Things to see and do Vilnius & Area

This alley connects Užupis Street with the Vilnius Academy of Arts - obviously for an artists' district! Surmounted by metal pillars at its start, the walls that delimit the alley are tagged by various artists before leading to staircases, a wasteland and the banks of the Vilnia river. Named after Jonas Mekas, the Lithuanian writer and filmmaker who emigrated to the United States and was a friend of Andy Warhol. Extend your walk to the Fluxus Bridge, a tribute to Jurgis George Mačiūnas, founder of this artistic movement.

Incredible: a prison just a stone's throw from the Old Town! From the beginning of the ^20th century until 2019, Lukiškės gaols kept political prisoners (including former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin) and common criminals behind bars. Soon after its closure, this fortress was taken over by artists and creators to turn it into a place of joy rather than suffering. Guided tours are organized so as not to forget its original vocation. The prison was also used as a film location for season 4 of Stranger Things.

Vilnius's newest museum. In a setting designed by Daniel Libeskind, scientists Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus display the thousands of works of modern and contemporary art they have collected over the years. What makes the museum so special? Almost exclusively Lithuanian artists from the last sixty years. Exhibitions change twice a year, so you can discover other works and artists depending on the theme. It's a great way to learn more about contemporary Lithuanian art. A big bonus? A floor reserved for children.

A newcomer to the Vilnius urban landscape (to be inaugurated in spring 2023), this Japanese garden offers an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city's hustle and bustle. Designed according to the principles of renowned landscape architect Shiro Nakane, it features stone and green arrangements, inviting visitors to take a meditative stroll in a clockwise direction. A pond, a Japanese bridge, a waterfall and an avenue of Japanese cherry trees add to the magic of this space. Take the opportunity to catch your breath for a visit.

Vilnius City Tours not only offers hop-on-hop-off bus tours. The company specializes in organizing regular guided tours of Vilnius and Trakai, as well as of the whole of Lithuania. These tours take place in comfortable minibuses. Located in the heart of the city center, this agency will help you discover all the wonders of Lithuania. Other activities: transfers, excursions, English-speaking guides. Don't hesitate to contact them to find a tour that suits you. Free hop-on-hop-off with Vilnius Pass and discount for Trakaï.

It's in the city's very first power station that this museum dedicated to technology has logically taken its place. The enormous steam boiler is still there, and is the centerpiece of the museum. In the basement, the Transformation Hall and its interactive exhibition invite children and teenagers in particular to learn more about electricity. Each visitor is given a card, the Quantum Card, and at each station a challenge awaits you to put into practice what you've just learned. The more challenges you win, the more points you earn, which you can redeem in the gift store.

The Energy Exhibition shows you how the power plant works, in all its glory. We take you through the bowels of this monster, in a tangle of pipes. Most impressive of all? The control room recreates the ear-splitting thud of electricity.

The Industry Exhibition focuses on the industrialization of Vilnius and the production of goods. The Made in Vilnius room is particularly well done, with reproductions of a 1970s apartment filled with appliances and furniture developed in Vilnius. The top two floors are entirely dedicated to younger visitors, with the aim of stimulating their interest in science. Even the power station's roof terrace is used to display a replica of the Lituanica, a plane piloted by Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who both attempted a transatlantic flight to Kaunas.

Loftas, an art factory, decided to open this open-air gallery on the large site of the former Elfa factory, which used to manufacture electrical appliances (including the highly acclaimed cassette recorders). The aim? To restore life and color to a neglected industrial complex, yet right in the heart of the city. How did they do it? By bringing in street artists and offering them huge canvases (the factory walls) to give free rein to their creativity. Some twenty frescoes, mosaics and sculptures are scattered all over the place. (D)amazing!