Budget · 5 Days
€230
Mid-range · 5 Days
€525
Best months
May to September
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€65
With 5 days in Vilnius, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the postcard-perfect facades, Vilnius reveals its complex layers through poignant history. Trace the rich Jewish heritage in the former ghetto, feel the weight of the KGB Museum (Genocide Victims Museum), and then experience the city's youthful energy in the vibrant bars and innovative restaurants of the Naujamiestis district.
Perfect for budget travelers
Perfect for culture seekers
Perfect for history buffs
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Vilnius adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Old Town
Experience Old Town, one of Vilnius's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Lithuania's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Gediminas Castle Tower
Experience Gediminas Castle Tower, one of Vilnius's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Lithuania's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Vilnius like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Lithuania.
1
Užupis District
Experience Užupis District, one of Vilnius's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Lithuania's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Gate of Dawn
Experience Gate of Dawn, one of Vilnius's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Lithuania's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Vilnius. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
St. Anne's Church
Experience St. Anne's Church, one of Vilnius's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Lithuania's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Vilnius Cathedral
Experience Vilnius Cathedral, one of Vilnius's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Lithuania's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Paneriai (Ponary) Memorial & Cold War Museum
Leave Vilnius behind for a day and head to Paneriai (Ponary) Memorial & Cold War Museum (20 min by train to Paneriai station + walk / 30 min drive to the museum).
1
Paneriai (Ponary) Memorial & Cold War Museum
A sobering but important day exploring two dark chapters of history: the Paneriai Memorial marks the site of a WWII mass murder, while the former Soviet nuclear missile base offers a chilling Cold War experience.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Paneriai Memorial Park and museum, The Cold War Museum (Plokštinė missile base), The contrasting narratives of 20th-century oppression.
Day 5: Naujamiestis (New Town) & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Naujamiestis (New Town) and seek out a few places most visitors to Vilnius never find.
1
Naujamiestis (New Town)
A contrast to the Old Town, this district developed from the 19th century onwards and is the city's commercial and business center. It features grander architecture, wider avenues, and a more local, contemporary vibe with modern cafes, concept stores, and nightlife.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Gediminas Avenue, Lukiškės Square, MO Museum (Modern Art).
2
Subačiaus Street Viewpoint
A steep, cobbled street leading down from the Old Town towards the railway station, offering a classic, picturesque view of St. Anne's Church.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It provides one of the most iconic and photographed views in Vilnius, yet is just off the main tourist path and feels wonderfully local.
3
The Energy and Technology Museum
Housed in a former power plant, this interactive museum covers the history of Vilnius's industry, technology, and even has a retro arcade.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's a fascinating change from churches and castles, with hands-on exhibits, great views from the rooftop, and a cool industrial aesthetic.
Top tours and experiences in Vilnius
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
All things to do in Vilnius →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Vilnius
Surprising Green Spaces and Hilltop Views: Escape the urban buzz in the city's many parks. Walk through Bernardine Gardens, explore the wooded slopes of the Three Crosses Hill monument, or take a funicular up to the Hill of Three Crosses for stunning sunset vistas over the red rooftops.
A Gateway to Unique Day Trips: Use Vilnius as a base to explore Lithuania's profound history and natural beauty. Easily visit the haunting Hill of Crosses, the fairytale Trakai Island Castle, and the sobering Soviet nuclear missile base at the Cold War Museum.
A Baroque Old Town of Unparalleled Scale: Explore one of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the maze of cobbled streets past over 40 churches, including the breathtakingly intricate red-brick St. Anne's Church and the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral, and climb Gediminas Castle Tower for panoramic views.
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How much do 5 days in Vilnius cost?
Plan on roughly €230 on a budget, €525 mid-range or €975 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Vilnius.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €28 | €65 | €115 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €12 | €25 | €48 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €6 | €15 | €32 |
| Total per day | €46 | €105 | €195 |
| Total for 5 days | €230 | €525 | €975 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Vilnius
Hotels close to the centre of Vilnius, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Vilnius is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Vilnius is May to September. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in Lithuanian go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Vilnius
Cepelinai (Zeppelins)
Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beetroot Soup)
Kibinai
Vėdarai (Potato Sausages)
💡 The best traditional cepelinai (zeppelins) are often found in old-school "virtuvė" (canteen-style) restaurants like Šturmų Švyturys or Lokys, not just in tourist spots.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Vilnius
Senamiestis (Old Town)
The historic heart and soul of Vilnius, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site defined by Baroque architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and hidden courtyards.
Užupis
A bohemian, artist-run republic on the other side of the Vilnia River, known for its independent spirit, quirky art, and laid-back vibe.
Šnipiškės
A district of striking contrasts, where modern glass skyscrapers, including the Europa Tower, rise beside pre-war wooden houses and Soviet-era blocks.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Vilnius, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Trakai
40 min by train or bus
Visit the picture-perfect red-brick island castle, a symbol of Lithuania's medieval Grand Duchy, set on a lake.
Hill of Crosses
2 hours by train to Šiauliai + 15 min taxi
A powerful and unique site of national pilgrimage and resistance, where over 100,000 crosses have been placed on a small hill over centuries as symbols of faith and defiance.
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