Once upon a time, Grand Duke Gediminas had a vivid dream of a mighty iron wolf howling atop a hill—signifying that a great city would one day rise in that very spot. Today, that city is Vilnius, the vibrant capital of Lithuania, brimming with creativity, rich history, and delightful surprises.
Gediminas is said to have been hunting when he discovered the site. Now, we’re on a “hunt” of our own—seeking out the best places to see in Vilnius for free. Let’s go!
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Cost: Free
Length: ~2 days
How to get there: You can get to Vilnius by car, airplane, public transport. But all the free things to do in Vilnius listed here are in walking distance from each other
What to See in Vilnius Cathedral Square?
Admire Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower
To find your way to Vilnius Cathedral, just scan the skyline for a white tower with a dark, pointed spire and a cross on top—it also has a clock.
When you reach Cathedral Square, you’ll notice that this tower stands separate from the cathedral itself. Why? Well, it wasn’t originally built as a bell tower; it was born as a defensive structure and was repurposed as the city expanded. I’d say it’s found its true calling now!
Vilnius Cathedral itself is mostly white, and when sunlight hits it, it almost seems to glow. It’s a great reminder that something grand doesn’t need vibrant colors. The white cathedral is simply elegant. For me, the most captivating part is the delicate molding on the portico, which resembles flowers. Others might be drawn to the detailed statues. What catches your eye?
I believe you can enter Vilnius Cathedral for free, but you’ll need to pay to climb the bell tower. Since we’re focusing on free things to do in Vilnius, that’s not in the cards today. But don’t worry—there’s another free spot with panoramic views of Vilnius coming up soon. But first, let me show you one more thing in Cathedral Square.
Make a Wish at Vilnius Miracle Tile
I believe in miracles—do you? Great! Look down and search the pavement of Vilnius Cathedral Square for a miracle tile. It has “miracle” written on it, in Lithuanian: Stebuklas.
I found it!
Now, for your wish to come true, step on the tile and turn three times while making your wish.
Exterior of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Next to Vilnius Cathedral stands another grand white building: the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. You’ll need to buy a ticket to explore the museum inside, but the exterior is free to admire.
An interesting detail I want to bring your attention to is the clock with the golden sun. It’s quite an interesting puzzle to solve. I can’t seem to find 5 o’clock—can you?
The Cradle of Vilnius – Gediminas Tower
On the hill next to the Palace of the Grand Dukes stands an octagonal structure with a Lithuanian flag fluttering atop it. That’s Gediminas Tower, the last remaining structure of the Vilnius Upper Castle.
And it marks the spot where Gediminas saw his infamous iron wolf.
I promised you a free panorama of Vilnius, and they say the views from the hill on which Gediminas Tower sits are spectacular. The only question is: how do you get there? The main path seems blocked off for repairs.
But fear not, fellow explorer! There’s another way.
Simply go around the Palace of the Grand Dukes, where you’ll find a complex of other buildings. On the other side of the hill, there’s another staircase leading upwards for panoramic views of Vilnius.
The climb isn’t very high, but it’s not easy either, as the path is covered with round cobblestones that can be slippery. If you’re worried about that, there’s an alternative: a funicular that can take you to the top. But that isn’t free.
From the top, you’ll spot many Vilnius attractions, like the TV Tower, and you’ll get a great angle of the Palace of the Grand Dukes too.
Let me make a game out of it: count how many churches you can spot. There are 28 churches in Vilnius Old Town (at least, there were when I last checked). You won’t be able to see them all from up here, but let’s see who can spot more—me or you!
Next we’ll walk deeper into Vilnius Old town to see what free attractions are hidden there.
What to See in Vilnius Old Town for Free?
The Story Behind Literatai Street
While you’re exploring Vilnius Old Town, you stumble upon a little street adorned with artworks on the walls of surrounding buildings. Come closer and explore!
To those unfamiliar with the backstory of Literatai Street, it might seem like a contemporary art space filled with puzzling pieces—there’s an installation of knives nailed to a wall and even someone’s fake tooth. At first, I didn’t get it either.
Turns out, this wall is a tribute to Lithuanian literature, with each artwork representing a story or an author. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about local literature, nor can I read the words written on the walls, but once you know the backstory, everything clicks into place. Decoding the street art here becomes a fun exercise for your imagination!
Vilnius University
Can you get smarter just by walking through a university? I’d say you can if you learn something new about it!
Let’s take a quick walk through the Vilnius University complex to enjoy the charming architecture. One spot I want to show you is the picturesque inner courtyard, with a colonnade and faded portraits and coats of arms adorning the walls.
If you look up, you’ll also see a pale square where part of the facade seems to be missing, revealing a sequence of numbers and characters. What’s that about? If you figure it out, let me know!
Then you walk through a small gate and find yourself in another courtyard of Vilnius University. This one has a special tower adorned with zodiac signs. Seems fitting since this is the Observatory Courtyard. I love the layered, multi-colored look of the buildings here, and the ones in this courtyard are supposedly the oldest in the whole ensemble.
Rub Vilnius Lucky Belly
Just a quick stop: we’ve already visited the Vilnius Miracle Tile, but if you need an extra dose of good luck, there’s also a lucky belly you can rub. It’s hidden in plain sight on one of the liveliest streets in Vilnius!
What to See in the Vilnius Independent Republic of Užupis
On April 1, 1997, the residents of Užupis declared their quirky corner of Vilnius an independent republic. Was it a joke? The April Fools’ Day timing might suggest so—but here we are, decades later, and Užupis continues to be celebrated as an unofficial independent republic. With its own president, constitution, anthem, and flag, Užupis embodies creativity and free-spirited charm.
It’s also a stroke of marketing genius for this whimsical part of Vilnius, and I must admit, I’m intrigued. So, let’s “cross the border” and uncover the fun, unconventional attractions Užupis has to offer.
Unless, of course, you see street art as mere vandalism. If that’s the case, you probably won’t find what you’re looking for here—and that’s perfectly fine. As we’ve already seen, there are plenty of other free things to do in Vilnius.
Say Hi to Užupis Mermaid and the Swing of Destiny
Your introduction to Užupis’ artistic world begins at the border, marked by a sticker-plastered sign. Just beyond it, you’ll meet the Užupis Mermaid, a petite sculpture lounging by the river. Legend has it that she lures visitors into Užupis, and those who fall under her spell may find themselves staying forever.
Beneath the nearby bridge, you’ll find the Swing of Destiny: a chair suspended just above the river. Depending on the water level, you might be able to reach it and swing while contemplating life. However, it seems that today, destiny has other plans—since the water has nearly reached the seat, making swinging impossible for now.
Exploring the Creative Spirit of Užupis: Art, Constitution, Angels, and Cats
From here, you find yourself at a crossroads. Which path will you take?
- To the left: Wander along a wall covered in street art and words, leading you to the Užupis Art Incubator. This vibrant space is filled with conceptual street art—some of it I don’t quite understand, some share deep thoughts, and some are downright hilarious. Location
- To the right: Discover the Užupis Constitution, proudly displayed on a wall in multiple languages. This manifesto perfectly captures the district’s free-spirited mindset. Location
- Straight ahead: Encounter the symbol of Užupis—a majestic angel, having hatched from a metal egg, blowing a horn to proclaim the district’s artistic freedom and revival. Keep walking, and you’ll find a cat perched on a fence, waiting for you. According to local legend, rubbing the cat’s ear will free you from fear—especially the fear of truly living. Location of the cat
Thoughts?
Vilnius is very walkable and very budget friendly – as you can see there are plenty of free things to do in Vilnius. Which makes it a perfect weekend city break filled with quirky art and historic landmarks. I enjoyed my stay here and I think you would too.