Embark on a solo journey to Vilnius, a metropolis that embraces single vacationers with its wealthy historical past, vibrant arts scene, and heat hospitality.
It didn’t appear ‘proper’ to know subsequent to nothing about the place I got here from.
As solely the third era born within the United States, my ties to Lithuania ought to have been stronger.
However they weren’t; they have been non-existent. The language was misplaced, familial ties have been misplaced, and – save for just a few household tales handed right down to me from my aunt – even the precise place the place my household had lived was a thriller.
So, what’s a lady to do when she has nothing however overflowing curiosity about her heritage? And at that, a heritage that’s not taught about in our American historical past lessons and books?
A heritage rooted in a tiny Baltic nation in Jap Europe that many can be hard-pressed to find on a map?
Effectively, I can let you know what I did. I flew there to analyze. I fell so deeply in love with my nation and grew a lot in my understanding of myself that I now journey again each probability I get.
As a now frequent customer, I nonetheless discover so many issues to do in Vilnius and past.
Let me share with you why I like to journey in Lithuania, and why I wholeheartedly suggest this nation for solo journey. Maybe, after studying, you’ll contemplate visiting, too.
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Fast information: solo journey to Vilnius, Lithuania
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Is solo journey to Vilnius protected?
You could be shocked to study that I’d suggest solo journey in Lithuania to anybody – not simply these of us who’ve Lithuanian blood in our veins!
A part of the surprise of journey, no less than for me, is discovering unknown locations, sights, flavors, and sounds.
Lithuania has all of that in spades since most of us don’t develop up studying something concerning the Baltics.
Lithuania and its neighbors have skilled many struggles, equivalent to back-to-back occupations, and have fought onerous for his or her freedom.
These struggles are a part of what makes Lithuania so peaceable. The native folks appear to reside quiet, comfortable lives.
The streets are protected – I’ve walked alone in any respect hours with no points. I’ve taken public transportation throughout.
I’ve rented a automotive and road-tripped the nation. And I’ve explored many various cities and villages fully alone.
As with every vacation spot, solo vacationers ought to concentrate on their environment, and you must all the time belief your intestine.
However general, the dangers of touring listed below are low. Violent crime is rare and there aren’t any particular cities or areas that vacationers ought to you should definitely keep away from.
Quite the opposite, all vacationers, even solo females, ought to discover bigger cities and small rural cities. You’ll discover tons of historical past, infinite inexperienced landscapes, and even quirky spots that deserve a glance.
Is Vilnius good for solo journey?
After I deliberate my first-ever journey, it took so much of analysis.
This was each attributable to my want-to-see-it-all angle and the truth that it wasn’t (and nonetheless isn’t) one of the vital closely visited European cities.
I had a lengthy listing of sights that I simply couldn’t reside with out seeing, and it took a whole lot of effort to find the best way to get from right here to there.
Fortunately, issues have modified fairly a bit since then. Public transportation is way simpler to navigate these days, obscure spots are rather less obscure, and mapping out your itinerary will probably be fairly simple these days.
Most worldwide guests will fly into the worldwide airport within the capital metropolis, Vilnius, like I did.
That is not a kind of cities you must spend one evening in and depart as rapidly as doable. This can be a capital metropolis you’ll want to discover.
Vilnius has a wide selection of sights to see
There are simply so many issues to do in Vilnius. The distinction between the centuries-old structure and the close by trendy, hip cafes is an invited visible.
Within the arts district, you’ll discover conventional Amber jewellery (a Lithuanian specialty) in addition to colourful, quirky galleries. There’s something right here for everybody!
Cathedral Sq., for instance, is likely one of the most well-known assembly factors in all of Vilnius, and you might be more likely to go by this spot just a few instances throughout your keep.
The extensive open space is usually used for festivals all year long, and in the event you’re fortunate you may simply get to take part in a single.
The Cathedral of St Stanislav and St Vladislav is the official identify of this iconic white constructing. Step inside for a visible deal with.
Then, head over to the tall and breathtaking bell tower, close by. Many guests usually are not conscious – you possibly can really climb this bell tower, and I extremely suggest doing so!
It’s so much like climbing to the highest of a lighthouse, and the panoramic views of Vilnius are spectacular.
The St. Anne’s and St. Bernardine’s Church Advanced are additionally sights to see. Each time I’ve stepped foot in Lithuania, I’ve made it a degree to cease inside these gorgeous but contrasting church buildings.
Each are free to enter, and the interiors are equally gorgeous. It’s price noting that Lithuania is a Catholic nation. Whether or not you might be Catholic or not, add these to your itinerary, stat!
St. Anne’s church is constructed within the Gothic type and showcases tall, ornate spires. It’s believed to have been constructed within the late fifteenth century by architect Benedikt Rejt from Prague.
The outside of the church has remained unchanged since then. The inside has had some repairs, and extra trendy components have been added within the twentieth century.
To not be overshadowed, the spectacular St. Bernardine is correct subsequent door. This large and strange neighborhood was in-built a vivid and kooky type.
Seeing these two very completely different church buildings facet by facet highlights the distinction and wonder.
Vilnius has a deep historical past
Lithuania’s historical past, after many occupations, is lengthy and tough. The Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights in Vilnius tells the story of those struggles.
Although a darkish and somber expertise, this museum is probably going THE MOST essential cease you’ll make in Vilnius.
On a private word, this museum opened my eyes to all that Lithuania has been by way of.
Phrases can’t specific all that I felt, however suffice it to say that there was large respect, a great deal of disappointment, a little bit of satisfaction, and a eager understanding of precisely the place I got here from.
This museum takes you thru the chronology of all-too-recent atrocities that occurred in Lithuania through the years from each Soviet and German occupations.
This museum taught me issues I might by no means have identified about Lithuania’s historical past and resiliency.
Every flooring options images of historic folks and occasions, and is jam-packed stuffed with a lot info it’s overwhelming.
The basement holds a former KGB jail and – chillingly – an execution room. It’s extremely haunting however so essential in the event you actually need to perceive the Lithuanian folks.
In the event you journey exterior of Vilnius, Kaunas is one other metropolis stuffed with historic sights and museums. For historical past lovers, Vilnius and Kaunas must be on the prime of your listing.
Vilnius has unbelievable meals!
I do want to the touch on the standard meals right here, as a result of after your whole strolling and studying concerning the nation, you might be positive to wish some gas.
One shock spotlight I found on my first journey to Lithuania was the delicacies.
Etno Dvaras is the primary restaurant in Lithuania to have its dishes licensed by the Lithuanian Culinary Heritage Fund.
So, in the event you seize a meal right here, know that you can be consuming genuine Lithuanian treats cooked in conventional methods.
One of the vital common meals in Lithuania is cepelinai, that are gargantuan-sized dumplings made from potato flour, and crammed with meats or cheeses.
Sure, the cheese model is vegetarian, and it’s scrumptious. These are like no different dumplings on earth, although – the “partitions” are extraordinarily thick, and they’ll fill you up rapidly!
Vivid pink beetroot soup and potato pancakes with dill are on a regular basis staples as properly.
Lithuania can be well-known for its beer. If you’re a beer drinker, don’t skip the native favourite, Švyturys.
Vilnius is affordable to go to
I’m additionally comfortable to report that Vilnius, and all of Lithuania, are extraordinarily cheap. Although they’re on the Euro, you will see considerably cheaper price than discovered virtually wherever in western Europe.
You’ll find accommodations and guesthouses for properly below $50 per evening, relying in your wants, and hostel beds are fairly low-cost.
A full dinner with extra meals than you possibly can end could be round $12 USD. And souvenirs are very reasonably priced too.
On my final go to, I bought a heat and fluffy winter scarf that was fine quality for $20, and little doubt it might be greater than double the value within the US.
So whilst you can splurge and discover extra luxurious lodging in Vilnius, you definitely don’t must and might really get by fairly low-cost.
Easy accessibility to different off-the-beaten-path nations
Lithuania is one in every of three Baltic nations, joined by Estonia and Latvia. Latvia and Lithuania share borders, and Estonia is simply north of Latvia.
Many guests street journey by way of the three Baltics, and I extremely suggest doing so!
Alternately, Lithuania shares borders with Belarus and Poland, that are additionally thrilling escapes I’ve taken.
So, how do I really feel about Lithuania now after having visited many instances over?
I nonetheless get extraordinarily excited when my airplane first touches down. I nonetheless really feel like its “house.” I nonetheless study a brand new truth or observe mannerisms that make my upbringing make sense.
And, I’ve since took my father to discover his personal heritage right here, and can quickly be taking different prolonged members of the family to Lithuania subsequent.
It’s unusual to be from a rustic that nothing about. I’m comfortable to say that’s now not the case! And that I’ll maintain going again, as a lot as doable, to study much more.
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I’ve been giving professional and real recommendation to solo vacationers and digital nomads for the final 15 years. You select the vacation spot and I’ll reply all of your questions!
