Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania and the largest city in the Baltic states, is known for its historic old town, plentiful green spaces and a growing tech industry. Here’s how to enjoy some Lithuanian staples and local favorites, in the city which a viral tourism ad called “the G spot of Europe.”
Vegan breakfast at Holy Donut
Vegan-friendly Holy Donut offers a variety of ways to start your day in Vilnius, from healthy smoothie bowls, to traditional pancakes with curd, to, of course, donuts.
The breakfast/dessert spot has two locations in the city, both in the city’s old town. They offer 29 donut options in total, six of which are fully vegan. Flavors include orange chocolate, Irish cream, and crème brûlée, as well as more traditional Varskes, jam-filled donuts similar to Polish pączki, made with cottage cheese.
One of their most popular donuts, the Nida, is named after a Lithuanian peninsula along the Baltic sea, a popular summer destination for many Lithuanians looking to spend some time on the beach. Visitors looking to explore Lithuania beyond its capital can check it out as well!
Take a coffee break in the independent republic of Uzupis at Uzupio Kepyklele
Similar to Montmartre in Paris, the bohemian quarter of Vilnius’s old town— a UNESCO World Heritage Site — hosts trendy restaurants, galleries and cafes. Of its 7,000 inhabitants, 1,000 of them are practicing artists. And in 1997, the neighborhood took its unique status one step further, declaring itself an independent republic, with its own constitution.
Visitors looking for a light lunch can enjoy a variety of soups, salads, and freshly-made quiche.
While most of the constitution is based on freedom of expression and art, it is also the only one worldwide to mention artificial intelligence, with an amendment in the republic’s Munich embassy reading “Any artificial intelligence has the right to believe in a good will of humanity.”
But before reading the document, which is displayed in multiple languages along the neighborhood’s streets, make a stop at Užupio Kepyklėlė for a quick coffee and bite to eat. The café and bakery offers pastries, fruit tarts, and kid-friendly sweet treats, like their marshmallow bears. Visitors looking for a light lunch can also enjoy a variety of soups, salads, and freshly-made quiche.
… or have some fresh local produce from the Tymo Market
Located in the same iconic neighborhood, the Tymo street market offers fresh produce from Lithuania, including vegetables, berries, smoked meats and honey. It’s also a great spot to find unique gifts to bring back home, such as small jars of fruit preserves, traditionally made from rose hips or sea buckthorn.
Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the market also hosts local DJ sets, allowing you to discover some of the city’s music scene.
Enjoy cheap eats at Senoliu tradicija
For homemade lunches at affordable prices, right in the city center, opt for Senoliu tradicija. Its menu rotates daily among various dishes, which are displayed in the restaurant and on their Facebook page.
With a name that literally translates to “ancestors’ tradition”, the meals served at this canteen are based on recipes popularized at home by Lithuanian mothers and grandmothers.
Traditional favorites include cepelinai — dumplings named for the shape of Zeppelin airships, and made from riced potatoes and filled with meat, cheese curd or mushrooms, which many consider as the national dish of Lithuania. Other available dishes are fried cod filets, chicken stew and pork goulash.
With meals priced at €4.70 each, with sides for €1.50, Senoliu tradicja is sure to keep both you and your wallet full.
…Or plan a day trip and enjoy a local staple in Lithuania’s 13th-century capital at Senoji Kibinine
A popular day trip destination for tourists and locals, Trakai is a town located a little over 30 minutes away from the Lithuanian capital by train, or about 40 minutes by car. Trakai boasts over 200 lakes, and a 14th-century island castle.
But aside from its colorful history, the town is also known for a local culinary specialty: kibinai. Introduced by the Karaite people, Lithuania’s Jewish minority, the traditional pastries are typically filled with mutton and onion. Contemporary options include pork, chicken, mushrooms and spinach with curd.
Though Trakai, known for this dish in particular, has several outdoor stands offering the dish, Senoji Kibininė is a sit-down restaurant offering the local specialty, as well as several other traditional options. These include saltibaršcai, a cold version of borscht fit for the summer months, and kepta duona su suriu — sticks of fried bread topped with melted cheese.
Full from all of that food? Lakes around the Trakai castle offer kayaks and canoes for visitors to rent.
Have a multi-course meal at Ertilo Namas
“Seasonality is one of the main characteristics of Lithuanian cuisine,” according to travel website Go Vilnius. This restaurant takes inspiration from seasonal produce, as well as the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras, with an updated twist.
The dishes are served with stories from historical Lithuanian sources.
“In the restaurant, you will enjoy meals that most probably were proudly served for dinner in influential estates and were savored by Radvilos,” — a wealthy family in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Agnė Cimarmanaitė writes for We Love Lithuania.
The menu includes both four- and six-course dinner options, which are served with stories from historical Lithuanian sources. The dishes include a beaver paté, strawberry bread pudding with goat cheese and smoked wild catfish, with optional wine pairings.
Stop for hot chocolate (and a book) at Mint Vinetu
This used bookstore and café is the perfect spot for anyone looking to have a cozy evening in Vilnius. They offer a selection of coffee, hot chocolate, iced tea made with sea buckthorn berries and desserts. Open until 8pm; stop here after an early dinner, or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Aside from used books in English and Lithuanian, the shop also sells vinyl records and vintage postcards to show off your trip to friends and family back home.
Party on the set of “Stranger Things” at Lukiskes 2.0
The Lukiškės prison, built in 1904 by Russian Czar Nicholas II, has since been transformed into a bar, club and artists’ residency. Over the weekend, the space hosts concerts and DJ sets, and is home to over 250 artists’ studios. In 2020, the former prison garnered international attention when it was used as a set for the fourth season of Netflix series Stranger Things.
Though mostly known as a historical site and cultural venue, Lukiškės 2.0 is also an interesting spot to grab a signature drink at the cocktail bar, which is open from 7pm until 1 in the morning.
If late nights out aren’t your thing, the preserved venue also holds guided tours in the daytime and on weekdays.
SIDEBAR: What are sea buckthorn berries?
Popular in Lithuanian teas and preserves, these deep yellow berries (known as šaltalankiai in Lithuanian) are found in northern Europe, Ukraine, Pakistan, Mongolia and China. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, the berry is typically used as a home remedy to promote anti-aging and healthy immunity, according to Lithuanian news site 15 min.
Though some Lithuanians pick the berries themselves while they are in season, mostly in October, many others enjoy them in prepackaged form, oftentimes from local markets.
