Vilnius for Budget Adventurers: 3 Spots You Can’t Miss

01/10/2025

Lithuania may be one of Europe's best-kept secrets. 

Nestled in the north of the continent and bordered by the Baltic Sea, it welcomes just 1.4 million visitors a year. With more than a third of the country covered in forest, the capital city of Vilnius offers the perfect mix of cobbled Old Town charm and easy escapes into nature.

I recently spent four days exploring Vilnius, clocking up more than 140,000 steps through its walkable and picturesque streets. 

As a recent university graduate on a tight budget, I managed to keep my costs low—just €30 on food, trains and tourist tax. My entire trip, including flights from London and a three-star hotel, came to under £250. 

Most of my spending went straight to the Lidl bakery, where I stocked up on cheap pastries instead of splurging on restaurants.

Travelling solo gave me the freedom to set my own pace, although bringing a friend would easily halve accommodation costs. 

If you're short on time or don't want to travel outside the capital, there's still plenty to see. Here are the three places in Vilnius that stood out the most.

Hill of Three Crosses

If I had to choose one highlight from my trip, this would be it. The Hill of Three Crosses offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of Vilnius, and reaching the top feels as rewarding as the view itself.

There are two routes up. The first is a steep stairway that begins on the bank of the Vilnia River in Kalnai Park, with information boards in Lithuanian and English that explain the site's history. For an easier climb, there's a gentler slope opposite the entrance to Gediminas Hill.

At the summit stands the striking Three Crosses memorial, on the site of a former wooden castle from the 12th and 13th centuries. The white concrete crosses are visible from across the city and are often illuminated in different colours to mark special events.

For the best experience, go twice: once in the morning for peace and quiet (I arrived at 10am and had the hill to myself) and again in the evening for a sunset view over the glowing city. It was the most memorable sight of my trip, and it remains my top recommendation in Vilnius.

  • Cost: Free

  • Accessibility: 7/10

  • Best Time to Visit: Morning for solitude, evening for sunset

Pavilniai Regional Park

If you enjoy nature walks but don't want to stray far from the city, Pavilniai Regional Park is the perfect escape. A short ride on the number 74 bus from Žaliasis tiltas brings you to a sweeping valley filled with winding trails.

The park has multiple entry points around its edges, making it fairly accessible. At its centre runs the Vilnia River, a peaceful spot to watch wildlife or simply relax.

One of the highlights is Belmontas, a former mill turned restaurant and entertainment complex, which overlooks waterfalls and forest views. For more adventure, walk up to the Pūčkorių Atodanga viewpoint. The climb is steep but well worth it, with panoramic views over the entire valley.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a proper hike, the park offers trails for everyone. With its mix of forests, meadows, and scenic lookouts, it feels like a hidden gem just minutes from the heart of Vilnius.

  • Cost: Free (bus ticket approx. €2)

  • Accessibility: 5/10

  • Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for hiking and river views

Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The final stop on this list is the UNESCO-recognised Old Town of Vilnius, inscribed in 1994. It's a place made for wandering, with cobbled streets lined by Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture.

Every corner holds a surprise: cosy cafés, small independent shops, leafy courtyards and street performers. Vilnius is both steeped in history and full of life, and even on a first visit it feels instantly familiar.

Notable highlights include walking through the Gates of Dawn, the only surviving gateway from the city's 16th-century defensive walls, and exploring the many ornate churches that dot the Old Town.

The best way to experience it all is without a map. Take random turns, follow your curiosity, and let the city reveal itself. Vilnius Old Town rewards aimless wandering with something beautiful at every corner.

  • Cost: Free

  • Accessibility: 9/10

  • Best Time to Visit: Evening, when the streets are lively but not crowded

Final Thoughts

Vilnius may not yet be on every traveller's radar, but it deserves to be. Whether you're watching sunsets from the Hill of Three Crosses, hiking forest trails in Pavilniai Park, or losing yourself in the Old Town's winding streets, this capital offers unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank. For budget travellers and adventure seekers alike, Vilnius is truly too good not to mention.


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