Sightseeing and Attractions in Vilnius

There are many attractions in Vilnius. Just walking around The Old Town (which is the largest in The Baltic States) is a memorable sightseeing experience with its narrow, winding cobblesstone roads and numerous churches. The architecture is very cosmopoltian with particular influences from Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. A very popular attraction is The Television Tower at Sausio 13. It is the tallest building in Lithunania standing 326 metres high. If you can afford the high cost of the lift you can travel to the viewing platform near the top which on a clear day offers visitors a panoramic view of Vilnius and the surrounding countryside.

There is a Memorial on the ground floor of the tower to the 13 people murdered by Russian troops when they surrounded it on January 13th 1991. Around the outside of the tower are 13 black white photographs of those killed. Inside there is a small photographic exhibition of this event in which many other civilians were injured. The Gothic style Bernadine Church at Maironio 8 was originally built at the end of 15th century but rebuilt in 1560 and 1564 due to fires. Now the church is being restored again and a place well worth visiting. The Holocaust Museum at Pamenikalnio 12 (Tel 262 07 30) is a museum which gives a history of Jewish life in Lithuania and details very concisely the Jewish experiences of WW2. A little tricky to find as it is at the very end of the road. The National Museum at Arsenalo 1 (Tel 262 94 26) is very informative exhibition about the lifestyle of Lithuanians from the 13th century until today. It includes some carefully constructed models of the homes in which they lived.

The Planetarium at Konstitulijios 12 (Tel 262 3092) is an interesting exhibtion for anyone interested in astronomy. Not open at weekends. The Gates of Dawn at Ausro Vartu 12 (Tel 212 35 13) were built in the fortfied walls to the city during the 16th century. Inside the gates there is a Chapel with an image of the Virgin Mary which was built in 1671. It was rebuilt in a neo-classical style in 1829. The KGB Museum at Auku 2 (Tel 249 62 64) is a former KGB prison which for the most part has beem preserved in it's original form. It includes a very chilling water torture cell and a former execution room which includes the remains of victims. There is also an exhibition about the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. Frightening. The Presidential Palace at Daukanto aikste 3 (Tel 212 67 91) is a very impressive example of 14th century architecture. Amongst the famous who have slept here are Napoleon Bonaparte and Tsar Alexander 1. It is has recently been extensively renovated and refurbished and now serves as the offical offices of the Lithanian President.

Restaurants in Vilnius

International restaurants in Vilnius seem to be a little scare and one very good find is The Polonezas at Naugorduko 76 (Tel 210 41 68). This genuinely Polish establishment serves a truly exceptional bigos which includes severaly types of meats and stewed cabbage. Well worth a visit. Possibly the best restaurant in Vilnius is The Ukrainos Vakarai at Algirido 5 (Tel 265 03 02). The cuisine here is authentic Ukrainian of the highest standard. There is a menu in English which illustrates how spoilt for choice diners are. The borsche is brilliant and a range of exceptional meat dishes. All this complimented by a bar full of goodies including a vodka flavoured with red chilli peppers.

A must ! - booking advisable For good Lithanian food try Lokys at Stikliu 8 (Tel 262 90 46) which is well established and offers a wide variety of game dishes, in a very intimate atmosphere. The Cili Kaimas at Vokieciu 8 (Tel 231 25 36) is a very professional Lithuanian restaurant with a reliable sauteed broccoli. This establishment has only recently opened and the choice on the menu is being extended slowly and surely and it is destined to figure in good guides. The Aukstaiciai at Antokolskio 13 (Tel 210 01 69) serving traditional lithuanian food which appears to be very popular with locals. Fairly priced and you can by a real draught guiness from the bar !

The Ad Astum at Seimyniskiu 21 (Tel 273 01 21) has to be one of Eastern Europes most unique restaurants. It has an international menu offering good food at very reasonable which you can watch being cooked at the grill in the centre of the a tastefully decorated room. Also on the menu is a sauna and small swimming pool. Rare - but could it be a precedent for an intimate meal out ?

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