Last Updated on 27 January 2026 by Johan
Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Central and Eastern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have only two hours to explore the Lithuanian capital, this Vilnius Old Town city walk route will guide you through its most important historical and cultural landmarks. The tour begins at Cathedral Square and leads through the heart of the Old Town, offering a compact yet rich introduction to the city’s heritage.
Cathedral Square and Vilnius Cathedral
Start your walk at Cathedral Square, the symbolic centre of Vilnius. Long before Lithuania adopted Christianity in 1387, this area was home to a major pagan sanctuary. The first Christian church on this site was built by King Mindaugas in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral was rebuilt many times, eventually taking on its current Neoclassical form in the late 18th century under architect Laurynas Stuoka‑Gucevičius.
The sculptures on the pediment represent St. Stanislaus, St. Helena, and St. Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania. Behind the cathedral stands the Baroque St. Casimir Chapel, built in the 17th century to house the relics of St. Casimir. Its interior is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque art in Lithuania, featuring works by Pietro Perti and Michelangelo Palloni.
Walk around the square and look for reddish tiles marking the outline of the former Lower Castle walls. On the right side of the cathedral stands the monument to Grand Duke Gediminas, the legendary founder of Vilnius. According to tradition, he established the city after dreaming of an iron wolf howling on the hill nearby.
Gediminas Tower and the Upper Castle
Continue up the cobbled path to Gediminas Hill. The original wooden fortifications on this hill date back to the early 14th century. The brick tower that stands today is part of the Upper Castle complex built under Grand Duke Vytautas in the early 15th century. Although the castle suffered heavy damage during wars with the Russian Empire in the 17th century, the tower was restored in the 20th century and now houses a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania.
Climb the tower for one of the best panoramic views of Vilnius, including the Old Town, the Neris River, and the modern business district.
Vilnius Old Town city walk: Pilies Street
Return to Cathedral Square and walk toward Pilies Street, one of the oldest and most atmospheric streets in Vilnius. Historically, it connected the castle complex with the city gates and was home to merchants, nobles, and craftsmen. Today it is lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts, amber, and linen.
Pilies Street is an ideal place to stop for a quick coffee or snack before continuing your walk.
Bernardinų Street and the Gothic Ensemble
Turn left onto Bernardinų Street to reach one of the most iconic architectural ensembles in Vilnius: the churches of St. Anne and St. Bernardine. St. Anne’s Church, built in the late 15th century, is a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Its façade is constructed from dozens of types of red brick, creating a striking and intricate design. A popular legend claims that Napoleon wished he could carry the church back to Paris in the palm of his hand.
Next to it stands the larger Bernardine Church, originally built by the Franciscan order. Its Gothic structure is complemented by Renaissance and Baroque elements added during later renovations.
Nearby is the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the celebrated 19th‑century poet associated with both Lithuanian and Polish cultural history.
Užupis District
Continue toward the small bridge over the Vilnelė River. On the other side lies Užupis, a bohemian neighbourhood known for its artistic community. In 1997, local artists humorously declared it the “Republic of Užupis,” complete with its own constitution and symbolic president. The area is known for its galleries, street art, and relaxed atmosphere.
For this short tour, simply cross the bridge to get a glimpse of the district before returning to the Old Town.
Vilnius University and Presidential Palace
Walk back toward Pilies Street and turn onto Šv. Mykolo Street. Follow it to Daukanto Square, where you will see the Presidential Palace. The building dates back to the 14th century and has served various roles, including residence for bishops and administrative officials. Its current Neoclassical appearance is the result of 19th‑century reconstruction.
Adjacent to the square is the Vilnius University complex, founded in 1579 and one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. The campus includes thirteen courtyards, each with its own character. The Library Courtyard features the historic observatory, established in 1753 and one of the oldest in Europe.
Visitors can explore the courtyards and visit St. John’s Church, a Baroque church with the tallest tower in the Old Town. The church’s organ is one of the largest in Lithuania.
Former Jewish Ghetto
Continue the Vilnius Old Town city walk along Universiteto Street toward the intersection with Šv. Jono, Dominikonų, and Gaono streets. This area marks the entrance to the former Jewish Ghetto. Before World War II, Vilnius was known as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania,” home to a vibrant Jewish community of more than 60,000 people.
The Nazis established two ghettos here in 1941. The smaller ghetto was liquidated after six weeks, while the larger ghetto was destroyed in 1943. Today, plaques and memorials mark the locations of former synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. On Gaono Street, look for a map of the ghettos displayed on one of the buildings.
Town Hall Square
Follow Stiklių Street to reach Town Hall Square, historically the centre of trade and public life in Vilnius. The current Town Hall building was designed in the late 18th century by Laurynas Stuoka‑Gucevičius, the same architect who designed the cathedral. Over the years, it has served as a theatre, museum, and administrative building. Today it hosts cultural events and official ceremonies.
Vokiečių Street and St. Casimir Church
From the square, walk along Vokiečių Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. It was named after German merchants who settled here in the Middle Ages. The street is now a lively area with cafés and seasonal decorations.
Continue to Didžioji Street and stop at St. Casimir Church, the first Baroque church in Vilnius, built in the early 17th century by the Jesuits. Over the centuries, it has served as a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, and even a Museum of Atheism during the Soviet period. Its distinctive dome topped with a crown is one of the most recognizable features of the Old Town skyline.
Vilnius Old Town city walk: Basilian Gate and Holy Trinity Church
Nearby stands the ornate Basilian Gate, an 18th‑century Baroque structure leading to the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Church and former monastery. The church combines Gothic, Baroque, and Byzantine architectural elements, reflecting the multicultural history of Vilnius.
Church of St. Theresa and the Gates of Dawn
Continue along Aušros Vartų Street to the Church of St. Theresa, an early Baroque church built in the 17th century using imported sandstone and granite. This area is often called the “crossroads of religions,” as Catholic, Orthodox, and Greek Catholic churches stand close together.
The final stop on your tour is the Gates of Dawn, one of the original city gates built in the early 16th century. Above the gate is a chapel housing the revered icon of the Mother of Mercy. The image is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics from Lithuania and abroad.
This concludes your two‑hour Vilnius Old Town city walk through the most historic part of Vilnius.