#ExploreVilnius | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

curlabroad · 2 years ago

Text

Places You Should See in Vilnius - Part 1 (1/6)

When I first moved there in 2016, I had no idea about the city. As I lived in a metropolitan city all my life and wasn’t expecting to find much. Well, Vilnius proved me wrong. I was really surprised at how many different options there were in Vilnius to see. Here is the first 5 places of 30 (actually 30+ish) places you should see in Vilnius.

Vilnius is the greenest capital of Europe and 3rd greenest capital in the world. You can imagine how gorgeous the city center is in between the forests and parks. Also, Vilnius old city is on the Unesco list of “World Heritage Journeys”. These two are a great combination and make Vilnius itself a must-see.

In this post, I will share some great attractions including castles, museums, parks, and others to see in Vilnius. If you are looking for Vilnius transportation, places to stay in Vilnius, local cuisine, cafes, restaurant, bars, souvenirs, I will have another great post dedicated to this.

There are lots to see and do in Vilnius. I get really sad when I see the guided tours only give the city a half-day or a night stay. The below list has more than 30 items. As the city grows I am sure I will add more in the near future. I created a map with pins of locations of all places, you can find it at the end.

1.1. Vilnius Cathedral & Bell Tower on Cathedral Square

Vilnius Cathedral (Vilniaus Katedral) is located on the is just off the Cathedral Square (Katedros Aikštė) in the Old Town. It is the number one must-see in Vilnius. The building and the tower themselves are gorgeous. They also carry works of art dating from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Make sure to at least get a booklet about their history or join a free walking tour (or paid ones) to learn about them!

Miracle Tile: Right near the bell tower, there is a special tile on the floor. It is called the Miracle Tile. To get your wishes done some step to the tile and spun around and others jump. Our guide told us to step on the tile, make a wish, and spin 3 times clockwise on it. Well, my wish came true so hope yours does too

1.2. Gediminas Castle Tower (Gedimino Pilies Bokštas)

Another must-see item in Vilnius. The castle is as famous as the Vilnius Cathedral. Gediminas Castle Tower is the remaining part of the main castle in Vilnius. The observation deck provides amazing panorama views. There aren’t many tall buildings (except the Europa Business Center) in Vilnius center you will be able to get an open view of all city. If you want to, you can also go on top of the tower by paying a fee. The castle itself is located on a hill. The uphill road is recently renovated and easy to walk but if you are having difficulties you can use the funicular to go up and down to the hill.

1.3. Gediminas Avenue (Gedimino Prospektas) & Nearby Places

Gediminas Avenue or the Gediminas street as we mostly use while speaking lies in front of Cathedral Square and is my favorite place to be in the whole city. The street is covered with great shops, cafes, restaurants, and parks. Yes, I said parks.

You will spend a lot of time here and it feels good to walk down the street. The best part of the avenue is, in the afternoon the road is closed for the cars so pedestrians are free to walk on anywhere they want not only the pavement.

1.3.1. Lithuanian National Drama Theater

If you start walking from the Cathedral you will soon see the Lithuanian National Drama Theater on your left. It is easy to find it as the place has the Three Muses Sculpture. I hope the renovation will finish soon.

1.3.2. Vincas Kudirka Square (Vinco Kudirkos Aikštė)

This part is in the center of Gediminas Street. I love the park because you can sit on a bench and watch kids skating while listening to a live radio broadcast nearby. Also there is an underground parking lot under the park so it will be useful if you rent a car.

1.3.3. Lucky Belly

Across the Vincas Kudirka Square is the Vilniaus Gatve and a funny sculpture is located here. It is called the Lucky Belly. If you touch the belly, you can make a wish. After you make your wish, rub the belly a bit

1.4. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania & Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas

The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is located just in the Cathedral Square center and back of the Vilnius Cathedral. The architecture you will see is the recently renewed version of the building. In front of the palace, you will find the Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas. Grand Duke Gediminas had a vital role in Lithuanian history. He expanded the Lithuanian territories and Lithuania had golden times under him. Thus you will see his name a lot. If you visit the museum of the palace you will also have more detailed information about his times too.

The museum inside has 4 different exhibitions. The exhibitions start from the first days of Lithuania and take up the history from political, cultural, and sociological perspectives. So many things to read, so much to learn. I was amazed. It took me

more than half a day to complete all the exhibitions. Good thing you can go out and come back again with the same ticket. But I don’t know if it was only for the all exhibitions ticket or for all types.

1.5. National Museum of Lithuania & Paminklas Karaliui Mindaugui status

If you walk left from the Vilnius Cathedral instead of towards the Palace; you will see the National Museum of Lithuania. The museum is a historical state museum and consists of many material and artifact collections if you are interested. You

can check the prices here. The statue of King Mindaugas who is the first and last king of Lithuania is located just outside the museum. If you look up you can see the Gediminas Castle above the museum and the status.

0 notes