Twisting stone-paved streets. A bohemian neighborhood featuring Baroque-style buildings. Michelin-awarded dining spots and dimly lit jazz lounges. It sounds likeParis, but this is what awaits guests inVilnius, Lithuania’s pocket-sized and underexplored capital.
The tourism board is open to mocking its lack of recognition, statingthe countrythe 'G-spot of Europe' — 'remarkable, but no one knows its location'.
Outside the city's 700-year-old fortifications lies a picturesque town still dealing with its complicated history, where brutalist architecture stands out.Sovietdesign combines luxury shops with a quickly growing culinary atmosphere.
More than 30 years have passed since Lithuania became independent from the Soviet Union, yet the spirit of freedom continues to linger. Attracted by its vibrant nightlife, rich historical past, and affordable costs, travelers are beginning to pay attention.
Vilnius has recently been designated as thiswintertop position for an affordable Christmas getaway. Thecitywas identified as offering the most affordable two-night stay for two individuals among 15 European locations, according to analysis by Post Office Travel Money.
Considering expenses like return flights, bed and breakfast, lodging, food, and drinks purchased from markets, the overall cost for a two-person trip to Vilnius was only £509.
It's a great deal when compared to places like Berlin (£691.85), Prague (£901.25), or Copenhagen, the priciest option on the list, which costs £1,056.55 for a pair.
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zaianews‘s Alice Murphyhad a weekend in Vilnius last November, and considering you can reach there for as low as £20, it would be unwise not to take the same opportunity.
Top Christmas destinations for 2025
- Vilnius: £509.06
- Riga: £555.50
- Bratislava: £568.15
- Gdansk: £585.85
- Warsaw: £588.97
- Budapest: £664.33
- Krakow: £674.17
- Berlin: £691.85
- Stockholm: £717.23
- Zagreb: £756.54
- Lille: £795.83
- Tallinn: £841.71
- Prague: £901.25
- Vienna: £926.41
- Copenhagen: £1,056.55
Source: Post Office Money
Happiness found
I've only just started my two-night journey when I am amazed by how tranquil Vilnius is. Compared to the bustlingTube carriages of central LondonThe quiet of the streets feels like a comforting embrace, even with the November cold.
Just 5% of Britons are aware of more than the name and general location of the Lithuanian capital, as per a 2019 study, and there's a clear absence of the British accents that are commonly heard on the streets ofPrague or Amsterdam.
The city offers great convenience and is extremely affordable, featuring an airport only 15 minutes away from the Unesco-recognized Old Town, along with popular tourist items such as bottles of local beer priced at £2.75 (€3.20).
Coming in late at night, I immediately go to 14 Horses, a farm-to-table eatery offering lamb dumplings, grilled eel on sourdough, and potato pancakes with sweetbread (four courses for €55 per person). Another essential place to visit is Dziaugsmas, one of four local restaurants that earned a highly sought-after star in this year's inaugural Michelin guide for Lithuania (sample the black pudding doughnuts and bone marrow from the €67 tasting menu).
Beyond the door, the city seems extremely secure, to the extent that I leave my bag and coat unwatched on a rack at Nick & Nora, one of Vilnius' top cocktail bars, which serves a great quince gin (€11).
Inexpensive, secure, and full of fun — it's no surprise that Lithuania topped this year's World Happiness rankings for those under 30 — the ideal place to be young.
The Republic of Free Spirits
Near the old town, on a riverbank, lies Uzupis, a free-spirited neighborhood that proclaimed itself a republic in 1997. Our tour guide, Lina Dusevičienė, explains that the area was off-limits during Soviet rule, with its stunning buildings serving as squats for artists considered 'undesirable' by the Communist government.
The primary road was previously known as the 'Street of Death' because of elevated crime levels and the area's Jewish community, which was wiped out during theHolocaust. But life has come back. "This is where people turned when the Soviet Union collapsed," says Lina. "People have always been themselves here. They helped others to rediscover their individuality."
Uzupis is inhabited by a diverse collection of writers, artists, and musicians, with a constitution that embodies the quirky yet sincere values of the neighborhood. Some of the more unusual provisions include "a dog has the right to be a dog," and "everyone has the right to understand" (followed by "everyone has the right to understand nothing"). The document is translated into over 30 languages and displayed on mirrored panels along Paupio Street, just a short walk from the parliament building — which also serves as a café and bar.I sveikatą (cheers) to that.
I pause to refuel at Momo’s Grill, a warm lunch destination offering beef tartare (€15) and traditional Lithuanian dishes like pickled onion and beetroot soup (€7), the national dish that has now becomea yearly celebration in its memory.
Outside, stalls for the Christmas marketare being put together. It's still too soon to feel the enchantment, but holiday visitors are certain to flood into Vilnius shortly.
What readers say about Vilnius:
Melkuhn AndreaI really enjoyed the vast open areas, the cat café, and the history of this location. I only encountered one group of tourists in August. If you prefer less crowded spots, consider visiting Vilnius. I can't wait to return, as there are many coffee shops I want to explore.
Robert DowningExcellent location. Peaceful and welcoming. Affordable.
Stuart HunterI used to work there several years back. It's a great location with wonderful individuals. And indeed, it was as affordable as she mentioned. Definitely worth a trip.
‘We are Baltic’
Lithuania, the biggest and southernmost of the three Baltic countries, is home to approximately 2.8 million residents. It is located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, sharing borders with Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and the Russian territory of Kaliningrad.
Lithuania announced its independence in March 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so, an action that led to a strong commitment to its own values.
We belong to the Baltic region, not Russia, nor Eastern Europe,' Lina explains. 'We are proud of our background, and we wish for others to learn about it.
Where to sleep in Vilnius
Vilnius offers a wide range of budget-friendly lodging options, making it difficult to ignore theComfort Hotel LT – Rock 'n' Roll, TripAdvisor's top rated for value with rooms available in December starting at £67.17 per night.
For luxury, head to Hotel PacaiA fashionable hotel located within a Baroque palace where Napoleon Bonaparte once resided. The 104 rooms include sleek marble bathrooms, historic exposed brick walls, and beds so cozy you'll be reluctant to leave. However, the main attraction is its prime location on what was formerly Vilnius' 'royal mile'. Exit through the stone courtyard and you'll find yourself next to the old town, just minutes away from the city's top restaurants, shops, and sights. Double rooms with breakfast start at £173.22 per night in December.
In 2019, the renowned Cato Institute released an article titled 'How Lithuania brought down the Soviet Union,' and it is accurate that the nation's sense of pride was a significant factor in the fall of communism.
These challenging times are documented in the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles (£5/€6), a remarkable collection showcasing KGB cruelty that served as a filming location for a popular production.HBO miniseries ChernobylA disturbing yet valuable look at the most oppressive aspects of the nation's past, I spent 90 minutes here — but you could remain and gain much more knowledge.
Currently, a lasting conviction about the right to self-governance accounts for Lithuania's strong support ofUkraine. Support is visible on every street corner, with Lithuanian and Ukrainian flags displayed together and ‘Slava Ukraini'Glory to Ukraine' banners in the majority of shop windows.
It's chilly, and I'm looking forward to escaping the freezing temperatures, so I check into Bokšto Spa, a modern sanctuary located in a renovated cellar under the old town. Among the many rejuvenating choices available are three saunas, a jacuzzi, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a quiet room featuring marble water elements, and I can sense the remnants of the outside world disappearing in this underground labyrinth. At €80 (£67) for three hours, it's not inexpensive. However, when compared to similar day spas in London that charge nearly twice as much for half the time, Vilnius offers an excellent value.
Ensure you discover this secret treasure before others do.
Two-day Vilnius itinerary
Day 1
Coffee and morning meal at Barbara and Augustus
Take a self-directed walking tour of the historic town, then go to Cathedral Square
Explore Soviet history at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, along with Lukiskes Prison (where portions of Stranger Things were shot)
Dinner at 14 Horses followed by a drink at Nick and Nora
Day 2
Breakfast at Paupys market
Visit Uzupis, strolling along the cobblestone streets and cafes.
Unwind at Boksto Spa
Evening meal at Dziaugsmas followed by beverages at the warm wine bar Bohema
Alice Murphy visited Go Vilnius. Ryanair offers flights from London Luton and Stansted to Vilnius starting at £19.99; Wizz Air provides service from Luton to Vilnius beginning at £57.98.
The piece was first released on December 1, 2024, and has since been revised.
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