Hill offers the most photogenic views in Vilnius while satisfying your inner history geek with 17th-century defensive walls.
This urban oasis rises above Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town, blending historical elements with landscaped gardens and winding paths. The renovated artillery bastion houses fascinating medieval weapons and city defense exhibits that bring Lithuania’s battle-rich past to life.
I consider sunset the magic hour here, when golden light bathes the terracotta rooftops below and the Vilnelė River winds like a silver ribbon through the city. The nearby Cathedral Square buzzes with cafés and wine bars perfect for continuing your evening after capturing those panoramic shots.
3. Bernardine Garden
- 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌸, architecture lovers 🏛️, peaceful retreat seekers 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Restored historical garden design, seasonal blooms, harmonious blend of nature and architecture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring themed garden areas, attending summer concerts, visiting adjacent St. Anne’s Church
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Narutis Hotel – Luxury lodging in a renovated 16th-century building
Craving an Instagram backdrop that combines culture, history, and natural beauty? Bernardine Garden in central Vilnius has the aesthetic perfection your social feed needs.
This 9-hectare green oasis showcases different historical styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic elements. Formal flowerbeds burst with seasonal blooms while century-old trees provide welcome shade for your picnic or reading spot.
The garden’s location beside the stunning Gothic St. Anne’s Church creates the perfect balance of architectural and natural beauty. Summer brings outdoor concerts and cultural events that transform evening visits into memorable experiences. Nearby Cathedral Square and the bohemian Užupis district make this the perfect starting point for your urban exploration.
4. Chiune Sugihara Sakura Park
- 🏆 Best For: History appreciators 🕯️, peace seekers 🕊️, Japanese culture enthusiasts 🌸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Cherry blossoms, Japanese-inspired design, meaningful historical connection
- 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing spring cherry blossom bloom, contemplating at the Sugihara memorial, Sakura Festival events
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kaunas Hotel – Modern accommodation with city views
Your chance to experience Japan’s famous cherry blossoms without the 12-hour flight! Chiune Sugihara Sakura Park in Kaunas (Lithuania’s second-largest city) offers peak springtime aesthetics with profound historical significance.
This thoughtfully designed space honors Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during WWII. The park’s cherry trees burst into spectacular pink blooms each April, creating the perfect backdrop for your spring getaway photos.
My favorite time to visit is during the annual Sakura Festival, when Japanese cultural performances add authentic flair to the natural spectacle. Located just 100km west of Vilnius, this unique cultural fusion space provides a contemplative contrast to Lithuania’s medieval attractions and fits perfectly into a weekend itinerary.
5. Gediminas Castle Tower
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, panorama seekers 🌄, photography lovers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic medieval architecture, commanding hilltop position, sweeping views of red rooftops
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to the observation deck, exploring Lithuanian history museum, watching sunset over the city
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Artagonist Art Hotel – Boutique accommodation with artistic flair in Old Town
Game of Thrones vibes meet real-world medieval history at Vilnius’ most iconic landmark. Gediminas Castle Tower stands proudly atop a natural hill in the city center, offering the power-position photos your trip deserves.
This 13th-century red-brick tower marks where Grand Duke Gediminas founded the city after dreaming of an iron wolf howling from this very spot. Today, the restored tower houses a compact museum chronicling Lithuania’s fascinating journey from grand duchy to modern nation.
The observation deck rewards visitors with spectacular 360-degree views over Vilnius Old Town with its baroque spires and meandering Neris River. Join locals at sunset when the changing light creates a photographer’s dream across the city’s historic skyline.
6. Grand Dukes Palace
- 🏆 Best For: Art connoisseurs 🎨, architecture admirers 🏛️, royal history buffs 👑
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Reconstructed Renaissance and Baroque architecture, opulent interiors, exquisite art collections
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring ceremonial halls, viewing archaeological discoveries, attending courtyard concerts
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Imperial Hotel & Restaurant – Luxurious lodging with royal-inspired decor
Ever wondered how Lithuania’s royalty lived during Europe’s Renaissance? The Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius’ Cathedral Square offers your chance to play aristocrat for a day with serious historical credentials.
This impressive reconstruction stands on the original foundations of Lithuania’s royal residence when the Grand Duchy was one of Europe’s largest states. Meticulously researched interiors span Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods filled with authentic period furniture and ceremonial regalia.
I was particularly fascinated by the archaeological exhibits showcasing discoveries from the original palace foundations. The site hosts Lithuania’s most prestigious cultural events in its elegant courtyards. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the UNESCO-protected historic center afterward.
7. Hill of Three Crosses (Trys kryžiai)
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, photographers 📸, panorama seekers 🌄
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic white monuments against the sky, breathtaking views of Vilnius Old Town, lush green surroundings
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunset over Vilnius, photographing the illuminated crosses at night, exploring nearby hiking trails
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Artagonist Art Hotel – Boutique accommodation in the heart of Vilnius Old Town
Need the perfect Instagram backdrop that will make your followers jealous? Trys Kryžiai has pure magic at golden hour. These gleaming white monuments stand tall on Bleak Hill in Vilnius, commemorating Franciscan monks martyred centuries ago.
I’ve never seen a more captivating panorama of an old European town. The red-tiled roofs, church spires, and winding Neris River create a scene straight from a fairy tale. The current monument replaced earlier wooden crosses that marked this spot for generations.
Visit at dusk when the crosses light up dramatically and city lights twinkle below. The surrounding Kalnų Park offers peaceful walking paths through woods. This urban escape sits just minutes from downtown, making it easy to combine with dinner at one of Vilnius’ trendy restaurants afterward.
8. Klaipėda Old Town
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🎭, architecture enthusiasts 🏰, foodies 🍽️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Charming blend of German and Lithuanian architecture, cobblestone streets, maritime atmosphere
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Theatre Square, spotting hidden sculptures, enjoying Baltic seafood at harborside restaurants
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel National – Historic hotel with elegant rooms in a renovated 19th-century building
Ever dreamed of discovering a port city without tourist crowds? Klaipėda Old Town in western Lithuania offers that perfect mix of authentic culture and maritime charm. Lithuania’s oldest city blends German Fachwerk buildings with local architecture in a walkable center.
The narrow cobblestone streets hide whimsical surprises. Keep your eyes peeled for the Magical Mouse and Black Ghost sculptures that appear when least expected. Theatre Square forms the heart of the old town with its magnificent Drama Theatre.
The nearby Curonian Spit is just a quick ferry ride away. After exploring, I always recommend grabbing a table at one of the restaurants along the Danė River. Watch traditional wooden ships pass by while sampling fresh Baltic seafood and local craft beer. The perfect end to a day of coastal exploration.
9. Liepkalnis Winter Skiing Tracks
- 🏆 Best For: Winter sports enthusiasts ⛷️, families 👨👩👧👦, urban adventurers 🏙️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Snow-covered slopes with city skyline views, illuminated night skiing, family-friendly winter wonderland
- 📸 Top Experiences: Day and night skiing, snowboarding on varied tracks, enjoying hot drinks at the slope-side café
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center – Modern hotel with easy access to both Liepkalnis and city attractions
Who says you need to choose between city vibes and slope action? Just minutes from downtown Vilnius, Liepkalnis has a winter playground with urban skyline views. This is the ultimate weekend warrior spot for busy professionals wanting to squeeze in ski time.
Seven different tracks range from beginner slopes to challenging runs. The entire area lights up at night for magical evening sessions under the stars. No need to drive hours to remote mountains when powder-covered hills await right in the city.
My favorite approach: hit the slopes for a morning session, grab lunch at the cozy mountain lodge, then head back into Vilnius for afternoon cultural exploration. Liepkalnis also offers equipment rental and lessons for those looking to improve their skills without committing to a full mountain vacation.
10. Pavilniai Regional Park
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, hikers 🥾, geology enthusiasts 🪨
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic river valleys, exposed geological formations, diverse ecosystems within city limits
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic river valleys, exposed geological formations, diverse ecosystems within city limits
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Pūčkoriai Outcrop, exploring Belmontas watermill area, cycling along the Vilnelė River
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vilnius Grand Resort – Luxurious accommodation surrounded by nature yet close to the city
Need to escape Zoom calls without leaving the city? Pavilniai Regional Park on the eastern edge of Vilnius offers wild nature just minutes from downtown. This hidden gem showcases the dramatic Vilnia River valley with steep slopes and exposed geological layers.
Don’t miss the Pūčkoriai Outcrop, Lithuania’s highest quaternary deposit exposure. From this stunning viewpoint, the panorama of forests and meandering waters below will clear your mind of work stress instantly.
The historic Belmontas area features a restored old watermill now housing excellent restaurants. Over 100 km of marked trails welcome hikers and cyclists year-round. I’ve found the park’s autumn colors particularly spectacular when the forests turn golden. Perfect for active couples and outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature without a long drive.
11. Trakai Island Castle
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, water lovers 🚣♀️, romantic couples ❤️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Medieval red-brick castle on a pristine lake island, picturesque wooden bridges, surrounding lake landscape
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the castle museum, sailing on Lake Galvė, tasting Karaite pastries (kibinai)
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Apvalaus stalo klubas – Charming lakeside hotel with views of the castle
Want to feel like you’ve stepped into Game of Thrones without the bloodshed? Just 30 minutes from Vilnius, the fairy-tale Trakai Island Castle rises dramatically from Lake Galvė. Its red brick towers create mesmerizing reflections on the crystal-clear waters.
Built in the 14th century by Lithuanian rulers, this restored fortress now houses a fascinating museum of medieval history. The surrounding town adds another layer of interest with its Karaite community. This ethnic group has preserved their traditions for centuries.
Don’t leave without trying kibinai – savory pastries from the local bakeries. For the ultimate experience, rent a boat in summer to circle the castle or visit in winter when the frozen lake creates a magical scene. The perfect day trip for couples seeking that perfect castle photo for their social feeds.
12. Traku Voke Manor
- 🏆 Best For: Garden lovers 🌸, architecture admirers 🏛️, peaceful souls 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Elegant neoclassical architecture, meticulously designed historical park, serene ponds and fountains
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling through the English-style park, admiring the manor’s grand façade, picnicking by the ornamental ponds
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rinno Hotel – Elegant accommodations in a historic building just a short drive from the manor
Ready for a taste of aristocratic life without the annoying relatives? The magnificent Traku Voke Manor on the outskirts of Vilnius offers a perfect escape into 19th-century elegance. This neoclassical estate designed by famous architect Marconi stands as one of Lithuania’s finest preserved manors.
The real star is the spectacular park created by Édouard François André, one of Europe’s renowned landscape architects. English-style gardens feature romantic bridges, gentle streams, and century-old oak trees. Hidden garden pavilions and lily-covered ponds create perfect picnic spots.
The estate often hosts summer classical music concerts. I suggest visiting on weekday mornings when you’ll practically have the grounds to yourself. Just 15 minutes from central Vilnius, this peaceful retreat offers a refreshing break from city sightseeing without requiring a full day commitment.
