Monday 23 January 2023

A Winter Getaway to Vilnius, Lithuania

I wanted to get away for a Christmas market trip over December and after looking at a few options, it was Vilnius in Lithuania that I was drawn to.  As well as a Christmas market for shopping, there was a new country to explore and the flights were very reasonable for the dates we wanted.  I had initially planned to go with just Rex but I ended going with four friends as well.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break



We found flights for £45 return, leaving Friday and coming back on the Monday and we booked a beautiful apartment right by the old town which worked out £60 each for the three nights.  Vilnius airport is very small and it cost us seven Euros for a large taxi from the airport to our apartment (slightly less for a standard sized car).

In December Lithuania is slightly colder than the UK and temperatures ranged between-5 and -15 during our trip.  There was a brief flurry of snow one evening and if you got away from the town centre there was snow on the ground and trees still. We came prepared with warm layers, thick socks and thermals and the cold didn't feel nearly as biting as the UK in my opinion.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break



There were two Christmas markets on whilst we were there, the first one was just for a weekend and was an international market in the town hall which was mostly tables run by different embassies.  The second one was in the Cathedral square and centered around the huge Christmas tree.  Every year there is a different theme to the tree and 2022 looked like a three tiered cake.  It was spectacular day and night, however the market was quite limited.  We did get mulled wine and some Lithuanian candy but bought more from other stalls around the old town rather than the market here.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break



Whilst the market was disappointing, the mini break certainly wasn't and I adored Vilnius.  The architecture is incredible and the old town with its cobbled streets, beautiful coffee shops and Christmas lights was pretty special.  There were so many buildings which had gone big with their Christmas decorations and made the whole town feel so warm. 

Here are some of the places we visited during our stay

1) Uzupis is a self declared republic within Vilnius and a short walk from the old town.  You can find their constitution in 23 languages written on the wall which contains statements such as 'everyone has the right to cry'.  The area is full of fun street art, interesting boutiques and a tourist office where you can stamp your passport.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Uzupis

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Uzupis

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Uzupis



2)Lukiškės Prison is situated in the centre of Vilnius and was closed as a working prison in 2019.  Over the winter there was an ice skating rink in the central courtyard and you can go for tours around this prison (where scenes in Stranger Things season 4 were shot). It was really interesting to walk around and we found a fun bar inside the prison where you could get drinks and snacks.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Lukiskes prison

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Lukiskes prison



3) There is a Christmas train that drives around the old town at night, all lit up with fairy lights.  It is 2 euros per ticket and a fun activity to get out of the cold for a little while and see the beautiful city.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break



4) Food was an important part of our trip.  We had a delicious brunch at Backstage cafe who also did great coffee. Rosehip Vegan was incredible - make sure you book a table as they do get busy. Etno Dvaras is a chain doing reasonably priced traditional food.  Hales Market is fun for a wander and you can grab smoothies, pastries and the traditional Lithuanian cakes there.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, vegan lithuania



5) Other members of the group visited Vilnius' MO Museum of Modern Art and really enjoyed it.  (Rex was not in the mood).  If you are interested in art then they recommend it.

6) Sky Bar is located on the 22nd floor of the Radisson and we booked a table on the day we wanted to visit.  With views out over Vilnius it is a great spot to drink a cocktail and there were hundreds on the menu as well as staff happy to make something up based on our likes. Children are allowed in the bar until 10pm, although we didn't see any other than Rex. Cocktails were around 9-10 Euros each.  

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break



Rex was 12 months old when we visited and was so easy. He was happy in the stroller or sling as we explored and I made time to find empty coffee shops for him to explore or took him back to the apartment for a crawl around when he needed it. The bars we visited (sky bar and the prison bar) were both happy to have a baby in and the city was stroller friendly.  Vilnius is a beautiful city to visit, small enough that you can see a lot in a couple of days and it felt very festive in early December.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break


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