If you’ve chosen the Lithuanian capital for your next trip, then you’ll definitely want to check out my top picks for where to stay in one of the most charming cities in the Baltics.
Vilnius might be a small city, but it’s perfect for a long weekend getaway and still quite affordable. It’s earned the title of Europe’s greenest city, with over 60% of its area dedicated to green spaces! Besides being named the European Green Capital for 2025, Vilnius is steeped in rich history. You’ll be captivated by its impressive castles, like the one perched on Gediminas Hill and the island castle in Trakai.
Here are five areas I recommend for your stay. They might be close in distance, but each offers its own unique vibe, giving you different perspectives of the same city.
👉Did you know that HBO’s mini-series Chernobyl was largely filmed in Vilnius, particularly in the Fabijoniškės district?
1. Vilnius Old Town, best area to stay in Vilnius for first time
If you want to dive into the heart of medieval history, staying in the center of the Old Town (Senamiestis) is your best bet. Plus, it’s perfect for those who prefer not to do too much walking.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you can expect an abundance of monuments and even more historic churches. It’s also one of the largest surviving medieval towns in Europe, which says a lot about what you’ll find here.
Must-see spots in the Historic Center:
- The Town Hall Square
- The Gediminas Castle Tower from the 15th century
- The Cathedral and its bell tower
- The 14th-century Presidential Palace
- The impressive University complex
- St. Casimir’s Church, the first Baroque church in the city
Don’t miss Vokiečių Street in this area, one of the oldest and most picturesque streets, lined with cozy cafes and restaurants.
Best Hotels in Old Town
- (€€€) Hotel Vilnia: a 4-star hotel, 500m from Vilnius Cathedral
- (€€) Novotel Vilnius Centre: a modern 4-star hotel, in Gediminas Avenue
- (€€) CATHEDRAL Self-Service Aparthotel: fully-equipped apartments and studios, 300m from Vilnius Cathedral
2. Užupis, an alternative area to stay close to Vilnius Old Town
Uzupis is just a short walk from the Old Town, separated by the Vilnelė River. It’s a fantastic place to stay, offering the best of both worlds—close to the center, yet far from the tourist crowds.
What makes Uzupis really unique is its quirky history. In the 1990s, this neighborhood declared itself an independent republic! Take a stroll down Paupio Street and you’ll find the 41 articles of their independence declaration displayed on metal plaques—definitely worth a read.
Uzupis is a bohemian enclave with a vibrant artistic spirit and a tight-knit community of creators. Don’t miss the iconic Mermaid sculpture under the Uzupis Bridge or the bronze angel statue in the main square, both symbols of the neighborhood’s creative soul.
And here’s a fun tip: bring your passport when you enter Uzupis! You can get it stamped at the border crossing next to the bridge or at the “Užupis 1 point” Tourism Office.
While you’re there, make sure to visit Altana Hill for stunning views of the city.
Best Hotels in Užupis
- (€€€) Angel House Vilnius, 32: a big apartment, 10 minutes walk from Old Town
- (€€) Uzupis Angel 3 bedroom Apartment: a cozy apartment, for families or group of friends, close to the city center
- (€€) Igo apartment Uzupis: a cozy apartments, 600m from Old Town
3. Naujamiestis, best area to stay in Vilnius for nightlife
This area is the true heart of the city, where the old seamlessly blends with the new. It’s where locals gather at Kudirka Square (near the Cathedral) and along the bustling Gediminas Avenue, one of the busiest streets in Vilnius.
Staying here puts you in a prime spot to explore the city’s top attractions and witness its evolution through the diverse architectural styles. It’s also the perfect base for experiencing Vilnius’s vibrant nightlife, especially on Vilniaus and Islandijos streets.
A must-visit in this neighborhood is the MO Museum, a modern art museum that houses over 5,000 works by Lithuanian artists.
Best Hotels in Naujamiestis
- (€€€) Ratonda Centrum Hotels: a 4-star hotel, close to Gediminas Avenue
- (€€) Corner Hotel: a 3-star hotel, 800m from MO Museum
- (€€) Gynėjų Apartments – Lollo Luxury: modern apartments and studios, 200m from Lukiškės Prison
4. Šnipiškės, a modern area to stay in Vilnius
Across the Neris River lies the modern and up-and-coming district of Šnipiškės, just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. In recent years, this area has transformed into one of the city’s major business hubs.
Along the riverbank, you’ll find large, contemporary hotels, and if you cross the Baltas Tiltas footbridge, you’ll quickly reach the city center on the other side.
This neighborhood also offers easy access to the National Art Museum and vibrant outdoor markets like the one at Kalvarijų Market. It’s a popular choice for business travelers, too.
Beyond its modern side, Šnipiškės has a charming, almost village-like atmosphere, with quaint wooden houses on streets like Giedraičių and Šilutės, offering a picturesque glimpse of old Vilnius.
Best Hotels in Šnipiškės
- (€€) Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva : a 4-star hotel, 100m from Baltas Tiltas bridge
- (€€) Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center: a 4-star hotel with restaurant and breakfast, 14 minutes walk from Gediminas Tower
- (€) CALVARY Hotel & Restaurant Vilnius: an elegant 3-star hotel, with restaurant and free parking
5. Žvėrynas, a quiet area to stay in Vilnius
On the western side of the city center, you’ll find the primarily residential area of Žvėrynas, surrounded by the Neris River and lush green parks.
Žvėrynas is a more upscale neighborhood, so accommodation options are a bit more limited. However, it’s just a short distance from the main areas, and the atmosphere here feels welcoming and homey. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll appreciate being close to Vingis Park, the largest green space in the city, as well as nearby hiking trails.
A bus ride to the historic city center takes about 20 minutes, and it’s worth noting that the city has an excellent public transportation system.
Best Hotels in Žvėrynas
- (€€€) Vilnius apartment with stained glass: a fully-equipped apartment, close to the river
- (€€) Zveryno guest house: a cozy apartment, perfect for families and kids
- (€) Angel House Vilnius, 46: a modern studio with kitchen, close to the park
Attractions Near Jordaan:
- Noordermarkt: A lively market square with cafes and restaurants.
- Anne Frank House
- Amsterdam Tulip Museum
- Houseboat Museum: Offers a peek into life aboard a traditional Amsterdam houseboat.
