Where to stay in Vilnius – A guide to the capital of Lithuania
Vilnius is the most populated city and capital of Lithuania, located in the homonymous province in the southeast of the country.
Vilnius is a desirable tourist destination due to its green areas, historical and cultural sites like the famous Gediminas Castle and the Hill of Three Crosses, to name a few.
Vilnius enjoys a varied climate, but the best time to visit it is in spring and summer when temperatures are between 15º and 25ºC.
The streets of Vilnius have become a pleasure for tourists. During the day, drinking a cappuccino in one of its cafes is a delight and, at night, its bars and clubs are a party.
To visit the city of Vilnius, there is the Vilnius International Airport and the train station, about 7 km south of the city.
Vilnius is a small city with no traffic problems, which makes it easy to get around on foot, by bus or taxi.
As for the best areas to stay in Vilnius, Senamiestis stands out for its range of tourist attractions declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. See accommodation in Senamiestis
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The best areas to stay in Vilnius
1. Our favourite area: Senamiestis
Senamiestis is known Vilniaus Senamiestis or Old City of Vilnius.
This historic area is located southeast of Vilnius, before crossing the Neris River.
Senamiestis is the best area to stay in Vilnius for being the heart of the city and for hosting a series of buildings and monuments of great tourist interest.
A starting point here is the Vilnius Square and Cathedral, which, along with the Bell Tower, adorn one of the best places for recreation.
Another good option is the Gediminas Tower, located on a hill where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.
Also, a place that deserves a visit in this area is the cobbled Pilies street, full of shops, bakeries and cafes where you can enjoy a delicious cappuccino or shop.
The lively nightlife in Vilnius can be found in the many bars and restaurants on Pilies Street, where the traveller can enjoy a good meal, dance or drink while with family or friends.
Transport in the area include buses and taxis, but walking is also a great option.
Undoubtedly, Senamiestis is one of the best areas to stay in Vilnius for its central location and for having a wide variety of hotels with different costs, a few metres from the sites of tourist interest.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Vilnius, Lithuania:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Well-connected area
- Historical monuments
- Good nightlife
- Best area for business
- Pilies Street
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Imperial Hotel & Restaurant
The luxurious Imperial Hotel & Restaurant is located in the historic centre of Vilnius and offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The boutique property is housed in a 16th-century building renovated in 2005.
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Budget
Old Town Guest House
Old Town Guest House is located in Vilnius and offers express check-in, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi and a casino. It is close to the All Saints Church and the Choral synagogue in Vilnius.
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Luxury
Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel
The luxurious Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel occupies a historic building with Baroque and Gothic features and is located in the historic centre of Vilnius. It offers rooms with exclusive design with period furniture and air conditioning.
2. Naujamiestis
Naujamiestis is a business centre and a luxury residential area, located west of the historic centre of Vilnius.
Naujamiestis is a modern and exclusive district that houses diplomatic embassies, banks, offices, restaurants, cafes and hotels.
Among its attractions, the Vingis Park stands out.
It also has cinemas, an athletics stadium and trails.
For lovers of history, a good option is the Holocaust Museum, with an exhibition of photos, objects and documents of the history of the Jewish people in Lithuania.
The Museum of the Victims of Genocide, with its execution rooms, also shows a side of history that leaves no visitor indifferent.
Naujamiestis has good public transport connections and is one of the best areas to stay in Vilnius.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Vilnius:
- Central location
- Connected by public transport
- Holocaust Museum
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Grata by Centrum Hotels
The 3-star Grata by Centrum Hotels is located in the centre of Vilnius, a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. The hotel has a sauna, an indoor pool and rooms with free internet access.
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Budget
Hotel Simple Plus
Hotel Simple Plus is conveniently located in the Naujamiestis district of Vilnius, 1.7 km from the Museum of the Occupation and Freedom Square, 2.7 km from the National Opera and Ballet TheatrE of Lithuania and 2,9 km from Kenesa in Vilnius.
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Luxury
Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre
Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre is located in Vilnius, 500 metres from the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Square. It offers accommodation with a bar, private parking and a terrace. It has a restaurant, 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.
3. Užupis
Užupis is a small Vilnius neighbourhood that is considered an “Independent Republic”, as it has its own president, constitution, flag, currency and army.
Užupis is located in the historic centre, east of the Vilnius River.
Užupis is the best area to stay in Vilnius for young travellers, as its streets covered with graffiti present another facet of the city.
This area is inhabited by artists and bohemians, with facades, art galleries, artists’ workshops, restaurants and cafés that are very hipster-friendly.
The most representative of the area is in its main square, where you’ll find the sculpture of an Angel playing a horn as a symbol of artistic freedom.
Those who decide to walk the area will discover a bridge adorned with numerous locks on their railings as symbols of love.
Užupis is one of the best areas to stay in Vilnius for those who seek to know the most alternative side of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Vilnius:
- Hipster area
- Cheap hotels
- Central location
4. Šnipiškės
Šnipiškės is one of the best tourist destinations in Vilnius, thanks to its traditional wooden houses of the late nineteenth century.
This neighbourhood is located in the northern part of Vilnius, passing the Neris River.
However, towards the south of Šnipiškės, is what is known as the new centre of Vilnius, with luxury residential areas, numerous shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants, offices and skyscrapers.
Among the attractions of Šnipiškės is the National Gallery of Modern Art, where you can see the largest art collection in Lithuania.
Here is also the Sakura Park, a small natural oasis perfect for walking, resting and enjoying a coffee or a meal.
As for the nightlife, there are casinos, bars and clubs in the area, where you can enjoy music, dancing and good cocktails.
The Šnipiškės district is well-served by several bus stops, but can also be explored on foot or by taxi.
Šnipiškės is one of the best areas to stay in Vilnius, as it has apartments and resort hotels with different costs, as well as being a good option for business travellers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Vilnius:
- Very centrical
- Best area for business travellers
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center
This modern hotel is located in the centre of Vilnius, just across the river from the historic centre district and the main tourist sites. Marriott Vilnius offers free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.
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Budget
Ecotel Vilnius
The 3-star Ecotel Vilnius is located in the centre of Vilnius, just a 10-minute walk from the historic centre. It offers bright rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV, as well as secure parking.
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Luxury
Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva
The elegant 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is located on the banks of the Neris River, in the centre of Vilnius. The property offers parking, spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a fitness centre.
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