City Guide: Vilnius

     Vilnius is an eccentric city.

     Its strange sense of reality makes it impossible to capture all at once. During the first days of your stay the city may seem intoxicated with the pain of its post-Soviet past, while the next morning it will greet you with the charm of chic bohemian destination.

     Your impression of Vilnius also depends on the comforts of your stay in the city. From cheap hotels in Vilnius to luxury offers, all are available at Booked.net. You can check them out with maps, photos and secure forms exclusive to Booked.net.

     Only in Vilnius the KGB's torture cells share a space with funny monument to psychedelic musician Frank Zappa, while the Old Town encompasses the world's largest baroque area according to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

     Attractions include;

- Gediminas Castle, a red-brick tower restored by Dukes of Lithuania

- Vilnius Cathedral, built in 1251, but redesigned into Gothic style in 1387

- St Peter's and Paul's Church, a beautiful church, but especially interesting inside

- European Park offers an open-air tour of the unique sculptures from more than 70 countries worldwide

- St. Ann's Church is the best example of Gothic architecture in Vilnius and in Lithuania

     Vilnius was founded in the 1320s on the top of the Gediminas Hill to protect the upcoming city from Teutonic attacks. But Tatar attacks made locals fortify the city with defensive wall and this helped Vilnius to rise to become Eastern Europe's largest city. Soon industrialization arrived with railways that drew a huge Jewish population to the city. Under the Soviet rule Vilnius became a land of repressions against Jews, as well as the regional powerhouse for independence from the Soviet presence in the city.

     This Soviet regency made Vilnius the least explored of all Baltic capitals. As soon as Vilnius joined the European Union everything shifted to better life in the city. It was ranked as the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and that introduced the city into the public’s eye.

     Today Vilnius is open to visitors. The city is regularly boosted by tourists, so you should take the hassle out by booking your hotel in advance. Booked.net can take care of your stay in Vilnius with just a few clicks.