Beautiful Lithuania

VILNIUS

Lukiškės prison. For 115 years, the prison was guarded by high walls and barbed wire and was fully functioning, but today it is open to the public. Since its interior is intact, it is very interesting to see how the prisoners actually lived, what was their day like and walk through cells (with inmate’s “original” decorations) and experiences real security process. You feel like in a movie. Some of the guides are actual former prison workers, so their stories are amazing.

Užupis. It’s an independent republic behind the city’s river with its own constitution and rules (i.e. “Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance”). It’s a home of artists, entrepreneurs and intellectuals.

The Vilnius University. I might be biased on this one as I’ve studied there, but this place is really special. Being one of the oldest universities in the world, it has some spectacular and Harry-Potter-like classrooms, libraries and courtyards. Don’t forget to go up to the tower and visit the bookstore.

Other must do:

- Walk up to the Gediminas Tower for a 360 degree view of Vilnius.

- Get lost in the old-town.

- Visit the Portal in the station district.

- Go to MO museum to see modern art.

- Coffee shops: Eskedar, Huracan, Italala, Chaika

TRAKAI

The top sight in this town is the Trakai Island Castle. This beautiful and fairytale-like medieval castle is located right on an island in a lake. Since it’s surrounded by water, you can do all kinds of activities (in the summer of course) like swimming, sailing and  paddle boarding. However, if you visit it in winter, the lake might be frozen and turner into a skating ring. It’s very nice to walk around and feel like you’re being transformed to the old times. Visit the museum inside the castle to learn about the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

Very important - you can’t leave Trakai without eating Kybyn (a moon-shaped savory pastry). Kybyns are traditional food from the Karaite, an ethnic minority that derived from Judaism. You can taste these delicious food in Senoji Kibininė or Kybynlar.

Trakai is a 30 minute drive by car from Vilnius and it’s definitely worth visiting.