A mass tourist has long mastered the expanses of Western Europe, but the Baltic part of the Old World is still seriously lagging behind its neighbors. However, everything is slowly but steadily changing and the Baltic Sea successfully conquers travelers with untouched medieval landscapes and the charm of streets and lanes that have stood in the centuries. Vilnius is no exception, captivating guests with pastoral pictures of historic quarters and falling in love with the colorful boulevards of modern districts. Nevertheless, there are not as many places to stay in Vilnius as we would like, and it will not be superfluous to take care of choosing a location in advance.
Features of accommodation in the capital of Lithuania
Before exploring Vilnius hotels, you should decide on what goals and budget you have arrived in the heart of Lithuania with. Hotels in non-central areas will be cheaper, but for sightseeing you will have to travel to the center by public transport or taxi. The hotels of the Old Town and the surrounding quarters are more suitable for those looking for a luxurious vacation in a historical setting. Any part of the city will suit the lucky ones with their own car, although in busy places another problem will inevitably arise - with parking.
It cannot be said that Vilnius is one of the mega-popular tourist cities, and therefore housing prices here are somewhat lower than the average European ones. True, local hoteliers are actively working on this, and soon the figures will equalize. There are not so many hotels here, although there is always plenty to choose from.
The most luxurious hotels have won their place in the historic mansions of the historic center. Here you can swim in the pool, steam in the sauna or bathhouse, taste domestic or overseas dishes, live in the atmosphere of the aristocracy. And more than two hundred dollars a night cut off random tourists, so you will live with people exceptionally wealthy, respected and positive from all sides.
Surprisingly, but more modest hotels also managed to knock out a place under the sun in the labyrinth of historic streets of Vilnius, however, in places less crowded and busy, but this is for the best - you can relax and sleep without the hubbub of the street.
In Vilnius, 3-4 star hotels prevail, there are also very cheap options for $ 30-40 with quite acceptable conditions without frills. Much cheaper solutions are country hotels, which estimate their potential at $ 30-50. Here you can have a great rest, taking advantage of the peace, tranquility and benefits of infrastructure. Excellent type of accommodation with children and family.
There are not so many hostels in Vilnius, but there is always a suitable one. There are also very tiny establishments for 2-3 rooms with shared amenities. In any case, wherever you decide to stay in Vilnius, your stay here will be as pleasant and varied as possible, because the city is incredibly beautiful, distinctive and friendly to guests.
Tourist areas of Vilnius
Old city
This medieval corner invariably attracts the largest number of visitors with the highest density of unique antiquities and places significant for the history of Lithuania. A rare tourist did not try to climb the Castle Hill and conquer the tower of Gediminas located there.
The streets of the Old Town are a treasure trove of culture and history. There is so much here - Gothic, Baroque, and even Art Nouveau. Century after century, the image of the historical center was formed until it took its final form.
The center of the Old Town is the Cathedral Square with the Cathedral of Saints Stanislav and Vladislav. Town Hall Square is also loved by the townspeople, followed by Pilies Street - a standard of historical buildings. The Town Hall itself, built in the classical style, is also interesting. Here you can also see the Bernardine Monastery, Friday Church, the Olizar Palace, the Presidential Palace, the Church of the Holy Cross.
The old town is replete with Catholic and Orthodox churches, Lutheran churches, churches, palaces, museums, cobbled narrow alleys, shopping streets and, of course, souvenir shops and cafes for any request. If you are not intimidated by hotel prices, the best thing to do is to stay in Vilnius right here.
Hotels: Hotel Panorama, Artis Centrum, Amberton, Hotel Congress, Ivolita Vilnius, City Gate, Conti, Old Town Trio, Alexa Old Town, Grotthuss Boutique Hotel, Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping, Pogo Hostel, Hostel Oras.
Naujamestis
Much younger area of the center, built up only in the 19th century. Adjacent to the Old Town, it is an important cultural and political center. It is here that embassies, consulates and government offices are located, which adds prestige and metropolitan chic to the area.
At the same time, Naujamestis is a cheerful, lively and crowded area, its streets are full of shops, shops and nightclubs, and bars and restaurants are found everywhere. Its Lukishskaya Square is mentioned in every guidebook, and its flower bazaar and fine examples of ancient architecture make up exquisite landscapes and backdrops for photos.
The quarter is also valuable for the fact that the central transport arteries of the capital are located here - the railway station and the bus station. It is also a refuge for the creative intelligentsia - artists, sculptors and all kinds of creators of contemporary art prefer to be inspired here.
Hotels where to stay in Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT, Grata Hotel, Corner Hotel, Ratonda Centrum, LEU Guest House, 5 Euro Hostel Vilnius.
Antakalnis
One of the richest districts of Vilnius for attractions, although not in the Old Town. Buildings of the 17-19th centuries prevail, there are many remnants of Polish architecture and Baroque mansions.
The quarter has been known since the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, then it was an elite settlement for the nobility. A lot of the heritage of that time has survived to this day - churches, cathedrals, villas, wooden houses of the 19th century - all contribute to the overall picture. Here is the Sapieha Palace, the Vileishis Palace, the Slushkov Palace, in Antakalnis there are a lot of palaces, one more graceful than the other. Only cathedrals - the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Church of the Savior, the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Church of Michael the Archangel - can compete with them in luxury.
Walking around Antakalnis is a real pleasure, it is even more pleasant to live here, far from the hustle and bustle of the historical center, surrounded by exquisite buildings.
There are few hotels in the area, apartments and rental apartments and houses prevail.
Hotels: Nileja, Park Villa, Aerodream Trakai, Nileja, Saules namai, Genacvale.
Zverinas
If you are looking for where to stay in Vilnius, be sure to check out this charming, very picturesque green area. It is also a wooden Vilnius, since wooden houses of different eras and styles are clearly in the majority. Very interesting in the area of new buildings, especially glass, stone and wood at the same time. Perhaps it is the new quarters and complexes that make the area more and more prestigious.
But this does not mean that Zverinas is devoid of historical beauties. There are several beautiful churches and cathedrals, for example, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God or the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of the Sign and even the Keraim kenassa. Much remains of the Polish buildings - these mansions stand out brightly against the background of the rest of the architecture. Great area and close to the historic center.
Hotels: Villa EverGreen, Flamingo Rooms, Embassy Hotel Balatonas, Guesthouse Ameda.
Shnipiskes
The complete opposite of the Old Town is a business, bold, modern district, a shopping center of Vilnius. Šnipiskes is built up with skyscrapers and glass towers, and Green and White bridges lead to this kingdom of modern architecture.
Guests are greeted by a grandiose green recreation area stretching along the river bank. Here they arrange picnics, launch balloons and simply relax. In the distance, you can see the glass masses of the local government buildings and the Europa Tower, and in the historic side streets of the district are lost the Piarist Monastery, the Church of St. Raphael and the Radushkevich Palace - a beautiful Gothic building with stone lace and arched loggias.
There are many shopping malls, shops, department stores, restaurants, bars in Šnipiskes - life here is in full swing at any time of the day. If you are looking for where to stay in Vilnius and miss the modern metropolis, this is a great place.
Hotels: Ecotel Vilnius, Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Holiday Inn, Best Western Vilnius, Vilnius Apartments & Suites, Guesthouse Marija.
Uzupis
Cozy - that's how one word can describe this area in the District. This is an atypical Vilnius, where people come for contrasts and culture shock. The district really stands apart from the rest of the city; it is no coincidence that a separate republic of Uzupis has been proclaimed here with its own constitution, queen and other regalia.
Squeezed between the Pavilniai hills, Uzupis has long been an area of the poor, from which he was left with small two-storey houses and an abundance of ruins. But even the latter here manage to look not pathetic, but colorful and original.
Today Uzupis is a habitat for artists and other people with creative thinking, as evidenced by the installations and street art there. Those who habitually lack cultural heritage can be advised to visit the walls of the Prechistensky Cathedral and the Church of St. Bartholomew. And on one of the streets there is a miniature water tower.
For connoisseurs of palace luxury, Uzupis is hardly suitable, and the number of hotels here can hardly be called grandiose, but living here for at least a couple of days will be very exciting.
Hotels: Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping, Mabre Residence, Artagonist Art Hotel, Shakespeare Hotel.
