Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is located near the border with Belarus and serves as a major transportation hub in the Baltic region, as well as a renowned cultural center. In 2009, Vilnius was named a European Capital of Culture, and its historic center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Vilnius was founded during the reign of Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania, in 1316, with the support of German settlers. It officially became the capital of Lithuania in 1323 and features a remarkable architectural mix of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles, influenced by Scandinavian, Russian, and German traditions.

The city’s beauty is epitomized by its charming Vilnian Baroque, which enhances the cobblestone streets of the old town. Vilnius is scenically situated at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, surrounded by forested hills, offering a unique natural charm.

Top tourist attractions in Vilnius include:

Gediminas Castle – featuring an impressive tower that provides visitors with stunning views of the old town and the modern district on the right bank of the Neris River.

Gediminas Square – the heart of the old town, showcasing a magnificent classical cathedral, fascinating churches, historical buildings, museums, monuments, and parks.

Vilnius University – one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe, established in 1579.

National Philharmonic Hall – where you can enjoy high-quality classical music performances.

Opera and Ballet Theatre, Youth Theatre, and Academic Drama Theatre – offering a wide range of cultural performances.

Vilnius is also animated by numerous fairs and exhibitions, as well as cultural events held throughout the year. Some of the most notable festivals include:

International Poetry Festival – in May.

Vilnius Festival – dedicated to classical music, held in June.

Christopher’s Summer Festival – taking place in July and August, featuring music, stories, carnivals, and fireworks.

Vilnius Jazz Festival – held in mid-October.

If you wish to visit Vilnius, you can fly with one of the following airlines: Lufthansa, LOT, SAS, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, or Air Baltic.