With a few more long weekends yet to be enjoyed, you might be tempted by a short city break to really get the most of that extra time off work and get you in the mood for a longer break during the summer. With that in mind, why not consider a cheap city break to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania? Sure, it may not be quite as romantic as Paris, or perhaps quite as appealing as say Rome, but with a smaller price tag and comfortable feel not to mention culture filled with plenty to keep you occupied, it’s definitely a worthy contender.
The appeal of Vilnius
Poised on the banks of River Neris, the city is very multinational with a rich and sometimes dark history. A juxtaposition of somewhat bizarre beauty, the Old Town with church spires and baroque beauties endlessly enchants visitors whilst the stylish new developments, including a skyscraper skyline, just keep coming. Museums, history, religion, architecture, shopping…whatever you enjoy you will find it in Vilnius.
Discover the Old Town
Exploration of the Old Town should feature highly on your list of things to see. One of the largest in Europe and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is filled with a myriad of buildings dating back to the 13th-19th centuries. It goes without saying of course that there are some impressive sights to be seen and it certainly adds to the charm of the city. There are also a number of museums to visit such as the National Museum of Lithuania and the darker KGB Museum which is dedicated to genocide victims. The cathedral with its crypt depicting Vilnius through the ages, also makes for a worthy visit, as does St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church, the façade of which does not betray the beauty that hides inside.
Enjoy the banks of the river
On a sunny afternoon, why not hire a bicycle and take a ride along the banks of the river, get your dose of modern art with the frequently changing exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Centre or gaze in awe at the 70 plus open air sculptures at the European Park. Climb up to Gediminas Castle from Cathedral Square towards the end of the day and having explored, drink in the views of the city.
Bustling nightlife
All very well, but what good is a city break without good nightlife I hear you ask? Well fret not; clubbing connoisseurs will not be disappointed by the selection of bars and clubs. For an authentic taste be sure to sample some of the local Vodka, highly regarded for its excellent quality. Accompany your drinks with a view of the sunset in the courtyard at Artistai bar and take the evening up a notch at the only tequila bar in Vilnius, Cactus. Later on, head to Brodvejus Club; usually filled with crowds of both locals and tourists it pumps out endless pop music until the early hours. If that isn’t really your scene there are other options when darkness ascends over the city; head for the Casino, embark on a night tour of the city, seek out live music, or visit the opera and ballet theatre amongst more.
If you decide to extend your stay past a weekend and want to enjoy a day trip outside the city limits, there are a number of lovely places in easy reach. Trakai often proves popular and is home to five tranquil lakes and two castles. For a different taste of Lithuania, you might like to visit the neighbouring city of Kaunas.
With the May Bank Holiday and the Queen’s Jubilee just around the corner, be sure to slip on your city break shoes and venture to Vilnius this spring.
