Guide to Europe Hidden Gem: Lithuania
Lithuania, situated near to Estonia & Latvia is located in the Balkans state. She proclaims her independence from the USSR, the first Soviet republic to do so. There are simply many things to do in the capital: Vilnius. I recommend to spend at least 3 days in this hidden gem city. Let’s check out things to do in Vilnius!
Vilnius City Card
Before visiting the many museums and tourist attractions in the city, to be more cost effective, get the tourist pass! These passes are available in the form of 24 or 72 hour ticket validity. I recommend getting one with the transport ticket. For instance, the 24 hour include unlimited use of public transport only cost EUR25.
Vilnius city card offers free public transport, admission to museums, free walking audio guide. Get the card from the many various locations of Vilnius Tourist Information Centers found within the city. There are 3 locations to get the cards:
#1: Museum of Genocide
Start the touring of this city by understanding the history behind it. What was the former KGB Russian prison in Lithuania, it now houses museum depicting sad stories of the suffering of the citizens in the past. Here, one can witness the distressing insight of inmates as the basement houses the actual prison. Pay a visit to the execution chamber. Get to see what was life under Soviet and Nazi rule.
#2: Uzupis Republic
Mark off visiting the independent Republic of Uzupis , it is just right off the next street in Vilnius. Uzupis & Lithuania 🇱🇹 is like Rome & Vatican City… Uzupis is an independence city state for those who felt simply not enough to gain independence from Russia 🇷🇺,it is somewhere for those who truly wanted to be free. So walk in and get an official stamp on your passport. It has its own anthem, constitution and president. During the soviet regime, Uzupis was a dangerous neighborhood. However, art has remark this place to be a peaceful area now. The republic has 3 mottos, don’t fight, don’t win, don’t surrender and has bizarre rules like “Everyone has a right to be happy or sad”. One can read more on the bizarre rules they had along the road in Uzupis Republic.
#3: Three Crosses Monument
These 3 crosses situated high up on the hill, offers a nice view point of Vilnius. These crosses replaced those that formerly stood at that spot which was removed by Soviet in the 1950s.
#4: St Anne’s and Bernardine Church
It is a stunning red brick structure built in the Gothic style. The interior of the church is open to visitors too, walk in to have a feel of it.
#5: Vilnius Cathedral
The iconic landmark of Vilnius, this is one of the must visit attraction located in Cathedral Square. It is the most famous church in Vilnius.
#6: Hales Market
Get all your shopping done here! From clothes, to shoes, meat, cheese, vegetables and your lunch fixed. Housed in a former transportation building, one can now shop everything under one roof.
#7: Night View of Vilnius
Wander at night along the streets of Vilnius, it is equally eye catching and romantic.
#8: Vilnius Town Hall
Located hereby is one of the Tourist Information Office, get your tourist card here and off you are to explore Vilnius! The town hall square often host festivals and events.
#9: Gate of Dawn
The town of Vilnius was surrounded by high wall in the past. Today, only one of the gate exist out of the 9 protected gates. It attracts pilgrims from all over the world who seek miracles from an icon of the Virgin Mary which resides in the Gate Chapel. Pope John Paul II has visited this chapel in 1993.
#10: Street art
Be sure to head to Pylimo Street where one can find the famous Donald Trump and Putin drawing. You will know what they did when they were in Vilnius.
Perhaps, you might want to time your visit during the start of winter. I went to Vilnius in mid November 2018 and catch the start of snow fall. Vilnius receive huge volume of snow during winter, so if you like to have some snow yet same time do not to have the inconvenience of getting through the thick snow, you might consider visiting in November or early December. Certainly, take this guide as a pinch of salt as weather now is unpredictable!
Categories: Europe Region
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