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Every year more and more people are realising just what the Baltic States in northern Europe have to offer. An essential stop as you travel this fascinating region is the capital city of Vilnius in Lithuania. What people like about Vilnius is that the city offers you things you weren’t expecting, be it grand history or quirky alternative vibes. Because the city feels like such an unknown quantity for many travellers who don’t know the city yet, one of the hardest parts of planning a visit is working out where to stay in Vilnius.
Whether you’re spending one night in Vilnius or several, finding the right place to stay can have a big impact on your time there. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere, isolated from the city’s sights, restaurants and important spots.
That means for your first time in Vilnius, since you don’t know the layout of the city, you’re going to need some help. Luckily, I’ve put together this rundown of the crucial Vilnius neighbourhoods together that explains what you can expect in each part of the city. Hopefully, this will tell you everything you need to plan your Vilnius visit.
Old Town – Cathedral Square
In Vilnius, most of the city centre is made up of the Old Town also known by the name Senamiestis. Since this part of the city is so large, I thought it best to break up it up into three sections: the northern end, centre and southern end. This way you’ll get a better idea about specific areas and not one overly generic description.
With that we start with the northern end of Vilnius Old Town. Generally speaking, the area centres around Cathedral Square and is bordered by the riverbank of the Neris. The northern end of Vilnius is where many of the city’s most well-known attractions can be found like the Vilnius Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Opera House.
It’s not all grand attractions though as you have the major shopping street of Gedimino Street, plus cafes, bars and restaurants all over.
If you guessed that this was one of the best places to stay in Vilnius you were right. Not only is the area close to lots of things but you’ll find everything from hostels to apartments to fancy boutique hotels.
Staying There – One of the main sightseeing areas for tourists in Vilnius, the Old Town around Cathedral Square is ideal for first timers.
Old Town – City Centre
Right in the depths of the Vilnius Old Town, you have the best of Vilnius at your doorstep. Here in the centre of Vilnius Old Town you can explore the city no matter which direction you head.
Rather than great wide streets and modern conveniences, this part of town feels like stepping back in time. With plenty of historic alleys to explore you get a nice dose of Vilnius’ historical side and you can’t beat the atmosphere thanks to the city’s student population from the nearby university.
Not to be outdone, this part of the Old Town boasts its own stock of sights, including St. Anne’s Church, the City Hall and the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania. In terms of where to stay, the location here is hard to beat. Most of the high-end hotels are found in this part of the city which says a lot about how good an area it is to stay in. There are also a plethora of apartments set inside historic buildings here if you prefer more space and a little independence.
Staying There – Putting you right amongst the action, the heart of Vilnius is the perfect place to stay for those with only one or two nights in Vilnius.
Old Town – Gate of Dawn
Making up the southern end of the Old Town, this area reaches the Gate of Dawn and beyond the historic centre down to the city’s train and bus stations. This is perhaps the least glamorous part of the Vilnius Old Town that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth staying in. Rather than hosting lots of big name attractions, this part of the city is a little more subdued. What’s nice is that in less than 10 minutes you can walk right into the city centre, but also leave if you need a break.
Still, sights to see include the Gate of Dawn obviously, but there’s also the Halle Market and street art across from the market and up Pylimo Street. When it comes to dinner, just head through the Gate of Dawn and you’ll come across loads of restaurants, while you’re likely to find more international cuisine this side of town.
Lacking some of the perks of other parts of the Old Town, this is a great part of Vilnius for affordable accommodation. Hence why the majority of Vilnius’ hostels are found down here.
Staying There – For budget travellers or those who want easy access to the main bus and train station, this end of the Vilnius Old Town is where you should start looking.
Šnipiškės
Separated from the Old Town of Vilnius by the Neris River, Šnipiškės puts a bit of breathing room between you and the Vilnius sights. A motley combination of business districts, residential streets and areas undergoing redevelopment, Snipiskes may not seem immediately attractive for first timers. Of course if you have business in Vilnius then it definitely makes sense to consider this side of the city.
But even tourists can get something out of staying in Snipiskes. A couple of stops on the bus or a 15-20 minute walk and you’re in the Old Town. Plus you get to cross the Neris River as you go and it’s one of the prettier parts of Vilnius, especially at sunset
Snipiskes also puts you near the PC Europa Shopping Mall, while the Panorama Shopping Mall isn’t much further. The best way to make the most of staying in this part of Vilnius is to use the Vilnius bus network which is cheap and pretty good. It’s probably no surprise that most accommodation here is meant for business and budget travellers.
Staying There – Šnipiškės is convenient for those on a business trip to Vilnius or if you don’t mind taking the bus to visit the city’s main sights.
Naujamiestis
Extending from the Old Town of Vilnius to the east lies the large district of Naujamiestis. Taking up an area larger than the Old Town, the district varies from the downtown area near the Seimas Parliament to quiet residential areas around Tauras Hill. For the most part though, it’s a quieter slice of life and one of the best neighbourhoods in Vilnius to stay in. Not everyone necessarily wants to stay in the busiest part of a city when they travel. If that’s you, look at Naujamiestis for your visit.
Even though Naujamiestis can feel vastly different to the Old Town, it’s typically only a 15 minute walk to the heart of the Old Town. There’s a few sights to see here too, from the previously mentioned parliament and Tauras Hill to various museums.
It also is home to two major roads, the eastern end of Gedimino Street and Jono Basanavičiaus Street, giving you shops and places to eat not far away. Fitting its aesthetic, you’ll find loads of apartments here, but there are still a healthy number of hotels and a few hostels and guesthouses. I stayed in Naujamiestis with Airbnb for part of my visit which worked great.
Staying There – A quieter part of the city, Naujamiestis is only a stone’s throw from the Old Town and is suitable for those looking to settle down in an apartment or Airbnb during their stay.
Uzupis
There’s little doubt that the neighbourhood of Uzupis in Vilnius is one of the city’s most individual and curious areas. While it may fall within the borders of the Old Town, the district stands apart on the far bank of the Vilnia River. I mean that literally, as this bohemian, alternative district actually declared itself an independent republic back in 1997. Visitors to Vilnius love to see this fascinating area, read its prominently displayed constitution and then head off again.
But it’s also possible to make this quirky place your home base during your Vilnius visit. Sure, there isn’t lots of accommodation options here but it can be a good pick if you’re looking for community atmosphere and something different. Uzupis mostly has apartments available, although there are a couple of hostels, making it ideal for backpackers and the like.
Staying There – If you’re after a unique perspective on Vilnius and are fascinated by the bohemian lifestyle, then a stay in Uzupis might add another dimension to your time here.
Other Places to Stay in Vilnius
What I’ve shown you so far have been the most central Vilnius neighbourhoods and the most likely areas you’ll find somewhere to stay. I’d be genuinely shocked if you couldn’t find somewhere to stay in the above parts of the city. Certainly though there are other neighbourhoods in Vilnius to stay in, it’s just that they needlessly put you further from the city’s sights. If you’re curious or desperate, other parts of the city to look at are Žvėrynas and Antakalnis.
If you have been before, where do you think is the best places to stay in Vilnius? If not, which of these areas would be your pick for your first time in Vilnius? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
