Vilnius
I arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania from Riga in Latvia, by bus for 18 euros. It took 4 hours in total and I used the bus company, lux express, I found his company to be very reliable, friendly and a professional service with great free tea/coffee facilities.
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. Lithuania is a country and the most southern of Europe’s three Baltic states, a former Russian nation that borders Poland, Latvia and Belarus. Its capital, Vilnius, near the Belarus border is known for its medieval Old Town with cobbled streets. The district’s partially cobbled streets reflect different styles and eras from the 16th century Gate of Dawn containing a shrine of the Virgin Mary to its 18th century Vilnius Cathedral. Gediminas’ Tower is a symbol of the city and the nation, offers sweeping panoramic views of Vilnius.
My first impression of Vilnius was slightly different from the other two Baltic states I just visited, due to its coach station location, I very quickly realised how far the sea was from the capital of Vilnius compared to Latvia’s capital Riga and Estonia’s capital Tallinn. From the coach station, I took a walk for around 10 minutes to the old medieval town of Vilnius and it was then, I realised the beauty of Vilnius, with its widespread cobbled streets and mix styles of architectural buildings.
I was very lucky in Lithuania to have a family guide me around Vilnius and show me the sights and true culture of Lithuania.
On my arrival, I made my way to my hotel “Domus Maria” in a perfect location in the old town of Vilnius by the 16thcentury Gate of Dawn where I met my hosts for this beautiful Baltic state.
They were very keen to take a small walk with me through the old medieval town and give me some information about the history of Lithuania.
I was very lucky to enjoy a day of Lithuania education and enjoy a Gymnasium and Vilnius University.
I was given an invite to Dominyka’s Gymnasium (school) where I would give a motivational speech in an English lesson, This was something very new to me, as much as I have visited a number of different schools across the globe and had 1 on 1 talks with children around the ages of 6 – 10 years old, I have never given a speech to a class let alone to a class of around 15/16 years of age. Click here to continue.
Followed by an invite from Julija to visit Vilnius university, She was very kind and gave me a lot of knowledge of the university. She showed me a couple of lecture rooms, bio labs and also the university library. A day full of education was a great insight to this country’s education system and seeing the difference between European schools.
Getting from Vilnius airport to the old town of Vilnius
Vilnius International Airport is approximately 5 km south of the city centre.centre.
The easiest way is to get a taxi for 10 euro’s, you will find these right outside the airport.euro’s, you will find these right outside the airport.
Vilnius Public bus or trolley bus which will cost 3 eurosbus which will cost 3 euros
Vilnius shuttle train service takes you to the train station for less than 1 euro
All tickets can be bought ON the transport method.
Travelling Around Vilnius
Vilnius doesn’t have any underground system or tram service, however, there are plenty of trolley buses and busses that can take you to every destination.
For travel within the old town of Vilnius, from what I could find you only have 2 options, my good old favourite walking or hiring bicycles.favourite walking or hiring bicycles.
For hiring the bicycles you press a button and speak to an operator, I was told for short time hire this was free, I couldn’t find any other price listed for any given times.times.
Buses and trolley buses are very confusing to how they work but prices vary as below:work but prices vary as below:
30 minutes on any bus/trolley bus with changes cost 0.64 euro.
60 minutes on any bus/trolley bus with changes cost 0.94 euros.
one way ticket on the same bus/trolley bus with NO change costs 1 euro.
One way tickets can be bought with a bus/trolleybus driver. This paper ticket has to be marked after the purchase. You must do that by using an old metal tool on a holder of a bus/trolleybus.
Do not forget to activate your travel card on the first journey or face a big fine.
To my knowledge there was no Vilnius card nor was there 24- hour tickets.
Accommodation, Eating and Drinking in Vilnius
Hotels and hostels budget for every price range with hostels in a dorm starting at around 8 euros (£5), up to the 5- star hotels. I found a lovely 3- star hotel. I had a double bedroom with breakfast for 35 euros (£27),
Restaurants are all over Vilnius old town and the modern city and hey are not too expensive, you could have 3 courses for about for 15 euros (£12) and a beer for 2 euros (£1.50) and of course you could go in for just a single course meal for around 8 euros (£6).
Nightlife
For nightlife head just outside of the old town, we found a great bar one night called the La beara, I couldn’t find any bar crawls, however, plenty of bars are very lively.
Vilnius definitely makes for a good night out. Head for a street call Gedemino
Church’s and Cathedrals in Vilnius
The Gate of Dawn is a city gate of the old town of Vilnius and one of the most important religious, historical and cultural monuments in Lithuania.
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church is a Roman Catholic church located in the Antakalnis area of Vilnius.
The Cathedral of Vilnius is the main Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lithuania. It is situated in Vilnius Old Town, just off of Cathedral Square.
St. Anne’s Church is a Roman Catholic church.
St. Nicholas Church is one of the oldest standing churches of Lithuania built in the Old Town of the capital city Vilnius.
I could name a lot here and each is beautiful inside and out,
There are so many churches to visit in Vilnius, with around 28 churches it equals to around 1 church to every 700thperson. 21 are roman catholic and 4 are Russian Orthodox. A few remain closed and not yet reopened after the Soviet occupation.
Things to do and must see in Vilnius
It doesn’t matter what time of year you go to Lithuania you must make sure you visit Trakai Castle, This castle offers fantastic lake view’s, during winter months you can skate on the ice and during summer months hire a pedal boat, Trakai Castle is a perfect spot for picnics and a place to spend the day.
Gediminas’ Tower is the remains of the grand duke of Lithuania’s Upper Castle in Vilnius date from the 14th century and offers sweeping views of Vilnius.
Three Crosses hill is a prominent monument in Vilnius, Lithuania, seven Franciscan friars were beheaded on top of this hill, Three Crosses hill is also known as the Bleak Hill.
The Museum of Genocide Victims or KGB museum in Vilnius, Lithuania was established in 1992 by order of the Minister of Culture and Education and the President of the Lithuanian Union of Political Prisoners and Deportees.
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, National Museum.
Stebuklas tile is a symbol of hope and inspiration, it is believed to create miracles and remember those they have experienced and may yet still experience. If you have a secret wish or dream, step onto the tile, close your eyes, make your wish or intention and turn around clockwise three times.
The Presidential Palace, located in Vilnius Old Town, is the official office and eventual official residence of the President of Lithuania.
Vilnius Town Hall is a historical town hall and at Christmas time, a big Christmas tree is located.
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, National Museum.
Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania.
Belmondas park near Vilnius.
