Planning a trip to Vilnius, Lithuania, and only have one day?
If you’re planning a trip to Vilnius and you only have one day, don’t worry! You can still see a surprising amount of the city and really get a feel for Lithuania’s capital in just 24 hours.
We recently spent a weekend in Vilnius, and during that time, I was able to gather all of the best spots to help condense a visit into one fun, jam-packed day without it feeling overwhelming. From the moment you arrive, Vilnius feels welcoming, walkable, and easy to explore, which makes it perfect for a short visit.
Vilnius is a seriously underrated European city, packed with history, creativity, and genuinely great food. While it feels compact and almost small at first glance, there’s so much to see and learn here.
You can hop between cozy cafés (the coffee scene here is surprisingly good), explore medieval castles and cobblestone streets, and visit important religious and historical sites, including the iconic Hill of Three Crosses, which does require a bit of a hike but is absolutely worth the effort if you’re up for it.
The city blends old-world charm with a modern, artistic energy that makes wandering around feel effortless and enjoyable.
If you only have one day to explore Lithuania’s capital, it’s absolutely possible to experience the heart of the city without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This guide is exactly how I’d recommend spending one day in Vilnius, blending history, culture, great food, and just enough free time to soak it all in.
It’s a well-paced itinerary that lets you see the highlights while still leaving room for spontaneous moments and plenty of delicious eats along the way. Let’s hop into it!
Short on Time?
If you’re short on time, there are a couple of experiences I truly think everyone should prioritize when visiting Vilnius.
First, I highly recommend booking the guided tour that covers Ponary Memorial Park, the Hill of Angels, and Trakai Castle. This tour hits all of the major highlights outside the city and makes it incredibly easy to see Lithuania’s most important landmarks in one day.
You’ll gain valuable historical context about Lithuania’s past while also getting to experience some of its most beautiful and symbolic places. Because Vilnius itself is so walkable and compact, combining Old Town exploration with a guided tour like this helps you maximize your time without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
I also strongly recommend making time for The Way of Freedom tour, which shows a completely different side of the city and adds so much depth to your visit. This experience dives into Lithuania’s Soviet past and its fight for independence, offering a powerful look at the country’s more recent history.
You’ll visit places like Lukiškės Square, the Lukiškės Prison, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, and the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles (often referred to as the KGB Museum). Walking through former prison cells and interrogation rooms is chilling and emotional, but it’s one of those experiences that really sticks with you.
It’s absolutely an itinerary-worthy stop and helps you better understand the resilience of the Lithuanian people.
To finish the day, I also recommend the Vilnius History and Hidden Gems Tour, which is ideal for an early evening walk through the city. This self-guided route focuses on Vilnius’ historic core and lets you experience familiar landmarks in a quieter, more atmospheric setting.
You’ll start at Cathedral Square, continue through Vilnius University and along Pilies Street, then make your way past highlights like the Church of St. Anne. The walk also takes you into Užupis, the city’s creative district, before passing through Town Hall Square and ending at the Gate of Dawn.
It’s a relaxed but rewarding way to see more of Vilnius without overloading your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Vilnius
Choosing the right place to stay in Vilnius makes a huge difference, especially if you only have a short amount of time.
One thing I love about Vilnius is that many international hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton feel noticeably better in Europe. The rooms are comfortable, the service is excellent, and the breakfasts are on another level.
Staying close to Old Town allows you to walk almost everywhere, which saves time and makes sightseeing so much easier.
- Budget: CATHEDRAL Old Town Suites or AC Hotel by Marriott Vilnius – Both of these are great value options if you want to be comfortable without overspending. They’re well-located, clean, and modern, with good amenities that make them ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city. You’ll be close to Old Town, cafés, and major landmarks, which is perfect for a short stay. Book your stay.
- Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre – This is hands down my favorite hotel in Vilnius. The decor is modern and cozy, the rooms are spacious, and the location is unbeatable for sightseeing. What really stood out to me, though, was the breakfast. It was incredible. There’s a huge variety of breads, cheeses, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, and even an omelette station. If breakfast matters to you (it definitely does to me), this hotel alone is worth booking. I can’t recommend it enough. Book your stay.
- Luxury: Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, Vilnius – If you’re looking to splurge, this hotel is elegant, historic, and perfectly located in the heart of Old Town. It honestly feels like something out of a classic movie, with its grand exterior and beautiful interiors. Staying here puts you right in the middle of everything, and if you can, I highly recommend booking a room with a view. It’s a stunning place to stay and a memorable way to experience Vilnius. Book your stay.
One Day in Vilnius Itinerary
There’s a lot to see and do in Vilnius that you can easily spend 1-3 days here. But if you only have one day, this is how you can explore all of the major sites and attractions so that you have plenty of time to wander, soak up local history, and eat well!
Morning
Mornings in Vilnius are very peaceful, especially if you’re up early enough to see the city before it fully wakes up.
The streets are quiet, the light is soft and golden, and everything moves at a slower, intentional pace. You’ll hear church bells in the distance, see locals walking their dogs or heading to work, and watch cafés slowly opening their doors for the day.
I recommend starting your day early so you can enjoy Vilnius before tour groups fully arrive. This makes a huge difference.
During the daytime, you can often spot different tours around Old Town, which isn’t a bad thing, but if you want to experience the town like a local, try to get up early so you can stroll the streets and get some more private time with the city (like I did!).
In the mornings, Old Town feels more intimate, less crowded, and easier to appreciate when you’re not weaving through crowds (especially in the summer months!)
Breakfast
For breakfast, start your day at Rastinė Coffee Spot, a favorite among locals and visitors.
You need to try their cult-favorite strawberry matcha (I tried it and it definitely lived up to the hype). It’s refreshing and feels like the perfect gentle wake-up drink, especially if you’re not ready for something heavy first thing in the morning, or you’re not really into coffee.
Definitely order a šakotis along with it, which is a traditional Lithuanian pastry that looks like a tree and tastes lightly sweet and buttery. Even if you don’t try šakotis at Rastinė Coffee Spot, you have to try it somewhere else in the old town! It’s one of those foods you really should try at least once while in Lithuania.
If you want a more hearty breakfast, head to Mon Café, which is known for specialty coffee, filling breakfasts, and seriously good pastries.
The pistachio donuts and crème brûlée are some of the favorite dishes on the menu, and on warmer days, you can grab a seat in the cozy back courtyard tucked beside the temple wall. It’s a really calm corner when the city gets busy, and it’s a really cute spot to enjoy your meal.
Tour to the Ponary Memorial Park, Hill of Angels, & Trakai Castle (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
For your main morning experience, to hit a lot of major sites early in the day, I highly recommend taking a guided tour that covers Ponary Memorial Park, the Hill of Angels, and Trakai Castle. This is a well thought out, well-rounded tour that takes you to major historical sites and also gives you some time to relax and explore on your own.
This tour is ideal if you only have one day in Vilnius, since it also takes you outside the city while still giving you meaningful insight into Lithuania’s past and identity. The contrast between each stop makes the experience even cooler, and by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve seen several different sides of the country.
You start with a visit to Ponary (Paneriai) Memorial Park, which is heavy but an important site to visit if you’re into local history or you just want to learn more about Lithuania. Located just outside Vilnius, this forested area was the site of mass executions during World War II, and walking through it feels quiet and deeply emotional.
Informational plaques and memorials help explain what happened, and while it’s not an easy stop emotionally, it provides essential context for understanding Lithuania’s history and the resilience of its people.
From there, the mood gently shifts as you head to the Hill of Angels, a peaceful and symbolic site filled with hand-carved wooden angels placed by artists and visitors over the years.
This stop feels almost spiritual, and the tour offers you some moments of quiet to take in the scenery. Many of the angels carry inscriptions or themes of hope, protection, and remembrance. It’s a beautiful tribute.
The tour ends at Trakai Island Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Lithuania. Sitting on an island surrounded by Lake Galvė, the castle looks straight out of a fairytale, especially as you approach it over the wooden bridge. You can explore red-brick towers, courtyards, and interior exhibits and learn about Lithuania’s medieval history.
This is one of the day’s highlights and is the perfect way to wrap up an introduction to Lithuania and Vilnius.
➡️ Click here to book your tour to Ponary Memorial, The Hill of Angels & Trakai Castle!
Morning Coffee Tour (10:00 – 11:30 AM) – Alternative
If you’d rather stay within the city and explore more of Old Town, the Morning Coffee Tour is a fantastic alternative to a longer day trip. This tour is intimate and more relaxed, and it’s great if you want to experience Vilnius at a slower pace.
Instead of rushing between major landmarks, you’ll stroll leisurely across major landmarks while enjoying amazing cups of coffee.
You’ll stroll along Trakų gatvė, one of Old Town’s most charming streets, and visit St. Nicholas’ Church. You’ll also see other major sites like the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Vokiečių gatvė, Vilnius Town Hall Square, Žydų gatvė, and Pilies Street.
➡️ Book your Morning Coffee tour here!
Afternoon
By the afternoon, Vilnius feels more alive. Cafés begin to fill up, but the city is still pretty calm and enjoyable to walk through. This is the time to slow down, grab a relaxed lunch, and explore neighborhoods that show off Vilnius’ modern side.
Lunch at Paupys Market
For lunch, head to Paupys Market, one of the best places to eat in Vilnius and a favorite among locals. Located in a part of the city that was once neglected and largely abandoned, Paupys has undergone a complete transformation in recent years. Today, it’s a bright, polished, and fashionable neighborhood that draws creatives and foodies.
Be sure to visit the Paupys market, which sits beside a tree-lined hillside that climbs toward the Bernardine Cemetery. The whole area gives a European-café vibe. Inside, you’ll find an impressive variety of options for lunch, from artisanal bakeries and specialty coffee spots to international street food and gourmet local dishes.
The market is ideal for food hopping or just grabbing a quick bite without committing to a long, formal meal.
The Way of Freedom Tour (3:00 – 5:00 PM)
This afternoon tour is intense, eye-opening, and one that I think everyone should do once when visiting Vilnius. The Way of Freedom tour dives deep into Lithuania’s Soviet occupation and the country’s long, difficult fight for independence.
The tour isn’t really light or easy, but it helps you understand the resilience and strength behind modern-day Lithuania.
You’ll visit Lukiškės Square, once a symbol of Soviet control, as well as the former Lukiškės Prison, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, and the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles, often referred to as the KGB Museum.
You’ll walk through former prison cells, interrogation rooms, and execution chambers, which are chilling. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and tell personal stories.
This tour adds depth to your day and shows a side of Vilnius that goes far beyond its beautiful churches and postcard-perfect streets.
➡️ Secure your slot to the Way of Freedom tour here!
Early Evening
As the sun goes down, Vilnius takes on a different vibe. The streets glow, and cafés feel cozier. This is one of the best times of day to explore because you can slow down, wander, and start to enjoy the city as it starts to get dark.
Vilnius History and Hidden Gems Tour (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
A self-guided walking tour is a good way to hit other important sites in Vilnius that you might not have visited yet. The tour makes sure you start at Vilnius Cathedral Square, which feels completely different in the evening light, and then you make your way through Vilnius University, which is one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe.
From there, you’ll stroll along Pilies Street, which is one of the most lively and historic streets in Old Town. The street is lined with shops, cafés, and centuries-old buildings, which makes for a really aesthetic stroll. I recommend stopping by the Church of St. Anne, which has beautiful Gothic façades.
You’ll also cross into Užupis, which is a self-declared artistic republic (it has its own constitution, which they posted publicly), and the area feels creative and free-spirited.
The walk also takes you through Town Hall Square and ends at the Gate of Dawn, one of Vilnius’ most important religious and historical sites.
➡️ Click here to book your self-guided
Vilnius history and hidden gems tour!
Evening
By the time it’s fully evening, Vilnius feels intimate and relaxed. This is the perfect moment to enjoy a memorable dinner and unwind after a full day of exploring.
Dinner (7:00 – 8:00 PM)
For dinner, you have three excellent options, depending on the kind of experience you’re craving. If you’re looking for some amazing sushi, you need to go to Nagomi.
Nagomi recently opened and already has a cult following with many 5-star reviews. It has a sushi conveyor belt, with some of the freshest sushi I’ve ever had. I ordered their fresh roll and fried roll, along with a ginger soda mocktail, all for 25 euros. It’s a bit on the pricer side depending on what you order, but they serve some incredible sushi.
If you’d rather keep things cozy and local, head to Ethno Dvaras. This chain is Lithuanian and cozy, and offers local favorites like cold beet soup. It’s kind of a maze to get to your table, which is really fun, and it feels like you’re eating in a castle during medieval times.
There can be a bit of a wait here, so if you can, I recommend coming early, but it’s a solid spot to try some Lithuanian dishes and local drinks.
Another great spot for dinner is any London Grill location in Vilnius. Why there’s a chain in Vilnius called London grill, I have no idea, but the locations serve some really yummy homestyle dishes that are hearty and super budget-friendly (I ate all of this for 10 euros!)
NUAD Thai Massage Salon (8:00 – 9:00 PM)
You have to end your day with a visit to NUAD Thai Massage Salon, which is the best massage salon in Vilnius. Their Thai massage is honestly one of the best ways to reset after hours of walking. I had the best massage of my life here, the lady fixed all of my sore muscles and I felt super aligned and light afterwards.
The atmosphere is very calm and professional, and their massages are excellent, focusing on relieving tension and restoring balance. Plus, they’re not too expensive compared to some of the massages in the US (especially the ones in Vegas!)
After a full day of tours, history, and exploring on foot, this hour feels incredibly well-earned. It’s the perfect way to close out your time in Vilnius and will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Other Must-Sees in Vilnius
If you have extra time or want to swap out a few stops, these places are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary:
- Gediminas Castle Tower: For panoramic views over the city and a glimpse into Vilnius’ medieval roots
- Hill of Three Crosses: One of the best viewpoints in the city, especially around sunset
- Church of St. Anne: A Gothic masterpiece and one of Vilnius’ most photographed landmarks
- Vero Cafe: a chain in Vilnius, with some locations having some really delicious cheap breakfasts (think eggs Benedict for 10 euros!)
- Bernardine Complex: A peaceful area filled with history, gardens, and beautiful architecture
- Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania: A deep dive into the country’s royal and political history
- Huracan Coffee: another chain in Vilnius with some really delicious matchas and good spots for remote work
- Basilian Monastery: A lesser-known but fascinating historical site
- Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity: A beautiful example of Vilnius’ religious diversity
- Pilies Street / Old Town: Perfect for wandering, shopping, and people-watching
- Bernardinai Garden: A lovely green space ideal for a quiet break or short stroll
- StrangeLove Coffee Roasters: great chai lattes, right near the Cathedral square and on your way to Uzpils and Paupys Market
How to Get Around
Vilnius is incredibly walkable, especially within Old Town, where most major sights are clustered together. You can comfortably see a huge portion of the city on foot in just one day.
If you need it, public transportation is affordable, efficient, and easy to navigate, and ride-hailing apps work well throughout the city. For a one-day itinerary, though, walking is truly the best way to experience Vilnius.
Is Vilnius Safe?
Yes, Vilnius feels very safe. I felt comfortable walking around both during the day and in the evening, and oftentimes as a solo female traveler! The city is clean, calm, and well-lit, and locals are generally friendly and helpful.
As with any destination, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings and exercise common sense, but overall, Vilnius is one of those cities where you can relax and enjoy yourself without feeling on edge.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Vilnius is late spring through early fall.
Summer has long daylight hours, outdoor dining opportunities, and a lively atmosphere, while late spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter can be beautiful, especially with snow, but it’s cold, and daylight hours are short (with sunsets around 3 PM or 4 PM), which can limit how much you see in one day.
One Day in Vilnius: Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 day enough in Vilnius?
One day is enough to see the highlights and get a strong sense of the city. You might not see everything, but it’s a great introduction to Lithuania and its capital city.
What is Vilnius best known for?
Vilnius is best known for its charming Old Town, baroque architecture, history, and strong cultural identity.
What not to miss in Vilnius?
Don’t miss Trakai Castle, Užupis, Vilnius Cathedral, and at least one museum focused on Lithuania’s history to truly understand the city.
What are the best day trips from Vilnius?
Trakai Castle is the most popular and easiest day trip. Ponary Memorial Park is another good stop to help you understand more of Lithuania!
Conclusion
In just one day, you can experience Vilnius’ beauty, learn more about its history, and enjoy its pace. One well-planned day is really enough to understand why Vilnius is such a special place, but of course, if you have more time to spend here, definitely take your time and enjoy this unique destination!!
If you’re debating whether it’s worth adding Vilnius to your itinerary, the answer is absolutely yes. Vilnius is absolutely worth visiting, even if you only have one day. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do, and happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!