Free tour Guide to Vilnius
Baltic Stories: Free Tour Guide to Vilnius - Lithuania's Medieval Gem
Welcome to your free tour guide to Vilnius! This guide leads you through cobblestone streets lined with baroque churches, hidden courtyards filled with street art, and into the blend of old-world charm and creative energy that makes this city magical.
At Wingman, we’re your local friend, showing you where to find the best cepelinai in Užupis and secret rooftop bars overlooking the Old Town’s terracotta roofs.
We’ll walk with you from the majestic Cathedral Square to the bohemian Republic of Užupis, sharing stories about Vilnius’s grand duchy past and its modern identity as Lithuania’s cultural heart. Join us as we uncover the real Vilnius!
FROM GOTHIC SPIRES TO ARTIST REPUBLICS
VILNIUS'S SECRET SUNSET SPOT
Local students gather at the quirky Three Crosses viewpoint just before sunset - they bring coffee and Lithuanian pastries to watch the sun dip behind the church spires, while street musicians often play Baltic folk tunes in the background. Skip the crowded Hill of Three Crosses viewing platform and instead take the hidden path behind it.
Top 3 wingman tours in Vilnius
With your free tour guide to Vilnius from Wingman, you’ll discover the medieval charm and artistic spirit of Lithuania’s enchanting capital.
Get set! We’ll bypass the standard tourist spots at Cathedral Square and take you where Vilnius reveals its true personality. From ancient courtyards turned art galleries to local craft beer haunts, we’ll guide you to places that rarely appear in conventional tourist handbooks.
Creativity and Modern Vibes in Vilnius
Explore the creative side of Vilnius on a tour that blends modern vibes with artistic flair. Start at Vilnius Tech Park, a hub for innovation, before diving into the eclectic atmosphere of Paupio Turgus, a bustling market filled with local flavors.
Don’t miss the stunning Old Town, one of the largest ones in Northern Europe, the Contemporary Art Centre, and the MO Museum for a taste of cutting-edge creativity. Finally, unwind at Alchemikas bar, where innovation meets tradition in every sip.
The Green Heart of Vilnius
Hey there! Join me on a tour of Vilnius where we can explore the lush landscapes of Pavilniai Regional Park, the lively community spirit at Miesto Laboratorija, and the serene beauty of Bernardine Garden.
We’ll visit the unique micro-state of Užupis, known for its quirky constitution, and enjoy delicious local cuisine at a historic mansion. We’ll also delve into modern art in Vilnius before winding down in nature after a day filled with unforgettable experiences!
Vilnius Through the Lens of the Soviet Era
The Soviet Union formally annexed Lithuania on August 6, 1940, following a series of events initiated by the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which divided Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
The legacy of Soviet rule is evident in various aspects of Lithuanian society, including architecture, education, and political structures.
Let’s discover the legacies of the Soviet era and how Lithuania has recovered from the challenges of those times.
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tourist traps and scams
to avoid
in Vilnius
We know your holiday time is valuable, and nothing ruins the mood like getting caught in a tourist trap. So, grab your coffee as Wingman steers you clear of overpriced tourist spots and guides you through an authentic Vilnius experience with the following insider tips…
Taxi Scams at the Airport
Always use official taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Bolt, as unofficial taxis at the airport often overcharge tourists by 3-4 times the normal rate. Look for yellow/blue licensed taxis with visible meters, or better yet, pre-book your transfer.Get the app! 
Currency Exchange Traps
Avoid currency exchange offices near tourist hotspots, especially those advertising "0% Commission," as they often have terrible exchange rates. Stick to bank ATMs or reputable exchange offices in shopping centers.Get the app! 
Tourist Menu Tricks
Be wary of restaurants in Old Town displaying "Tourist Menu" signs or having staff actively recruiting customers on the street. These places often serve lower quality food at inflated prices and may add hidden charges to your bill.Get the app! 
Fake Ticket Sellers
Purchase tickets for attractions and events only from official venues or authorized sellers, as scammers sometimes sell counterfeit tickets near popular sites. Always verify the authenticity of street vendors claiming to sell "discounted" tickets.Get the app! 
"Authentic" Amber Scams
The Baltics are famous for amber, but many street vendors and small shops sell fake amber to unsuspecting tourists. Only buy amber from certified stores and look for certificates of authenticity if making significant purchases.OK! 
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hidden gems of Vilnius
Discover Vilnius Like a Local with Wingman.
Navigate the city’s hidden gems with our GPS-guided audio tours, taking you beyond the tourist spots to authentic local experiences.
The Republic Within Lukiškės Prison
This former century-old prison has been transformed into a cultural hub, featuring an underground techno club, art installations, and a creative workspace. The preserved Soviet-era architecture now hosts cutting-edge exhibitions and performances, while the former prison yard serves as an open-air cinema in summer.
Local Guide Tip: Visit on Thursday evenings for their “Lock-in Sessions” – local electronic artists perform in the converted prison cells with incredible acoustics.
Coordinates: 54.6897° N, 25.2699° E
The Hidden Courtyard of Literatų
Behind an unmarked door on Literatų Street lies a maze of connected courtyards housing artists’ studios and a secret garden café. Local creatives have transformed this 16th-century space into a living art installation, with rotating exhibitions and a tiny craft coffee roastery.
Local Guide Tip: Look for the blue door with brass doorknob – press it three times and the resident artist will buzz you in.
Coordinates: 54.6803° N, 25.2874° E
The Monks' Brewery at Bernardinai
Tucked away in the cellars of Bernardine Monastery, this microbrewery still uses centuries-old monk recipes and traditional brewing methods. The restored medieval cellar features original stone walls, contemporary art installations, and serves unique Lithuanian craft beers you won’t find anywhere else.
Local Guide Tip: Try their seasonal “Monk’s Secret” brew – it’s made using foraged herbs from the monastery garden.
Coordinates: 54.6833° N, 25.2924° E
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Dive into diverse cultures with our expertly crafted tours designed to enlighten and entertain.
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culinary delights of Vilnius
Cognac-accented chicken liver at Amandus
Hidden in the old Town, this intimate restaurant reimagines Lithuanian cuisine through a modern lens, offering an authentic menu. The restaurant grows many ingredients in their own garden, and the menu changes weekly based on foraged ingredients and local micro-harvests.
Local Guide Tip: Pick the tender, caramelised root vegetables offset smoked catfish!
Coordinates: 54.6809° N, 25.2934° E
Traditional Lamb Kibinai at Senoji Kibininė
This fourth-generation family restaurant in Trakai specializes in kibinai – traditional Karaite pastries filled with lamb, mushrooms, or seasonal ingredients. The historic venue features a glass-floor revealing medieval ruins beneath, while the kitchen still uses 200-year-old recipes and techniques.
Local Guide Tip: Order the “Time Machine” tasting set – five different kibinai recipes from different centuries, each telling a story of Lithuanian culinary history.
Coordinates: 54.6379° N, 24.9326° E
Beer-Braised Wild Boar at Špunka
Located in a converted 16th-century wine cellar, this craft beer institution offers 20 rotating taps of Lithuanian microbrews alongside traditional bar snacks with a twist. Their kitchen specializes in beer-infused Lithuanian comfort food, and they host weekly brewing workshops with local craftsmen.
Local Guide Tip: Come Thursday evenings for their “Brewer’s Table” – where local brewmasters serve experimental batches and share brewing secrets.
Coordinates: 54.6775° N, 25.2875° E
Looking for more foodie spots in Vilnius? Download Wingman's free tour guide to Vilnius now!
cultural insights of Vilnius
Behind Vilnius’s baroque churches and cobblestone streets lies a different city. Forget the crowded Gates of Dawn and tourist-filled Pilies Street – the real Vilnius thrives in converted Soviet factories, bohemian artist republics, and intimate cultural spaces tucked away in centuries-old courtyards.
ARTISTS' BREAKFAST AT UŽUPIS ART INCUBATOR
Housed in a former ceramics factory in the self-declared Republic of Užupis, this creative hub has been nurturing independent artists since 2002. The space hosts daily morning gatherings where artists share works-in-progress, maintaining Vilnius’s reputation as the Baltic’s most avant-garde art scene.
Culture Tip: Join their “First Coffee” sessions on Wednesdays when resident artists open their studios and discuss their creative process over Lithuanian coffee and pastries. Coordinates: 54.6809° N, 25.2934° E
COURTYARD THEATRE AT MARKUČIAI
Set in a 19th-century nobleman’s estate, this intimate outdoor theatre space revives pre-war Lithuanian drama traditions. Weekly performances blend contemporary themes with classical Lithuanian theatrical elements, performed in historic courtyards.
Culture Tip: Attend “Sunday Readings” where young playwrights present new works inspired by Lithuanian folklore. Coordinates: 54.6775° N, 25.2929° E
LITERARY EVENINGS AT SKALVIJA
Located in an art deco cinema building, this cultural center has preserved Lithuanian literary traditions since independence. Monthly gatherings feature poetry readings in Lithuanian and minority languages, connecting modern writers with the country’s rich literary heritage.
Culture Tip: Don’t miss “Trilingual Tuesdays” when poems are read in Lithuanian, Polish, and Yiddish, reflecting the city’s multicultural history. Coordinates: 54.6830° N, 25.2797° E
The true Vilnius speaks Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian in corner coffee houses, serves cepelinai from recipes guarded by pre-war family cookbooks, and gathers in hidden courtyards where elderly residents play chess and children swing on Soviet-era playground sets until the Baltic sunset.
user testimonials
These aren’t just reviews; they’re passports to your next great adventure.
The audio guide perfectly captured those hidden Vilnius courtyards I never knew existed, even as a local. The stories of Jewish merchants, Lithuanian artists, and Polish nobles who once lived here brought these silent walls to life.
Rita from Lithuania 
hearing the before-and-after stories of how abandoned factories became creative spaces was eye-opening. This tour helped me understand my city's transformation in a completely new way.
Thomas from Australia
The Lens of Soviet Era tour made me feel like I was part of Vilnius's incredible survival story.
Amedeo from Italy
Vilnius top sights with insider tips
GEDIMINAS CASTLE TOWER The symbol of Lithuanian statehood Insider tip: Come at sunset and climb to the less-visited western viewing platform for the best photos of Old Town’s red roofs without the crowds.
GATE OF DAWN Sacred Catholic shrine and city gate Insider tip: Visit between 3-4 PM when local elderly women gather to sing traditional hymns in Lithuanian and Polish.
UŽUPIS REPUBLIC Bohemian artist district with its own constitution Insider tip: Get your passport stamped at the Užupis Info Center on April 1st, the district’s independence day, when the beer flows from the fountain.
ST. ANNE’S CHURCH Gothic masterpiece Napoleon wanted to take to Paris Insider tip: Visit during the “Night of Churches” in June when the intricate brick patterns are illuminated with specially designed lighting.
VILNIUS UNIVERSITY COURTYARDS Historic campus with 13 hidden courtyards Insider tip: The astronomical observatory in the White courtyard opens for public viewing on clear Thursday nights – few tourists know this.
BERNARDINE GARDENS Restored 19th-century park Insider tip: Join the free tai chi classes by the river every summer morning at 7 AM – a local tradition since the park’s renovation.
CATHEDRAL SQUARE Heart of the city with mysterious tiles Insider tip: Find the “Stebuklas” (Miracle) tile and make a wish while spinning three times – it marks the end point of the 1989 Baltic Way.
HALES MARKET Historic covered market from 1906 Insider tip: Go to the basement level for the best local cheese prices and try the pickled mushrooms from the babushkas at stall 142.
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE Official residence with changing of the guard Insider tip: The palace garden is open to public on the last Sunday of each month, featuring concerts by military orchestra.
THREE CROSSES MONUMENT Hilltop memorial with city views Insider tip: Take the lesser-known forest path from behind the National Gallery – it’s longer but offers beautiful morning light through the trees.
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