In the heart of the Baltic region lies a city with a rich history and vibrant culture waiting to be discovered - Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. With just 2 days to spare, you can immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, savour traditional Lithuanian cuisine, and uncover the hidden gems that make Vilnius a must-visit destination in Europe.

Join me on a journey through this enchanting city as we navigate its cobbled streets, quaint alleyways, historic landmarks and Jewish heritage, all within a two-day itinerary crafted to make the most of your time in Vilnius!

Vilnius: 2 day itinerary

• Day 1:

  • Morning: Vilnius Old Town walking tour:

    • Town Hall

    • Jewish Street

    • Vilna Ghetto

    • Gaon of Vilnius statue

    • Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos

    • Užupis Republic

    • St. Anne's Church

    • Cathedral Square

  • Afternoon

    • Vilnius Cathedral

    • Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

    • Gediminas Castle Tower

    • Vilnius University

• Day 2:

  • Morning: Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History:

    • Samuel Bak Museum

    • Choral Synagogue

    • Museum of Culture and Identity of Lithuanian Jews

    • Holocaust Exhibition

  • Afternoon:

    • Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas

    • Church of St. Casimir & the Jesuit House

    • Church of All Saints

    • Margutis Easter Egg

Day 1

Vilnius Old Town walking tour

To embark on my Vilnius adventure, I decided to join a Vilnius Old Town walking tour with GetYourGuide, operated by Vilnius with Locals. During approximately 2.5 hours, we traversed the charming cobblestone streets of Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with architectural marvels and historical landmarks.

What struck me most about the tour was its authentic approach to exploring Vilnius. Beyond the typical tourist attractions, we ventured into the former Jewish quarter, meandered through hidden alleys, and stumbled upon charming corners I would have surely missed on my own. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the personal touch my guides brought to the tour. With a blend of humour, anecdotes, and genuine warmth, she painted a vivid picture of life in Vilnius, from its tumultuous past to its vibrant present.

In hindsight, joining a Vilnius walking Tour was one of the best decisions I made during my visit. Not only did it provide valuable insights into the city's history and culture, but it also left me with a deeper appreciation for Vilnius and its people. So, if you're looking for an authentic way to kick-start your exploration of Vilnius, I wholeheartedly recommend joining a walking tour.

Town Hall

Our exploration began at the stairs of Vilnius Town Hall, where our friendly local guide waited for our group. Vilnius City Hall and its adjacent square stand as iconic landmarks at the heart of Vilnius Old Town, serving as both historical sites and vibrant centres of civic life. The City Hall Square, known locally as Rotušės aikštė, is a bustling hub where locals and visitors alike gather to soak in the city's atmosphere and partake in various events and festivities.

The Vilnius City Hall itself is a magnificent Gothic-style building that dates back to the late 18th century, although its history traces back even further. Originally constructed in the early 15th century, the building underwent several reconstructions and expansions over the centuries, each adding to its grandeur and architectural significance. Its striking facade, adorned with ornate details and a towering clock tower, is a testament to Vilnius' rich historical legacy.

Jewish Street

Turning left from the City Hall, we soon reached Žydų Street, or Jewish Street. It holds profound historical significance as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant Jewish community that once flourished in the city. Located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, Žydų Street was historically the bustling epicenter of Jewish life, commerce, and culture, serving as a vibrant hub for Vilnius' Jewish population for centuries.

Throughout much of its history, Vilnius boasted one of the largest and most dynamic Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, earning it the moniker "Jerusalem of Lithuania." Žydų Street emerged as a bustling thoroughfare lined with synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, workshops, and communal institutions, reflecting the diverse tapestry of Jewish life and identity in Vilnius.

One of the most notable landmarks on Žydų Street is the remains of the Great Synagogue of Vilna, which once stood as the spiritual and architectural centerpiece of Vilnius' Jewish quarter. Built in the 17th century, the Great Synagogue was a symbol of the thriving Jewish community and a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Tragically, the synagogue was destroyed during World War II, and only fragments of its walls remain as a haunting reminder of its former grandeur.

Vilna Ghetto

Žydų Street is located in what would later become the Jewish Ghetto of Vilnius. Also known as the Vilna Ghetto, this area was a tragic chapter in the city's history during World War II, marking a period of profound suffering and loss for Vilnius' Jewish community. Established by the occupying Nazi forces in 1941, the ghetto was one of many such enclaves created across Europe as part of the Holocaust.

Situated in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, the ghetto encompassed several streets and alleys, effectively segregating the city's Jewish population from the rest of society. Conditions within the ghetto were dire, with overcrowded living quarters, scarce food and resources, and constant fear of persecution looming over its residents.

Despite the harsh realities they faced, the inhabitants of the Vilna Ghetto demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. Cultural and intellectual life persisted within the confines of the ghetto, with clandestine schools, religious services, and cultural events providing a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

Tragically, the existence of the Vilna Ghetto was short-lived, as its inhabitants were systematically deported to concentration camps or killed in mass executions as part of the Nazi regime's genocidal policies. Today, the site of the former ghetto serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the resilience of Vilnius' Jewish community.

Gaon of Vilnius statue

Within the former Ghetto, the statue of the Gaon of Vilnius stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Rabbi Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, a revered figure in Jewish learning and scholarship. His teachings and influence resonated throughout the Jewish community, shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of Vilnius for generations.

Born in Vilnius (known as Vilna in Yiddish), Lithuania, in 1720, the Vilna Gaon made significant contributions to Jewish scholarship, particularly in the fields of Talmudic studies, Jewish law, and Kabbalah. From a young age, the Vilna Gaon displayed exceptional intellectual prowess and a prodigious aptitude for Torah study. He devoted countless hours to mastering the intricacies of Jewish texts, earning renown as a brilliant Talmudist and halakhic authority.

One of the Vilna Gaon's most enduring legacies lies in his efforts to meticulously edit and annotate the Babylonian Talmud, a monumental task that earned him widespread acclaim and established him as a preeminent figure in Jewish scholarship. His annotations, known as "Vilna Gaon's commentary" or "Gra's commentary," are still revered by scholars and students of Jewish law today for their depth of insight and meticulous attention to detail.

Despite his towering intellect and profound impact on Jewish learning, the Vilna Gaon lived a humble and ascetic life, eschewing material wealth and worldly pursuits in favor of spiritual growth and devotion to God. His teachings emphasized the importance of moral integrity, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of truth in all aspects of life. Today, he is revered as one of the greatest Torah scholars in Jewish history, with countless institutions and communities honoring his memory and teachings.

Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos

Our journey led us to the Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. Built in the 14th century during the reign of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Algirdas, who commissioned its construction for his Orthodox second wife, Uliana of Tver, in 1346. Blessed by Saint Alexius, Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus', the cathedral was completed by Kievan architects in 1348, making it one of the oldest churches in Vilnius.

Throughout the medieval period, the Cathedral of the Theotokos served as a spiritual centre for the burgeoning Christian population of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It witnessed significant events, including the marriage of Grand Duke Aleksandras of Lithuania and Helena of Moscow in 1495, underscoring its importance as a site of royal and religious significance. Despite the subsequent conversion of Lithuania to Roman Catholicism, the cathedral remained a beacon of Orthodox worship, protected by princes Konstanty Ostrogski and Konstanty Wasyl Ostrogski.

Over the centuries, the cathedral endured numerous trials and tribulations, including fires, reconstructions, and changes in ownership. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1785 after a major fire and underwent thorough modernization in 1822 under the ownership of Vilnius University. However, during the Russification campaign of the 19th century, the cathedral was confiscated and transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church, undergoing a reconstruction in the style of medieval Georgian architecture from 1865 to 1868 under the direction of architect Nikolai Chagin.

Throughout the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including the Second World War and Soviet occupation, the Cathedral of the Theotokos persevered, undergoing restoration efforts in 1948 and 1998 to preserve its historic and cultural significance. Today, it remains a cherished symbol of Vilnius' Orthodox heritage, hosting services attended primarily by ethnic Russian and Belarusian residents of the city.

Uzupis Republic

Right in front of the Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos you will find the whimsical enclave of Užupis Republic. This self-proclaimed "republic" is a unique and eclectic community known for its independent spirit, artistic expression, and commitment to freedom and creativity.

Founded in 1997 by a group of local artists, writers, and intellectuals, Užupis Republic was established as a tongue-in-cheek declaration of independence from the rest of Vilnius. Inspired by similar artistic enclaves around the world, such as Christiania in Copenhagen and Freetown Christiania in Denmark, Užupis sought to create a haven for artistic freedom and cultural experimentation.

One of the defining features of Užupis is its quirky and irreverent constitution, which was adopted on April 1st, known as Užupis Day, in a nod to its whimsical nature. The constitution, written in multiple languages and displayed prominently in the district, includes such provisions as the right to be happy, the right to be unhappy, and the right to declare oneself a genius or a fool.

Užupis is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and street art installations dotting its narrow cobblestone streets. Visitors can explore the district's many art galleries, attend live music performances and poetry readings, or simply wander through its charming alleyways adorned with colorful murals and graffiti.

As you wander through the streets of Užupis, you'll encounter a community united by a shared love of art, culture, and freedom of expression. Whether you're admiring the latest street art installation, chatting with local artists in a cozy cafe, or simply soaking in the bohemian ambiance, a visit to Užupis Republic promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the boundless creativity of the human spirit.

St. Anne's Church

Continuing our exploration, we found ourselves standing in awe before the breathtaking facade of St. Anne's Church, a Gothic masterpiece renowned for its intricate brickwork and soaring spires. The facade is a masterpiece of architectural design, blending elements of Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles, and is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Eastern Europe.

The origins of St. Anne's Church date back to the late 15th century when it was commissioned by Vytautas the Great, Grand Duke of Lithuania, and his wife, Anna, after whom the church is named. Construction began in 1495, and the church was completed in just seven years, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders.

Throughout its storied past, St. Anne's Church has undergone several renovations and reconstructions to maintain its structural integrity and historical significance. Notably, a reconstruction funded by Mikołaj "the Black" Radziwiłł and Jerzy Radziwiłł was undertaken following severe fire damage in 1582. Despite facing numerous challenges over the centuries, including repair work supervised by Johann Christoph Glaubitz in 1747 and alterations during the Soviet Era, the church has retained its iconic facade and enduring allure.

The history of St. Anne's Church in Vilnius is not only marked by its architectural splendour but also by significant events and legends that have contributed to its enduring allure. One such legend involves Emperor Napoleon, who, according to popular lore, was so enamoured by the church's beauty during the Franco-Russian War in 1812 that he expressed a desire to transport it to Paris 'in the palm of his hand'. While the veracity of this legend may be debated, it speaks to the profound impression that St. Anne's Church has left on visitors throughout the ages.