---
type: "Article"
title: "Historic or hip, Vilnius has it all"
description: "Lithuania's capital Vilnius is at once historic, baroque, hip and trendy! It's young Europe but with its own unique personality traits."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/lithuania/vilnius-historic-or-hip"
author: "Letizia Lorenzetti"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 8
tags: ["City Trip", "Culture", "Lithuania"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culture"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/museum"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/golf"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/shopping"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/air-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/boutique-hotel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/design"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/luxury-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/resort"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/lorenzettil", at: 2026-07-04T14:16:04+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: vilnius-historic-or-hip.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Letizia Lorenzetti"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/lorenzettil"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:16:04+00:00
---

# Historic or hip, Vilnius has it all

> Vilnius, Lithuania's capital and 2009 European Capital of Culture, blends a historic baroque Old Town with a thriving hipster scene, making it a compelling city-break destination in Eastern Europe.

## What to see
- **Amber Museum (Gintaro Galerija Muziejus)** — Admission costs 60 cents and includes a personal guided tour on Baltic amber; collection includes ostrich egg-sized amber lumps.
- **KGB Museum** — Listed among the city's top museums by locals.
- **National Art Gallery** — One of several notable museums in this museum-dense city.
- **Tolerance Center** — Highlighted as a key cultural institution in Vilnius.
- **Boulevard Gedimino Prospektas** — Main shopping street running straight from Cathedral Square, lined with boutiques, cafés, and flagship brand stores.
- **Old Town** — Historic core packed with original small shops and baroque architecture around every corner.
- **Hipster district behind the train station** — Cafés and bars mix with young designers' studios; compared in mood to Zurich's Kreis 4.
- **LOFTAS (Uptown Market venue)** — A repurposed factory hosting concerts, fashion shows, parties, and the recurring Uptown Market for young designers.

## What to do
- **Visit the Amber Museum** — Learn how Baltic amber forms and how to spot fakes; very affordable entry.
- **Shop at Senamiescio Krautuve** — A small Old Town grocery and souvenir shop selling local products.
- **Browse the Uptown Market** — Periodic design market where young Lithuanian designers sell clothes, accessories, jewelry, and ceramics.
- **Golf at Vilnius Grand Resort** — 18-hole, par-72 course 19 km north of Vilnius; other options include European Centre Golf Club (26 km) and Capitals Golf Club (47 km).

## Good to know
English is widely spoken in Vilnius as Lithuanians learn it in school. A few useful Lithuanian words: ačiù (thank you, pronounced 'ah-tschiu'), labas (hello to one person), sveiki (hello to a group). The Comfort Hotel LT Rock'n'Roll Vilnius is an affordable modern option within walking distance of Old Town, the train station district, and the Uptown Market; the airport is a short taxi ride away. The luxury Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square sits directly on Cathedral Square and serves honey from its own rooftop beehives.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Valsana-Arosa-Hotel-Switzerland-22.jpg"
    caption: "Salmon medallion poached in herb oil with kohlrabi, buckwheat crepes and Pernod mousse"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Valsana-Arosa-Hotel-Switzerland-24.jpg"
    caption: "Stylish lamp and decorative herb picture"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Valsana-Arosa-Hotel-Switzerland-25.jpg"
    caption: "And their vinyl LPs? For our younger readers: \"LP\" stands for \"long play\" in contrast to the \"singles\" with just one tune each on front- and backside"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Valsana-Arosa-Hotel-Switzerland-31.jpg"
    caption: "Stylish ambiance in Restaurant Twist"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Valsana-Arosa-Hotel-Switzerland-32.jpg"
    caption: "Lounge sofa for lingering"
```