Vilnius is a city that demands to be peeled back in layers. For those of us who live here, we know the truth: the postcard view of the Gediminas Tower is just the prologue. The real magic happens in the courtyards of the Jewish Quarter, the industrial lofts of Naujamiestis, and the forest trails that start where the pavement ends.
Whether you’ve just unpacked your boxes or have been calling this city home for years, the list of things to do in Vilnius is constantly evolving. It’s a capital where history whispers from crumbling walls while contemporary art shouts from the rooftops. If you are looking for things to do in Vilnius this weekend—from high-brow culture and gallery hopping to alternative raves and gourmet discoveries—we have curated the definitive list.
Here is your insider pass to the city, designed to help you fall in love with Vilnius all over again.
Culture & Art: The City as a Canvas
Vilnius isn’t just about Baroque architecture; it is a living, breathing cultural organism. The art scene here punches well above its weight class, pulsating through white-cube galleries and grimy street corners alike. When you are looking for cultural things to do in Vilnius, you have options ranging from classical theatre to experimental open-air installations.
Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) / Šiuolaikinio Meno Centras
Industrial cool meets avant-garde experimentation
The CAC (or ŠMC as locals call it) is one of the most vital arteries of the capital’s culture. It’s not just a museum; it’s a statement. Housed in a stark modernist building, this space hosts international exhibitions that often challenge the status quo, along with cinema screenings and performance art. Even if you don’t go in for the art, the Sculpture Yard is a vibe in itself—perfect for a quiet moment of contemplation in the middle of the bustle.
📍 Where: Vokiečių g. 2, Vilnius
🌐 Web: cac.lt
Vilnius City Museum
A cozy, modern history lesson
Forget dusty display cases. The Vilnius City Museum is a relatively new addition to the scene that invites you to understand the DNA of the city and its people. Through curated artifacts, deep-dive research, and contemporary installations, it bridges the gap between the Grand Duchy and the modern hipster capital. It’s the perfect place to take visiting friends to explain why Vilnius looks the way it does.
📍 Where: Vokiečių g. 6, Vilnius
MO Museum
Instagrammable modernism and social hangouts
Since opening its doors, the MO Museum (designed by star architect Daniel Libeskind) has become the cultural anchor between the Old Town and Naujamiestis. The collection holds thousands of modern Lithuanian artworks, but the real draw is how they present them—often through the lens of current social issues. Insider Tip: Don’t just visit the exhibition; the sculpture garden is free, and the terrace offers a killer view of the neighborhood.
📍 Where: Pylimo g. 17, Vilnius
🌐 Web: mo.lt
Festivals & Events: The Cultural Calendar
If you are wondering things to do in Vilnius throughout the year, the festival circuit is your answer. We don’t just hibernate in winter; we curate.
Kino Pavasaris: The highlight of the cinephile’s year. This international film festival takes over the city for two weeks in spring, bringing the best of global cinema and director retrospectives.
Sirenos: Not for the faint of heart, this contemporary theatre festival invites provocative productions from Lithuania and abroad that challenge your comfort zone.
KITOKS: A fantastic festival for families, offering theatre, workshops, and educational activities specifically designed for children and youth.
ArtVilnius: The largest art fair in the region. Galleries from all over Europe descend on the Litexpo center. It’s the best place to spot trends or buy your first serious piece of art.
Open House Vilnius: For one weekend, the doors to the city’s most secretive, architecturally significant buildings are unlocked. The lines are long, but the access is worth it.
Vilnius Light Festival: When the darkness of January hits, the city fights back with light installations and projections that turn the Old Town into a glowing labyrinth.
Nature & Outdoors: The City in a Forest
One of the best perks of living here is the ability to escape the concrete without actually leaving the city limits. If you are looking for active things to do in Vilnius, the green spaces here are world-class.
Neris Senvagė Park
Urban chill with a prehistoric twist
Stuck on things to do in Vilnius this weekend? Head to the Neris “Old Riverbed” Park. While the geology dates back tens of thousands of years, the vibe is thoroughly modern. It’s a masterclass in urban landscaping with terraces, bike paths, and grill zones. It’s perfect for families (great playgrounds) and dog owners, while the small lakes create a micro-climate of calm right next to the business district.
📍 Where: Linkmenų g., Vilnius
Japanese Garden
Zen vibes and sakura selfies
Located on Linkmenų street, this is a slice of Kyoto in the Baltics. Featuring a Fuji hill, waterfalls, and a cherry blossom alley, it balances Japanese aesthetics with Lithuanian landscape. It’s a hotspot during sakura season, but visit on a rainy Tuesday for true meditative silence.
📍 Where: Linkmenų g., Vilnius
Hiking & Viewpoints: Elevation Gains
The 100km Trail Around Vilnius
For the serious walkers. If you want active things to do in Vilnius, tackle the “Takas aplink Vilnių.” It circles the entire capital, cutting through Verkiai, Užupis, Belmontas, and the deep forests of Karoliniškės. You don’t have to do it all at once—break it up into weekend sections. It’s mostly off-road, offering a raw nature experience.
Green Lakes (Žalieji Ežerai)
The classic summer destination. The water really is emerald green due to the mineral content. Cycle the route from the city center past Verkiai Palace for a full day out.
📍 Where: Žalieji ežerai, Verkiai
Gariūnai Viewpoint
Ideally located in the Paneriai erosion hills reserve, this observation deck offers a “VIP box” view of the city. It perfectly illustrates why Vilnius is called a “city in a forest.”
📍 Where: Titnago g., Vilnius
Summer Vibes: Water & Sun
When the thermometer hits 25°C, the city empties onto the water.
SUP on the Neris: Seeing the Old Town spires from a paddleboard gives you a totally different perspective. Look for sunset tours or “night glow” tours where the boards are lit up with LEDs.
The Blue Flag Beaches: Yes, Vilnius has quality beaches. Žirmūnai, Balsys, and Valakampiai I & II all hold the Blue Flag eco-label.
Dvarčionys Lake: A quieter alternative to the Green Lakes, offering a wellness pine forest walk and wooden sculptures.
Nightlife: After Dark in the North
So, what are the things to do in Vilnius at night? The scene has matured from cheap beer halls to sophisticated cocktail labs and thumping techno bunkers.
Tamsta Club
The heart and soul of live music
Tamsta is an institution. It’s where the local music community congregates. From funk and soul to rock and experimental pop, the vibe is always warm, intimate, and incredibly energetic. If a big Lithuanian band is launching an album, they are probably doing it here.
📍 Where: A. Strazdelio g. 1, Vilnius
🌐 Web: tamstaclub.lt
Adata Baras
Vinyl worship and Tokyo listening vibes
Tucked away on Naugarduko street, Adata brings the Japanese Jazz Kissa tradition to Vilnius. It’s not about shouting over the music; it’s about listening to it. With a vinyl collection ranging from NY hip-hop to jazz classics and a retro Tokyo aesthetic, it is a sanctuary for audiophiles.
📍 Where: Naugarduko g. 41, Vilnius
Jazz Cellar 11
Underground swing and improvisation
A true cellar club in the Old Town. Since its revamp, it has become the go-to spot for jam sessions. It’s dark, moody, and exactly what a jazz club should feel like.
📍 Where: Aušros Vartų g. 11, Vilnius
Gallery 1986
Industrial techno cathedral
If you want to dance until 8 AM, this is the place. Located in a former radio factory in Naujamiestis, this massive industrial space rivals clubs in Berlin. It’s a cultural laboratory where electronic music meets visual arts.
📍 Where: Kauno g. 30, Vilnius
The Cocktail Circuit (Rapid Fire)
Nick & Nora’s: 1920s New York glamour. The bartenders here are mixology historians. Use this for date night. (📍 Stiklių g. 3)
The Bubbles Champagneria: The oldest dedicated champagne bar in town. 100+ types of bubbles. Great for starting the night. (📍 A. Smetonos g. 5)
Islandijos/Vilniaus Street: The “Bermuda Triangle” of nightlife. Bars like Bardakas, Piano Man, and Sanatorija offer a rowdier, pub-crawl vibe.
Alternative Entertainment: Off the Beaten Path
Sometimes you need things to do in Vilnius that don’t involve a menu or a museum ticket.
CODE ROOM
High-tech puzzles for the sharp-minded
Vilnius has a surprisingly high density of escape rooms, but CODE ROOM stands out for its production value. We aren’t talking about cheap padlocks; think complex mechanisms, immersive storytelling, and technological integration. It’s a genuine challenge.
📍 Where: Žirmūnų g. 68, Vilnius
🌐 Web: coderoom.lt
Shooting Ranges
Adrenaline and focus
For a visceral experience, the city’s professional shooting ranges (like the one on Žemaitės g.) offer the chance to try over 40 types of firearms under strict supervision. It’s intense, loud, and completely safe.
📍 Where: Žemaitės g. 6, Vilnius
Style & Shopping: The Local Aesthetic
Skip the mall (Akropolis will always be there). The real style is found in the boutiques.
Locals.lt: The one-stop-shop for Lithuanian design. Whether you need a raincoat that actually looks good or avant-garde jewelry, this is where you support local talent.
Vintage Hunting: Vilnius has a serious second-hand game. Humana Vintage is ubiquitous, but check out De’Žavu and Retro Boutique for curated luxury finds.
Markets: Kalvarijų Turgus for the grit and the best seasonal vegetables; Paupio Turgus for the aesthetics and gourmet food stalls.
Families & Kids: Little Explorers
Raising a family here? You’ll never run out of things to do in Vilnius with the little ones.
Active Entertainment & Family Fun
If you are wondering things to do in Vilnius when the energy levels are high (or the kids need to burn some off), these spots are the local go-to solutions.
Skypark
The Indoor Adrenaline Fix
Located conveniently inside the Panorama shopping center, Skypark is a trampoline paradise that serves as a lifesaver during the colder months. It’s not just for jumping; the space features sponge pools, dodgeball zones, and obstacle courses. It is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect stop after a grocery run.
📍 Where: Saltoniškių g. 9 (PC „Panorama“)
🌐 Web: skypark.lt
Vichy Water Park
A Tropical Escape
When the Lithuanian weather turns grey, Vichy offers a consistent +30°C Polynesian atmosphere. It features the “Sea of Dolphins” wave pool and the lazy “Canoe River,” alongside adrenaline-pumping slides for the brave. It’s the most popular spot for family weekends and birthday parties in the capital.
📍 Where: Ozo g. 14C, Vilnius
🌐 Web: vandensparkas.lt
Zoopark Vilnius
Up Close & Personal
Located in the “Ogmios Miestas” outlet city, this is a boutique indoor zoo designed for interaction. Unlike traditional zoos, here children can safely pet bunnies, walk among lemurs, and see meerkats up close. It’s educational, clean, and perfectly sized for a 1-2 hour visit.
📍 Where: Verkių g. 27, Vilnius
🌐 Web: zoopark.lt
Best Outdoor Playgrounds
When the sun comes out, locals flock to specific parks that offer more than just a bench. Here is where to take the family:
Bernardinai Garden: The crown jewel of downtown parks. It features a musical fountain (shows in the evenings), a botanical exposition, and two distinct playgrounds—one for toddlers and a larger wooden climbing zone for older kids. (📍 B. Radvilaitės g. 8A)
Vingis Park: The “lungs of the city.” In summer, you can rent bikes or scooters, let the kids loose on the massive playgrounds, or catch a ride on the seasonal mini-train that tours the forest paths. (📍 M. K. Čiurlionio g. 100)
Sapiegos Park: A sophisticated choice in the Antakalnis district. This baroque park is quieter and tidier than the others, featuring educational installations and a modern play area surrounded by history. (📍 L. Sapiegos g. 13)
Little ones’ adventures don’t stop here. For a complete list of playgrounds, educational workshops, and family-friendly cafes, read our full guide on Things to Do in Vilnius With Kids: Endless Ideas for Every Season.
Wellness & Rest: The Slow Life
Living here can be fast-paced. When you need to recharge, the city offers sanctuaries of silence.
Bokšto SPA
Baroque luxury meets modern wellness
Hidden in the beautifully restored Bokšto Skveras complex, this is arguably the most impressive SPA in the city. The pool area, nestled within ancient vaulted cellars, feels like swimming in history. The treatments mix clinical precision with deep relaxation.
📍 Where: Bokšto g. 6, Vilnius
East Island SPA
A ticket to Bali without the flight
Authenticity is key here. With specialists from Thailand, Bali, and India, East Island (located in Forum Palace) delivers the real deal when it comes to massage rituals and body wraps.
📍 Where: Konstitucijos pr. 26, Vilnius
Yoga & Meditation
For a spiritual reset, studios like Yoga Shala, Mandala, and Soham Yoga offer high-quality instruction (often in English). In the summer, look for “Yoga in the Park” sessions at Bernardinai Garden or near the White Bridge.
What’s your favorite hidden spot in the city?
Whether you’re looking for high-energy things to do in Vilnius or a quiet corner to read a book, this city provides. Would you like me to help you build a custom itinerary for next weekend based on the weather forecast?
