Vilnius, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Lithuania, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe with its dynamic culture and art atmosphere and entertaining festivals. Located 312 km from the Baltic Sea and selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2009, Vilnius' population consists of Lithuanians, Poles, Russians and Belarusians.
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The name of the city, which has a natural capital atmosphere with its lush natural parks, peaceful lakes and rivers, comes from the Vilnia River, which divides the city into two. The Lithuanian word vilnis, which means big wave, became Vilnius over time. Vilnius, which came to the stage of history in 1323, remained under Polish rule between 1579-1795 and 1920-1939. It became the capital of Lithuania, which gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It has grown rapidly with its entry into the European Union and being elected as the European Capital of Culture in 2009. The city, which lost some of its historical texture in the wars, still preserves the appearance of a typical European city with the influences of the Middle Ages.
Places to visit
The Historic City District, where the originality of the city is preserved by restoring the historical textures built in the 13th and 19th centuries, is also called the Jewish Quarter. In addition to its narrow cobbled streets, which are on the UNESCO World Historical Heritage list, and buildings that serve as hotels, pensions, restaurants, bars and cafes after restoration, the region has many historical buildings to visit.
In this region, there are Vilnius Cathedral, which was first built as a Pagan temple and later as a church in the gothic architectural style, Casimir Chapel built in the cathedral area in 1623, and the 13th century Belfry Clock Tower. Catherine's Church, one of the most eye-catching structures in the city with its colour, decorations and tall towers, leads to the Benedictine Monastery with a corridor.
St. John's Church with its 68-meter bell tower, which is the tallest structure in the city; Gediminas Castle, which allows a panoramic view of Vilnius and houses a museum with valuable information and documents about Lithuanian history; 3 Cross Hills, built in the 17th century in memory of Franciscan priests, and Kalnu Park, where you can take a breather with a beautiful view; St. Ann and St. Bernardine Churches, Lithuanian Presidential Palace, Vileisis Palace and Holy Spirit Church are the most important places you can see in this region.
Let us remind you that the Uzupis Square and the Gabriel Statue, which has an authentic atmosphere, and the National Lithuanian Museum, where tens of thousands of artifacts from archeology, history and ethnic culture are exhibited, are also located in this area.
The nightlife of the people of Vilnius, which has a young population in the city, where many restaurants, street cafes, bars, theatres, concert halls, discos and nightclubs are located, is shaped in the city center, where the entertainment sector is more developed.
Food & Drink and Shopping
Meat, potatoes, mushrooms, dairy products and vegetables form the basis of the local Lithuanian cuisine, which is influenced by eastern European and Scandinavian culture, in the city where there are many restaurants and cafes serving world cuisine. Salti barsciai from soups; vedarai, bulviniai blynai, cepelinai and kotletai from main courses; seafood skilandis and zrazy; desserts such as pyragas, torte, ledai, spurgos, krustai, saltnosiukai; kibinai, cheburekai, piršteliai prie alaus and kepta duona are among the most popular snacks. While the most consumed beverages in Lithuania are vodka, beer and liquor, tea and herbal teas, a carbonated beverage called gira and local coffee varieties are preferred among non-alcoholic beverages.
Although the most unique souvenirs that can be bought in Vilnius are products made of amber, the best place to find wool socks, bags, sweaters and linen textiles is the cute shops and stores lined up in the Historic City. Apart from this, for amber gifts; Amber AVM on Ausros Vartu Street and Amber Museum on Mykolo Street; Europa on Konstitucijos Street and Acropolis on Ozo Street, Helios City AVM on Savanoriu Square for the most luxurious shopping centers; Stikliu and Gaono Streets for boutiques; Gariunai Market, the largest open-air market in the Baltic countries for antiques, electronics and accessories; Etmonu Street for cognac; For handmade products, you can visit Antikvaras on Vilnaus Street and Pilies Street, which is flooded by tourists.
Transport
Turkish Airlines has direct flights between Istanbul and Vilnius. It is possible to reach the city from Vilnius International Airport, which is 6 km from the city center, by bus, train, shuttle, taxi or by renting a car.
Lufthansa
Turkish Airlines
KLM Royal Dutc...
Swiss
Air Baltic
Austrian
