Discover one of many lesser-known gems of Eastern Europe with a visit to Lithuania’s dreamy capital. A charmingly genuine medieval city with a spunky, inventive flare. Vilnius comes out of its shell in spring and right here’s why we expect it’s the right time to go to…
1. Užupis Day
Užupis is an space situated, because the identify in Lithuanian suggests, ‘just beyond the river’. It’s one of many smallest republics on the earth at lower than 1km squared. This tiny republic, shaped on April 1 1998, has its personal president, authorities, structure and foreign money. Every 12 months on April 1st, Užupis celebrates its independence, identified regionally as Užupis Day. It’s telling that it falls on the identical day as April Fools Day – highlighting the significance given to humour over “serious” political issues.
What began out as a playful joke amongst a couple of artists has now snowballed into an essential a part of custom and a supply of nice satisfaction amongst locals. On April 1st, get your passport stamped as you cross the bridge into the republic. Swap your Euros for Uzis (the unofficial foreign money of Užupis) and refill your glass on the fountain in the principle sq. – it spouts beer on this in the future of the 12 months!
The relaxed, bohemian ambiance is palpable as quickly as you cross the river. This fun-loving, inclusive angle is obvious to see within the Užupis structure which states issues like “Everyone has the right to understand nothing”, “Everyone has the right to be unique” and “a dog has the right to be a dog”. If you by probability meet the ambassador of Užupis, don’t overlook to present him a stroke. He is afterall, a ginger cat.
2. The artwork & tradition
Vilnil – Museum of Illusions
For households who’re a fan of the unreal and surprising, depart your premonitions on the door and step into the curious world of Vilnil. The museum of illusions, the place scientific invention meets artwork. A enjoyable day trip for each adults and youngsters – excellent for Spring days when the climate isn’t behaving itself! An grownup ticket prices €11 while kids beneath 7 go free.
Street artwork
As the climate begins to get hotter, Spring is the right time to go to the outside artwork gallery that’s unfold throughout the town – the road artwork. Start off on the Pasaka cinema, who’s door is surrounded by sinister-looking variations of the Alice in Wonderland characters.
From there, head throughout the outdated city to seek out the colorful mural by Lithuanian artist Aušra Bagočiūnaitė for the Vilnius Puppet Theatre, Lėlė. The space of Pylimo is a treasure trove of strange road artwork. Meander by the streets and also you’re certain to seek out one thing that catches your eye. Don’t miss Millo’s constructing artwork and Os Gemeos by twins from Sao Paolo.
3. The sundown from the Hill of Three Crosses
As you climb up the wood steps in the direction of the Hill of Three Crosses, the panoramic view of the town opens up and the Old Town turns into seen. It’s a magical place to observe the solar go down on the finish of the day. The story of the three crosses goes again to the 14th century, the place they had been erected as a memorial to monks who had been tortured and killed. Today, the memorial is a logo of hope and nationwide id.
4. Eating your manner throughout the town!
Street meals
Towards the tip of Spring, road meals vans begin to pop up across the metropolis. The a lot anticipated road meals markets reminiscent of Open Kitchen and Vilnius Street Food Festival open their doorways to hungry locals and travellers.
Street meals in Vilnius is as a lot a global affair as it’s conventional. Don’t be shocked to seek out meals vans of burgers, german sausages and tortillas beside road distributors promoting cepelinai – lithuanian dumplings comprised of grated potatoes and filled with meat. Do nonetheless, be shocked on the high quality of the road meals on provide. Some of the very best cooks within the metropolis work out of a meals truck and are greater than wanting to showcase the gastronomy of the town to passersby.
Hales Food Market
Hales Food Market is the largest and oldest meals market in Vilnius, open 12 months spherical. Go for the recent every day produce and to pattern the native delicacies as you stroll round. Try a wholesome juice from the market juice bar. Feeling ravenous? Fill up on delicious bagels proper out of the oven and stuff them with smoked nation bacon by famer Mečislovas, who’s a daily sellar on the market.
The conventional delicacies
No journey to Vilnius is full with out making an attempt a bowl of stunning pink, chilly beetroot soup. They say you eat along with your eyes and this soup is a real aesthetic feast. The flavour is powerful and sharp – it’ll preserve you invigorated for a full day forward!
Meat lovers, rejoice! Lithuanian delicacies is usually meat heavy, particularly pork. Traditionally, households have used each a part of the pig in cooking to not waste any. That’s why dishes like pigs ear are nonetheless a delicacy at the moment.
To get an actual really feel of the native meals, strive Senoji Trobele, some of the in style Lithuanian eating places in Vilnius. We suggest ordering a few of their scrumptious fried bread. If you’ve received your coronary heart set on making an attempt a few of that beetroot soup, give Lokys restaurant a go. Towards the tip of spring you’ll have the ability to sit exterior and folks watch because of it’s nice location in the midst of city.
5. It’s by no means been simpler to get to Vilnius!
How to get to Vilnius
Take a direct flight from London, Birmingham, Doncaster, Liverpool or Belfast to Vilnius International Airport. The flight time is a mere 2 hours 40 minutes, and the town centre is just a few kilometres away from the airport if you arrive. Take the prepare from the airport to the town centre. It solely takes 8 minutes and prices simply £0.60.
And right here you’ll find much more suggestions for touring to Vilnius & Lithuania >