Vilnius itinerary for 2 days: Old Town, Užupis and viewpoints

Written and fact-checked by the Yalla Travel editorial team

What is the best Vilnius itinerary for 2 days?

The best Vilnius itinerary for 2 days spends Day 1 on Cathedral Square, Gediminas Castle Hill, Pilies Street, Vilnius University and St. Anne's Church, and Day 2 on the Gates of Dawn, the former Jewish quarter, Užupis and the Hill of Three Crosses. Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is compact enough to cover on foot.

Most stops are 5-15 minutes apart on foot. Streets are cobbled and some are steep, so comfortable shoes matter more than any pass or ticket.

What should you see on Day 1 in Vilnius Old Town?

Day 1 follows the line from Cathedral Square through Pilies Street to the university district, which covers the main medieval and baroque sights.

1. Start at Cathedral Square (Katedros aikštė) with Vilnius Cathedral and the free-standing Bell Tower.
2. Climb Gediminas Castle Hill (Gedimino pilies kalnas) for the Gediminas Tower and the city panorama; the path is short but steep.
3. Walk Pilies Street, the main old-town street, to Vilnius University and its courtyards.
4. See St. Anne's Church, a Gothic brick church, and the neighboring Bernardine Church.
5. Finish with dinner around Pilies Street, Vokiečių Street or Gediminas Avenue.

The Gediminas Tower is the symbol of the city. Check the official museum site for current opening hours, as the interior is closed on some days and seasons.

What should you see on Day 2 in Vilnius?

Day 2 covers the Gates of Dawn, the former Jewish quarter, the artists' district of Užupis and a sunset viewpoint.

• Gates of Dawn (Aušros Vartai): the only surviving city gate, with a chapel holding a revered icon of the Virgin Mary
• Town Hall Square: the old market square with the neoclassical Town Hall
• Former Jewish quarter: streets around Žydų and Gaono; the historic Great Synagogue stood here before the Second World War
• Choral Synagogue (Pylimo Street): the only synagogue in Vilnius that survived the war, still in use
• Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum: exhibitions on Lithuanian Jewish history; check hours before visiting
• Užupis: a bohemian district across the Vilnia river that calls itself a republic, famous for its constitution on Paupio Street
• Hill of Three Crosses: a hilltop monument with views over the city, about 20-30 minutes on foot from Gediminas Castle Hill

Vilnius was known as the "Jerusalem of Lithuania" before 1941. Many Israeli visitors add the Paneriai (Ponar) memorial, about 10 km southwest of the center, which is reachable by train from Vilnius station.

Where are the best viewpoints and photo spots in Vilnius?

The best viewpoints are Gediminas Castle Hill, the Hill of Three Crosses and the Bell Tower, with St. Anne's Church as the best street-level photo.

The Neris riverfront offers a flat evening walk, and the modern business district on the opposite bank provides a contrast to the Old Town skyline.

Where should you eat in Vilnius?

The best areas for a meal are the Old Town around Pilies, Vokiečių and Literatų streets and the lanes of Užupis, where Lithuanian dishes are easy to find.

• Cepelinai: potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese
• Šaltibarščiai: cold pink beet soup, popular in summer
• Kibinai: baked pastries from the Karaite community
• Šakotis: tree-shaped cake served at celebrations
• Vegetarian options: widely available; kosher restaurants should be confirmed through the Jewish community or Chabad

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and the euro is the currency. Tipping of roughly 10 percent is common in restaurants.

How do you get around Vilnius and from the airport?

Vilnius Airport (VNO) is about 6 km south of the Old Town, and the center is reachable in 10-20 minutes by train, bus or taxi. Everything within the Old Town is walkable.

Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt are common in Vilnius, and a pre-booked ride avoids haggling over fares. Trolleybuses and buses cover the rest of the city, with tickets sold through the Vilnius transport app and at kiosks. Check the current Tel Aviv to Vilnius flight schedules, because direct service is seasonal and varies by airline.

Is a day trip to Trakai worth adding?

Trakai Island Castle, a red-brick castle on a lake about 30 km west of Vilnius, suits a half-day trip on a third day. Trains and buses from Vilnius take roughly 30-40 minutes, and the village is also home to the Karaite community, whose kibinai pastries are a local specialty. In summer, boats and pedal boats operate on the lake; check the castle museum site for current opening hours.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not schedule more than four main stops per day; cobbles and slopes slow the pace
• Do not enter churches during services; visit in the gaps or admire exteriors
• Do not leave the Hill of Three Crosses for after dark, as paths are unlit
• Do not rely on one restaurant; Old Town venues fill up on Friday and Saturday evenings
• Do not forget layers: evenings are cool even in summer

Which season suits a 2-day visit?

What do Israeli travelers need to know before going?

Israeli passport holders can generally visit Lithuania and the Schengen area without a visa for short stays, but should check the latest entry rules, including any ETIAS requirement, on the official EU website.

• Warnings: read the Israeli National Security Council and Foreign Ministry advice before departure
• Kosher and Shabbat: check with the local Jewish community or a Chabad house in Vilnius
• Weather: summers are mild; winters are cold with snow, so bring waterproof shoes with grip
• Churches: dress modestly and avoid entering during services
• Extending the trip: Trakai Castle is about 30 km west, a 30-minute drive or train; Riga and Tallinn are separate Baltic stops by bus or flight