After the pandemic, tourism is picking up pace, and many travellers are considering neighbouring or easily accessible countries. British travellers are increasingly choosing the Lithuanian capital Vilnius for daily direct flights, alternative tours, and the burgeoning gastro scene.
After the pandemic restraints, travellers are looking to spice up their trips. As Lithuania was named the third-best country for road trips, tourists who visit the most scenic spots of the country can find more exclusive experiences in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. For instance, British travellers are turning to Vilnius in search of thrills like the intriguing daily and the eerie nightly tours offered by former prison turned cultural hub Lukiškės Prison 2.0. Tourists from the UK are also interested in the abundant variety of local beer, the lushness of the city’s green spaces, and the captivating modern art in MO Museum.
The United Kingdom remains one of the top 10 countries with the largest tourist flows to Vilnius. During the first half of this year, British travellers reached 67% of pre-pandemic levels observed during the same period in 2019, the country’s one of the most prolific years for tourism. Given that there are also direct multiple flights from London (Luton, City, Stansted, Gatwick airports), Liverpool, Birmingham, Doncaster, and Belfast daily that allow combining a business trip with explorations of the most scenic routes concentrated in walkable distances, Vilnius proves to be a tempting destination for British travellers.
Top activities in Vilnius: hot-air balloon rides and gastro explorations
Rather than wandering the many cultural spots of the city, travellers can find more niche experiences in Vilnius. For instance, it is the only capital in Europe to officially allow hot-air balloon rides over it. Watching how the city unfurls and merges with the rolling hills and emerald forests beneath the feet makes it one of the most alluring adventures in the city.
The burgeoning gastro scene entices gourmet travellers who yearn for traditional Lithuanian tastes rendered with a modern twist. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is peppered with a multitude of restaurants—all within a walkable distance from each other. At the same time, visitors who would rather exchange the cobbled-street charms of the Old Town for new and hip spots can visit Vilnius Station District, named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Now it is known for flourishing cultural, artistic, and nightlife, alternative event venues, and meeting points for artists and youth.
Having established itself as an open-air café during the pandemic, Vilnius further boasts of open-air events available for the residents and guests all summer long: cult cinema screenings under one of the city’s main bridges, open-air libraries scattered around the town in squares and parks, and outdoor music festivals that draw large summer-goer crowds each year.
Since Vilnius will be celebrating its 700th anniversary next year, the city will wow its residents and guests with a multitude of artistic and cultural events, music festivals, and other bursts of entertainment. Increased British tourist flows are expected for the celebrations and highly-awaited events like Vilnius Light Festival, music festival As Young As Vilnius, and others
