Vilnius isn’t just a city you visit—it’s a city that gently pulls you into its stories, its streets, and its soul. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site over 30 years ago, the Historic Centre of Vilnius has been captivating travelers for far longer, and it’s easy to see why.

Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and you’ll feel layers of history beneath your feet. From Gothic spires to Baroque façades, the city’s architecture is a living museum where each building whispers tales of centuries past. Look up, and church towers rise alongside red rooftops, framed by pockets of green that soften the cityscape. Every corner seems to blend meticulous craftsmanship with the energy of a city that has reinvented itself time and again.

Some highlights that made me fall in love with Vilnius:

• Gediminas Castle Tower – A medieval sentinel watching over the city, it’s impossible to miss.

• Vilnius Cathedral – Elegant Neoclassical beauty that feels both grand and welcoming.

• Church of St. Anne & Bernardine Complex – A Gothic masterpiece surrounded by legends.

• Vilnius University & Church of St. Johns – Hubs of history where ideas once shaped an entire region.

• Gate of Dawn & Surrounding Churches – A vivid reminder of the city’s religious diversity.

Beyond these architectural treasures, Vilnius delights in small, intimate ways. I loved strolling through Pilies Gatvė, where amber jewelry sparkles in quaint shops, and Literatų Street, dotted with tiny art pieces honoring writers and artists. For a modern café vibe, Gediminas Avenue is buzzing, while Town Hall Square mixes historic charm with lively events. Don’t miss the quirky Uzupis Republic, a neighborhood with its own artistic constitution, or the reflective walk along the Neris River.

History buffs will appreciate the KGB Museum, while culture lovers will find treasures in the Jewish Quarter and the striking Basilica of St. Anne.

Pilies Street: The Heartbeat of Vilnius Old Town

Pilies Street is the oldest and most charming street in Vilnius’ Old Town, tracing the path from the old castle toward the south, leading historically to Poland and Russia. This main road once connected travelers, kings, papal legates, and envoys to Vilnius Castle, while its branches gradually formed the side streets we see today. Historical records mention Pilies Street as far back as 1530, a testament to its centuries of life and stories.

Walking along Pilies Street is like stepping into a living history book. Architectural styles change from building to building: Pilies 12 and 14 showcase Gothic details, Pilies 4 is a Renaissance gem once belonging to an episcopate college, and the pediment of the Church of St. John stands proudly in Baroque splendor.

The street was once home to noblemen and wealthy citizens, while Vilnius University occupied an entire quarter beside it, housing professors and even a Botanical Garden established in the late 18th century. Church processions still echo through its path, and the broad sections of the street once hosted bustling markets—the Great Market near the Town Hall and the fish market by St. Paraskeva’s Church (Pyatnickaya).

Today, Pilies Street continues to captivate visitors, offering a perfect mix of history, architecture, and the lively rhythm of Vilnius life. Strolling here, you can almost feel the footsteps of centuries of kings, scholars, and townsfolk beneath your own.

Gediminas’ Castle Tower

Gediminas’ Castle Tower is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, standing proudly atop the hill that gave Vilnius its legendary start. According to legend, Grand Duke Gediminas dreamed of an Iron Wolf howling here—a prophecy of the great city that would rise on this spot. He first built a wooden castle on the hill, and later, Grand Duke Vytautas completed the city’s first brick castle in 1409.

Over the centuries, the tower has served many purposes, including being Vilnius’ first telegraph station in 1838. A century ago, the Lithuanian flag was raised here for the first time. Today, it houses the Vilnius Castle Museum, part of the Lithuanian National Museum since 1968, offering visitors a window into the city’s rich history and breathtaking views from the top.

Don’t Miss the Glass Quarter

The Glass Quarter was officially named in 2018, though its history stretches back centuries. Nestled around Stiklių, M. Antokolskio, Gaono, and Žydų streets, the area once thrived as a Jewish neighbourhood of goldsmiths, glassblowers, artisans, and financiers. The Goldsmiths Guild was founded here in 1495, followed by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s first glass manufactory in 1547.

Today, the Glass Quarter blends history with modern life. Its streets are lined with jewellers, artisan shops, local galleries, cosy restaurants, and even the historic Stikliai Hotel. The community actively promotes cultural routes, shares hidden stories of Vilnius Old Town, and fosters traditions, making it a vibrant hub for both visitors and locals.

A kingdom of dreamy scents and delicate flavors. From French classsics like Madame de Pompadour and macarons to traditional Lithuanian delights