Vilnius: Old Town & Uzupis Walk with Local Stories

Summary

Walk Vilnius old streets discover Uzupis art with a local guide

You’ll walk Vilnius Old Town’s winding streets with a local guide who shares stories you won’t find in any brochure. Explore quirky Uzupis, get your passport stamped, squeeze down hidden alleys, and catch panoramic views from Barbacan hill. It’s more than just sightseeing — it feels like being let in on secrets.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Milda, right at Cathedral Square — she waved, grinning, holding a tiny notebook full of scribbles. The square was already humming with people, pigeons darting between shoes. I didn’t expect to start right where Vilnius began, but Milda pointed out the spot and told us about pagan rituals under our feet. There was this faint smell of roasted coffee drifting from somewhere nearby (I never figured out which café). We wandered into the Old Town’s narrow lanes, past churches that looked like wedding cakes and students laughing outside Vilnius University. At one point, we squeezed down what Milda called “the narrowest street” — my backpack scraped both walls at once. She just laughed and said everyone does that the first time.

Uzupis felt different — you cross a little bridge and suddenly there are murals everywhere, and someone playing accordion for no one in particular. We stopped to read their “constitution” nailed up on the wall (my favorite line: “Everyone has the right to be happy”). Milda stamped our passports with an official-looking seal; I’m not sure it’s legal anywhere else but it made us all giggle. There’s this odd tap that supposedly pours beer on special days — sadly, only water for us. The whole place smells faintly of river and paint. I tried to say “thank you” in Lithuanian to a woman selling postcards; she smiled politely but I probably mangled it.

We ended up at the Gates of Dawn, where people paused quietly or lit candles in the side chapel. The air felt cooler there, almost hushed compared to the rest of town. From the Barbacan hill we got this wide view over Vilnius rooftops — red tiles stretching out under low clouds. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear church bells back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Vilnius Old Town and Uzupis

• Start at Cathedral Square
• Visit Gothic and Baroque churches
• See Presidential Palace
• Walk through Vilnius University area
• Pass Stikliu (Glassmakers) Street
• Explore Writers Street artworks
• Pass Vilnius Town Hall
• Walk the narrowest street of Vilnius
• Pass through Gates of Dawn
• Visit Uzupis Republic and see its landmarks
• Admire panoramic views from Artillery Bastion

Top questions

Is this Vilnius walking tour private?

Yes, this is a private tour led by a professional local guide.

Does the tour include Uzupis district?

Yes, you’ll visit Uzupis and can even get your passport stamped there.

Where does the tour start?

The walk begins at Cathedral Square in central Vilnius.

How long is the day trip around Vilnius Old Town?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers main sights at a relaxed pace.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Is the route suitable for strollers or prams?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

Will we see panoramic views of Vilnius?

You’ll enjoy city views from Barbacan hill during the tour.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this walking tour.

What’s included

Your walk includes a private local guide who adapts to your interests as you go along. All main stops—Old Town highlights, Uzupis district (with optional passport stamp), panoramic viewpoints—are included. You’ll meet at Cathedral Square; public transport options are nearby if needed.