Vilnius Old Town, Vilnius

Home to winding medieval streets, defensive walls, ornate Baroque churches, and a host of historical buildings, Vilnius Old Town earned World Heritage Site status with its extensive and well-preserved mixture of architectural styles. The area has origins in the 13th century and became the capital of the powerful Grand Duchy of Lithuania during the 1300s. Enter through the old fortified gate and stroll down the hill to the main square and town hall, and then onward to the base of the castle-topped hill. As you wander the cobbled streets past buildings of both brick and stone, consider ducking into one of the traditional Lithuanian restaurants or bars. Keep an eye out for some of the 40 churches in the city center, ranging from Catholic cathedrals with elegant interiors to domed Russian Orthodox temples. Top attractions include Vilnius Cathedral Square, Bell Tower of Vilnius Cathedral, Arkikatedra Bazilika, Gate of Dawn, and Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Put Vilnius Old Town into our Vilnius online sightseeing planner to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Vilnius.