Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, set in the country's south-eastern corner where the Vilnia and Neris rivers meet. Its atmospheric Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with Baroque churches, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards.

The city grew from a legend recorded in the 14th century, when Grand Duke Gediminas is said to have founded Vilnius after dreaming of an iron wolf. It later became a centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, and its long Jewish heritage earned the old Jewish quarter the name Jerusalem of the North before the destruction of the Second World War.

Landmarks such as Cathedral Square, Gediminas Castle Tower, the Gate of Dawn, St. Anne's Church and the independent-minded district of Užupis give Vilnius a distinctive character. Neighbourhoods including the Old Town, Naujamiestis, Žvėrynas and Antakalnis each offer different atmospheres, from historic streets and museums to green residential areas and creative spaces.

Vilnius is also a growing business and technology hub, particularly strong in fintech, IT and laser technology, and hosted the 2023 NATO Summit. Its universities, co-working spaces and conference venues bring international visitors throughout the year.

For leisure and business travellers alike, Vilnius combines compact walkability, a lively café and restaurant scene, seasonal festivals and green spaces with a modern, entrepreneurial energy.