Travelling solo in Vilnius is an underrated joy. Lithuania’s capital is compact, creative, and packed with charm, without the price tag you’ll find in most Western European cities. It was the first stop of my Baltic journey, and I can confidently say Vilnius is a safe and rewarding destination for independent travellers. This Vilnius travel guide highlights the very best free or cheap things to do, so you can make the most of your solo adventure without breaking the bank.
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12 Best Things to Do in Vilnius on a Budget (Especially for Solo Travellers)
Vilnius, the baroque beauty of the Baltics, is one of those cities that makes solo travel feel effortless. At its heart is Europe’s largest Baroque Old Town, a maze of cobbled streets and pastel façades where every turn reveals another church tower or hidden courtyard. The mix of grand architecture, cosy cafés, and friendly faces gives Vilnius the charm of a small village combined with the history of a capital city. It is also wonderfully compact, with most of its highlights just a short walk from each other, making it easy to explore everything at your own pace.
🛏️ Planning to stay in Vilnius? Here’s an otherview of all the hotels.
1. Explore Vilnius Old Town
Start your day in Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest and most picturesque in Europe. This historic heart stretches for 1.5 kilometres from the Gate of Dawn in the south to Cathedral Square in the north. Built up in the 15th and 16th centuries, the area’s narrow cobbled lanes, hidden courtyards, and lavish churches still carry the atmosphere of bygone eras.
Follow Pilies Street, the Old Town’s main artery, where amber jewellery shops, cosy cafés, street musicians create a lively atmosphere. If you’re here in the morning, grab a coffee and croissant from one of the side-street bakeries and watch the city wake up.
💡 Tip: Visit before 10 AM for quieter streets and better photo opportunities.
2. Cross the Bridge to Užupis
Cross the Vilnia River and you will find yourself in Užupis, Vilnius’ bohemian quarter and self-proclaimed “Republic.” This quirky neighbourhood declared its independence in 1997, complete with its own flag, president, currency, and even a tongue-in-cheek constitution that you can read on a wall in several languages. As soon as I stepped a foot in Užupis, it instantly became one of my favourite European neighborhoords thanks to its unique atmosphere.
Užupis has the feel of an open-air art gallery. You’ll spot colourful murals, street sculptures, and little art installations tucked into courtyards or hanging above your head. Wander along Paupio Street to see the Constitution, then make your way to the Angel of Užupis statue, the district’s most famous landmark. If you’re visiting in summer, the riverside cafés and bars are perfect for a coffee or cold drink with a view.
Užupis offers its own quirky passport stamp at the bridge border or “Užupis 1 point.” While it's fun, I strongly advise against stamping your real passport, as unofficial marks could cause issues. Use a notebook instead!
3. Visit Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square
Right in the heart of the city sits Vilnius Cathedral, a landmark you cannot miss. With its bright white façade, tall columns, and statues watching over Cathedral Square, it almost feels like it belongs in ancient Greece. Step inside and you will find beautiful chapels and frescoes, including the Chapel of St. Casimir, which glows with gold and rich colours.
Just beside it stands the bell tower, separate from the main cathedral because it was originally part of the city’s defensive wall. In the past, it served as a watchtower, keeping an eye on anyone approaching Vilnius. Today, you can climb its narrow wooden stairs for some of the best views over the Old Town.
🎟️ Access to the inside of Vilnius Cathedral is free. Access to the Bell Tower costs 6€ for adults and 4€ for pupils, students, pensioners, and disabled people.
🕒 Vilnius Cathedral is open everyday from 7.00AM to 6.00PM.
Just in front of Vilnius Cathedral you will find a small tile with the word Stebuklas (“miracle” in Lithuanian). Stand on it, spin around three times, and make a wish. Locals say it will come true.
4. Climb Gediminas Tower for a Panoramic View
Rising above the city on Castle Hill, Gediminas Tower is one of Vilnius’ most iconic landmarks. It is all that remains of the Upper Castle, built in the early 15th century by Grand Duke Vytautas. Today, it is a small but fascinating museum that tells the story of Vilnius and Lithuania’s past.
You can reach the top either by walking up the cobbled path from the Cathedral or taking the funicular for a small fee (2€ one-way, or 3€ back and forth). Once you are at the top, you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Old Town’s rooftops, the River Neris, and the modern glass towers in the distance. The contrast between old and new Vilnius is especially striking from here.
🎟️ Access to the hill is free of charge. Access to the inside of Gediminas Tower costs 8€ for adults and 4€ for pupils, students, pensioners between April and September. During low season, prices are respectively 4€ and 3€.
🕒 Gediminas Tower is open everyday from 10.00AM to 8.00PM.
5. Discover the Jewish Quarter
Tucked within the Old Town is the Jewish Quarter, once the heart of Vilnius’ vibrant Jewish community. Before World War II, the city was often called the “Jerusalem of the North” because of its thriving Yiddish culture, famous scholars, and over 100 synagogues. Today, the quarter is smaller, but it remains a moving and beautiful place to explore.
Wander along Stiklių, Mėsinių, and Gaono streets, where restored buildings and quiet courtyards hint at centuries of history. You will find plaques and small memorials marking where important figures once lived, as well as the Choral Synagogue, the only one still in use in Vilnius.
✨ This popular 2.5-hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour dives into Vilnius’ rich Jewish heritage, guiding you through powerful stories, hidden corners, and landmarks that shaped the city’s history.
6. Admire the Church of St. Casimir (The Pink Church)
One of the most photogenic landmarks in Vilnius is the Church of St. Casimir, affectionately called the Pink Church. With its soft pastel façade and Baroque curves, it stands out like a wedding cake among the surrounding buildings. Built in the early 17th century by the Jesuits, it is dedicated to St. Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania. Because of its location near the Gate of Dawn, it is easy to include the Pink Church in your Old Town walk.
🎟️ Access to the Church of Saint Casimir (Pink Church) is free.
🕒 Church of Saint Casimir (Pink Church) is open to the public from 11.00AM and 7.00PM (closed on Saturdays).
7. Hike to the Three Crosses Monument
Perched on a hill just across the river from the Old Town, the Three Crosses Monument is a symbol of resilience and faith in Lithuania. The story goes that the original crosses were erected in the 17th century to honour martyred Franciscan monks. The Soviets later destroyed them, but they were rebuilt in 1989 as a sign of independence and hope.
The climb takes about 20–30 minutes from the base of Kalnų Park, and although it is a bit steep, the reward is one of the best panoramic views of Vilnius. You can see the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town, the green stretches of the surrounding parks, and even the distant suburbs.
It is a peaceful spot for reflection, especially in the early morning or at sunset. Solo travellers will appreciate the well-marked paths, and if you pack a snack, it makes a great picnic location. Just remember to bring water if you are hiking in summer.
8. Step Into the Palace of the Grand Dukes
Right next to Cathedral Square, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania once was the political and cultural heart of the Grand Duchy. The original palace was demolished in the 19th century, but it has been meticulously rebuilt to reflect its Renaissance style. Inside, you can explore four different museum routes covering archaeology, architecture, and the everyday life of the nobility, and the top floor offers a great viewpoint over Cathedral Square.
🎟️ Access to the Palace of the Grand Dukes costs 16€ for adults and 8€ for pupils, students, and pensioners.
🕒 The Palace of the Grand Dukes is open everyday from 10.00AM to 6.00PM (8.00PM on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). During low season (September to May), the Palace is closed on Mondays.
9. Explore the KGB Museum (Museum of Occupations)
Le KGB Museum is one of the most moving places to visit in Vilnius. Located in the former headquarters of the Soviet secret police, the building holds a sombre history. Here, thousands of Lithuanians were interrogated, imprisoned, and deported during the Soviet occupation.
Inside, the exhibits tell the story of Lithuania’s fight for freedom, from the partisan resistance to the eventual restoration of independence in 1990. The most powerful section is the preserved prison in the basement, where you can walk through the stark cells, solitary confinement rooms, and even the chilling execution chamber. It is not an easy visit, but it offers important insight into Lithuania’s recent past.
🎟️ Access to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights costs 6€ for adults and 3€ for pupils, students, and pensioners.
🕒 The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00AM to 6.00PM (5.00PM on Sundays).
10. Walk Down Literatų Street
Hidden in the heart of the Old Town, Literature Street is a short side street and charming tribute to Lithuania’s literary heritage. Along its walls, you will find more than 200 plaques dedicated to Lithuanian and international writers, poets, and thinkers. Each plaque is unique, created by different artists in various styles and materials.
11. Take a Half-Day Trip to Trakai Castle
Just a 30-minute train or bus ride from Vilnius, the fairytale-like Trakai Castle makes for one of the best half-day trips from the city. Perched on an island in Lake Galvė and connected to the shore by a long wooden bridge, the castle looks like it belongs in a storybook. Its red-brick towers and walls reflect beautifully in the water, especially on a sunny day.
Inside, the castle houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the unique Karaim community that has lived in Trakai for centuries. You can explore the castle museum, walk the lakeside paths, or rent a boat in summer.
🚌 Buses depart frequently (around every 30-40 minutes) from Vilnius Bus Station (Sodų St. 22) and cost around 3-4€. Check Vilnius-Trakai buses timetable and prices here.
🚊 Trains leave about 7 times daily from Vilnius Railway Station (Geležinkelio St. 16), with tickets costing 3-5€; return tickets are slightly discounted, and buying one upfront avoids a €2 onboard service fee. Check Vilnius-Trakai trains timetable and prices here.
🎟️ Access to Trakai Castle costs 12€ for adults and 6€ for students between May and September. During low season, prices are respectively 10€ and 5€.
🕒 Trakai Castle is open everyday from 10.00AM to 7.00PM.
12. Watch the Sunset at Subačiaus Viewpoint
For one of the most sweeping views of Vilnius, make your way to Subačiaus Viewpoint on the edge of the Old Town. From here, you can see the red-tiled rooftops, the spires of countless churches, and the green hills rolling into the distance. It is the perfect spot to relax and appreciate just how compact and walkable Vilnius really is.
And that’s a wrap on the best things I recommend doing in Vilnius!
What next? Maybe you are pursuing your Baltic trip? Then, these articles may interest you:
✨ An Amazing Baltic Trip: Visit 3 countries in 10 days (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
✨ Riga Travel Guide: 12 Best Things to Do for an Unforgettable City Break
Where to stay in Vilnius?
In my opinion, the best area to stay in Vilnius is around the Old Town for easy access to main sights. Whether you’re after a cozy budget stay or a stylish hotel with historic charm, Vilnius offers plenty of options in this area.
Is Vilnius safe for solo travel?
Yes, Vilnius is absolutely safe for solo travellers, including solo female travellers. I never felt uneasy during my time here. The main streets and tourist areas are well-lit in the evenings, and the compact layout means you rarely feel isolated, even when exploring alone.
I was on my own the whole trip, yet never once felt out of place or awkward. In fact, Vilnius has a welcoming, village-like vibe that makes you feel part of the city within hours of arriving. If you are thinking about visiting solo, especially as a woman, I can confidently say you will feel safe and at ease here.
I hope these suggestions of things to do in Vilnius have been helpful and informative!
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