Vilnius combines a distinctive urban history with different ways to explore: an observation deck on a Renaissance-Baroque bell tower offers panoramic views, while an Old Town tour covers historical connections and UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are also places of remembrance, a garden in the heart of the city, open-air art, and a stage for concerts and festivals. This lets you focus your visit on the subjects that interest you most.

Views and History of Vilnius

The Renaissance-Baroque bell tower, with its observation deck, stands beside a church. You can reach the deck by lift or by climbing 193 steps. The two ways up and the exact number of steps make it easy to plan the climb; at the top, the panoramic views described await you.

From the 13th century until the end of the 18th century, Vilnius was the political centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and influenced the cultural and architectural development of large parts of Eastern Europe. This long period puts the city's historic buildings and places of remembrance into a broader context.

The Gediminas Castle Tower is a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania. On the third floor, visitors can get a sense of what it was like to take part in the Baltic Way: during this large anti-Soviet demonstration in August 1989, almost two million people joined hands from Vilnius to Tallinn. Here, a specific event from recent history is vividly linked to a place in the city.

The Three Crosses Memorial on the hill consists of three highly visible white crosses made of reinforced concrete. While the bell tower is described by its observation deck, the memorial is defined by the three crosses and their visibility.

The Old Town and Central City Sites

The Gates of Dawn are the only surviving gate of Vilnius's former defensive wall. The former city wall had ten gates; only this one remains. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus is also in central Vilnius and offers another clearly identified point of reference for the city's history.

Bernardine Garden, formerly called Sereikiškės Park by Vilnius residents, lies in the heart of the city between Gediminas Hill, the Vilnelė River and the Bernardine Monastery. Its location is defined by these three named places; its former name also recalls another name for the garden.

Tours, Art and Events

An Old Town walking tour lasts 2.5 hours and provides a historical overview of Vilnius's development and the defining features of its Old Town. A professional local guide takes a small group to UNESCO World Heritage highlights and lesser-known places. The tour therefore has a set duration and combines well-known with less familiar stops. As tour details may change, check the current offering before making plans.

Depending on the season, the tour includes a selection of Lithuanian treats that changes throughout the year. Examples mentioned include traditional bread, classic cheeses, apple cheese and local desserts. The tastings are part of the tour; the selection varies by season and may change.

Various concerts, events and festivals are held on a centrally located stage in Vingis Park. If a concert or festival is a deciding factor for your visit, check the dates of the relevant events.

Užupis Art Incubator is known for its changing outdoor sculptures and installations.

Discover more destinations: Bildžiai, Buivydiškės, Grigaičiai, Paberžė, Galgiai, Sudervė, Vilkiškės, Dūkštos

For the wider travel overview: Vilniaus rajono savivaldybė.