Photo of Vilnius

About Vilnius

Born from a legend about a howling iron wolf, Vilnius stands at the cusp of east and west, a testament to the Lithuanians' record as the last pagans in Europe and warriors who in medieval times expanded their empire as far as the Black Sea.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city's enchanting Old Town is a visual feast, thanks to its churches, meandering cobbled streets, palaces and intimate courtyards. It's also where many of the best places to stay in Vilnius are located.

Amongst a wealth of architectural styles, Baroque is dominant, resulting in echoes of a Jesuit town somewhere in Latin America, except that here the tapering crosses of the Catholic churches combine with the Pagan symbols of the sun and the moon: wife and husband in Lithuanian mythology.

As for hotels, from our selection of the best places to stay in Vilnius there are some notable examples occupying historic Old Town buildings and others that mimic historic elements. Less evident are bolder, more cutting edge places.

Any exploration of Vilnius should, if possible, be combined with a trip to historic Trakai, 28 km away, and Europos Parkas, the open-air museum with over 100 works by world-famous artists which is 19 km away.

What Not To Miss

  • Meander through Vilnius's Old Town and take in the impressive architecture all around. Sts. Peter & Paul's Church, St. Anne's Church and The House of Signatories are wonderful examples of this!
  • Culture vultures should check out the Vilnius Museum of Illusions, the KGB Museum and, if you're into your history, then you'll enjoy visiting Gediminas Tower.
  • Or, if you fancy a break from sightseeing then enjoy a picnic in the picturesque Bernadine Gardens - a tranquil spot in which to relax for a few hours.

To avoid disappointment be sure to book ahead as the best places to stay in Vilnius fill up quickly, especially in the busy summer months.

For Romance

The nightlife is cosy, there are little bars everywhere poked into little gaps in medieval architecture, and it's an easy city to get around. There's also something beautiful and romantic to look at with every turn.

  • One of the best places to stay in Vilnius for a romantic break, the Stikliai Hotel is reminiscent of a small chateau or villa. This is partly because the 29 rooms are arranged around a central courtyard - also a gorgeous, well known restaurant - and they're all decorated individually, some with four-poster beds. It used to be a tavern with apartments above for rich merchants. It's also one of the best places to stay in Vilnius if you want to be close to the historic centre.
  • If the two of you have something to celebrate then the Europa Royale Hotel, with its spectacular-church-spire-views, is superb. Once a lavish 19th Century mansion it's still pretty lavish. In summer the charming, vaulted Medininkai restaurant spills out into the courtyard.
  • If you're looking for traditional elegance without breaking the bank then Ramada Hotel is the ideal spot. The opulent interiors will transport you back in time to another era, whilst the restaurant is of the highest quality.
  • The 5* Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square oozes luxury - with elegant accommodation, marble bathrooms, a spoiling spa and superb cuisine. The ideal spot for a romantic retreat!

On a Budget

Vilnius is a good choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, unusual and culturally rich destination, but on a budget. Many of the best places to stay in Vilnius have room rates of under £100 a night.

  • It's has location, tradition and a quirky restaurant in the cellar, yet the Narutis Hotel is still very reasonably priced. It also has a spa with Turkish baths, saunas and jacuzzis. As the oldest designated hotel in Vilnius - it's been 'a place for an overnight stay' since 1581 - it's also one of the best places to stay in Vilnius if you're looking for a unique, historic place to lay your head.
  • Vilnius Grand Resort offers lovely accommodation, an indoor pool, extensive spa facilities and a golf course - all from as little as £41 per night! A cracking choice for those on a budget.

City Break

There's a lot to see in Vilnius and many of the great churches and monuments are located in the Old Town.

  • To soak up the feel of Vilnius quickly it's best to stay somewhere traditional, like the Grotthuss Hotel. Once part of a 16th Century fortress, this hotel is on a charming medieval Old Town street. The well-known restaurant serves local dishes.
  • Downtown, but off the main tourist trails, the Shakespeare Hotel takes its name seriously. It's not just about The Bard. The rooms and suites are individually themed, named after writers and decorated appropriately. Charming rather than twee, this is one of the best places to stay if you're after easy access to the Old Town's highlights.
  • Centrally located and boasting stylish, atmospheric rooms, Atrium Hotel is a top-notch spot for a city break. Tuck into Argentinian cuisine from the restaurant and spend your days seeing all that Vilnius has to offer.
  • Mabre Residence features smart and spacious suites in Vilnius's Old Town, as well as a lovely steak house and a spa - what more could you possibly need?

For An Apartment Or Villa

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Vilnius is nicest in the sumer, with the average daily temperature rising to 17°C in July and August. The temperature regularly drops to -5°C in winter so you're best off avoiding coming at this time.
  • The summer however is peak tourist season, so for a quieter alternative consider the shoulder season months, May and September.
  • Visitors can fly into Vilnius International Airport, 6km away from the city and well connected by bus links to the centre.
  • Ryanair fly direct from Luton and Stansted, whilst Wizz Air also go from Luton - with the journey taking just under 3 hours.
  • For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

  • Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Vilnius.
  • Widen the net to look through all our recommendations across the border in Poland.
  • Alternatively, feel free to call or email one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Vilnius

Best Hotels in Vilnius

  • Vilnius Grand Resort Nr Vilnius 192 rooms from AU$77

    Private dining room  -  Banqueting halls for special occasions, including weddings
    Sights nearby  -  20 mins away is Vilnius and its ample historic landmarks, art galleries and museums
    Great walks  -  Walk around the lake and through the pine and birch forests surrounding the hotel
    Views  -  Magnificent views over the lake
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A large contemporary hotel just 20 minutes from central Vilnius, surrounded by pine forests and two magnificent lakes. A host of activities including a championship golf course, indoor pool and indulgent spa. A selection of bars and restaurants. Impressive banqueting halls. A convenient city escape. See More

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  • Atrium Hotel, Vilnius Vilnius 28 rooms from AU$103

    City Style  -  Excellently located to take advantage of the cultural sights and lively evening scene in the Old Town
    Sights nearby  -  An array of sights are within walking distance including the Gediminas Tower and Cathedral Square
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    A renovated 16th century building reworked in a contemporary refurb. Simple rooms decorated in neutral tones with wooden beams and sloping ceilings giving them a loft like feel. A rustic restaurant offers Argentinian dishes and a great wine list to boot. Excellently located for exploring the city. See More

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  • Europa Royale Hotel Vilnius 51 rooms from AU$108

    Value chic  -  Situated in the medieval Old Town, with central courtyard, and an extensive wine cellar.
    Sights nearby  -  Countless sights within walking distance including Cathedral square, Vilnius Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Dukes.
    Great walks  -  Right on Piața Unirii, boasting a small park with fountains.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A lavish 19th-century mansion; ideally situated for exploring the city's landmarks. Traditional elegance throughout. A lovely restaurant with a summer time patio and panoramic views of the city's spires from some of the suites. An ideal choice for a city break. See More

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  • Narutis Hotel Vilnius 53 rooms from AU$158

    City Style  -  A chic hotel in a great location on the main street of Vilnius Old Town
    Sights nearby  -  Walking distance to many of Vilnius' sights. Cathedral Square is at one end of the road and the Town Hall at the other
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A beautifully decorated hotel in Old Town. Frescoes, beamed ceilings, wooden floors, gothic vaults, and vibrant colours. Individually decorated light airy rooms. Suites feature Turkish baths and hot tubs. Quirky cellar restaurant serves traditional and European cuisines. Ideal for a city break. See More

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  • Mabre Residence Vilnius 40 rooms from AU$143

    Sights nearby  -  Situated in the heart of the Old Town
    Spa
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking

    A traditional Residence with elegant rooms and suites, a fantastic steak house restaurant, and beauty spa. Great value, authentic, and centrally located in the old town of VIlnius. See More

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  • Grotthuss Hotel Vilnius 20 rooms from AU$145

    Value chic  -  A homely boutique hotel in the heart of Vilnius’ Old Town, with winter garden restaurant and superb Spanish and French wines.
    Sights nearby  -  Just an eight minute walk to the Gate of Dawn, down pretty cobbled alleyways and lanes.
    House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.
    Full of character
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

    Privately owned boutique hotel on narrow medieval street. A characterful building with traditional decoration - stone facades, marble floors, paintings, artworks. Lovely restaurant with courtyard, spacious rooms, and conference facilities. Ideal for business or leisure. See More

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  • Artagonist Vilnius (Old Town) 34 rooms from AU$171

    Artworks  -  The hotel showcases work by Lithuanian artists. All forms of art are at the centre of everything here from murals to sculpture
    Short break  -  It's a compact, walkable city so perfect for a sightseeing break with its wonderful architecture and numerous historic sites
    Local exploring  -  The Old Town is rich in history with medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and picturesque churches
    Sights nearby  -  The Cathedral Basilica and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania are a few minutes’ walk from the hotel
    Air conditioningPet friendlyDisabled access

    This arty hotel in Vilnius Old Town sparks the imagination. Rooms feature contemporary artwork or installations; some with wood-beamed ceilings or partially exposed brick walls. There's an atrium with a glass roof and vibrant mural, plus a cool lounge. A trendy base from which to explore the city. See More

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  • Ramada Hotel Vilnius 55 rooms from AU$178

    City Style  -  A lavish hotel in a central location
    Sights nearby  -  Within walking distance to many sights including the Town Hall and Presidential Palace
    Full of character
    Traditional
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyParking

    Functional elegance behind a classical façade in Vilnius' old town. A combination of contemporary sensibility and old world beauty. Marble columns, Provencal wallpapers, golden touches. chandeliers, giant bath tubs. The restaurant has superior service and classical cuisine. A fine stay. See More

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  • The Secret Garden Vilnius 6 rooms from AU$196

    Short break  -  Vilnius airport is 5kms away and flies to a range of destinations in Europe making this a convenient short holiday destination
    Local exploring  -  Located centrally and in walking distance to the major attractions of Vilnius such as Cathedral Square and St Anne's Church
    Value chic  -  A central location and low prices, together with a tasteful inner decor give this location exceptional appeal
    Local markets  -  Check out the Kalvariju Turgus, Vilnius' largest food market open most days
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyParking

    Tucked away within a pretty courtyard this B&B exudes charm. Characterful rooms feature a mix of antiques and upholstered furniture, bold block colours, chintz fabrics and Persian-style carpets. Breakfast can be ordered on request and served in the flower-filled garden. A quaint stay. See More

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  • Shakespeare Hotel Vilnius 31 rooms from AU$227

    City Style  -  A historic hotel with chic rooms, magnificant architecture and a sophisticated bar and library.
    Great walks  -  Explore the historic centre of Vilnius, with its well preserved complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings.
    Local markets  -  Cathedral Square, the iconic central square of the city, is host to exhibtions, fairs, markets and even concerts.
    Sights nearby  -  Within walking distance of Gediminas' Tower, the remaining part of the Upper Castle in Vilnius.
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyViewsParking

    In the heart of the Old Town but off the tourist track. An atmospheric hotel in the vain of literary greats with charming individually decorated rooms. Lovely restaurant and even a banqueting hall for special events. See More

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  • Hotel Pacai Vilnius 104 rooms from AU$310

    Foodies  -  Foodies will love the hotel restaurant Nineteen18; the menu celebrates local ingredients and promotes Lithuanian cuisine
    Local exploring  -  Set in the heart of the historic centre of the town, this hotel is a great base for local exploring in Vilnius
    City Style  -  Located in a heritage building with contemporary interiors, this hotel has lots of city style
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the All Saints Church, an impressive, Baroque-style church from the 17th century
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels

    This luxury hotel is located in a heritage building in Vilnius' old town. After a full renovation the hotel now offers modern, stylish rooms with high ceilings and lots of natural light; book a suite for palatial living space and a balcony with city views. Dine at the hotel restaurant; a chic stay. See More

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  • Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square Vilnius 96 rooms from AU$342

    Restaurant  -  The Telegrafas restaurant with views of Cathedral Square blends the very best of local and international cuisine
    Spa  -  Luxurious and extensive spa with indoor pool, Finnish and steam sauna rooms and beauty treatments
    Suites  -  Lavish suites some with wonderful views over the Cathedral Square and Old Town
    Sights nearby  -  Located in Cathedral Square, the heart of the Old Town
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViews

    Five Star Luxury in the heart of the ornate and romantic old town of Vilnius, in the UNESCO listed Cathedral Square. Every luxury and state of the art conveniences in this supremely elegant hotel: marble bathrooms, lavish suites, spa and first class restaurant. Hard to beat for business or pleasure. See More

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  • Stikliai Hotel Vilnius 43 rooms from AU$342

    City Style  -  Fluted woodwork and lavish upholstery abound in this classic Vilnius hotel, surrounded by narrow lanes and intimate courtyards.
    Great walks  -  Wander the narrow streets of the Old City and admire the architectural jems you'll find hidden on her streets.
    Local markets  -  Scour the stalls at the historical flea market or pick up glass crafts around the area.
    Sights nearby  -  The hotel is within walking distance of the Cathedral Square.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux

    Charmingly decorated hotel with noted restaurant. Rich traditional elegance throughout - rugs, beautiful painted walls, original artworks, antique furniture, urns, and chandeliers. A gorgeous inner courtyard for dining and bedrooms with four poster beds. Truly delightful. See More

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