VILNIUSYOUR NEXT DESTINATION

the Republic of Lithuania.
Up here, in Europe's north.
is the largest capital city of the Baltic states.
is the largest capital city of the Baltic states.
o Eu
o Nato
o Schengen Visa Zone
OUR CURRENCY IS
Our language
is ancient.
Older than Greek and Hebrew.
But we're good at English too.
Destinations: 38+
Countries: >22
Airlines: 14
First cited in 1323 by Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas in a letter to German cities. Vilnius was granted Magdeburg rights on 22 March, 1387.
Vilnius is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a population of 557,000.
67% Lithuanian, 15% Polish, 10% Russian and 8% Ukrainian, Jewish and other demographics.
Ukrainian, Jewish and other demographics
67 % 15 % 10 % 8 %
For the second year, Vilnius has been named the most business-friendly city in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltics, recognized for its strong economic potential and quality of life.
Vilnius ranks No. 1 in the Sharing Mobility Index, leading with strong public support, flexible policies, and innovative initiatives.
The most dynamically developing city in the CEE Business Services Summit & Awards 2023.
In the Global Innovation Index 2024, Lithuania tops two categories #1 for women employed with advanced degrees and #1 for unicorn valuation as a percentage of GDP — with Vilnius playing a key role in this success.
If you’ve yet to lay eyes on Vilnius' Christmas tree, oh boy, you've been missing out! This tree isn't just a local celebrity, it’s an international sensation. Every year, it shines in numerous beauty competitions. In fact, it has snagged the title of the most beautiful Christmas tree in Europe not once but twice!
This year, the Christmas Cities Network, backed by the European Parliament, has officially crowned Vilnius the European Christmas Capital 2025.
So, if you thought our Christmas tree was just for show, think again—we’re officially on top of the nice list!
Who would’ve thought? The 2024 World Happiness Report has ranked Lithuania’s under-30 crowd the happiest in the world.
That’s no small feat—we’ve outranked happiness powerhouses like Denmark, Iceland and Finland!
Lithuania just landed the second spot on Lonely Planet’s 2025 list of best travel destinations in the world!
The hotlist celebrates places where nature meets culture, and Lithuania checked all the boxes—blending deep traditions, stunning outdoors and a buzzing counterculture.
In 2025, Lithuania is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of its most prominent composers, painters and creators—Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.
One of the most symbolic celebrations of this anniversary is the renaming of the capital’s airport, to International Vilnius Čiurlionis Airport.
we’re officially celebrating creativity at every altitude!
The Stotis District has been recognised as one of the most exciting places in the world by the NY Times in their annual World's Coolest Neighbourhoods List 2021.
Bars, trendy cafés, live music and alternative events have revitalised the previously grim central station area.
Always striving for a greener, safer and more convenient city for everyone.
Innovating and embracing the future to fuel the decisions of tomorrow.
Enabling creative spirits and shaping a vibrant atmosphere inside its historic UNESCO heritage ensemble.
Open to brave, quirky and unique ideas and always ready to make a bold statement.
Vilnius is:
• Vilnius has been named the European Green Capital for 2025, highlighting its achievements and commitment to sustainability and environmental innovation.
• 19th greenest city in the world.
• Vilnius is twice as green as Amsterdam and three times greener than Lisbon, Paris and Madrid.
Source: HUGSI Green space index
In 2023, Vilnius was awarded the European Green Capital 2025 title. It's like our city got the green light for being awesome!
Our goal? To turn Vilnius into a climateneutral paradise by 2030. Each year, the city works on boosting biodiversity, tackling climate issues and making city life greener and cooler. None of this would be possible without staying open, innovative and brave enough to try new things!
WHEN IT COMES TO PINK, IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT BARBIE
In 2023, Lithuania’s culinary pride – cold beetroot soup – finally got its own weird celebration and trust us, you'll want in on the fun this year!
The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest sweeps over the capital in early summer, painting the whole city a delightful shade of pink, with art installations and festival goers dressed in costumes resembling the dish.
As for the activities, you’ll be truly immersed in the soup, both by trying countless delicious variations of it and, if you’re brave enough, taking a plunge down an enormous pink slip'n'slide straight into a giant bowl of it!
• And super walkable. Among the top 5 EU capitals for short commuting (avg 23 min).
• The airport is 15 minutes away from the city centre.
• Excellently linked via direct trains, buses and taxis.
• Hotels, cafés, bars, sights, and cultural spots in the hundreds are just around the corner.
The Christmas in Vilnius festival is a dazzling, month-long event starting in early December and lasting till Three Kings’ Day. Come embrace the holiday magic as it spreads from the heart of the capital to every nook and cranny of Vilnius!
Vilnius is an impressive city with a gazillion places to visit.
Here's what we wouldn't miss if we were you...
The Chapel of the Gates of Dawn is one of the most significant religious sites in Vilnius. It’s nestled within the Gates of Dawn, which are one of the original gates of the city's medieval defence walls.
The highlight of the chapel is its revered icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which draws visitors who come to admire its beauty and spiritual significance, making it a truly special place to visit.
Vilnius is home to the original painting of Divine Mercy, an iconic image revered worldwide.
This work of art, painted in 1934 by a renowned Polish artist Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, is the first visual representation of Saint Faustina’s visions of Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in the spread of the Divine Mercy devotion across the globe.
Vilnius is where Saint Faustina Kowalska received visions of Jesus, inspiring the famous Divine Mercy Image, painted under her guidance in 1934. The original painting is now venerated in the Shrine of Divine Mercy, attracting pilgrims from around the world.
The city’s rich religious heritage makes Vilnius a place of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal. Whether seeking prayer, reflection, or a deeper connection to Divine Mercy, Vilnius welcomes all who come in search of grace and peace.
In June 2026, Vilnius will host the 6th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM), a significant global event for the Catholic community.
This underscores Vilnius' spiritual heritage and offers an opportunity for the city to welcome pilgrims and religious leaders, fostering a deeper appreciation of its historical and cultural significance.
LUKIŠKĖS 2.0
The neighbourhood of Užupis is famously known for declaring itself an independent republic in 1997, when it became its own "republic" with a "president," constitution and even a flag.
The Užupis Constitution, displayed on a neighbourhood wall in multiple languages, includes fun articles like, "Everyone has the right to be unique" and. "Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.”
Once an industrial area, now one of the newest and vibrant neighbourhoods in Vilnius — Paupys is where modern urban living meets historic charm. Nestled along the Vilnelė River and just steps from the Old Town, this district has been thoughtfully designed with sustainability, community and creativity at its core, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Vilnius.
Vilnius has made it simple for everyone who enjoys jogging, trekking and exploring.
Choose from a 100 kilometers of trails stretching around the city and uncover Vilnius on foot.
Vilnius Auto Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, offering one of the most impressive collections in the world.
Housed in a former 1970s-era taxi park, this industrial heritage building features over 100 historic vehicles, including classic cars, motorcycles and rare Soviet-era models like the Moskvitch, Volga and Zaporozhets – all symbols of the Baltic states’ motoring past.
Standing tall at 326.5 meters, Vilnius TV tower offers breathtaking views of the city from its 67th-floor bistro-bar, making it a must-visit for panorama enthusiasts.
For those seeking more than just a view, the tower also features a small hotel where guests can spend the night. But if you're looking to really test your courage, the Edge Walk, perched at a thrilling 170 meters above the ground, promises an unforgettable experience.
Trakai is one of Lithuania's medieval capitals, featuring a unique and authentic fortification in the middle of a lake.
Vilnius is the hub of Lithuania when it comes to gastronomy. While focusing on seasonal and local ingredients, the city is packed with a full spectrum of cosy restaurants, fine dining spots, bars and street food.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence. Vilnius, is not only rich in history and culture but is also becoming a prominent destination for culinary enthusiasts. The recent inclusion of 24 Vilnius restaurants in the Michelin Guide highlights the city's gastronomic achievements.
N INETEEN 18
The Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants offering exceptional food at moderate prices.
14 HORSES
GASPAR’S
LE TRAVI
• MOMO GRILL
• DA ANTONIO
• FARMER & THE OCEAN
• PROTĖVIAI
• STEBUKLAI
• ELVEN
• TELEGRAFAS
• DINE
• HEJI
• ERTLIO NAMAS
• STIKLIAI
• PACAI
• JUSTA PASTA
• SOMM
• AUGUSTIN
• AMANDUS
• FABRIKĖLIS
Senatorių Pasažas is a historical mansion and a multi-purpose venue in the heart of Vilnius Old Town.
Apart from its bakery, butcher, natural wine bar, bookshop and stores offering farm and interior décor goods, it also houses two renowned Michelin Guide restaurants—Nineteen18 and 14Horses making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
Paupio Turgus is one of the most vibrant food markets in Vilnius.
Set in the trendy Paupys neighbourhood, which has become a hub for modern urban living while still holding on to its historical charm. With its indoor urban jungle and lovely outdoor seating, it's the perfect spot to gather with friends.
Cherished by everyone, our traditional cold beet soup
Šaltibarščiai is a time-honoured delight.
Just ask a waiter for [shall-tee-bar-sh-chai]
By the way, we have the Pink Soup Festival on May 31st, 2025.
What’s the crunchiest, most irresistible snack in all of Europe?
KEPTA DUONA, hands down!
The folks at Taste Atlas surveyed nearly half a million people to compile their Top 100 European Snacks list and these crispy, garlicky Lithuanian breadsticks have earned the top spot.
We've been sipping it since the early to mid-17th century and care about the coffee craft.
This is why we have made it into a tour – the Vilnius Coffee Crawl, with all the best brews the city has to offer.
Trust us, we have been caring about our pints since the day of religieux.
Vilnius is home to the Beer Library, an establishment with an enormous collection of brews for all beerlovers to see and... study. Always, always go for Lithuanian beer while here.
Ready for a vibrant and buzzing nightlife?
Bar hopping and clubbing until dawn and all the chatter and fun. Everyone's invited.
Vilnius has plenty of renowned chain hotels and boutique establishments to help you rest after a long day.
Vilnius is:
Vilnius TechFusion is the brand representing the Lithuanian capital’s dynamic, tech-oriented business ecosystem, driven by innovation and a strong focus on foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction.
Vilnius TechFusion brings together companies operating in Life Sciences, Lasers, Game Development, ICT, and Fintech, fostering collaboration and growth across these cutting-edge industries.
Vilnius TechFusion is a close-knit community that connects the most advanced technology sectors and brings companies working in Life Sciences, Lasers, Game Development, ICT, and Fintech together, while also serving as a hub for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). This creates a unique environment where new businesses and talents emerge daily.
It’s the city itself – comfortable, future-driven, and open-minded, making it a magnet for global businesses and innovation.
…thanks to the people who work and live in the city. The professionals leading the city’s biggest business sectors are the best example of this. Their achievements are astounding and they’re helping spread the word about Vilnius globally. And more often than not, they play key roles when it comes to developing initiatives that connect and galvanise the city’s business community.
We rarely skip our classes. 82% of Lithuanians have completed at least secondary or higher education and 91% posses ICT skills, according to EUROSTAT. And we have around 474k students in schools and universities.
Relocating to a new country is an exciting adventure, but understanding and navigating the relocation process can feel overwhelming.
International House Vilnius is here to simplify the journey by offering newcomers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the relocation and integration process—all in one convenient place.
We leverage an extensive network of national agencies, local organizations, and experts to ensure that over 1,000 people successfully relocate to and integrate into our beloved Vilnius every month. The best part? All our services are completely free of charge.
• 92.7% of people living in Vilnius region aged 20-24 have at least an upper secondary education. Lithuania has grown to 4.4%, nearing the EU average of 4.6%.
• Vilnius tops the charts for digital skills globally. The Lithuanian government initiatives aim to increase the share of ICT specialists by 50%, targeting 67,500 specialists by 2025.
• Almost half a million students attend schools and universities in Lithuania every day.
• More than 4,361 teachers and 14,376 pupils participate in the Vilnius is a School project, which hosts lectures outside conventional school settings.
This majestic and prestigious university was founded in 1579 as a Jesuit Academy and is the biggest university in Lithuania.
Year after year, it's listed by QS World University Rankings x the top 4% of the best universities in the world. Around 22, 000 students enrolled here last year.
Our biotech sector has no intentions of hitting the brakes!
• Lithuania's biotech growth is soaring at a whopping 25% annually, making it one of Europe's fastestgrowing life sciences sectors.
• Life sciences contribute 2.6% to Lithuania's GDP, aiming for 5% by 2030.
• The country is home to over 550 biotech companies, reflecting a robust and expanding biotech ecosystem.
• Six of our universities are diving into biotech studies.
• Over 15,000 life sciences professionals.
• 92% of our life science goodies are jet-setting to 100+ countries.
• 43.7% of Lithuania's GDP is created here.
• 75.6% of FDI settles in Vilnius, too.
Currently, 5G coverage extends to 94.6% of Lithuania's territory and is accessible to 99.7% of households across the country.
In 2024, Vilnius became home to the first gene therapy centre in the Baltic region and the largest biotechnology hub in Europe–Bio City.
This groundbreaking facility has cemented the city’s position as a growing leader in life sciences and biotechnology.
We have over 20 business hubs and accelerators and over 890 startups s based in Vilnius.
And four unicorns – Vinted, Nord Security, Baltic Classifieds Group, and Flo Health.
Vilnius is one of the most business-friendly cities, according to the Emerging Europe organization.
Local startups employ over 18,100 people with an average monthly salary of €4,400.
Startups attracted around €272 million in investments, supporting the development of innovative solutions and high-value-added jobs.
Lithuania now hosts 282 fintech companies , reflecting steady growth from the previous year's 276.
Lithuania's fintech sector employs 7,400 professionals, with 70% of them in Vilnius earning €3,300+ on average.
Our ICT and GameDev sectors achieved the highest growth.
• Over 27,000 employees in the sector, with Vilnius hosting the majority – around 64%.
• In the first half of 2024, the ICT sector accounted for a quarter of Lithuania's economic growth, with its value-added increasing by 10% year - on - year.
• Lithuania's GameDev industry is projected to reach €1 billion by 2030.
• Over 35 languages are used in the sector.
So do CERN, IBM, Hitachi, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
• More than 90% of our top-notch lasers are exported abroad.
• 95% of the world's top universities use our lasers.
• The sector comprises 60+ companies employing approximately 1,600 professionals.
• Vilnius-based Ekspla and Light Conversion unveiled the one-of-a-kind cutting-edge SYLOS 3 laser system, a world first.
• Our satellite manufacturer NanoAvions is literally skyrocketing to success, launching satellites with companies like SpaceX. Beam beam!
All thanks to the OPEN DATA PORTAL.
Data related to Vilnius and information on projects developed by the city or third parties are now easily accessible.
Why? Well, the culture of collaboration and sharing contributes directly to a more sustainable urban development.
Try it here: https://api.vilnius.lt
Vilnius is:
Vilnius has transformed the former maximum security Lukiškės Prison into a cultural hotspot.
Lukiškės is now Lukiškės 2.0 – a phenomenal cultural experience with night tours, art exhibitions and performances. What used to be a dreadful facility is now a hub for 250 artists.
One of the largest in Eastern and Central Europe.
A variety of classic architectural styles blends #modern and #brutalism into a harmonious symphony.
This includes the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, and an abundance of international theatre and music festivals.
Our museums present a 360° view of history. From archaeology, the Palace of Grand Dukes and the castle in the middle of our Old Town, to futuristic and scientific terrains. Add this to some of the most exciting art galleries and showrooms, like the MO museum, the Kazys Varnelis House Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.
Born in 2023, the Vilnius Biennial of Performance Art is the freshest international contemporary performance art hotspot.
38 artists turned different spaces around Vilnius into their creative playgrounds. It was two weeks of art, vibes and a whole lot of "Did you see that?!" moments.
We’re already stoked for the next one in 2025 – you too?
Vilnius is proud of its pop culture and various artistic happenings in the city. Locals lurk around LOFTAS, visiting the musical Capital Days, Street Music Day, Music Day and going to Culture Night.
Vilnius has become a favoured destination for major filming studios, including HBO and Netflix. Young Wallander, Catherine the Great, Chernobyl and Stranger Things, just to name a few.
You might actually need to wear your sunglasses at night if you visit our city during the Vilnius Light Festival, which takes place every January. This event turns every corner of the capital into a radiant spectacle, making it a contender for the most brilliantly lit spot in the universe.
• Vilnius Light Festival (January 24-26, 2025)
• St. Casimir's Fair (March 7-9, 2025)
• Street Music Day & Museum Night (May 17, 2025)
• Vilnius Pink Soup Fest (May 31, 2025)
• Vilnius Night of Culture (June 13, 2025)
• Young as Vilnius Festival (July 25, 2025)
• Vilnius City Fiesta (September 2025)
• Gastronomy week (November 2025)
• Christmas in Vilnius (November-January)
St. Casimir's Fair, held annually in early March and deeply rooted in Lithuanian culture and history, is one of Vilnius' most cherished traditional events.
Spanning some 5 kilometres, the fair transforms the city's streets into a vibrant marketplace with hundreds of vendors offering an array of Lithuanian crafts and foods.
As Young as Vilnius Festival is a vibrant celebration that marks the city’s "second birthday" every summer on July 25th. Started in 2023 in honour of Vilnius' 700th anniversary, this free music festival has already become a beloved tradition.
The first weekend of September is a special time in Vilnius, as the city comes alive with Sostinės Dienos, its largest and most vibrant festival.
This cultural celebration fills the streets with music, art, food and entertainment, drawing not only locals but also students, newcomers and visitors who travel to Vilnius just for the occasion.
Vilnius is:
Young people of Lithuania are the happiest in the world (2024 World Happiness Report).
These are facts; we didn't make it up.
• We're 11th in the world for work-life balance.
• We rank 8th globally for remote work and boast 20 coworking spaces.
• Vilnius boasts over 1.16 million sqm of modern office space, with an additional 85,000 sqm planned by 2025.
• Did we mention that Vilnius is top in the world for online security?
Vilnius unreservedly condemns the Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian cause, supply shelter for fleeing war refugees and care for their all-around integration.
Vilnius is a courageous city that does not shy away from making itself known through gutsy marketing campaigns.
We have a nice place here, and aren't afraid of letting everyone know about it.
Vilnius initiated a previously unheard of collaborative experiment and transformed the entire city into an outdoor cafe. Surely enough, Vilnius became the biggest open-air cafe in the world – all to help small businesses suffering from the COVID pandemic.
Our businesses have proven once again that they can adapt to restrictions and deliver innovation in all fields of play.
How about an open-air cinema on an airport landing strip? We are smart-idea-driven.
In 2023, Vilnius assumed the pivotal role as host city for the NATO Summit, where leaders from across the globe convened to engage in discussions on matters of global security.
The summit marked a crucial moment in reinforcing the alliance's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region and solidifying Lithuania's standing as a key strategic player on the international stage.
(that’s us!)
We help visitors discover the best of Vilnius.
Go Vilnius is the official development agency of the City of Vilnius. We provide visitors, investors, relocating talent, entrepreneurs and businesses with everything they need to know about our city.
From real estate and residency, to advice on what to see and do, Go Vilnius is here to help you make the most of your time in our city. Whether you’re making the move here or just taking a weekend city break, we'll help you find what you need.
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