Things to Do in Vilnius

Vilnius's Old Town is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval city centers, spanning 360 hectares and featuring over 1,500 buildings dating from the 14th century onward.

The city sits at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers in a valley surrounded by forests, making it one of Europe's greenest capitals with extensive parks and woodland.

Vilnius was nearly destroyed during World War II but was reconstructed using meticulous historical documentation, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994.

The city has been ruled by over 10 different powers throughout history, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union.

Vilnius is home to Europe's widest street, Gediminas Avenue, which was deliberately widened after Soviet occupation to prevent citizens from barricading it.

The city's Uzupis district declared itself an independent artistic republic in 1997 with its own constitution, president, and currency—it remains a bohemian creative hub.