Old Town & Užupis
Baroque lanes plus the republic.
LithuaniaIShowSpeed streamed here
Vilnius
A baroque old town that launches hot-air balloons from its centre — home to Užupis, a self-declared republic with its own constitution.
- Metro population
- 700,000
- Country
- Lithuania
- Region
- Europe
Overview
Why visit Vilnius
Vilnius is the Baltic capital that feels like a secret: one of Europe's largest baroque old towns, crowned by Gediminas Tower on its forested hill and crowned in turn by hot-air balloons drifting over the rooftops — one of few capitals that let them launch downtown.
Across the river sits Užupis — 'the republic beyond the river' — a district that declared itself independent on April Fools' Day 1997. It has its own flag, anthem and constitution (Article 12: 'a dog has the right to be a dog'). The angel statue watches over cafés and artists' studios.
Speed's 2024 tour streamed from Vilnius. The city also anchors the 'geographical centre of Europe' marker a short drive north — and its pink-soup šaltibarščia (cold beet soup) is a summer icon.
Things to do
Top things to book in Vilnius
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Hot-Air Balloon
Fly over the old town at dawn.
Trakai Castle
The island castle 30 minutes away.
Food & Beer Tour
Cepelinai, pink soup and craft beer.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Vilnius
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Vilnius
- 01
A Republic Inside
Užupis declared independence in 1997 — with a constitution guaranteeing dogs' rights.
- 02
Balloons Over The Old Town
Vilnius is among the only European capitals allowing balloons to launch in the centre.
- 03
Baroque Heaven
The old town is one of Northern Europe's largest — 1,200+ buildings of baroque and gothic.
- 04
The Tower On The Hill
Gediminas Tower, all that remains of the upper castle, flies the flag the freedom marchers raised.
- 05
Centre Of Europe
A marker 26km north claims the geographic midpoint of the continent.
- 06
Pink Soup
Šaltibarščia — cold beet-buttermilk soup — is electric pink and beloved.
- 07
The Gate Of Dawn
The 16th-century gate houses a revered Madonna icon — pilgrims kneel in the street.
- 08
A Hill Of Crosses Far
The Hill of Crosses — 200,000 crosses — is a pilgrimage site up north.
- 09
Jewish Jerusalem
Vilnius was once called 'the Jerusalem of Lithuania' for its scholarly Jewish community.
- 10
Cepelinai
The national dish — potato zeppelins stuffed with meat — is named for airship shape.
Random Vilnius fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Vilnius
Where is Vilnius located?
Vilnius is in Lithuania, in Europe.
What is the population of Vilnius?
The greater Vilnius area is home to about 700,000 people.
What is Vilnius famous for?
Vilnius is famous for a baroque old town, the Užupis 'republic' artists' quarter with its own constitution, and hot air balloons over the centre.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Vilnius?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Vilnius on his 2024 Europe tour. See his full world tour map.
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