Welcome to our neighborhood guide to Vilnius. We want to congratulate you on choosing Vilnius for your next vacation or holiday getaway. You are clearly one cool cat for choosing this Lithuanian gem of a city!
Vilnius is slowly on the rise as a tourist destination. Given it’s slow and steady pace, we wanted to jump ahead of the game and give you the best guide of where to stay in Vilnius before the tourists swarm the city and Vilnius becomes the newest hotspot.
For now, Vilnius is still up and coming, and if you’re coming to Vilnius then you need our guide. So we called in the expert travel writers to put together this knock-out guide of the best neighborhoods to stay in Vilnius.
Ready to make the best choice of where to stay in Vilnius given your Vilnius vision— whether it’s style, vibes, atmosphere, or budget—you name it, we’ll cover it!
Running out of time and need to make a fast decision on where to stay in Vilnius? These are our highest recommendations for Vilnius accommodation hostel and hotel options.
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Hostel Jamaika | Best Hostel in Vilnius
With nearly unbeatable hostel prices, Hostel Jamaika is one of the best places to stay in Old Town, Vilnius. It has a cool, laid back atmosphere and has lofty ceilings. Best thing ever about Hostel Jamaika is no bunk beds! Enjoy cheap rates with room to breathe. It also has a local market right in front of it, so you can enjoy picking up something quick to cook in the communal kitchen.
If you love hostels, you should check out our list of the coolest hostels in Vilnius!
Holiday Inn Vilnius | Best Hotel in Vilnius
The Holiday Inn Vilnius in Šnipišk?s makes for a truly comfortable stay. It’s an expansive, modern, and bright new hotel that promises guests a relaxing stay. Just walk across the bridge and you’ll find yourself in Old Town. And if you want to go for a run instead hit up their awesome fitness center! Or, if you would rather, you could always just kick back with a glass of wine at their in-house restaurant while your friends put in their workouts.
Comfortable Modern Studio in Šnipiškes | Best Airbnb in Vilnius
This cosy and bright modern studio is ideal for first-time visitors to Vilnius. Very conveniently located in Šnipiškes, it only takes five minutes drive to reach the heart of Vilnius. The well-appointed place comes with a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a cable TV, a large balcony and free breakfast. It will provide you all the comforts you need to feel home.
Šnipiškes
As the financial centre of Vilnius, you will see tons of towering skyscrapers and scurrying business men in Šnipiškes. Walk behind the skyscrapers and you’ll stumble into another world, nicknamed Shanghai. It sure isn’t Chinatown, so we’re unsure exactly how this nicknamed was earned. Regardless, Shanghai is filled with tiny wooden houses and tiny outdoor gardens.
The Old Town
Senamiestis is the name of the vibrant and beautifully preserved Old Town. It is filled with beautiful historic buildings that cover a vast spectrum of architectural styles, from gothic to baroque to renaissance to neoclassical.
Naujamiestis
Naujamiestis, or New Town, is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Vilnius. It is a huge district that has labyrinth-like streets as it was a former area for factories and industrial spaces.
Užupis
There is something remarkable about the Užupis neighborhood. It’s rather unbelievable actually. The local artists of Užupis actually declared Užupis an independent state and wrote a full constitution for Užupis.
Žverynas
Žverynas is a place we still struggle to pronounce, but we love for the luxury. Žverynas is hands down the most expensive neighborhood in Vilnius and it’s for the travelers who want the fancy schmancy life.
Vilnius is Lithuania’s capital city and is home to just over half a million people. It actually is also home to the largest baroque Old Town in Eastern Europe. Nicknamed the ‘Jerusalem of the north’ by Napoleon, Vilnius is packed with history and incredible charm. Dating all the way back to the 14th century, Vilnius is a treat for history lovers, or for those of us who want to holiday in an Instagram photo paradise. With a lot of great neighborhoods and areas to stay in Vilnius, from the Old Town to Užupis to Žverynas, each neighborhood in Vilnius has unique delights to offer visitors.
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5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Vilnius
We have handpicked five of the best neighborhoods to stay in Vilnius for those of you who don’t want to paw through every single possible area and make a massive pro/con list. We’ve done the work for you. #YourWelcome
1. Šnipiškes: Where to Stay in Vilnius for the First Time
Šnipiškes is called the New Centre of Vilnius. There are two sides to every story, and there are certainly two sides to Šnipiškes.
As the financial centre of Vilnius, you will see tons of towering skyscrapers and scurrying business men in Šnipiškes. Walk behind the skyscrapers and you’ll stumble into another world, nicknamed Shanghai. It sure isn’t Chinatown, so we’re unsure exactly how this nicknamed was earned. Regardless, Shanghai is filled with tiny wooden houses and tiny outdoor gardens.
Sometimes Šnipiškes is called a “village inside a city” as its central area is crowded with 19th century wooden homes and unpaved streets and the southern side is dominated by huge hotels and tall glass buildings. Talk about a neighborhood with a split personality!
These two sides of the city don’t exactly intermingle… there is an invisible line dividing them. So staying in Šnipiškes offers visitors a truly unique visit— staying in a living anachronism. If you’re wondering where to stay in Vilnius for the first time, stay on either side of the line between the stark contrast where a 19th-century suburb and 21st-century city center exist mere meters apart!
Holiday Inn Vilnius | Best Hotel in Šnipiškes
This bright, new, and clean hotel is a great place to stay in Vilnius. The Holiday Inn Vilnius is is expansive, clocking in at 134 guestrooms. The restaurant and lounge is wonderful to enjoy a martini and a good meal. And the fitness center is such an added perk for those out there who want to squeeze a workout in whilst on holiday!
Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva | Best Hotel in Šnipiškes
The Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva brings all the glam to Vilnius. In one of the best neighborhoods in Vilnius, this hotel is wonderfully located right next to a mall in case you need feel like a shopping spree. If you don’t you can always treat us to one! The Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva has all the bells and whistles you can expect in a glorious 4-star hotel. What more can we say, it’s divine!
Comfortable Modern Studio in Šnipiškes | Best Airbnb in Šnipiškes
This cosy and bright modern studio is ideal for first-time visitors to Vilnius. Very conveniently located in Šnipiškes, it only takes five minutes drive to reach the heart of Vilnius. The well-appointed place comes with a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a cable TV, a large balcony and free breakfast. It will provide you all the comforts you need to feel home.
Ecotel Vilnius | Best Hotel in Šnipiškes
The Ecotel Vilnius has low rates and has absolutely wonderful wifi. Only thing is parking is tricky when traveling with a car. It does have comfortable beds and modern amenities, and a delicious breakfast available for an extra charge.
Things to See and Do in Šnipiškes:
- Walk the Main Street of Šnipiškes, Kalvariju street which is hustling and bustling with all the businessmen activity
- Wander through the side streets and find Shanghai and see the huge contrast for yourself
- Visit the The Church of Archangel Raphael
- Check out the Planetarium and get lost in the stars for awhile
- Stroll through Kalvariju Market and check out all the local wares
- Feel delighted in the springtime as you admire the blooming sakura garden
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View on Osprey View on REI2. The Old Town – Where to Stay in Vilnius on a Budget
Senamiestis is the name of the vibrant and beautifully preserved Old Town. It is filled with beautiful historic buildings that cover a vast spectrum of architectural styles, from gothic to baroque to renaissance to neoclassical. There are 74 quarters, with 70 streets, and a total of 1,487 buildings! This Old Town is jam-packed with so many things to do and see, which clearly makes it one of the best places to stay in Vilnius. The Old Town is where to stay in Vilnius on a budget since there are so many cheap hostels and hotels crammed into this neighborhood.
The narrow streets, all 70 of them, are packed with small shops and plenty of incredible eateries. There are plenty of fancy restaurants here in the Old Town for those of you want to indulge in some Lithuanian delicacies. If you’re curious where to stay in Vilnius for one night, Old Town is the way to go. With so many beautiful streets to wander down, and historic sites to see Old Town is the place to be.
There are lots of bars and clubs to check out too, for those who want a lively night out on the town—on the Old Town!
Hostel Jamaika | Best Hostel in Old Town
Hostel Jamaika is one of the best places to stay in Vilinus. With a charming, eclectic vibe and a great location, paired with prices less than $10 a night, Hostel Jamaika is the place to be. It’s also incredible to not have a hostel crammed with bunk beds. Enjoy space to move in this high-ceiling building!
City Hotels Rudninkai | Best Hotel in Old Town
With affordable rates, the City Hotels Rudninkai in Old Town makes for a great place to stay in Vilnius for a few nights. The rooms are rather oddly designed, but the rooms are clean and wide with plenty of windows for natural lighting. There is a European style restaurant inside the hotel for those who don’t want to wander far when hunger strikes.
Private Room in Elegant Building in Old Town | Best Airbnb in Old Town
This three bedrooms apartment is ideal for those visiting Vilnius on a budget. Built in a housedatingfrom the 16th century by one of the noble families, you’ll feel right in the heart of the Old Town. Cosy and safe, you will be sharing the common areas such as the bathroom and toilets with the hosts and have your spacious and bright private locked bedroom.
Real House | Best Hotel in Old Town
Just on the edge of Old Town, the Real House is where to stay if you want to be just slightly away from the hustle and bustle but not too far away to feel isolated. The Real House is a good value hotel, often with rates less than $60 per night. The only recommendation is not to take a room with a shared bathroom as they are located on the basement level.
Things to See and Do in Old Town:
- Visit the neoclassical Town Hall
- Trek up to the top of the Medieval Gediminas Castle Tower to check out the beautiful city views (note that the castle grounds are currently closed for renovation)
- Tour Vilnius University which dates all the way back to the 16th century
- Wander through the streets and stumble into any church that strikes your fancy
- Walk down Pilies Gatve (Castle Street) and pop into little shops and stores, if you’re hunting for souvenirs make sure to pick up amber jewelry and linen which are two of the main products Lithuania sells
- Stroll down Vokieciu Street during summertime and choose from the bevy of bars and restaurants that offer outdoor seating
- Stop by the Holy Donut to make all your friends jealous— us included!
3. Naujamiestis – Best Area to Stay in Vilnius for Nightlife
Naujamiestis, or New Town, is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Vilnius. It is a huge district that has labyrinth-like streets as it was a former area for factories and industrial spaces. It’s easy to get lost in Naujamiestis, so if you choose to stay in the New Town, don’t leave your map (or Google Maps) at home!
Naujamiestis is huge and hugely diverse. In this giant industrial district there are surprises waiting for you around every corner. Expect to see epic street art tucked on random streets and semi-secret parties hosted in odd places. These factories from the Soviet-era are being repurposed into cool arts and cultural spaces where exciting things are happening every day of the week.
It’s hard to get bored in Naujamiestis, with all the art, food, coffee, and partying happening. Did we just say coffee? Yes, yes we did.
Corner Hotel | Best Hotel in Naujamiestis
Pristine clean rooms can be found at the Corner Hotel. Rates are fairly reasonable as well for the standard of service and comfort at the Corner Hotel. Choose from one of their 157 guest rooms and relax in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Vilnius: Naujamiestis!
City Hotel Algirdas | Best Hotel in Naujamiestis
The snazzy City Hotel Algirdas has 42 guest rooms and a cool restaurant, bar, and lounge for guests to enjoy. There’s also a rooftop terrace to take in the city views! It’s a great base in Naujamiestis on a quiet street. Staff are known to be very friendly and helpful as well.
Compact and Comfortable Studio Apartment | Best Airbnb in Naujamiestis
This compact studio apartment is located in a peaceful residential area just a ten to fifteen minutes’ walk from the Old Town and near a lot of cafes, restaurants and bars. With a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, it comes with all the basic amenities that you need to have a comfortable stay and this place is a perfect base to explore the surroundings.
Slippers B&B House | Best Hostel in Naujamiestis
Try out staying in a sleeping pod at Slippers B&B House. With the most affordable room option, you’ll receive a small capsule to slip into for bedtime. It’s a no frills kind of hostel, but with rates as low as they have, it’s worth it for the experience!
Things to See and Do in Naujamiestis:
- Follow the coffee trail and hit up the best coffee brewers in Vilnius at Backstage Café and Crooked Nose and Coffee Stories where true coffee experimentation is happening
- Check out all the creative projects at the many art centers from Open Gallery to Autarkija to the Samuel Bak Museum
- Catch a legendary music performance at Loft, and if you time it right, hit up the annual Loftas Fest
- Head over to Uptown Bazaar when you can’t decide what to eat as it is filled with tons of tiny local restaurants and local specialty and produce shops
- For vegetarians and carnivores alike, dine at Meatbusters for some culinary burger (and veggie burger) perfection
- Indulge in your sweet tooth cravings at Kartalli Baklava and Ice Cream
- See if you can find a semi-secret party, talk to the locals or troll around on Facebook
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Grab an eSIM!4. Užupis – Coolest Place to Stay in Vilnius
There is something remarkable about the Užupis neighborhood. It’s rather unbelievable actually. The local artists of Užupis actually declared Užupis an independent state and wrote a full constitution for Užupis. We’re serious. This constitution hangs proudly for all to see, right on Main Street.
Užupis is where all the art is happening. There are plenty of outdoor art sculptures to gawk at, and lots of street murals to go hunting for. Užupis is definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Vilnius, given it’s wicked hipster vibes. We’d even venture to say that hipsters wish they were as hip as the Vilnius hipsters.
If you’re looking for an artsy, bohemian stay in Vilnius, then look no further than Užupis. There are trendy bars, and off-color restaurants. Užupis is one of Vilnius’ best neighborhoods for those who want to have their palate challenged with gastronomic curiosities and their eyes enchanted with artists wonders. Yep, Užupis is top on the list for the coolest place to stay in Vilnius.
Historical Apartment Near Main Tourist Attractions | Best Airbnb in Užupis
This 40 meters squared apartment is perfectly located and has a special history feel. Just a 3 minutes walk from St. Anne’s Church and Bernardine Park, a 2 minutes walk from Market IKI Express Uzupis, a 3 minutes walk from Uzupis Angel, a 6 minutes walk from Pilies Street and a 9 minutes walk from Cathedral Square, you’ll be able to walk just everywhere. It consists of a fully-equipped kitchen, a large living room and a bathroom with a large bathtub.
Hostel Filaretai | Best Hostel in Užupis
Hostel Filaretai is a unique hostel in Užupis. It offers guests very simple rooms, but plenty of shared common spaces with sofas to stretch out in and workstations to get some work done. There is also a stared kitchen, complete with a fridge, microwave, and stove for those who miss cooking while traveling. With room rates less than $10 a night, Hostel Filaretai is a great option for those who are looking for where to stay in Vilnius on a budget.
Mabre Residence Hotel | Best Hotel in Užupis
Mabre Residence Hotel is a gem of a hotel! This hotel dwells inside the footprint of a 500 year old monastery. The hotel is very modern, and has all the services and amenities you could desire. Enjoy the breakfast buffet and restaurant, both of which are excellent! Just be forewarned that there is no elevator at the Mabre Residence Hotel.
Butas Užupyje | Best Rental in Užupis
Why not take a whole apartment in Užupyje! With budget friendly rates, Butas Užupyje is a great option for those who want to feel and live like a local in Vilnius. The apartment is well-equipped, and even has a stash of board games and books guests can enjoy. If you are traveling with your animals, they are welcomed here at Butas Užupyje! #PuppyFriendly
Things to See and Do in Užupis:
- Visit the Angel of Užupis sculpture for an epic photo opportunity
- Walk around the Tibetan Square Park for a little bit of Tibet nestled in a Lithuanian Park
- Snap a photo of the Užupis Constitution because it’s simply a must-do when staying in Užupis
- Check out all the rad art at the Užupis Art Incubator
- Go on a sculpture walk throughout the city streets and see how many sculptures you can spot
- Try lots of local culinary delights at Šturm? švyturys— try the fresh fish of the day entree
- Sample as many wines as you can at Pane e Vino, and go ahead and postmark a bottle or two to us here at the Broke Backpacker
5. Žverynas – Best Neighborhood in Vilnius for Families
Žverynas is a place we still struggle to pronounce, but we love for the luxury. Žverynas is hands down the most expensive neighborhood in Vilnius and it’s for the travelers who want the fancy schmancy life. That being said, it’s the best place in Vilnius to stay if you want a little bit of calm and quiet. Just a few minutes away from the city center, Žverynas promises you a quiet night of sleep and a tranquil stroll through the surrounding parks and gardens in the morning. That also means that Žverynas is the best neighborhood in Vilnius for families. When wondering where to stay in Vilnius with kids, look no further than the calm, quiet, and comfortable neighborhood of Žverynas.
Žverynas is literally just over the bridge from the Parliament building, and a few minutes walk from downtown. Despite its proximity to the city center, Žverynas has an almost rural ambiance. Fun fact: Žverynas translates to the “land of beasts!” It earned this name because this part of the city was once used by a rich noble family as their grounds for keeping wild animals for hunting. Don’t worry, no wild bears are wandering around Žverynas anymore…
Bring on the peacefulness amidst the upscale atmosphere. The entire neighborhood is rustic and charming, with a mix of modern homes sprinkled between ornate wooden villas. Also, there is the best shopping in Žverynas too with all three of the biggest malls located just a stone’s throw away!
Three Bedrooms Apartment for Families in Vilnius | Best Airbnb in Žverynas
Located in the center of the city in a newly built residential building, this spacious and fully equipped apartment is ideal for families visiting Vilnius, and can accommodate up to six people. It comes with a smart TV, a kitchen and and a modern bathroom. Extremely clean, bright and stylish, it will make you feel home away from home.
Europa City Vilnius Hotel | Best Hotel in Žverynas
Just across the road from Žverynas proper, Europa City Vilnius Hotel has ridiculously cheap room rates. The hotel has clean and tidy rooms and free parking. The rooms also come with a small fridge, tea, and coffee. Enjoy this budget friendly dream come true in Vilnius!
Ratonda Centrum Hotel | Best Hotel in Žverynas
For a superb stay in Vilnius the Ratonda Centrum Hotel is the way to go. The rooms are exquisitely clean and comfortable. The complimentary breakfast buffet is a wonderful array of hot and cold items that will leave guests will full bellies ready to head out and take their days by storm.
Vilnius Apartments & Suites Gedimino Ave. | Best Rental in Žverynas
Live the luxurious life at Vilnius Apartments & Suites Gedimino Ave. Renting this property involves enjoying two gorgeous apartments. There are amazing views from the beautiful balcony that overlooks Gedimino Avenue and the river. Wonderful accommodation in Vilnius for the whole family to enjoy!
Things to See and Do in Žverynas
- Go shopping at the the three big shopping malls: Akropolis, Panorama and Ozas
- Enjoy a day at the most popular park in Vilnius: Vingio Parkas
- Check out the dazzling flower displays at the Vilnius University Botanical Garden, located inside of Vingio Parkas itself
- Visit the unique Karaite Kenesa synagogue
- Stroll along the tree-lined streets and admire the architecture and beautiful houses
- Try the delicious potato pancakes at Žveryno Smukl
- Treat yourself to dinner in a fairytale garden at Panama Food Garden
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Vilnius
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Vilnius and where to stay.
What To Pack For Vilnius
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Vilnius
Vilnius is a vibrant and vivacious city that offers visitors variety and value. Views from the village are vast and very nearly venerable. Alright, how many more words that start with the letter “V” can we squeeze in? We’ll quit while we’re ahead…
It is vital that we voice the valid point— sorry we couldn’t resist— that no matter which neighborhood of Vilnius you choose, it’s hard to go wrong.
To summarize our Vilnius neighborhood guide, the Old town is where to stay in Vilnius on a budget. We particularly love the Hostel Jamaika for their cozy and comfortable rooms and convenient location.
If you’re looking for the coolest place to stay in Vilnius, look no further than Užupis. Užupis has some eccentric and eclectic places to stay, but our favorite is the unique Mabre Residence Hotel, or for a cheaper stay the Hostel Filaretai.
And if you’re looking for area of Vilnius with the best nightlife, while the Old Town has lots of fun bars and clubs and Užupis is known for its semi-secret parties, we love the a night out on the town in Naujamiestis.
Want to weigh in with your Vilinus travel tips on? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Vilnius.
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