Vilnius travel tips: what to know before you go

Things to know

1. Greet with 'Laba diena' when entering shops and restaurants.
2. Bring flowers in odd numbers when visiting a home; even numbers are for funerals.
3. Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
4. Dress modestly and keep quiet in churches and at the Gate of Dawn chapel, where services are frequent.
5. Treat memorial sites such as the KGB museum and the TV Tower memorial with respect.
6. Do not place bread upside down on the table, an old superstition many still observe.
7. Book Hot-air balloon flight over the Old Town ahead: Flights must be booked in advance with a licensed operator and depend on the weather.
8. Eat your main meal at lunchtime, when weekday menus cost far less than dinner.

Tipping

Tipping around 10% for good table service is customary in restaurants but not compulsory. In cafés and bars, rounding up is enough.

Language

What to wear

Smart-casual is the norm. Bring comfortable shoes for cobbles and hills, a rain jacket year-round, and warm winter clothing from November to March.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage

Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz

Drinking water

Tap water is safe to drink and comes from underground sources.

Emergency number

112 (all emergencies)

Phone and internet

Mobile data is fast and inexpensive, free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and public spaces, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere.

Time zone

Europe/Vilnius

Vilnius is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpocketing occurs in the busy Old Town and around the railway and bus stations. Cobbles are slippery when wet or icy, so wear sturdy shoes, especially in winter.

Plan the trip

Vilnius travel guide · When to go · Costs.

Questions travellers ask