A 3 Day Itinerary in Vilnius – Things to do in Vilnius

I recently spent a few days in Vilnius, Lithuania’s compact and charming capital, and honestly, it surprised me in the best way. I wasn’t expecting much – I went in with no set plans, just a curiosity to explore the city at my own pace. What I got was a beautifully preserved old town, hidden corners, sweeping city views, and some seriously nostalgic food finds that brought me right back to my Latvian roots.

If you’re planning a short trip to Vilnius and want a relaxed, no-rush way to see the city, here’s exactly how I spent my 3 days there.

Day 1: First Impressions, Familiar Names & Caffeine Fixes

I arrived in Vilnius with no concrete itinerary – just a general idea of what I wanted to see and a big appetite for soaking in a new city. As I often do when I travel solo, I dedicated the first day to simply getting my bearings. No pressure, no tight schedule. Just walking.

I started by wandering through the heart of the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful jumble of cobblestone lanes, pastel façades, and Baroque churches. It instantly reminded me of Riga but with its own flavour – slightly quieter, perhaps, and more relaxed.

About twenty minutes into my walk, I stumbled across Halės Turgus – Vilnius’ oldest market, which dates back to the early 1900s. It’s a vibrant space filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to meats, cheeses, pastries, and street food. If you’re the type who enjoys seeing how locals shop and eat, this is a must. I didn’t go crazy on food this time (saving my appetite for later), but I enjoyed just people-watching and taking it all in.

Now, as someone who can’t function without coffee, my mission for the day was also to find a solid brew. I’d heard about a local chain called Caffeine, and after a quick search, I tracked one down not too far from the Old Town. It became my go-to spot each morning – good coffee, comfy seating, and fast Wi-Fi, which is basically all I need when travelling.

What really caught me off guard – in the best way – was spotting a Čili Pica restaurant. If you’re Latvian, or have ever spent time in Latvia, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. These places are everywhere back home, and seeing one in Vilnius was like an unexpected hug from my childhood. That familiar red-and-yellow sign brought back so many memories. Safe to say, it quickly became my regular spot – I grabbed meals there more than once during the trip, whether it was a quick lunch or something warm and comforting in the evening. Sometimes, familiarity just hits different.

Day 2: Hikes, Views & City Icons

On my second day, I decided to be a bit more active. The weather was crisp but clear – perfect for walking – so I headed out early towards one of Vilnius’ most iconic landmarks: the Three Crosses Monument.

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the monument itself is striking, but it’s really the panoramic view that steals the show. The short hike up isn’t too strenuous – maybe 15 to 20 minutes through the wooded Kalnai Park – but once you’re at the top, it feels like you’ve earned the view. From up there, you get a sweeping look over Vilnius’ red rooftops, church spires, and distant skyline. Peaceful, quiet, and a great spot to just sit for a while.

From the monument, I continued wandering through the area. I passed Bekešo kalnas (Bekesh Hill), another viewpoint with historical significance, and eventually made my way down to Bernardine Garden – a lush park right by the river. Despite being close to the city centre, it felt like a small urban oasis. Locals were walking their dogs, kids were playing, and everything just felt… calm.

Right next to the gardens is Bernardinų parkas, which blends seamlessly into the same green space. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, this whole area would be perfect for a quiet afternoon picnic or even just lying in the grass with a book.

My final stop of the day was Cathedral Square, arguably the beating heart of Vilnius. The square is wide, open, and framed by several important landmarks, including the imposing Vilnius Cathedral itself. I didn’t climb the Bell Tower that day (I saved that for later), but just being in the square was enough – there’s a mix of locals passing through, tourists snapping photos, and musicians busking. It’s a great place to pause and just absorb the rhythm of the city.

Day 3: Narrow Streets, University Vibes & 360° Views

For my final day, I went back into the Old Town, but this time with a slightly different mission: to slow down even more and dig into the details. It’s easy to stick to the main streets and squares, but Vilnius rewards those who wander – and that’s exactly what I did.

I spent a couple of hours meandering through the smaller streets, where you’ll find everything from quirky boutiques to hidden courtyards and old bookshops. Every twist and turn revealed something new – a tucked-away church, a bit of street art, a quiet café. If you’re a fan of exploring with no real agenda, Vilnius is your kind of city.

One area I particularly enjoyed was around Vilnius University. The campus is right in the heart of the Old Town and blends beautifully with the surrounding streets. The architecture ranges from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque, and walking through its courtyards felt like stepping back in time. It’s one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, and you can feel the history in its walls.

After a bite to eat (yes, from Čili Pica again – no regrets), I made my way back to Vilnius Cathedral, this time to finally climb the Bell Tower. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the Old Town, and the climb – while a little tight in places – is 100% worth it. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the city. The rooftops stretch out in every direction, with the Neris River winding its way through and the green hills in the distance. It was the perfect way to end the trip – quite literally seeing Vilnius from every angle.

Final Thoughts

Vilnius might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of European city breaks, but maybe that’s what makes it so special. It doesn’t try too hard. It’s not overrun with tourists. It just is – charming, peaceful, and full of character. For solo travellers like me who enjoy taking things slow, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel instantly comfortable.

Three days was enough to see the highlights and get a feel for the city, but I left wanting more – more time to explore its neighbourhoods, visit a few museums, and dig deeper into the local food scene.

Would I go back? Absolutely.

And next time, I might just branch out from Čili Pica. Maybe.