Vilnius

Vilnius Travel Guide

• About Vilnius

Once the least known and visited of the three Baltic State capitals, Vilnius has now established as a city-break destination of considerable repute and most tourists start from its Old Town, one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Europe and a UNESCO-listed site. Though occupied for much of the 20th century by Russians and Nazis, it is the period of Soviet rule that is most tellingly portrayed in the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, housed in the former KGB headquarters, complete with still-intact cell block and specialised torture rooms. Elsewhere, the National Museum of Lithuania tells the story of prouder moments in the country’s history and has the largest collection of Lithuanian cultural artefacts seen anywhere. However, the city’s history began long before occupation and its historic core is still stunning, centred on a well-preserved and expansive baroque old town that is fringed by the Vilnia and Neris Rivers. A riot of red pitched roofs, often punctuated by church spires, reaches for the heavens, and the best vantage point is from the summit of the Hill of Three Crosses in Kalnai Park. Another great vantage point – fitted with a lift so you only need to climb the last few steps up to the veranda – is from the campanile of St John’s Church. At 68m (223 ft), the campanile is the tallest structure in the Old Town. If it’s art you’re after, the city is awash with creatives too. The huge Contemporary Art Centre is one of the biggest art spaces in the Baltic region and is the place to go for exhibitions, retrospectives, one-off events and hand-picked cinema pieces. Else, hunt out the amazing street art including two portraits of Titan Atlas supporting the Liubarto bridge and the viral-sensation Trump-and-Putin street art – the original version had them sharing a kiss, but it was vandalised and later changed. Add in the buzz that the large local student population injects into the narrow cobbled streets, it all makes Vilnius a thrilling, energetic and rewarding place to visit.

• Vilnius History

According to Lithuanian folklore, Vilnius was built upon a dream. After hunting in the forests in the Šventaragis Valley in the early 14th century, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gediminas, had fallen asleep. He dreamt of a large iron wolf atop a hill, howling as loud as a pack of 100 wolves. When he woke, he asked the priest Lizdeika to interpret his dream. He was told to build a city here as the iron wolf represented the fame of the future city spreading far and wide. In 1323, Gediminas erected a wooden castle on top of a nearby hill, and named the city below Vilnius, after the nearby Vilnia River. Gediminas sent news of the city to various towns across Europe, inviting the Jews and Germans from the Hanseatic League to visit. By the end of the 14th century, a German medieval military order called the Teutonic Knights had all but destroyed the city and castle. The knights were finally defeated in July, 1410 at the Battle of Grunwald, one of the largest battles in medieval Europe. Vilnius was then rebuilt with huge city walls, allowing it to grow in stature, size and influence. No invitations were dispatched ahead of the Russians taking the city in 1655, nor before the Swedish occupied it in both 1702 and 1706. After the Third Partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, Vilnius was annexed by the Russian Empire. The 120- year Russian occupation was interrupted when the French, led by Napoleon, stormed the city in 1812. The French did not enjoy much success, however, as 40,000 soldiers died here due to cold and starvation. The next invasion came in 1915 when German occupied Vilnius during World War I, and again in 1941 during World War II. When the German withdrew in 1944, the Soviets took back control once again. It was only after the Soviet coup attempt of 1991, the Soviet Union finally acknowledged the independence of Lithuania. On 1 May 2004, Lithuania joined the European Union and in 2015, it adopted the euro.

• Did you know?

Lithuania was the last pagan country in Europe, accepting Christianity only in 1387. Vilnius was once known as the ‘Jerusalem of the North’, but the Nazis slaughtered most of the Jewish population during WWII. Founded in 1579, Vilnius University is the oldest university in the Baltic states. Vilnius was a European Capital of Culture in 2009.

• Weather in Vilnius

Vilnius has a humid continental climate marked by warm summers and cold winters. Spring (March to May) sees the temperatures gradually increase from 1°C (34°F) in March to 13°C (55°F) in May. Summer (June to August) is the peak season with many tourists come to town. Cafes and restaurants all spill out on to the cobbled streets of the Old Town and a flurry of festivals breeze through Vilnius. The city’s zinging nightlife is also in full swing. In July, the average high is 21C (70F) while the average low is 12C (54F), though temperatures over 30C (86F) have been recorded. Autumn (September to November) is pleasant; savvy visitors like to visit in early autumn when the tourist crowds dissipate. In September, the average high is 16C (61F) while the average low is 8C (46F). Winter (December to February) can be long and hard, expect snow and low temperatures so wrap up warm, but it is also the ideal time for cosying up in traditional pubs and discovering the romantically deserted streets.

Things to see in Vilnius

Attractions

• Vilnius Old Town

The sprawling old town was in a sorry state once with crumbling facades and an air of general decay. The picture now is completely different with the buildings around central Didzioji positively gleaming. Aimless wandering is usually rewarded. Address: Old Town, Vilnius. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Republic of Užupis

The self-proclaimed “Republic” of Užupis was once a slum but now a Bohemian and artistic district with excellent bars and restaurants. It has its own anthem, constitution (translated into many languages and each plaque is on display on the long wall on Paupio Lane), president, bishop, two churches, seven bridges and its own guardian called the Angel of Užupis. On its ‘Independence Day’, April 1, beer flows from the fountain by the Angel for an hour. Address: Paupio g. 3A, Vilnius. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.uzupiorespublika.com Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit

If you have time for only one church, make it this one. Said to be the only church that remained open during the Soviet period, the main sanctuary has three mummified bodies of Saints Anthony, John, and Eustathios. The trio was executed in 1347 when they angered Algirdas, the pagan Grand Duke of Lithuania, for preaching publicly. Not to be confused with the Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit, this church is only a few steps away from the Gates of Dawn. Address: Aušros Vartų g. 10, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 52 127 765 Opening times: Daily 07:00-19:00. Website: www.orthodoxy.lt Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Gates of Dawn (Aušros Vartai)

A picturesque town gate and tower that has become one of the city’s best-known sights. There were once 10 gates leading into the Old Town – this is the only one remaining, and today plays home to a chapel which is open to the public. Said to have miracle-working powers, people come from far and wide to pray to the painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary inside the chapel. Address: Aušros vartų g. 14, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 52 123 513 Opening times: Daily 07:00-19:00. Website: www.ausrosvartai.lt Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum)

Previously known as the Museum of Genocide Victims, the dark days of the Soviet occupation come alive at this chilling museum. Housed in the former KGB headquarters, the actual building where anyone who had rankled the authorities was held, tortured and then either executed or condemned to the gulags. A must for anyone with an interest in the city’s darker past. Address: Aukų g. 2A, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6028 7022 Opening times: Wed-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.genocid.lt Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Gediminas Tower (Temporarily closed)

A short walk (or an even quicker ride up the funicular) brings you up to the small mound where the only remaining tower of the city’s upper castle nestles. The original 13th-century fortifications have been modified throughout the centuries and now the castle also houses a museum. The tower offers fantastic views of Vilnius and its surrounding area. Address: Arsenalo g. 3, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5261 7453 Opening times: Daily 10:00-20:00. Website: www.lnm.lt Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Vilnius Cathedral

Refurbished after being handed back to the Church (under the Soviets it was used as an art gallery), Vilnius’s landmark cathedral is now back to its stunningly white best. There has been a religious building on the site since the 13th century, with today’s incarnation largely the result of 18th-century work. Outside the Cathedral, look for the Miracle tile with the words STEBUKLAS – this marked one end of the Baltic Way, a political demonstration where two million people joined their hands to form a human chain from Vilnius to Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn (Estonia) on 23 August 1989. It is said that once you locate the Miracle tile, you’re supposed to make a wish and spin around clockwise three times. Not far from the Miracle tile, near the freestanding bell tower, you will find a set of granite footprints commemorating the Baltic Way. Address: Šventaragio g., Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5261 1127 Opening times: Daily 07:00-18:00. Website: www.katedra.lt Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Church of St Peter & St Paul

From the exterior of this modest church, you could never guess there are 2,000 splendid stucco figures covering its white interior. Decorated with five frescos, the church’s ceiling is one the largest ceiling frescoes in Lithuania. Address: Antakalnio g. 1, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5234 0229 Opening times: Daily 07:00-18:30. Website: www.vilniauspetropovilo.lt Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• TV Tower

The TV Tower boasts the most comprehensive views of Vilnius, but is not for vertigo sufferers. There is a small café, although it is the views that people come to see. Look out also for the touching exhibition commemorating the sacrifice of 12 civilians who were murdered by Soviet tanks in 1991 during the independence struggle. Address: Sausio 13-Osios 10, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5252 5333 Opening times: Daily 11:00-21:00. Website: www.tvbokstas.lt Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Hill of Three Crosses

The trio of crosses, which originally were placed here in the 17th century, marked the crucifixion of a group of monks. The crosses, both symbolic of faith and Lithuanian national identity, were destroyed by Stalin’s regime, but they were rebuilt in 1989 as the country approached independence. The views of Vilnius are excellent and the walks back down the wooded slopes enjoyable. Address: Kalnu Parkas, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5212 2662 Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.vilniauspilys.lt Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Frank Zappa Statue

This unusual statue of the oddball American musician and alternative thinker is surely the only one of its kind in the world, revealing Vilnius’s playful side. It was sculpted by a local artist, Konstantinas Bogdanas, in brass, and unveiled in 1995. Address: Kalinausko g, Vilnius. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.en.wikipedia.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Vilnius Tourist Office

Address: Pilies g. 7, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5262 9660 Opening times: Daily: 0900-1800. Website: www.vilnius-tourism.lt

Things to do in Vilnius

• Horse riding

Horse riding in the beautiful Vilnius suburbs is a pleasing activity available year-round for novice and advanced riders – if you’re a pro, you may even be tempted to join the race on the icy surface of Lake Sartai in the depth of winter.

• Hot-air balloon flight

Thanks to its low air traffic volume, Vilnius is said to be the only European capital that you can enjoy a hot-air balloon flight, so hop into the basket and drink in the spectacular views over Vilnius and its charming countryside. Companies offering hot-air balloon flights are listed on Website: www.vilnius-tourism.lt

• Kayak

Take a kayak on the River Neris flowing through Vilnius. BaidaresVilniuje  Website: www.baidaresvilniuje.lt   offers kayak rental at attractive prices.

Vilnius tours and excursions

Vilnius tours

• Walking tours

Regular guided two-hour tours of the Old Town, starting from the cathedral bell tower, are organised daily by the Vilnius Tourist Office from 15 May to 15 September. The tourist office can also organise pre-booked guided tours and offers audio guides that people can rent and listen to on their own as they walk along the streets of Vilnius. In addition, there are quite a few thematic tours – such as the ‘War and Peace’ tour. Walkable Vilnius offers 23 walking tours all year round. Maps of the tours are available on Google Maps and can be downloaded via the Walkable Vilnius app. Vilnius tourism office Telephone: +370 5262 9660 Website: www.vilnius-tourism.lt

Vilnius excursions

• Europos Parkas

Europos Parkas is a large sculpture park located at the supposed exact centre of Europe, though the French geographers who originally ‘located’ it have now come out and said the real centre may actually lie a few kilometres away. The park is located 17km (10.5 miles) north by bus from Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5 237 7077 Website: www.europosparkas

• Grūtas Parkas

Grūtas Parkas is laden with the sort of old Soviet-era statues that have disappeared from the rest of the old Eastern bloc. Images of Lenin and Stalin stand just two hours’ bus ride from Vilnius. Kitsch but fascinating. Telephone: +370 3135 5511 Website: www.grutoparkas.lt

Shopping in Vilnius

Forget about cheap souvenirs, Vilnius is the place to buy beautiful Lithuania linen, unique handicraft and fine amber. All Baltic ambers on sale in three Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) are from Lithuania and Kaliningrad (the small Russian province between Lithuania and Poland).

• Key areas

The Old Town is home to a pleasing myriad of small-scale shops, from run-of-the-mill souvenir outlets to vendors selling quality amber, handicrafts, traditional clothing and more. Gediminas Avenue is the city’s main street and the place to look for high-end goods and designer clothes.

• Markets

The atmospheric Kalvarijų Market, or Kalvarijų Turgus, is a central, open-air affair selling everything from clothing and fresh produce to books and records. It’s at its busiest on Saturday mornings. The address is Kalvarijų 61. Elsewhere in town, the Halės Market (Pylimo 58) is a good option for locally-produced honey and fresh vegetables – the building is more than a century old. There is also a weekly flea market outside the vast Akropolis shopping centre for bric-a-brac and antiques.

• Shopping centres

Nestled among the skyscrapers, Europa Website: www.pceuropa.lt  has 85 Lithuanian and international shops and restaurants. Akropolis Website: www.akropolis.lt  is another massive mall packed with shops, cinemas, casinos, and a bowling alley. Ozas Website: www.ozas.lt  which is just a short distance away from Akropolis, also houses international brands.

• Opening hours

Shops in Vilnius usually open quite late around 10:00 and don’t close until 18:00 or 19:00, though at weekends opening hours can be more limited.

• Souvenirs

The most popular souvenir is Baltic amber, available in outlets such as the Amber Museum-Gallery (Šv. Mykolo g. 8). Lithuania cheese (the brand is DŽIUGAS) and mead (an alcoholic beverage made of grain and honey) also make great gifts.

• Tax information

The standard VAT rate in Lithuania is 21%.

Restaurants in Vilnius

The Vilnius restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over €100) Moderate (€50 to €100) Cheap (below €50) These Vilnius restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one with drinks, tax and service included.

Expensive

• Lokys

Cuisine: Lithuanian Located in the old town of Vilnius, the second-generation family restaurant tells the stories of Lithuanian cuisine about noblemen’s tables, loaded with forest goodies. Game, berries, mushrooms, nuts have been an integral part of Lithuanian cuisine since ancient times. Historical Lithuanian dishes from natural and healthy forest products are prepared by combining old medieval traditions with modern food production technologies and aesthetics. In the menu of the restaurant, which has become the home of forest products, you will find the age on which the dish was recreated and real fragments of Lithuanian culinary history. A small shop has recently opened in the restaurant, where you can find gourmet Lithuanian delicacies and drinks. These products of small producers and farmers continue our Lithuanian culinary history. Address: Stiklių g. 8, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6613 0703 Website: www.lokys.lt

• Sugamour

Cuisine: Lithuanian, European If you want to impress your in-laws without breaking the bank, take them to Sugamour and order a delightful range of sweet bites – every single pastry and cake is baked to perfection and the presentation is so impeccable that it breaks your heart to eat them (but they are so delicious). Address: Vokiečių g. 11, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6861 9995 Website: www.sugamour.lt

• La Provence

Cuisine: Mediterranean La Provence offers slick, fine dining with a lot of thought put into both the cooking and the immaculate presentation. The food at this top Vilnius restaurant tastes as good as it looks. Address: Volieciu 22, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6860 4708

Moderate

• Meat Lovers 

Cuisine: Meat dish/Lithuanian MEAT LOVERS restaurant unites what a meat lover is – a little predatory, a little strangely funny, a lover of authenticity and a great lover of meat. Everything is real here – products from farmers and craft producers, with whom cooperation has already been tested by time. This is a restaurant for you, it is just like you: real, unadulterated, without blind fashions and without nonsense. Meat lovers don’t need an opportunity to enjoy their favorite dishes. Every day is an opportunity. We encourage people to enjoy meat for small daily merits. Address: Liejyklos g. 8, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6525 1233 Website: www.meat-lovers-vilnius.tablein.com

• Rib Room

Cuisine: American, European Apart from delicious ribs prepared in many ways – including one with grapefruit sauce – guests can also enjoy classic European dishes such as Angus Steak Tartare and salmon fillet. Address: Šeimyniškių g. 1, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6184 9536 Website: www.ribroom.lt

• Trattoria Da Antonio Vilnius

Cuisine: Italian This Vilnius trattoria is a favourite with tourists. Centrally located, it offers a welcoming atmosphere and serves excellent Italian food at reasonable prices. Address: Vilniaus g. 23, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5262 0109

Cheap

• Būsi Trečias

Cuisine: Lithuanian Another great place for authentic Lithuanian cuisine and locally brewed craft beer. Its grilled beef or pork tenderloin is best paired with refreshing beer on tap. Address: Totorių g. 18, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6181 1266 Website: www.busitrecias.lt

• Etno Dvaras

Cuisine: Lithuanian A rare find in the Old Town, this unassuming restaurant serves delicious yet reasonably priced Lithuanian cuisine such as grated potato pudding. Address: Pilies g. 16, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6561 3688 Website: www.fortodvaras.lt

• Grey

Cuisine: European Right next to the Tourist Information Centre on Pilies Street in the heart of Old Town, this place offers a welcoming atmosphere and serves excellent meals at reasonable prices (the lunch deal is particularly good value). Address: Pilies g. 2, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6332 2677 Website: www.restoranasgrey.lt

Vilnius Nightlife

The large student population help fuel Vilnius’s eclectic and buzzing nightlife scene. In summer, tables burst out everywhere as the scene becomes positively Mediterranean. Throughout the year, Vilnius bustles with the arts, ranging from small-scale street theatre right through to grand opera performances and classical music recitals. The city’s stint as European Capital of Culture in 2009 has really given the city’s cultural scene a real shot in the arm. Many cultural performances are only in Lithuanian though.

Bars in Vilnius

• Alaus Biblioteka

Great craft beer bar with a fine selection of bottles and draught beers. Good selection of whisky and spirits. Food is only meat/cheese/snacks boards and crisps. Address: Trakų g. 4, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6456 9782 Website: www.alausbiblioteka.lt

• Distilerija

Very nice bar with super coctails and very nice service, usually DJ’s and live music are playing music there and it gets crowded in the evenings. Here you can find perhaps one of the best sour cocktails. If you like local craft beer, this is the place to come. The owner reckons that there are about 700 types of Lithuanian beer and you can definitely get to enjoy some of them here. Address: Vilniaus g. 28, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6453 1206 Website: www.distilerija.lt

• SkyBar

The SkyBar at the Radisson Blu hotel offers great cocktails and the best views of any bar in Vilnius on the 22nd floor. Address: Konstitucijos 20, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5231 4823 Website: www.radissonblu.com

Clubs in Vilnius

• Burlesque Night Club

Opens from 10pm to early morning, this club has different sections designed for people who want a fantastic night out. There is a quieter area where you can sit and have a chat over a few drinks as well as a dance floor for you to strut your stuff. Address: L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus g. 3, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6928 9922 Website: www.burlesqueclub.lt

• Pabo Latino

A fun club in Vilnius where the Latin rhythms buzz. It has a tough entry policy so accordingly it attracts smartly dressed 20- and 30- something professionals. On some nights it hosts dancing lessons where you can dance to Salsa, Rumba, Cha-cha rhythms. Address: Trakų g. 3, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5262 1045 Website: www.pabolatino.lt

• Tamsta Club

For more than a decade, this live music/ clubbing venue has kept its attractiveness by playing a different style of music every night. Live bands usually start at 21:00 or 22:00 hours. Address: A. Strazdelio g. 1, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6694 9342 Website: www.tamstaclub.lt

Live music in Vilnius

• Artistai

The best place to eat or have a drink in the town. Conveniently located in the Old Town centre. It can fit lots of guests in a unexpectedly secluded yard or within refurbished cellars. This makes the place perfect for any kind of weather. There is a satisfactory choice of dishes including local food. Prices are moderate, especially comparing to places nearby (Town Hall is just round the corner). The service is great, they are happy to accommodate unusual request and give advice. Fantastic place to visit every day of the stay. Address: Šv. Kazimiero g. 3, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5212 1268 Website: www.artistai.lt

• Jazz Cellar 11

Expect sweet soulful tunes in this superb jazz club near the Gates of Dawn. Regular jam sessions and international bands make this place a gem. Address: Aušros Vartų g. 11, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 6841 1382 Website: www.vilniusjazzclub.lt

Theatres in Vilnius

• Lithuania National Drama Theatre

The Feast of Muses sculpture guarding the National Drama Theatre is likely to get your attention first. The venue hosts a wide variety of genres and keeps a busy cultural schedule. Most performances are in Lithuanian though. Address: Gedimino pr. 4, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5262 1593 Website: www.teatras.lt

• Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre

The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the biggest cultural venues in Vilnius. Enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker or The Swan Lake here in December is an essential Vilnius experience. Address: A. Vienuolio g. 1, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5262 0727 Website: www.opera.lt

• National Philharmonic Hall

Featuring a concert hall and a smaller chamber hall, Vilnius’s National Philharmonic Hall hosts National Symphony Orchestra concerts and is the centrepiece for the Vilnius Festival in June. Address: Aušros Vartų g. 5, Vilnius. Telephone: +370 5266 5210 Website: www.filharmonija.lt

Vilnius Food And Drink

Food In Vilnius

• SALTIBARSCIAI (cold beetroot soup)

Šaltibarščiai is a Lithuanian cold soup made from beetroots, kefir and milk, and served with boiled potatoes. This is a vegan version of the pink soup, made with naturally fermented soy yoghurt and oat milk.

•  FRIED BREAD WITH CHEESE

It’s basically garlic croutons smothered in cheese. According to the Lithuanians, this goes really well with a cold beer.

• CEPELINAI – Potato Dumpling with Pork

Cepelinai is the national dish of Lithuania consisting of potato dumplings stuffed with spiced ground meat. The dumplings are traditionally quite large, served with bacon, pork rinds, and a sour cream and milk-based sauce after they have been boiled in plenty of salted water.

• TINGINYS (uncooked cocoa cookie bar) 

•  PICKLED CABBAGE SOUP

It is one of the national dishes of Russia. When sauerkraut is used, the soup is called sour shchi. There is also a green shchi made with sorrel or spinach. The soup has a long history, originating during the 9th century when cabbage was introduced from Byzantium.

• KASTINYS (sour cream butter) 

KASTINYS – Sour cream butter, smeared on potatoes or bread.

•  KUGELIS (potato pie/casserole) 

Kugelis, also known as bulvių plokštainis (“potato pie”), is a potato dish from Lithuania. Potatoes, bacon, milk, onions, and eggs are seasoned with salt and pepper and flavoured, for example with bay leaves and/or marjoram, then oven-baked. It is usually eaten with sour cream or pork rind with diced onions.

•  APPLE “CHEESE”

Apple cheese (Lithuanian: Obuolių sūris,Polish: Ser Jabłkowy/Ser Jabłeczny) is a traditional Lithuanian and Polish dessert, made out of boiled or cooked apples sweetened with sugar. Originally it was made with honey, which was later replaced by sugar.

• SAKOTIS (tree cake)

Šakotis (which means “branch”) is a cake made of butter, egg whites, and yolks, flour, sugar, and cream, cooked on a rotating spit in an oven or over an open fire. Lithuanians usually eat that during big celebrations like Christmas, New Year or weddings.

Drink In Vilnius

• Water

Not only is Vilnius among the greenest capitals in Europe, its tap water turns out to be perfectly drinkable and among the cleanest in Europe too. This is because 100% of it is taken from abundant underground sources sheltered from human interference.

•  GIRA (kvass)

GIRA is a soda drink made from fermented bread that is very popular in Lithuania. The Lithuanian people say that gira is “a superior refreshment on a hot summer day.” This drink is made from grain but has a complementary nutty and fruity balance. It’s also an excellent choice on a hot summer day or a crisp Autumn afternoon.

• Lithuanian Vodkas

Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe between Belarus and the Baltic Sea, bordered by Latvia to the north and Poland to the south. The country’s best known alcoholic produce is its vodka which is understandable for a country which was once the Russian Empire and then the USSR.

• 999 Herbal Vodka

999 Herbal Vodka is a herbal liqueur from Lithuania produced from the finest grain spirits, made using nine roots, nine barks and herbs, and nine leaves, blossoms and fruit – including ginger, star anise, rhubarb and holy grass – and others which remain a secret.