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Monday, December 2, 2024

A Winter Getaway to Vilnius, Lithuania


I wished to get away for a Christmas market journey over December and after taking a look at a couple of choices, it was Vilnius in Lithuania that I used to be drawn to.  In addition to a Christmas marketplace for procuring, there was a brand new nation to discover and the flights have been very cheap for the dates we wished.  I had initially deliberate to go along with simply Rex however I ended going with 4 mates as nicely.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

We discovered flights for £45 return, leaving Friday and coming again on the Monday and we booked a ravishing residence proper by the outdated city which labored out £60 every for the three nights.  Vilnius airport may be very small and it price us seven Euros for a big taxi from the airport to our residence (barely much less for the standard sized automobile).

In December Lithuania is barely colder than the UK and temperatures ranged between-5 and -15 throughout our journey.  There was a short flurry of snow one night and if you happen to received away from the city centre there was snow on the bottom and timber nonetheless. We got here ready with heat layers, thick socks and thermals and the chilly did not really feel practically as biting because the UK for my part.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

There have been two Christmas markets on while we have been there, the primary one was only for a weekend and was a world market within the city corridor which was principally tables run by totally different embassies.  The second was within the Cathedral sq. and centered across the big Christmas tree.  Yearly there’s a totally different theme to the tree and 2022 seemed like a 3 tiered cake.  It was spectacular day and night time, nonetheless the market was fairly restricted.  We did get mulled wine and a few Lithuanian sweet however purchased extra from different stalls across the outdated city somewhat than the market right here.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

While the market was disappointing, the mini break definitely wasn’t and I adored Vilnius.  The structure is unbelievable and the outdated city with its cobbled streets, stunning espresso retailers and Christmas lights was fairly particular.  There have been so many buildings which had gone large with their Christmas decorations and made the entire city really feel so heat. 

Listed here are among the locations we visited throughout our keep

1) Uzupis is a self declared republic inside Vilnius and a brief stroll from the outdated city.  You’ll find their structure in 23 languages written on the wall which comprises statements reminiscent of ‘everybody has the proper to cry’.  The realm is filled with enjoyable avenue artwork, attention-grabbing boutiques and a vacationer workplace the place you’ll be able to stamp your passport.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Uzupis

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Uzupis

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Uzupis

2)Lukiškės Jail is located within the centre of Vilnius and was closed as a working jail in 2019.  Over the winter there was an ice skating rink within the central courtyard and you’ll go for excursions round this jail (the place scenes in Stranger Issues season 4 have been shot). It was actually attention-grabbing to stroll round and we discovered a enjoyable bar contained in the jail the place you can get drinks and snacks.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Lukiskes prison

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, Lukiskes prison


3) There’s a Christmas practice that drives across the outdated city at night time, all lit up with fairy lights.  It’s 2 euros per ticket and a enjoyable exercise to get out of the chilly for a short time and see the attractive metropolis.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

4) Meals was an vital a part of our journey.  We had a scrumptious brunch at Backstage cafe who additionally did nice espresso. Rosehip Vegan was unbelievable – be sure you e-book a desk as they do get busy. Etno Dvaras is a series doing fairly priced conventional meals.  Hales Market is enjoyable for a wander and you’ll seize smoothies, pastries and the normal Lithuanian muffins there.
Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break, vegan lithuania

5) Different members of the group visited Vilnius’ MO Museum of Trendy Artwork and actually loved it.  (Rex was not within the temper).  In case you are eager about artwork then they advocate it.
6) Sky Bar is positioned on the twenty second flooring of the Radisson and we booked a desk on the day we wished to go to.  With views out over Vilnius it’s a great place to drink a cocktail and there have been a whole bunch on the menu in addition to workers joyful to make one thing up primarily based on our likes. Youngsters are allowed within the bar till 10pm, though we did not see another than Rex. Cocktails have been round 9-10 Euros every.  
Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

Rex was 12 months outdated once we visited and was really easy. He was joyful within the stroller or sling as we explored and I made time to search out empty espresso retailers for him to discover or took him again to the residence for a crawl round when he wanted it. The bars we visited (sky bar and the jail bar) have been each joyful to have a child in and the town was stroller pleasant.  Vilnius is a ravishing metropolis to go to, sufficiently small that you would be able to see quite a bit in a few days and it felt very festive in early December.

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break

Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania mini break



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