Where to Stay in Vilnius (2026)

Top tips for Vilnius

Image by Nina Evensen from Pixabay

The Quick Answer

• The best neighbourhoods for a city break: Senamiestis, Naujamiestis, Stotis, Užupis

Table of Contents

Vilnius is probably bigger than you’re expecting it to be: it’s the largest city in the Baltic States, not just Lithuania. It also has one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved Old Town centres, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed neighbourhood called Senamiestis. As you would expect, it’s packed with fascinating architecture, and an impressive collection of art galleries and museums.

A Visitor's Guide to the Neighbourhoods of Vilnius

By Googlemaps

Vilnius is a fantastic pick if you love the idea of staying in an historic building, there are some wonderful hotel conversions in Senamiestis, the Old Town, especially.  And you’re not just restricted to one architectural style, if a Baroque palace feels a bit OTT, consider a tucked-away traditional guest-house, hidden behind one of Vilnius’ dainty cafes. If you prefer design hotels, and hip happenings, consider staying in Naujamiestis, which is the New Town, or city centre. Cool Kids might want to try the gentrifying neighbourhood around the station, called Stotis, and arty bohemian types might prefer Užupis, though there are few hotels here, mostly aparthotels.  

Senamiestis (Old Town)

Image by Modestas from Pixabay

Vilnius’s historic heart is the neighbourhood of Senamiestis, also called the Old Town. The district is large, weaving around the base of Gediminas Hill, which is topped by a red tower, a small museum,  and boasts incredible views. Around the base of the hill are a collection of incredible buildings in Baroque, Classical and Gothic design, including the Neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square, the rebuilt Palace of the Grand Dukes and the Palace Arsenal, which now houses the National Museum. The neighbourhood then evolves into a maze of narrow streets and squares, tiny courtyards and buildings that look special. These days, there are shops, cafes, bars and restaurants aplenty in Senamiestis, plus Halės Market on Pylimo Square, and the liveliest night spots around Vokiečių street. There is plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation here, and you’re within walking distance of some fantastic museums and galleries, as well as historic buildings. 

 Naujamiestis (New Town/ City Centre)

Image by Sebastian from Pixabay

Naujamiestis is Vilnius' New Town, right beside the Old Town, but laid out on a 19th century grid street plan. The main street is Gedimino Avenue, which is lined by the parliament building, several ministries, law courts and the National Theatre.  You'll also find the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre here. This used to be an industrial area of factories and workshops, but is gentrifying quickly, and many factories are now galleries and craft breweries, workshops are artists’ studios and trendy boutiques and cafes. There are also some striking 19th century buildings with sharp edges and Soviet vibes. Naujamiestisalso has a lovely park called Vingis Park. Kudirka’s Square is a central spot in the newer part of Vilnius: a transport hub, surrounded by shopping streets and places to eat and drink. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants, and this is a good place to start if you’re looking for Vilnius’ nightlife.  

Stotis (Station District)

By Flickr user Jon Combe

Locals often refer to this neighbourhood as "Uptown", which reflects its spot, close to the New Town, but still a ten minute walk from the Old Town. For the last few decades Stotis was just considered a transport hub, but since around 2010, it’s been gentrifying; it has become attractive to artists and cool kids, who moved in and brought the cool cafes, cutting-edge venues and hip galleries with them. Not to mention the street art and street food markets, and later the design hotels and creative places to eat and drink. Being close to the station is useful if you’re considering taking some day trips. 

Užupis

By Flickr user Claudia Schillinger

Užupis is a small, arty and bohemian neighbourhood, just across the river from the Old Town. So it’s close to all the sights of the Old Town, and within a short walk of the New Town, but is quieter and more peaceful than both of them. Užupis is extremely popular with artists and artistic types. It’s known for the Užupis Art Incubator, which has space for large-scale installations, and has an open-air sculpture park which features a constantly changing array of work. There aren’t that many hotels in Užupis, but there are aparthotels and apartments to let.