Posts Tagged ‘Eastern Europe’

A friend who has just gotten back from a vacation in Vilnius, Lithuania has been charmed by the city and came home full of wonderful impressions of Vilnius. He described Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania as a “chocolate box city of three-story Baroque buildings.”

His depiction of Vilnius was so romantic and charming that I got curious enough to make it my next holiday destination. Instead of going back to my favorite holiday destinations, I opted to explore something new. I thought it was a refreshing break from Europe’s mass tourist destinations.

My first impression of the town was pretty, homely and unpretentiously elegant. If you are looking for a big turbulent metropolis city, this is not the destination for you. Vilnius’ charm lies in its medieval roots. The Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval towns in Eastern Europe. In fact it has been classified as a World Heritage site because of its numerous historic buildings.

According to history, Vilnius was the largest city in Eastern Europe and was blossoming in the Middle Ages. As the city was built during different centuries, you will find a blend of architecture with Baroque and Gothic dominant. The whitewashed Vilnius Cathedral and its medieval defense fortress and the intricate Gothic Church of St. Anne’s, simply creates a postcard-perfect city.

The most charming part of the city is the Vilnius Old Town. Quaint shops and cozy cafes set amongst a blend of intricate spires, domes and towers creates a remarkable scenery. Walking in the back streets also provide a you the true sense of medieval Lithuania.

They also have a lot of charming restaurants and cafes tucked away in the pretty courtyards. Some of the restaurants are set in the old atmospheric cellars and carry medieval deco themes. The food is great and very appetizing and is inexpensive for most European travelers.

Overall, the city provides high standard but affordable restaurants, hotels and entertainment. Compared to most of the Western European countries, everything in Vilnius is affordable. This makes Vilnius even more appealing.

In addition to that, the laid back atmosphere and the welcoming attitude of the locals make the city even more pleasant. The people of Vilnius love to spend as much time as possible outdoors. They love along the Old Town streets and sit at the lovely pavement cafes.

Most locals are welcoming and friendly to foreigners. Majority of the younger people speak English and will gladly assist you when you need help. They can provide you with directions, help you when you are lost and can even recommend the best places in town.

Vilnius is a charming place to experience living history. Wander through their medieval cobblestone streets, enjoy their diverse dining scene and elegant bars and get to know their people. The city is refreshing and will definitely make your holiday truly memorable.