Sight guide · Vilnius · Lithuania
Visiting Užupis
The 'Republic of Užupis' was declared by local artists on 1 April 1997 and has its own flag, president and a constitution whose articles, such as 'Everyone has the right to be happy', are displayed on mirrored plaques in dozens of languages on Paupio street.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jodkovska, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Užupis is a neighbourhood in Užupis, Vilnius. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Neighbourhood
- Area
- Užupis
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, art, couples and photo spot
- Best months
- March–April and October
About Užupis
The 'Republic of Užupis' was declared by local artists on 1 April 1997 and has its own flag, president and a constitution whose articles, such as 'Everyone has the right to be happy', are displayed on mirrored plaques in dozens of languages on Paupio street. The bronze Angel of Užupis stands on a column in the main square.
Tip: Look for the constitution plaques in your own language, then follow the Vilnia upstream past the riverside cafés.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Užupis, bohemian 'republic' of artists' studios and riverside cafés across the Vilnia.
Best time to visit Užupis
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- April: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- March: 4°C (39°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Vilnius has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Vilnius itinerary visits Užupis on day 3, together with Vilnius University and Church of St Peter and St Paul.
- No. 5 of the 19 sights in our Vilnius things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Vilnius.
- A family favourite in Vilnius with kids.
If you like Užupis
- Old Town walk: Pilies street to the Gate of Dawn — Old Town, Half a day
- St Anne's Church — Old Town, 20 minutes
- Church of St Peter and St Paul — Antakalnis, 30–45 minutes
- Hill of Three Crosses — Kalnai Park, 1 hour
Staying near Užupis
Stay in Užupis ($$) to walk here: bohemian 'republic' of artists' studios and riverside cafés across the Vilnia. All areas to stay in Vilnius.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Užupis?
Plan 1–2 hours.
+Is Užupis free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Užupis?
March–April and October, the quietest of the good months. Look for the constitution plaques in your own language, then follow the Vilnia upstream past the riverside cafés.
+Do I need to book Užupis in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Užupis good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Vilnius. Vilnius is compact and relaxed with children, with traffic-free Old Town streets, riverside parks and playgrounds, and castles that feel like a fairy tale.