Vilnius is one of the most unknown and subversive capitals of Europe a great revelation for those visiting for the first time. Emits fairytale romance, youthful artistic eccentricity and unpretentious atmosphere. Lakes, islands, lush meadows, castles and legends surround the captivating capital of only 550,000 inhabitants.
You will meet them in beautiful cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs to chatter with Mediterranean temperament for politics, sports and art. Do not forget, that the basketball and theater are export products of Lithuania. The walk to the historic center of Old Town, which has been declared an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, is a unique experience.
You feel as if you enter a time machine or like to see a close up of the major European styles, from Gothic architecture to the Renaissance and Baroque to neoclassical, with an extra taste of Russian Orthodoxy. Trademark city is Uzupis the district of artists with graffiti art, countless galleries and antique and idiosyncratic places. Among the gothic streets of the Old Town, futuristic buildings and massive malls of westernized New Town lies an explosive concentration of creative energy.
The truth is that you will walk a lot. You will pass by the famous green market of Tymo, will lie on the river Neris and the grass of the vast parks and of course, you will laugh with the wonderful discords of the city, such as the statue of Angel on the surreal Ouzoupis or bust of Frank Zappa outside polyclinics in the city center, although the legendary musician had nothing to Vilnius only some fanatic fans. Look for the new generation of emerging Lithuanian fashion designers in the Old City and Ouzoupis or in the Gedimino mall at Gediminas Avenue.
The best time to visit is from May to October. In the winter the temperature is always below 0 and in summer around 30 degrees Celsius.
View more here: The cheapest countries in Europe for holidays, Gourmet getaways and design hotels in Europe.
By Nicole P.
Vilnius photos: Andrius Aleksandravicius, Toni Kaarttinen, FromTheNorth, EUROPE WHENEVER YOU’RE READY.
