The 10 BEST Free Walking Tours in Vilnius
This article introduces Vilnius as a historical and architecturally rich city that serves as the capital of Lithuania. Although there are numerous activities that can be pursued in this great city, one of the most interesting means is through walking tours. Since walking tours are self-guided, you will be able to explore the culture, history and daily lives of people of Vilnius in your own manner. Here in this guide they are the features of some lovely walking tours that will help you discover the obscure beauty of Vilnius.
1. Old Town: A Journey Through Time
The Old Town of Vilnius is known and recognized by UNESCO, which is quite easy to view it when you are there. Wander around the town and enjoy the atmosphere which is truly medieval, and the views of this interesting district make. First, visit the Gates of Dawn that is a well-maintained gate of the city and then proceed to Cathedral square where one will find Vilnius Cathedral stunning.
Make your way to Pilies Street with several shops, cafes, both expensive and cheap, and other establishments of an artisanal nature. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks; therefore, it would be a pity not to visit the St. Anne’s Church, which classic Gothic architecture will mesmerise you.
While walking around the city, one has to notice painted walls of the buildings that cover olive-green colours of the facades with contemporary art pieces. Finish your visit by ascending to the Gedeiminas Tower and get a great view over Vilnius.
2. Užupis: The Bohemian District
Užupis is one of the famous districts in Vilnius and it can be described as an artistic and Bohemian area. Indeed, it is often said that Vilnius has its own Montmartre in Užupis district, and every art lover should visit it.
Užupis.com begins the tour at the Constitution of Užupis where artistry and the free spirit of the district is evident in a parody constitution. Stroll around the small alleys that is filled with sales of arts, coffee shops and specialty stores. As such I recommend that you go see the Angel of Užupis which is a sculpture that personifies freedom of speech.
Visit the art gallery at the Užupis Art Incubator – it is a shop that displays and sells creative products made in Lithuania. Finally, before driving back, sit back and enjoy the luster of one of the several cafes near the New branch of the Neris river in the Uzpupis district.
3. Literatų Street: A Literary Journey
Literatų Street or the Street of Literature is actually a real-life books lovers’ paradise. This honor consists of its name that was given in tribute to Lithuanian great literary figures such as Nobel prize winner Czeslaw Milosz and playwright Adam Mickiewicz.
Perhaps having realized that they are not constructing an estate in the traditional sense, the architects should be congratulated on designing a literary walk that inspired people to travel through this street. Remarkably notice the benches that are painted with quotations from the most known Lithuanian authors. The crowd was immersed in different literary classics found in the warm and comfortable bookstores.
Don’t skip the Garden of Tales which is a park with sculptures of fables of tales and folk heroes of Lithuania. Walking down Literatų Street, one will be immersed in a real literary atmosphere that unites the heritage of Vilnius.
4. Bernardinai Gardens: Nature in the Heart of the City
In case you are looking for a relatively quiet place to have a rest being located in the city Read the Bernardinai Gardens. This is quite a cosy place which is located in one of the central districts of Vilnius and can offer quiet and calm atmosphere.
Now, take a leisurely stroll through flower gardens and other plantation area with lot of flowers and greenery and pathways for strolling. There is just the perfect spot to put a blanket, lay in the grass and have a picnic all the while with the scenery of nature.
Head down towards the Vilnelė River that adjoins the gardens and walk along the river for some time. The Bernardinai Gardens are one of the ideal places to relax and have a sightseeing from the middle of a city.
5. Food Tour: Savor Vilnius
Vilnius offers lots of restaurants which making it possible for any visitor to enjoy the traditional meals by visiting restaurants that offer the traditional dishes. Go on a food tour of Vilnius and experience the culinary journey of the year.
Let you start strolling around at Hales Market where you will have opportunity to taste the fruits and traditional Lithuanian dishes. For the Lithuanian food, you should try the cepelinai which is a potato dumplings and šaltibarščiai which is cold beet soup.
It is now time to move through the gastronomic landmarks of Vilnius to the local places, cafes and restaurants. Do not leave Lithuania without tasting such a dish as kibinai – a kind of pastry stuffed with different ingredients, as well as šakotis that is a delicious spit cake.
Your tour ends in a brewery either tasting traditional Lithuanian beer or having a look how beer is produced. In fact, not only shall it satiate your Hunger-panger, but it shall also provide a peek into the eating culture and the classical food traditions if Vilnius.
Conclusion
Walking tours are very common in Vilnius and it will not be difficult for you to find one that suits you best depending on your preferences. Old Town Tour, Užupis Tour, Literary Vilnius Tour, each are different from each other, yet they all reveal different traits of Vilnius’ personality .
Therefore, pull on your comfortable pair of shoes, take a map and let the walking tour reveals the beauty of Vilnius. These include; history lovers, art lovers, food lovers among others because the walking tours will provide a memorable and an immersed experience in one of the oriental city in Europe.
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