3 Days in Vilnius — Complete Itinerary
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Gediminas Tower & Castle Hill
Climb the 100-step tower for panoramic views of Vilnius' red-tiled rooftops and the Neris River, then explore the 14th-century castle ruins where the city's founding legend (a warrior's dream) is etched into the stone walls. Budget tip: Arrive at 9am to avoid tour groups; entry is 3€ and free for under-18s.
Žvėrynas Neighborhood & Gallery of Contemporary Art
Wander the car-free Žvėrynas district past 1930s Art Deco buildings, stopping at the Gallery of Contemporary Art (Laisvės alėja 5) to see Lithuanian avant-garde works in a former synagogue. Budget tip: Free entry on Sundays; grab a 2€ pastry at Mėtų Pica for a picnic near the park.
Užupis Republic & Green Bridge
Cross the iconic Green Bridge to Užupis (Lithuania's self-declared "Republic of Artists"), where street art covers every wall and you'll find the world's smallest mayor's office. Budget tip: Eat $3.50 (€3) "kugelis" potato dumplings at Užupio 47, avoiding tourist traps on Pilies Street.
Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square
Stand in the 18th-century cathedral where Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I met, then admire the Baroque facade and the 200-year-old "Blessing of the City" statue. Budget tip: Free entry to cathedral; buy 1€ coffee at Café Mokka next door for people-watching.
Vilnius Ghetto & Choral Synagogue
Visit the restored 19th-century Choral Synagogue (Mėsinių 1) on the site of the 1941-43 Jewish ghetto, guided by the museum's free audio tour (app download required). Budget tip: Audio tour is free; use the synagogue's courtyard for lunch with 5€ soup and bread at Café 36.
Šventaragis Square & KGB Museum
Dine at the 14th-century Šventaragis Square (known for its "Vilnius' oldest market") before touring the KGB Museum (Laisvės alėja 10) in a former prison with actual interrogation rooms. Budget tip: Dinner under €10 at Tėvų Pirtis (Laisvės alėja 22); museum entry 5€.
Vingis Park & Žaliakalnis Hill
Hike the 20-minute path up Žaliakalnis Hill (near Vingis Park) for a view of the "Three Crosses" monument and the city's skyline, then picnic with local bakeries' 2€ "šakotis" (cinnamon rolls). Budget tip: Free park access; bring your own bread from the 1€/loaf bakery at Šiauliai Street.
Antakalnis Cemetery & Museum of Occupations
Explore the 19th-century Antakalnis Cemetery (famous for the 1941 Lithuanian poet's tomb), then visit the Museum of Occupations (Pilies Street 1) detailing Soviet-Nazi rule. Budget tip: Museum entry 4€; walk from cemetery to museum (15 mins) to save tram fare.
Šnipiškės Neighborhood & Lietuvos Aidas
Experience authentic Lithuanian cuisine at Lietuvos Aidas (Šnipiškės 12), a 1920s building serving beetroot soup for €3.50, followed by jazz at the Šnipiškės Jazz Club (free entry, 20€ cover for food). Budget tip: Dinner under €12; walk from museum to Šnipiškės (10 mins) instead of taking a taxi.
Local Insider Tip
The Užupis Republic's "Mayor's Office" (Užupio 49) is open 24/7—tourists often miss it because it's hidden in a tiny alley, not the main square.
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