Things to Do in Vilnius

The first castle on the site was allegedly built in response to a dream that Grand Duke Gediminas had about a prowling iron wolf. Of the wolf there’s still no sign, but the views from Gediminas Tower, perched on top of the hill of the same name, are fantastic!

The Flamboyant Gothic St Anne’s Cathedral is truly unique. Its façade is a striking collection of overwrought, decorative swirls that just manages to remain coherent and symmetrical.

Towards the end of September, Vilnius turns itself upside down and inside out celebrating its Autumn Equinox. Ultimately a local carnival, there’s no possible better time to party in the city. The festival’s dramatic highpoint is the International Festival of Fire where a number of figures are set alight.

Any area that, like Uzupis, declares itself a Republic, and has a written constitution, is certainly worth a visit. Out to the east of the Old Town, Uzupis is very much Vilnius’ bohemian quarter – and very cool it is too!

Not far from Vilnius lies the small town of Trakai, home to, not one, but two fantastic castles. The lesser known Peninsular Castle may be impressive, but it can’t compare with Salos Pilis (or Trakai Castle), an extraordinary structure built on an island.