Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights: Old Town to Užupis

Medieval streets, Soviet relics and an artist republic all on one ride.

An 8 km bike tour of Vilnius with a live English-speaking guide covers the Old Town's main landmarks, the Gate of Dawn pilgrimage site, panoramic viewpoints over the city, and the independent artistic district of Užupis across the river. The route runs mostly on sidewalks and low-traffic streets with some proper cycle paths; a guide is included and recommended for the storytelling. Helmet, bike and water are provided; an e-bike upgrade is available at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Vilnius city highlights by bike

• Ride along longest straight street
• Visit city heart and main landmarks
• See Presidential Palace and Vilnius University
• Explore Vilnius Jewish history area
• Stop at central Vilnius square
• Visit Gates of Vilnius Defence Wall
• Enjoy panoramic Old Town view
• Admire UNESCO listed church towers
• Discover artistic Užupis district
• Pass Gothic Bernardine Church area
• Ride through park along River Vilnia
• Follow embankment of River Neris
• Visit modern business district and city beach
• Explore refurbished Soviet-era city center

The Experience

The tour covers 8 km over roughly two and a half hours, winding through the charming streets of the Old Town and pausing at the city's defining stops. You'll start on Gediminas Avenue, the longest and straightest street in Vilnius, built in the 19th century as the formal city center, then move into the heart of the Old Town where the Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas and the Cathedral sit. The route takes you past Vilnius University's harmonious ensemble of 13 buildings and 13 courtyards, then through the former Jewish quarter and the central market square that once connected all the main roads leading into the city.

The Gate of Dawn — the only remaining gate of the old defensive wall and a pilgrimage site visited by two Popes — is a key stop, followed by the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall, which offers a panoramic view over the Old Town and the artistic district across the river. From there you'll cross into Užupis, the independent artistic community that declared itself a free republic; its streets are known for creative local energy and unconventional public art. The ride also passes the Bernardine Church, described as the Gothic Corner of Vilnius, and follows the rivers Vilnia and Neris, which shaped the city's founding and its historical connections east and west.

The cycling surface is 70 percent sidewalks and low-traffic streets, with 30 percent proper cycle paths, making it an easy ride. A professional guide in English is included and strongly recommended — the guide's knowledge ties the medieval history, 20th-century occupation and freedom struggles, and the city's recent growth into a coherent story as you move through each stop. Water, helmet, bike and an optional rain coat are provided; children from age 1 are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• bike and helmet.
• water.
• optional rain coat.
• child seat for infants.
• public transportation options nearby if you need them.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bike Baltic Velotakas

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're cycling rather than walking—the 8 km route covers the same landmarks and history, but the bike lets you see more ground and reach viewpoints that are spread across the city.

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Top questions

What is the Gate of Dawn and why is it on the tour?

The Gate of Dawn is the only remaining gate of the old Vilnius Defensive Wall and holds a miraculous icon of Saint Merciful Mary. It's an iconic pilgrimage site visited by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, and a central landmark in the city's religious and historical identity.

Is the bike tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome from age 1 and must be accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available, so you can bring younger children along on the ride.

What does the 8 km route actually cover?

The route moves through the Old Town's main landmarks — the Cathedral and Gediminas Tower, Vilnius University, the Gate of Dawn — then climbs to panoramic viewpoints over the city before crossing the river into Užupis, the artistic district. It also passes the Bernardine Church and follows the Vilnia and Neris rivers.

How much of the route is on bike paths versus streets?

About 70 percent of the cycling surface is sidewalks and low-traffic streets, with 30 percent on proper cycle paths. The guide recommends relying on them for a smoother ride and better storytelling.

Can I upgrade to an e-bike?

Yes, an e-bike upgrade is available at checkout if you prefer electric assistance for the 8 km route.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide in English, use of a bike, helmet, water and an optional rain coat. If you're bringing a child under 1, a specialized infant seat is available.