Many of us settled belief that Vilnius is a grey city and therefore most of the travelers somehow bypassed by his side, trying to immediately get into Central Europe. Thinking that there is certainly something I fully taste all the delights and beauty of old Europe.
I must admit, and we once held the same opinion. However, after visited in the Lithuanian capital, realized it was the wrong opinion.
Yes, Vilnius is not that modern, well-kept and measured Europe, but not the grey post-Soviet city that is drawn in our minds, is only to speak about Vilnius.
Modern Vilnius is what to do and what to see. It is first and foremost a beautiful narrow old streets, paved with cobblestones, cozy little cafes and shops situated along the same narrow streets under the arches of the buildings of the medieval era.
Vilnius unusual and so different from Central Europe, at the same time it differs from Russia and neighboring Belarus. On the one hand the Central streets of the city clean and well maintained with renovated houses and pavements of ancient architecture. So here blends all the old and brand new buildings of modern architecture. But on the other hand, in Vilnius still remained a grey Soviet skyscrapers, the old rickety and chipped home in the alleys. Sometimes this contrast is very evident from what about Vilnius consists of many mixed feelings.
I think that it is for these reasons and so many different people's opinions about Vilnius. Who really saw and what was stressed.
Here are the old rickety house can be seen on the background of modern buildings. Nothing like?
Besides, third party Vilnius it is already the capital of another country, with its culture, history and values. And only in this there is something intriguingly captivating.
In addition Vilnius there are a lot of advantages, thanks to which it is necessary to go this is so different, its such a charming city:
1. Vilnius is located in the immediate vicinity of Belarus and near Russia.
The distance from Moscow to Vilnius equals to 904 km. The shortest route is to go through Minsk. To get there by car from Moscow to Vilnius it is possible for 11-12 hours. That is, in order to go to Vilnius for a working man there's no need to take leave. You can go for example the new year or may holidays. Will be a great alternative to kebabs and beer.
Distance from Minsk to Vilnius only about 185 kilometers. About three hours by car. Here the options more, you can go even on the weekend.
Roads in Lithuania, in Belarus nice and smooth. That's really what that, and the roads and drive in Europe for sure should not be afraid. If you've been able to travel to Russia, there is even more you can.
Before you travel it is worth considering - Lithuania and, accordingly, its capital outside the EU, therefore, to visit the Vilnius need a Schengen visa. A visa must be taken care of in advance. If you plan to drive, don't forget to buy car insurance - a green card. For Russian citizens insurance necessary for trips to Belarus. But the visa to Belarus is not required, from Russia with Belarus open borders. So before buying a green card include and days of stay in Belarus. What is a green card, how and where it is better to issue read our previous article. To do this, simply follow this link.
2. Second, but no less important, and perhaps even more significant advantages are the prices in Vilnius. Although Lithuania from 2015, and switched to the Euro, prices have remained quite affordable. Recommendations on what currency and how much to take to Lithuania read here.
A full lunch or dinner for two with drinks in a restaurant in Vilnius will cost no more than 20 euros. Inexpensive cafes, bars and restaurants in the city, especially in its Central part a lot. Go to any enjoy European cuisine and service.
3. Delicious Lithuanian cuisine. In all cities of Lithuania, the delicious local cuisine, dumplings, pancakes, pork ears thin, black pudding, soups, rolls, salads, a variety of second courses of meat and fish, hot cakes, pastries and sweets and hot and cold snacks.
From drinks in Vilnius serves awesome hot berry tea. A tasty brew.
And what a beer... just a fairy tale, especially the unfiltered wheat. Beers have a huge variety for every taste and color as they say. The taste and quality of beer is not inferior to the German. So to the weekend to drink good beer do not have to go far.
4. The lack of a language barrier. In Vilnius Russian language knows almost all the local population. In hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops or just on the street you will easily be able to speak and understand Russian language.
Farther into the country, the less local knows Russian. For example, in Kaunas to meet a Lithuanian, understand Russian language is already a rarity.
5. Vilnius is already abroad. So, all charms and temptations of Europe are present in the city to the fullest. This experience, and culture, and delicious foods and quality products, and, of course, sales.
So, especially for novice travelers or if you are coming alone for the first time in Europe, and a little afraid of the unknown, Vilnius will be one of the best holiday options.
What to see in Vilnius
In Vilnius a very convenient location for attractions and monuments. All of them are concentrated in the centre of the city, mainly in the old town and walking distance from it. So driving around town is not necessary.
Vilnius old town is quite extensive and stretches for several blocks. The old town 's narrow streets, old squares, cathedrals, churches and buildings with numerous monuments and memorial tables. It was in the old town is centred the life of Vilnius. Besides, in the old town at almost every turn there are cafes and restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, bakeries and shop.
After a walk through the streets of the old town you can sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a Cup of delicious hot coffee or a glass of beer.
The old town in the historical centre of Vilnius, is located castle hill, crowned by a tower of Gediminas. The tower remained of the fortifications of the Upper castle is the symbol of the city.
With the Castle hill adjacent to mountain where stands the white monument of the Three crosses.
At the foot of Castle hill is the Cathedral square. Decoration area serve as the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and bell tower near the Cathedral. In the center of the square there is a statue of Gediminas.
Across the street from Cathedral square takes its beginning of the Central walking street of Vilnius - Gediminas Avenue. On both sides of the Avenue are buildings of the beautiful old architecture, green parks and monuments, recreation areas. There are shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Traffic on the Avenue limited, and in the evening and at night is closed.
Slowly walking along the Avenue, you come to the embankment of the river Neris and Vilnius Central Department store. In a Department store can be like going shopping and to go to a restaurant with a panoramic view of the river. Or just stroll along the river and admire prikrasni city on the opposite shore.
After experiencing the sights Vilnius walk along the streets of the city, believe me, there's something to see.
As you can see, all the most important sights located in the historical centre of Vilnius or a walking distance. So our advice to take a room at the hotel in the old town district. Even if the number in the centre will cost a bit more expensive than on the outskirts, you will still benefit. Don't have to spend money on public transportation or gasoline. Both in Europe is not expensive.
When to go to Vilnius
At any time of the year, Vilnius will be fine. As they say "there is no bad weather - only inappropriate clothing!".
But still there are two periods when is the best time to visit Lithuanian capital:
- best time to travel to Vilnius from the second half of April to early October is the warmest and most beautiful months. Spring nature comes to life all around is changing, and in the summer heat and lots of greenery.
Christmas holidays and New year.
Christmas holidays, one of the most wonderful periods to visit the Lithuanian capital. At this time the city is transformed and becomes like a large fairy Kingdom lit thousands of lights Christmas lights. Besides, winter in Vilnius is quite soft and not very cold, the average temperature is from minus 2 to minus 5 degrees.
Catholic Christmas (Christmas in the Western Christians) falls on December 25, but December 25 in the city have nothing to do, as this holiday home the streets are empty, all the locals gather at their homes. But in the four weeks to 25 December, the city life boils, are Christmas fairs and festivals, everywhere there is the spirit of approaching Christmas.
Christmas day follows the next holiday - New year. And in the new year eve in Vilnius also a lot of interesting. Moreover, in the month of December of each year in Europe are Christmas and new year sale, when discounts reach 80%.
Summary of the entire article is obvious,
Enough to sit at home! Come to Vilnius you will get unforgettable impressions and a great time. Or maybe it will be the beginning of something new, and you will discover his passion of adventure and the spirit of a traveler that is forever and irrevocably change your entire life.
