December 1st 2024.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, may not be well-known to many, but all that is about to change. This charming city, with its winding cobbled streets, bohemian quarter, and stunning Baroque architecture, is set to have its big moment. It may sound like Paris, but this is actually Vilnius, a pocket-sized capital that offers visitors a unique experience.
Beyond the city's 700-year-old walls lies a town that is still coming to terms with its complex past. Here, you can find a mix of brutalist Soviet architecture and high-end boutiques, as well as a rapidly growing food scene. It has been over 30 years since Lithuania gained independence from the USSR, but the air is still buzzing with the spirit of freedom. And with its vibrant nightlife, rich history, and affordable prices, it's no wonder that more and more people are starting to take notice of this hidden gem.
Despite direct flights from major UK airports, such as Stansted and Luton, Vilnius remains off the beaten path for British travelers. The tourism board even pokes fun at its obscurity, declaring the country as the "G-spot of Europe" - amazing, but no one knows where it is. But with flights starting at just £25, and many popular destinations facing issues with overtourism, it would be a missed opportunity not to visit this unique destination.
Lithuania is the largest and most southerly of the three Baltic states, and it is a country that exudes happiness. As soon as I arrived in Vilnius, I was struck by the peaceful atmosphere. In comparison to the bustling streets of central London, the quietness of the Lithuanian capital was like a warm embrace, despite the November chill. According to a 2019 survey, only 5% of Brits know more than the name and location of Vilnius, and this is evident in the lack of British accents on the streets, unlike popular destinations such as Prague or Amsterdam.
Not only is Vilnius convenient and affordable, with an airport located just 15 minutes from the UNESCO-listed old town and reasonable prices for necessities like local beer, but it also offers luxury at an accessible price point. On my first evening, I dined at 14 Horses, a farm-to-table restaurant serving up delicious dishes such as lamb dumplings, grilled eel on sourdough, and potato pancakes with sweetbread. I also had the opportunity to visit Dziaugsmas, one of four local restaurants to receive a prestigious Michelin star in the first-ever Michelin guide to Lithuania.
One of the most unique neighborhoods in Vilnius is Uzupis, a free-spirited district that declared itself a republic in 1997. In the past, this area was a no-go zone, used as squats by creatives who were considered "undesirable" by the Soviet regime. But now, it is a thriving community of writers, artists, and musicians. The main street, once known as the "Street of Death" due to crime rates and its decimated Jewish population, is now lined with quirky art installations and the neighborhood's constitution, which includes clauses like "a dog has the right to be a dog" and "everyone has the right to understand."
After exploring the charming streets of Uzupis, I stopped for lunch at Momo's Grill, a cozy spot that serves up traditional Lithuanian dishes like beef tartare and pickled onion and beetroot soup - the national dish that even has its own annual festival. As I sat there, enjoying my meal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and contentment, surrounded by the vibrant culture and friendly people of Vilnius.
In conclusion, Vilnius may not be a well-known destination, but it is certainly one that should not be overlooked. With its unique blend of history, culture, and affordability, it is no wonder that Lithuania was named the happiest country in the world for young people. So why not plan a trip to this hidden gem and discover all that Vilnius has to offer? You won't regret it.
Vilnius, a hidden gem in Europe, is about to have its moment in the spotlight. With its winding cobbled streets, bohemian quarter adorned with Baroque architecture, and a lively food and nightlife scene, it may sound like Paris, but this is actually the charming capital of Lithuania, a country that has been gaining more and more attention lately.
Despite its complex past, Vilnius has managed to maintain its unique charm and character. On one hand, you can find remnants of Soviet influence in the brutalist architecture, and on the other, you can explore the city's high-end boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. It's a blend of old and new, and it's been more than 30 years since Lithuania gained its independence from the USSR, yet the buzz of freedom still lingers in the air, drawing in curious travelers with its vibrant nightlife, intriguing history, and affordable prices.
Although there are direct flights from major UK airports, such as Stansted and Luton, Vilnius remains a hidden gem for British travelers. In fact, the country's tourism board even jokes about its obscurity, referring to it as the "G-spot of Europe" - amazing, but nobody knows where it is. But with flights as cheap as £25, it's definitely a destination worth considering, especially in a time when many popular cities are struggling with overtourism.
Lithuania is the largest and southernmost of the three Baltic states, and it's full of surprises waiting to be discovered. I recently had the chance to visit Vilnius for a two-night trip, and I was immediately struck by the peacefulness of the city. Compared to the hustle and bustle of central London, the quiet streets felt like a warm embrace, even in the chilly November weather.
According to a 2019 survey, only 5% of Brits know more than just the name and approximate location of Vilnius. This explains the distinct lack of British accents that you would normally hear in popular cities like Prague or Amsterdam. But that's part of the charm of Vilnius - it's still relatively unknown, making it a convenient and exceptionally affordable destination. The airport is just a 15-minute drive from the charming old town, and you can easily find a bottle of local beer for just £2.75. In fact, Vilnius was recently named Europe's most affordable city break by Post Office Travel Money, and even luxury experiences are accessible.
During my trip, I dined at 14 Horses, a farm-to-table restaurant that served delicious lamb dumplings, grilled eel on sourdough, and potato pancakes with sweetbread. And I couldn't resist trying out Dziaugsmas, one of the four local restaurants that received a coveted Michelin star in this year's first-ever Michelin guide to Lithuania.
But Vilnius isn't just about its food scene. It's also a safe city, which was evident when I visited one of its best cocktail bars, Nick & Nora, and felt comfortable leaving my bag and coat unattended by the door. And let's not forget about the city's lively and vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect place for young people to visit. It's no wonder Lithuania took the top spot in this year's World Happiness rankings for the under-30s - it's truly the best place in the world to be young.
On the outskirts of Vilnius lies a neighborhood called Uzupis, a free-spirited area that declared itself a republic in 1997. During Soviet times, it was a no-go area, but now it's a thriving community of writers, artists, and musicians. Our tour guide, Lina Dusevičienė, explained that the district was once nicknamed the "Street of Death" due to its high crime rates and the decimation of its Jewish population during the Holocaust. But today, life has returned, and the neighborhood's unique charm can be felt as you wander through its streets.
Uzupis has a constitution that reflects the neighborhood's quirky and well-meaning ideals. Some of the clauses include "a dog has the right to be a dog" and "everyone has the right to understand." It's a testament to the neighborhood's creativity and individuality. The constitution is printed in over 30 languages on mirrored rectangles on Paupio Street, just around the corner from parliament house, which also serves as a cafe and pub. Cheers to that!
During my visit, I stopped at Momo's Grill for a cozy lunch, where I tried their delicious beef tartare and a classic Lithuanian dish - pickled onion and beetroot soup. It's the national dish and even has its own annual festival. As the saying goes, "We are Baltic," and Vilnius is the perfect representation of that - a unique blend of old and new, traditional and modern, and a city full of surprises waiting to be explored.
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