Vilnius is not only an interesting city with an extraordinary history, but also an absolute insider tip for foodies. In this article I’ll show you a few of my favorites among the numerous cafes, restaurants and bars in the Lithuanian capital, but a trigger warning in advance: your mouth will water!
Vegan food in Vilnius: Rosehip Vegan
Located diagonally across from the MO Museum, Rosehip Vegan is already in a pretty cool neighborhood. For me, it’s the perfect spot for an “after-art” lunch—especially if you can’t get enough of the amazing exhibitions! As the name suggests, Rosehip Vegan serves delicious vegan cuisine that’s also quite photogenic. The only downside is the huge portions, which make it hard to resist trying everything on the menu right away.
Tip: For coffee, I recommend you move to the Raštinė located on the opposite street corner.
Fresh and delicious: The vegan restaurant in Vilnius.
Vilnius is an exciting destination: Find out what else you can do in Vilnius in my big Vilnius guide!
The cute tea house: Pinavija
The icy wind whipped through the streets, I was cold, my feet hurt from all the sightseeing (because who would have thought that there really is so much to see in Vilnius!) and actually I just wanted to take a quick break when I stumbled into Pinavija.
But I could have guessed right away that there was another highlight waiting for me, because honestly: In Vilnius, one great location follows the next. Pinavija is a tea house, girl’s dream and cupcake heaven at the same time. In any case, I can highly recommend the mini quiche, but afterwards I was annoyed that I didn’t go for the sweet tartlets with the artfully swirled meringue topping – maybe you can make up for it for me?
Cupcakes at the tea house Pinavija.
Breakfast in Vilnius: My Favorite
I would love to show off a very special breakfast location at this point, but the truth is: I didn’t even make it out of my hotel. But that’s no wonder, because breakfast at Hotel Pacai* really is the kind of hotel breakfast that impresses.
Cozy & elegant: Hotel Pacai in Vilnius.
On the one hand, there is the really attentive and cordial service and the casual atmosphere despite the five stars that promise luxury emblazoned at the entrance, and on the other hand, the offer of a small, fine buffet and various à la carte dishes.
When it comes to buffets, I’m now part of the “less is more” team: rather a few, but good products, and I’m in breakfast heaven. In general, I didn’t want to leave Hotel Pacai again, and I can highly recommend it to you if you want to treat yourself.
Something sweet for in between, good coffee or just a place where you can answer some mails on your laptop in a nice atmosphere? In the cozy Italala Caffè you will find everything at once.
Sugamour: Sweets for night owls
Perhaps you should save your sweet tooth for a little longer, because just a few doors down you’ll find one of six Sugamour branches. Is already the facade pompously decorated – inside it continues with the finest petit fours and tartlets!
The interior design with thousands and thousands of teddy bears takes some getting used to, but somehow it’s also pretty cute. And perfect for night birds: the branch at Vokiečių gatvės is open daily until 11 pm, and even until midnight on Friday and Saturday!
Sweet delicacies late into the evening: Sugamour in Vilnius.
Alchemikas: Booze & Co.
At Alchemikas, I ended up hanging out with a few nice people—even though it almost didn’t happen. The extensive menu at this classic cocktail bar, perfect for cozy evenings, literally fills an entire book, and I had a hard time choosing between all the delicious, evocative cocktails. The good news: Somehow, everything sounded really, really good, and in the end, I was more than satisfied with my choice!
Amandus: Fine dining in Vilnius
In itself, it’s unusual that a Michelin-starred restaurant like Amandus is located in the middle of the alternative artists’ district of Uzurpis – but after an evening there, you won’t be able to stop marveling anyway. When chef Deivydas Praspaliauskas flambéed my already appetizing-looking duck breast to ultimate perfection right in front of me at the table, I was convinced: an evening at Amandus is my absolute Vilnius tip for anyone with a taste for good food. And yes, it really is affordable!
The tasting dinner costs 70 euros, which is really nothing compared to what you would pay for a meal of this quality in many other European capitals – and for a surcharge, there is an extensive wine accompaniment.
But if you have any preconceptions about the amount of food on your plate and all the fuss, I can reassure you: Firstly, I was more than full after the umpteen courses and explosions of flavor and secondly, the atmosphere at Amandus is pleasantly unpretentious!
I want to travel more again, get to know new places and rediscover old ones. Is that what you also set out to do? Then my list of ideas for a few great city trips in Europe is definitely something for you! Just save this post somewhere and you can always get ideas for the next spontaneous city trip throughout the year!
More on the road again: we are traveling for all we’re worth.
What can I say? Before I tell you about the little insider tips in Rome, you should also have seen the classics in Rome. This city is simply so bombastic and interesting that the usual sights such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain or St. Peter’s Basilica alone are enough to keep you busy.
Spanish Steps in Rome
#2 Seville
Spaniards are generally Mediterranean, warm and open, but Andalusians really go the extra mile. “Hola reina”, “como estás reina”, “aqui tiene reina” – I really like this Andalusian habit of always being affectionately addressed as “reina”, meaning “queen”. If you’re looking for joie de vivre and positive energy, Seville is definitely the place for you!
Tip: Watch the flamenco dancers at the Plaza de España and let yourself be carried away by the passionate atmosphere of a city that is bursting with warmth.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Seville, I recommend the Boutique Hotel La Parada de Marques. It’s relatively new, beautifully designed, and the staff are friendly—you’ll love it.
True to style in an Andalusian old building: My hotel tip for Seville
#3 Paris
Oh Paris! This city is just such a classic. Even though it’s super expensive and most people complain about the grumpy and overly proud French. I really can’t understand that, because I rarely find the French or Parisians rude (well, I also live in Berlin, so I have different standards) and if I were French – hey, I’d be pretty proud of this awesome city too!
If you have time: Be sure to visit the Louvre – also a must in Paris!
#4 Zagreb
In Zagreb, I probably experienced the most memorable museum visit of my life: the Museum of Broken Relationships features artifacts from broken relationships. Sounds crazy, and a bit like those tourist museums that are supposed to seem fun, but in the end you’re just annoyed about the money you’ve spent. But it’s very different there, and not only once have the exhibits brought tears to my eyes, whether out of joy or sadness. Definitely worth a recommendation. And Zagreb as a city anyway.
The beautiful roof of St. Mark’s Church in Zagreb
#5 Graz
Okay, Austrians are probably rolling their eyes right now, but to me, Graz—along with Salzburg —is one of Vienna’s little sisters. Less crowded, less overwhelming, but still a mix of tradition, culture, and pretty good cuisine. And thanks to its picturesque location on the Mur River and its green surroundings, Graz is perfect for a relaxing city getaway! By the way: It’s absolutely perfect if you stay at the Grand Hôtel Wiesler, which is right on the Mur River in the city and is simply gorgeous!
Tip: Visit the current exhibition at the Kunsthaus Graz (admire the impressive futuristic building on the side!) and then enjoy the panorama with a glass of wine on the Schlossberg.
View of Graz from the Schlossberg
#6 Vilnius
Vilnius was, so to speak, my last stop of the year (you can find my article about Vilnius here). When I arrived in Vilnius, winter was already just around the corner, and for someone like me—who’s notoriously sensitive to the cold—that was a real challenge. Still, the mix of history, culture, and a young, open atmosphere was really exciting. And at Hotel Pacai, I had one of the most enjoyable hotel stays I’ve had in a long time. It was relatively quiet in the winter, but from previous visits (admittedly, a long time ago), I can still remember how lively it gets here in the summer.
Tip: Vilnius is the only city in Europe where you can float over the city center in a hot air balloon.
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Crazy: The former Lukiskies prison in Vilnius now houses an event space
#7 Venice
Venice is always a good idea, and even if Venice is hijacked by tourists in summer – it is still an incredibly fascinating city. The location in the lagoon, the old palazzi, so much art: I’ve actually been to Venice only once, but this was certainly not the last time!
My advice: Go up to the terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi for sunset & browse the shelves at the Libreria Acqua Alta.
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Fantastic view over the Grand Canal from the roof terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi
#8 Prague
Last year I unexpectedly ended up in Prague again and was just super happy about the day I got to spend there. Prague is just one of those cities full of history and old glamour and has a very special vibe.
It can get crowded on Charles Bridge in the summer, even though it’s so wide!
#9 London
I don’t know if it’s the upcoming coronation of King Charles III or the hype around Harry and Meghan at all, but London has been dominating my Instagram feed lately as far as major cities in Europe go! Well, London always works anyway – so why not consider it for this year?
Tip: Pick up the London Harry Potter vibe at platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross station & then sip champagne at the bar right next door at St.Pancras station.
Très chic: The Champagne Bar at St.Pancras Station
#10 Gdansk
I’ve been to Gdansk a few times and rediscovered some great locations there. For example, it was my first time on the site of the old Gdansk shipyard – and it was so exciting! I hope to go there again in the spring or summer. That’s when the huge crane is open, from where you have a really good view over the city.
Especially in summer, the location on the Baltic Sea is worth its weight in gold: in Gdansk you can perfectly combine sightseeing & a beach day in one weekend.
#11 Palma de Mallorca
Actually, my second home, Palma, is already crowded enough in summer. Every year there are new discussions about limiting the number of cruise ships docking and thus the crowds that flood the streets of the old town during the day.
Anyway, the cruise tourists usually flock in the same direction and I still have so many tips for great locations in Palma (like my favorite neighborhood, Molinar) that the mainstream doesn’t know about. So get ready for more insider tips for Palma here on the blog!
My absolute favorite beach in Palma, for reasons 🙂
#12 Hamburg
Hamburg is only an ICE train ride away from Berlin. I like to travel by train anyway, and I don’t let constant delays or a non-existent service culture like from our German train service stop me! (By the way, with the Flixtrain there is still a good alternative to the Deutsche Bahn in Berlin; also not always perfect, but sometimes a refreshing alternative).
I’ve never been a big fan of Madrid. But after hearing my blogger bestie Sandra rave about so many tips in Madrid all last year, I should give the city another chance and go in search of the best tortillas in Madrid myself.
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#14 Dresden
My insider tip for Dresden: The organic café in the Japanese Palace, with its own small garden in the courtyard!
Semper Opera House in DresdenSmall oasis: the café in the Japanese Palace in Dresden
Dresden has always been a beautiful destination. Besides the usual sights like the Zwinger, the Semper Opera and the Frauenkirche, I recommend a trip to the Neustadt where Dresden gets a bit wilder and alternative.
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#15 Timisoara
Admittedly, Timisoara and I took off on bad terms. I’ve probably been there too many times, and at a time when Timisoara and, for that matter, the rest of Romania were anything but hip and trendy. Or maybe it was due to the rather revealing nightclub advertisement in the elevator of our crew hotel, which was meant to attract guests to the hotel bar in the basement. And I bet many (mostly male) guests on a business trip were very happy about the hint. Already a very unusual flair for one of the better hotels in town. Be that as it may, Timisoara has been really spruced up in recent years, and perhaps the last windy fortune-hunters will soon disappear.
#16 Lisbon
I realized with horror how long it has been since I’ve been to Lisbon. Yet the Portuguese capital is my absolute place of strength; especially in winter, when it’s gray and dreary in Germany, a sunny day in Lisbon is worth its weight in gold I don’t know what it is, but the light, the water around it, the wind of the Atlantic make it one of my favorite cities in Europe. And of course the Portuguese, the delicious food, the great old town and much more.
The best view of Lisbon is from the many miradouros in the city
#17 Faro
After my trip to the Algarve, I almost got stuck in Faro. I just didn’t want to go back to Berlin. What it is, I don’t know, but Faro is possibly just the perfect mix of Portuguese lifestyle, laid-back cafes and stunning beaches just outside the city.
Close to Faro you will find the most amazing beaches!
#18 Manchester
Whenever I think of Manchester and English, I always think of that hot potato that every Mancunian seems to have in their mouth when they speak. That broad accent is just so cool! And anyway, I feel a bit at home in Manchester—probably because there are quite a few parallels between Manchester, as an old industrial city, and my home region, the Ruhr area. And hey, we often talk a bit funny there, too, right?
Expert tip for Manchester: Tib Street in the hip Northern Quarter with street art, specialty coffee cafés and craft beer pubs until you drop
#19 Basel
Okay, Basel is in Switzerland, so that makes it extra expensive, and anyway, in Swiss cities you always have to ask yourself if it’s worth having half a heart attack every time you run up a bill at the café. But Basel in summer is just cool because of its Rhine swimming: Put your clothes in the so-called “Wickelfisch” (a waterproof plastic bag), swimwear on, jump into the Rhine and let yourself drift on the Wickelfisch with the quite swift current. Always an amazing experience!
If you don’t want to swim: You can also chill out by the Rhine in BaselRhine swimming in Basel
#20 Poznan
Actually, I’ve had quite an overdose of stays in Poland in the last few years, because I’m there all the time for work reasons. But that also means that a considerable number of tips have piled up that I still absolutely have to share with you here on the blog – from the best St. Martin’s croissants to a real jungle, I still have quite a few in store for Poznan. And if you’re looking for a nice and easily accessible destination for a short trip that won’t blow a huge hole in your travel budget, Poznan is just perfect!
Beautiful facades: The market square in the old town of Poznan
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#21 Torino
Omg, I just miss overnights in northern Italy! In the meantime, I have given up hope of ever returning to Milan, Bologna or even Torino on duty. Whether for a casual cappuccino or tango dancing under arcades, I’ll definitely have to return!
Reus was one of my new discoveries in Spain last year, along with Tarragona! Only a hundred kilometers from Barcelona, it is perfectly accessible by train for a day trip from there! Find out what you can experience there in my travel guide for Reus!
Tip: A trip to Catalonia is well worthwhile. Here you can find my Catalonia insider tips!
Casa Navas in Reus is so beautiful – an absolute discovery!
#23 Berlin
Opinions differ about my current hometown, which I constantly quarrel with, but which is also simply unique in many ways. Berlin is loud, chaotic and dirty – but you shouldn’t let such trivialities stop you!
Besides, there’s so much to see in Berlin, there’s a pretty good chance there’s still plenty to discover. When I talk to people who didn’t like the city so much, I often realize that they were just exploring the wrong corners. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, I’ve resolved to share more tips for Berlin here on the blog this year!
A city trip to Vilnius is easier than you think: an hour and a half flight and you’ll land in the Lithuanian capital, which apart from a turbulent history also has a lot of modern adventures to offer! Vilnius is young, a bit wild and quite innovative! I’ll show you what you can experience here, especially in winter – and why you should definitely visit Vilnius!
The main sights in Vilnius + history of the city
Cathedral Square & St.Stanislaus Cathedral
The Cathedral Square with the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus is a must-see during a sightseeing tour in Vilnius. On Cathedral Square you will also see a large monument to Gedeminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1316 and founding father of Vilnius (you will come across the name more often in the city! Right next to the cathedral is the bell tower, from which you have a good view of the surroundings.
But you’ll also have a good view from the Gedeminas Tower nearby. There is also a small cable car up there, in case you are too lazy from all the sightseeing to walk all the way up! Gedeminas Tower is part of the Lithuanian National Museum.
Facts about Vilnius:
Lithuania has 2.8 million inhabitants, 570,000 of them live in Vilnius.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest in Eastern Europe and famous for its many Baroque churches.
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania.
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, which was actually destroyed at the beginning of the 19th century and has only recently been completely reconstructed, is also located on Cathedral Square. Here you will also find the archaeological excavations found in the process, which you can see in an interesting exhibition.
As you can see, you can find a high concentration of historical places around the cathedral. Now you should have a really good overview of Vilnius and its origin!
Gate of Dawn
You shouldn’t miss the Gate of Dawn while exploring the main sights in Vilnius. Actually, it is a city gate of the old city wall around the old town. On the side, there is a small entrance from which you go up a staircase just above the archway. There is a really nice little chapel with a Madonna. The Gate of Dawn is an important pilgrimage site and is visited by many believers. (Taking photos is therefore not allowed).
St.John’s Church & Vilnius University
Churches, churches, churches. You won’t get past that in Vilnius, because the many baroque churches are simply part of the cityscape. You’re probably already a little tired from so much history and heavy church history.
But there is one more church you should see: St. John’s Church is part of the Vilnius University campus (one of the oldest in Europe, by the way!) and the altar with its many columns shows very well why the baroque churches in Vilnius are considered quite unique. By the way, in summer you can also climb the bell tower here for a small fee. The bell tower is the highest building in the old town and you’ll have a perfect view!
Best view of Vilnius Old Town: The bell tower of St. John’s Church
Tip: If you’re discreet, you can mingle with students on weekdays and explore the old university. In the philological faculty, thanks to my local guide, I also came across a hall with impressive murals!
Surprising how much history there is in Vilnius, isn’t it? Considering that Lithuania has been part of the EU for quite a long time, it is one of the countries in Europe that I knew very little about, and I bet I am not alone. But as interesting as the history of Lithuania and Vilnius may be, the present is also: there really is a special creative wind blowing through Vilnius, the city is young, in constant upheaval, and very creative. Vilnius itself, for example, advertises itself with the slogan“Vilnius: Amazing wherever you think it is” and so much self-irony already suggests that behind all the history you’ll find a pretty casual city.
The artists’ quarter Užupis
On the other side of the Vilnia river, next to the old town, you end up in Užupis. What somehow started by a group of several artists in the 1990s is now a must-see on any visit to Vilnius.
In Užupis you can find galleries, studios, street art and many small stores. Especially in summer, the pubs here are well attended. Užupis was proclaimed a republic with its own constitution and parliament in 1998 by some of its inhabitants; probably a bit tongue-in-cheek, but still you feel a bit like you’re entering a different world.
With a little luck you can also watch artists at work in Užupis
MO Museum
If, like me, you also like to look at contemporary art, then you should definitely visit the MO Museum. (In general, you should check out the quarter around the museum, here you’ll find some exciting stores and cafés like Raštinė or the Urban Garden.) The privately funded museum was designed by Daniel Libeskind and offers an interesting permanent exhibition as well as interactive temporary exhibitions. Nice design.
Prison 2.0: Strange things in Lukiškės
I walked through the open, large gate, to the right and left high, dark brick facades with teeny tiny windows. If the gate were to close behind me now, I definitely would feel uncomfortable. A very dominant-looking, broad-shouldered security guard with a bald head warns me that photos with a large camera are not allowed (I had overlooked the mini sign at the entrance) and for a brief moment I think he is part of the production – because Lukiškės Prison 2.0 is no longer a prison, but is now part of the creative scene in Vilnius.
Lukiškės & Stranger Things
If you’ve watched Stranger Things on Netflix, it will look familiar: In the fourth season of the series, the former Lukiškės Prison served as a filming location. In general, the old prison is a special place, and I think quite representative of the general vibe in Vilnius. The city is young, lively and open to new concepts: creating an event space and creative center in an old prison is very unique.
Lukiškės 2.0: A place for creatives
Some of the old wings now house studios, exhibition spaces, concert stages or even a bar. The former cells can be visited on a guided tour – and here you can also learn more about the history of the prison. The courtyard is also being put to new use: This winter, a large skating rink was opened, and if you’re too exhausted, you can enjoy snacks afterwards at one of the street food stands outside.
However, I recommend that you think carefully beforehand about when and if you are going to visit Lukiškės 2.0. (My mood was slightly dampened, at least afterwards; certain places just do something to you).
The history of Lukiškės
Lukiškės Prison was one of the most notorious penal institutions in the country for over 100 years; executions were still carried out here until 1996, when the death penalty was abolished in Lithuania. The undignified conditions, as well as international pressure (not least due to Lithuania’s accession to the EU), eventually led to the prison’s closure in 2019.
And once you have experienced the barren cells, the musty smell in the dark corridors, the eerie basement cells for solitary confinement (photos were not allowed in the cell wings as well as the individual cells, but I didn’t feel like it anyway) or the 10-square-meter outdoor cells live, in which the prisoners could spend their only hour outside of the cell to walk around the yard (together with the cellmate, mind you, with whom you had already spent the other 23 hours hanging on each other), then you ask yourself: Only in 2019???
The flippant tone of the tour doesn’t make it any better, and as much as I like creative concepts, I personally found the very casual approach to the past of this place (which wasn’t that long ago) and the fates associated with it very disconcerting. However, you can’t see most parts of the prison without a guided tour, so you just have to go through such embarrassments as a Polaroid mugshot to say goodbye. I didn’t like this kind approach that much, but others might feel different. See for yourself!
Nevertheless, I would recommend you to visit it, because Lukiškės 2.0 is really a moving place. Just take care of yourself. <3
Christmas time & Winter in Vilnius
Let’s put it this way: winter is a rather exotic time to visit Vilnius. It can get very, very cold; especially in January, and sometimes on the already short days you really have to look for the sun under the thick cloud cover. But during Christmas time it can also be cozy in Vilnius: Many stores and pubs decorate their facades festively and on the Cathedral Square a huge, illuminated Christmas tree creates the right atmosphere.
Decorated for Christmas: The Old Town of Vilnius
And cold temperatures are an excellent excuse to stop off at a different café or restaurant every ten meters: The gastronomic scene in Vilnius is so unique that I have a little food guide for you!
One thing in advance: a city trip to Vilnius is very easy. I would even say that you can just spontaneously get on a plane and spend a few days here without thinking too much about the organization. Still, I have a few tips for you that might help!
Where to stay in Vilnius
In the low season you can find some good deals in Vilnius; there are accommodations for every taste. I stayed in an old mansion from the 17th century, which was converted into a design hotel a few years ago with great attention to detail.
Hotel tip: Hotel Pacai – it’s as dreamy as it looks!
I enjoy good hotels anyway (although I spend so much time in hotel rooms anyway), but Hotel Pacai is really an absolute recommendation. Certainly not for every budget, but perhaps still worth a night or two – I promise you won’t forget this highlight in a hurry.
Public transportation is available (streetcar, bus, train), but I didn’t use it at all during my stay. The Old Town is best explored on foot anyway and for further distances I used Bolt (available in Vilnius instead of Uber). Bolt is also a good choice to the airport, costing about 15€ one way.
The flight time to Vilnius is e.g. from Frankfurt about 1:40h, from Berlin only 1:10h.
Language
Lithuanian is spoken in Lithuania, which I find super fascinating as a language. Lithuanian, as a Baltic language, belongs to the Indo-Germanic language family, but don’t let the “Germanic” fool you, you don’t understand anything 🙂 I’ve always tried to pick out at least a few chunks, but I didn’t get beyond “hello” and “thank you”.
The native language is very much cultivated in Lithuania. Similar to France with its radio quota, Lithuania has a kind of language committee that makes sure that the Lithuanian language is not riddled with Anglicisms, for example. Thus, all English words are Lithuanianized, so to speak, “computer” becomes “kompiuteris”, for example.
Younger Lithuanians, however, often speak English, especially in sights, cafes, restaurants, etc.. Older Lithuanians, on the other hand, also speak and understand Russian, but due to the historical background and the current situation, it is better to avoid this topic.
Transparency: My trip to Vilnius was at the invitation of Go Vilnius.
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