Vilnius in 2 Days: Old Town, Hilltop Views and Užupis

Start in Cathedral Square, with the white-columned cathedral and separate bell tower, then choose a palace route for Lithuania’s rulers and reconstructed state rooms. Make the palace the main indoor visit; the garden and Užupis follow in the afternoon.

Climb to the castle tower for a view over the red roofs and the Neris. The hill is worthwhile even without the small exhibition; the funicular is an alternative to the uphill walk.

Follow the paths beside the Vilnia after the castle hill. The garden gives you a quiet break before St Anne’s Church and the walk across the river to Užupis.

The red-brick Gothic façade is the main draw here. Pair this short stop with the neighbouring Bernardine church, then cross the Vilnia towards Užupis.

Use the angel square as the centre of an afternoon in Užupis. Walk its small streets, find the constitution plaques on Paupio Street and stop for lunch or coffee before returning along the river.

Start the second day with breakfast or a snack at the covered market. Bread, pastries and Lithuanian produce make this a better morning stop than an end-of-day visit; the Gates of Dawn are a short walk away.

Walk uphill from the market to the surviving city gate and its chapel. The image of the Virgin Mary makes this an important pilgrimage site; continue down Aušros Vartų Street towards the Town Hall.

Pause in the Town Hall square, then follow the old town lanes towards Pilies Street. This part of the day is for walking, lunch and courtyard detours rather than another ticketed attraction.

Look for the small artworks set into the walls, each connected with a writer. It is a short detour off Pilies Street; afterwards, walk west along Gediminas Avenue towards the history museum.

Finish with the former security headquarters, its prison cells and exhibitions on occupation and resistance. This is a substantial, sombre visit rather than a quick stop. It closes on Mondays and Tuesdays; on Sunday it closes at 5pm.

Choose the Three Crosses hill for another view across the old town. It is a longer, wooded uphill walk than the castle hill, so use it instead of the tower or add it when you want more walking on the first afternoon.

Swap the occupation museum for modern Lithuanian art if you prefer a lighter second afternoon. The building is near the southern old town, making it easy to pair with the market, Town Hall and lunch.

Treat Trakai as a separate outing, not a final stop on the city walk. Travel by train or bus from Vilnius, then walk through the town to the lake and island castle. Add a third day or replace one city day if the lakes appeal more.