TIPS & INFO FOR VILNIUS VISITORS
Information and tips from seasoned Vilnius dwellers.
Planning your trip to Lithuania’s cosy capital and not sure what to expect? You’re in the right place!
Here we answer the most common questions tourists have before coming to Vilnius - from how safe the city is, to whether you’ll need cash, to getting around and tipping.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, first-time visitor, or just want to make the most of your time here, these tips aim to help you feel more prepared and relaxed when you land. As always, any other questions, you can contact us.
Yes - Vilnius is widely seen as one of the safest capitals in Europe, even for solo travelers and women. That said, standard caution applies for big cities: watch your belongings in crowded places, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and use official taxis or ride-share apps (like Bolt) to avoid fare issues.
Lithuanian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourism and restaurants, especially by younger people in Vilnius. Learning simple phrases like “labas” (hello) and “ačiū” (pronounced "achoo") (thank you) goes a long way.
Lithuania uses the euro (€), and most places in Vilnius accept or even prefer card. Still, carrying €10–20 in cash is smart for small cafes or market stalls. Avoid tourist-targeted ATM machines, especially on Pilies Street - they’re known for scams.
Vilnius has an good network of buses and trolleybuses. The best option is to download Trafi - the Vilnius transport app. You can use it to find your route and to buy tickets. It's just like Google Maps but for Vilnius, and it's really easy to buy tickets in the app, and activate them there. Also, taking a trolleybus ride is an essential Vilnius experience.
For taxis, download and use the Bolt app. Lithuania doesn't really use Uber.
A train or bus from the airport costs about €1 - again, download Trafi, it's the easiest option. Or a Bolt taxi ride is around €7–10.
Tipping isn’t required but is appreciated- aim for around 5–10% in restaurants. Like most things here, digital options are now preferred - like adding it onto your card payment, and some places even have a specific app where you can tip.
When entering churches or homes, dress modestly and remove your hat.
Learn a few polite customs and try to behave modestly - Lithuanians tend to appreciate respect, and loud behavior that you might get in other capital cities is not common here.
Old Town, Užupis, and Naujamiestis are popular, walkable, and very safe. Žvėrynas is quieter and peaceful too. Avoid lesser-known areas like Naujininkai or Šeškinė late at night - they have higher crime and feel a bit less secure.
High season is late spring to early autumn (May–September).
Late spring has warm weather but some showers, while summers are getting hotter and can reach 25-30 degrees celsius. Summer is a great time to visit for long sunny days, with events and lots to see.
Winter brings a lot of charm (and Christmas markets) but can be very cold. Vilnius looks beautiful in the winter with real snow, but temperatures can go way below zero - so you'll need proper clothing.
Shoulder months - like April and October - are a bit quieter with milder weather.
It's worth checking out what events or national holidays are happening to see a slice of Lithuanian life.
Lithuania is in the Schengen Zone. EU/EEA visitors can enter with ID; visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia get 90-day visa‑free stays. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your visit.
Vilnius is known as one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. You can get meals and coffee for under €5; beer often goes for €3–5. Public transport is cheap - €0.65 per ride - and accommodation ranges from €15–60/night.
Yes! Vilnius is a great base for day trips. Jump on the train to Trakai Castle, it's only 45 minutes and you can visit the lake, the castle, and try some kibinai! The train costs less than €10.
If you're here for longer, take the train to Klaipeda and visit the coast.