Things to do in Vilnius Lithuania

Exploring Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, on a walking tour can be a delightful way to immerse yourself in its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.

Arrival - Took a bus from Riga Latvia, cost was around 15 USD

Stay: Stayed at a hotel on Gediminas Avenue which is the main street of Vilnius, It connects the historic city center and the Cathedral Square to the Lithuanian Parliament. Walking distance to most tourist attractions. Gediminas Avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. 

Presidential Palace Vilnius

Did the walking tour of Vilnius, the tour starts at 9 AM, and the meeting point is Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square: At the heart of Vilnius, where you'll find the stunning Vilnius Cathedral and the iconic Gediminas Tower on the hill overlooking the city. Took some time to explore the square and its surroundings.

Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius University: Admire the architecture of Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, and the stunning St. John's Church and its bell tower.

Pilies Street: Pilies Street, a picturesque cobblestone street filled with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cozy cafes. This street is a true representation of the city's charm.

Presidential Palace: As we continue on Pilies Street, you'll pass by the Presidential Palace. Stop to take photos and learn about Lithuania's government.

Town Hall Square: Reach Town Hall Square, surrounded by colorful buildings and the Vilnius Town Hall. In winter, this square turns into a lovely Christmas market.

Užupis District: Cross the Vilnia River to enter the artistic and bohemian Užupis district. This self-proclaimed "Republic of Užupis" is filled with art galleries, sculptures, and a unique atmosphere.

Angel of Užupis: Look for the Angel of Užupis sculpture, a symbol of the district's artistic spirit and independence.

St. Peter and Paul's Church: Head back towards the Old Town and visit the impressive St. Peter and Paul's Church, known for its intricate and decorative interior.

Vilnius' Gates: The remains of the city's historic gates: the Gates of Dawn and the Medininkai Gate.

Literatų Street: Stroll along Literatų Street, lined with colorful artwork and tributes to Lithuania's literary heritage.

The Bastion of Vilnius Defensive Wall: The tour ended by exploring the bastion, a part of Vilnius' defensive fortifications, offering historical insights and panoramic views.

The above Picture is my reflection taking a picture of the Užupis Constitution. 

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Walking Tour of Riga Latvia

Self Walking Tour of Riga Latvia

Arrival: Took a 4 hour Bus ride from Tallinn Estonia

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours (excluding time for exploring attractions and taking breaks)

Start: Riga Cathedral Square

1. Riga Cathedral Square:

Begin your walking tour at Riga Cathedral Square, where you'll find the impressive Riga Cathedral. This medieval cathedral is one of the city's most significant landmarks. Take some time to admire its architecture and the surrounding square.

2. St. Peter's Church:

Head to St. Peter's Church, known for its towering spire and panoramic views from the observation deck. You can choose to visit the interior or simply enjoy the exterior architecture.

Above photo I took from St. Peter's Church observation deck.

3. House of the Blackheads:

Walk to the House of the Blackheads, a historic building with intricate decorations. It's a symbol of Riga's trading heritage and hosts various events. Note that the original building was destroyed during WWII, but a reconstruction stands in its place.

House of the Blackheads

4. Riga Town Hall Square:

Continue to Riga Town Hall Square, a vibrant square surrounded by colorful buildings. You can often find markets, festivals, and events taking place here.

5. Swedish Gate and Three Brothers:

Walk through the Swedish Gate, a remaining gate from the medieval city wall. Nearby, you'll find the "Three Brothers" houses, a trio of medieval buildings showcasing different architectural styles.

6. Art Nouveau District:

Make your way to the Art Nouveau district, particularly along Alberta Street. Riga boasts some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Admire the ornate facades and intricate details.

7. Riga Central Market:

Head to the Riga Central Market  for a lively experience. It's one of Europe's largest markets and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local foods, and crafts.

8. Freedom Monument:

Walk to the Freedom Monument, a towering symbol of Latvia's independence. The monument is located in a central square and often serves as a gathering place for various events.

9. Esplanade Park:

Take a stroll through Esplanade Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. It's a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

10. National Opera House:

Pass by the Latvian National Opera House, an architectural gem with a rich history. If you're interested, you can check the schedule for opera and ballet performances.

End: Riga Old Town 

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Things to do in Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a charming city with a rich history and a mix of medieval and modern influences.

Tallinn Old Town Square

How to get to Tallinn - There are busses and ferry services, I had flown from Stockholm Sweden. Estonia is part of the Euro Zone and there was no Immigration check since I was flying in from another European EU member country. Once outside the Airport I was looking for buses to the city and could not find one, went back inside and asked the Information and was told to take a taxi. The taxi cost was less then 15 Euros and have meters.

Stay - Stayed at Fat Margaret's Hostel the cost was around $35 for a private room for a night. Excellent location, near old town and plenty of places to eat nearby. 

Eating and Drinking: Tallinn offers a range of dining options from traditional Estonian cuisine to international fare. Try local dishes like black bread, sauerkraut, and marinated eel. Sample Estonian liqueurs and spirits like Vana Tallinn. There is an Indian restaurant called GOA near my hostel with delicious food.

Here are some things to do and places to visit in Tallinn:

Old Town: Explore Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, well-preserved medieval architecture, and charming squares. The Town Hall Square is a central point with its historic buildings, cafes, and the Town Hall itself.

Did the walking tour which started at the Visitors Center in old town and ended at Eesti Vabadussõda or The Cross of Liberty and the Monument to the War of Independence is located in Freedom Square, Tallinn. The tour lasted 2 hours.

Eesti Vabadussõda

The tour goes through Kiek in de Kok is an artillery tower in Tallinn

Kiek in de Kok

The tour will take you through Toompea Hill where you can find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an iconic Russian Orthodox cathedral, and the Toompea Castle housing the Estonian Parliament. The viewpoints on Toompea Hill offer panoramic views of the city. A must do/see even if you are not part of tour.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Other things to do while in Tallinn

Tallinn's Creative City: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Kalamaja and Telliskivi Loomelinnak (Creative City), known for their artistic vibes, cool cafes, street art, and design shops.

Kadriorg Palace: This Baroque palace and its surrounding park were built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I. The palace now houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, which displays foreign art from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Tallinn TV Tower: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tallinn and its surroundings from the observation deck of the TV Tower. There's also an interactive museum and a rotating restaurant at the top.

St. Olaf's Church: This medieval church used to be the tallest building in the world during the 16th century. Climb its spiral staircase for great views of the city.

Ferry to Helsinki: If you have extra time, consider taking a ferry to Helsinki, Finland. It's a relatively short trip and gives you a chance to explore another Nordic capital. For me though From Tallinn took the LUX Bus to Riga as have already visited Helsinki twice.

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