Vilnius Old Town Architecture and Uzupis Quarter Tour

Vilnius is one of Europe’s Best-Kept Secrets.

Meet your guide at the heart of the old town for a personalized tour of Vilnius.

Start at the Palace of the Grand Dukes housing Vilnius National Museum now. Learn about the impressive history of Vilnius as the political, administrative, and cultural center of Lithuania.

Continue to Vilnius Cathedral– the most famous church in the city. Vilnius Cathedral is a great reminder from the past when dukes were running the city. Its neoclassical facade has large columns and sculptures of four Evangelists. Learn about the unique architecture of its free-standing bell tower.

Explore the streets of the old town with stories about the history of Vilnius and how it got a chance to become the capital of the country. You will see a monument of Grand Duke Gediminas- founder of Vilnius. He was better known as a diplomat, who attracted the attention of Europe to Lithuania. He did so much for the development of the city and  Lithuania; listen to our expert guide as they tell you some more interesting facts about Gediminas and his activity back in the past.

See the stunning panorama of Vilnius and the castle complex from the bell tower of St. John’s church in Vilnius University grounds. Climb 193 steps to reach the observation deck for breath-taking views of the city’s hills and parks as well as the rooftops and landmarks of Old Town including Gediminas Castle Tower and the Hill of Three Crosses. 

Take a break at St. Anne’s church as you listen from your expert guide. It is one of the oldest churches in Lithuania, and its Gothic details are almost untouched. The church’s exterior is quite modest with red bricks, however, the coziness of this church is what attracts the eyes of people. In the past, it was a cultural center of Vilnius where locals gathered together to chat.

Vilnius is famous for its splendid doors and gates. See the Basilian Gate, an impressive late baroque monument opening up to the spacious courtyard with a church in the middle: making that perfect postcard-worthy view.

Next is the Gates of Dawn:  one of the most visited sites in Vilnius hosting a famous painting of  The Mother of Mercy. It is one of the most important religious, historical and cultural monuments making it a major site of Catholic pilgrimage in Lithuania.

It’s time for the intriguing part of this walking tour: a little village that announced independence from the main town with its own flag. Uzupis meaning ” the other side of the river”.  

Lithuanians know Uzupis as a tiny republic of free spirits. Legend has it that crossing the bridge across, if you look at the eye of the mermaid long enough, you will never want to leave Uzupis!

This is a place where people may disconnect from modern life and reconnect to what is important in life. The atmosphere in Uzupis is completely different from the rest of the city, you can go to the pub and meet the mayor of the city, or a famous basketball player. Experience the unique vibe of Uzubis during our guided walking tour and if you are lucky enough, you will even get a chance to get a stamp in your passport, since Uzupis really believes that they are an independent Republic.

End your tour at Vilnius town square after seeing the town hall. Today it is not just a pleasant space to spend your afternoon, but also a place representing the political, social, and cultural life. This was the former market square and still has the buzz and the cheers of the locals so it is a great place to spend some time independently with enough knowledge from your guide.