Vilnius Hotels

The city of over 550,000 people has one foot in modernity as a lively metropolis, with another in a resplendent UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. While the shiny skyscrapers in the new downtown quarter gleam and beckon, the tourist action is in the medieval heart of Vilnius and the National Museum of Lithuania. The massive museum has a crown jewel in the Vilnius Castle Complex. On the left bank of the Neris River, the complex contains some of the city's most venerable landmarks. Future visitors to Vilnius should take note that in 2011, the city will unveil a spectacular new Guggenheim-Hermitage museum.

Vilnius History

• Green Bridge – In existence in one form or the other since 1536, the current form has been in existence since 1952.
• Presidential Palace – This official residence of the president of Lithuania has existed since the 14th century as a much smaller structure.
• Vilnius University – Established in 1579, this oldest university’s main campus represents almost every architectural style in the last 400 years.
• Town Hall – Built in the 14th century, the present classical structure was built in the 18th century.
• Seimas – The Lithuanian Parliament has grown in importance since Soviet forces stormed the television tower in 1991.

Vilnius Art & Culture

• Kenesa – This Moorish looking structure was built in 1922 and is associated with Karaim, the smallest ethnic community.
• Television Tower – This building in Vilnius is the tallest in Lithuania that has become a symbol of protest.
• Ausros Vartai or Gates of Dawn – Dedicated to Mother Mary, it is religiously inspiring and said to have miraculous powers.
• Gintaro Muziejus-Galerija – This is the finest amber museum in the world.
• Lietuvos Nacionalinis Muziejus – This museum displays many interesting artefacts from around Lithuania.

Vilnius Shopping

• Senasis Kuparis – For beautiful and highly sought-after antique items, with glassware in an adjoining shop.
• Julia Janus – Luthianian designer Julija’s haute couture has clothes for women of all shapes and sizes at reasonable price.
• Gintraka – Offering a range of gifts and souvenirs and an array of miscellaneous items.
• Collector’s Club – Find everything from Czechoslovakian clarinets to furniture at this Vilnius gathering of aficionados that has become a serious weekly event.
• 9 blusos – A unique little stall where you can find marvellous toy cars, best selections of the Soviet era cameras, tape recorders and other interesting things.

Gay & Lesbian Vilnius

• Men’s Factory – Located west of the old town, this highly popular gay club also attracts straight club goers.
• Soho – Welcoming atmosphere with separate spaces for drinking and chatting and for dancing.
• 13 – This is a pretty cool nightclub where you can enjoy a safe and friendly atmosphere.
• Brodvejus – This popular Vilnius spot attracts a mixed crowd looking for fun.
• G – This club, once a Soviet-era bomb shelter, is magnificent even though its original name Gravity has been changed.

Attractions

• Vilnius Old Town
• Vilnius Castle Complex
• National Museum of Lithuania
• National Library of Lithuania
• Jonas Mekas Visual Arts Center

Activities

• Vilnius Jazz Festival
• Vilnius Book Fair
• Kaziukas Fair
• Jauna Muzika
• Vilnius Festival

Restaurants

• Lokys
• Zemaiciai
• Balti Drambliai
• Uzupio Kavine
• Trattoria Da Antonio

Nightlife

• Bix
• Cozy
• Sky Bar
• Tamsta
• Galaxy

Climate

Vilnius has a humid continental climate with four seasons.

• Winter (November to March) -9-3°C
• Spring (April to May) 1.5-18°C
• Summer (June to August) 11-22°C
• Fall (September to October) 3-16°C