A cheap luxury holiday in Vilnius, now with a Michelin-star restaurant

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly European city break with plenty of history, fine dining and fantastic food, Vilnius has just become firmly on the foodie map. In June this year, the Michelin Guide awarded its first Michelin stars to four Vilnius restaurants: Džiaugsmas, Demo, Pas Mus and Nineteen18. In total, 34 Lithuanian restaurants were included in the Michelin Guide.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was also recently named the cheapest city destination in Europe in a survey of 37 cities conducted by the UK’s Post Office Travel Money, so you can enjoy a luxury holiday on a budget.

Arrival and transportation

Most direct flights from the UK are operated by low-cost airlines, with the exception of LOT from London City. If low-cost airlines are not for you, Finnair via Helsinki may be the best option. The airport offers an easy connection as the minimum connection time is 35 minutes. Finnair uses its modern long-haul aircraft once or twice a day from London with new seats, including the innovative Air Lounge business class flat-bed seat. Finnair also flies from Manchester and Edinburgh to Vilnius via Helsinki.

Most of the attractions in Vilnius are within walking distance, but there is also public transport in the form of buses, trams and trains. Uber and Bolt are available at very reasonable prices, with a ride from the airport costing around $8.50 (€8).

Where to sleep

The best accommodation is in or near the Old Town, where most of the fine restaurants, trendy cocktail bars and historical sites are located.

There are plenty of luxury hotels to stay in, many of them in grand historic buildings. If you prefer historic buildings with a modern but personable twist, Hotel Pacai (part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Design Hotels group) is a great choice. It has a great location on the edge of the old town, near the town hall. Most of the open restaurants and bars are about a 5-minute walk from the hotel, as are many of the attractions. The rooms are strikingly modern and offer useful Molton Brown gifts at turndown service. The hotel has a spa and a fine dining restaurant.

The opulent Relais & Chateaux Stikliai Hotel is set in a carefully restored 16th-century building and offers a more classic setting. Alternatively, the Grand Hotel Vilnius, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, boasts an enviable location opposite Cathedral Square and Gediminas Tower.

If you want to experience something completely different, you can now stay at the top of the Vilnius TV Tower, which is taller than the Eiffel Tower. Each suite offers panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of all rooms.

Something to see

Start your sightseeing tour with a stroll through the UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town, a fascinating maze of cobbled streets lined with Baroque architecture. A visit to Vilnius University and Cathedral will give you a glimpse of Lithuania’s rich Catholic heritage. Stop for refreshments and people-watching at one of the sidewalk cafes specializing in everything from champagne to chocolate.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of Vilnius from the Gediminas Castle Tower in the city center, which you can reach after a short hike or easily by cable car. Vilnius also offers a unique experience, as it is one of the few cities where you can fly over the old town in a hot air balloon.

Lithuania has a long history of triumphs over adversity. The country first rose to prominence in the 13th century under the rule of Mindaugas, establishing the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. However, partitions by neighboring empires in the 18th century led to a period of Russian occupation. In the 20th century, Lithuania regained its independence in 1918, but was again occupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Lithuania finally restored its sovereignty in 1990.

The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB) is worth a visit to understand the Russian occupation of Lithuania. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted as it includes the former prison and death chamber where political prisoners were held and executed.

For something a little more lighthearted, delve into Lithuanian art at the National Gallery or immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant contemporary scene at the MO Museum.

Just 30 minutes away by public transport, a visit to Trakai is a must. The charming town features the fairytale island castle of Trakai, which you can explore with its imposing towers and grand halls. The 14th century castle was once home to Lithuanian royalty. There are plenty of activities around the lake itself, including boat tours and a picturesque setting for a traditional lunch. Trakai is also home to many members of the Karaite community, and you can try making their traditional Kybyns pastry, which is a bit like a Cornish pasty. You can also eat the delicious pastry afterwards.

Where to eat and drink

The Old Town is home to numerous restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. You must try some traditional dishes, including the popular cold pink soup, which is also very healthy and is made with kefir and beetroot. It’s so popular that there’s even a festival dedicated to it. To balance things out on the health side, a popular bar snack is the Lithuanian equivalent of garlic bread. The addictive fried bread is made from strips of dark rye bread fried in oil and generously seasoned with crushed garlic and salt. At Lokys Restaurant, hearty local dishes such as roast wild boar or even beaver are served along with a delicious pink soup. Bring an appetite for this place!

Vilnius also has a thriving fine dining scene, offering innovative takes on traditional Lithuanian dishes. Nineteen18, recently awarded a Michelin star, offers a tasting menu only with optional wine pairing in elegant surroundings. Ingredients come directly from the restaurant’s farm or are foraged nearby. Prices are reasonable at $100 (€94) for the tasting menu. Highlights include a playful take on doughnuts inspired by Homer Simpson and a tender beef fillet served with pickled blackcurrants that taste similar to capers.

If you like something dramatic when you eat, Amandus is the place for you. The shorter tasting menu for $85 (€80) has plenty of fun touches. If you’re looking for something modern but casual, try Augustin with its plant-based sharing plates. Leave room for the cheeky caramel apple cake for dessert.

There is also a thriving cocktail scene in the city, with Nick and Nora offering modern twists on classic cocktails, such as the Bloody Mary with spicy Lithuanian horseradish schnapps for an extra kick! Located almost next to the Pacai Hotel, Nomads has a sleek, luxurious atmosphere. The bar serves innovative, modern cocktails with numbered flavor profiles, but they also mix classic cocktails. If you want to enjoy the view with your drinks, head to the bar at the top of the Vilnius TV Tower, where snacks are also served.

Vilnius is still a relatively unknown destination, so now is the time to visit as the city is coming into the spotlight thanks to its tremendous value for money and burgeoning food scene.