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 had been non-existent. The language was misplaced, familial ties had been misplaced, and – save for a number of 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 woman to do when she has nothing however overflowing curiosity about her heritage? And at that, a heritage that isn’t taught about in our American historical past lessons and books?
A heritage rooted in a tiny Baltic nation in Japanese 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 research. 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 advocate this nation for solo journey. Maybe, after studying, you’ll contemplate visiting, too.
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Fast data: solo journey to Vilnius, Lithuania
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Is solo journey to Vilnius protected?
You is perhaps stunned to be taught that I’d advocate solo journey in Lithuania to anybody – not simply these of us who’ve Lithuanian blood in our veins!
A part of the marvel 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, resembling 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 stay quiet, blissful 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 automobile and road-tripped the nation. And I’ve explored many alternative cities and villages utterly alone.
As with every vacation spot, solo vacationers ought to pay attention to their environment, and it is best to at all times belief your intestine.
However general, the dangers of touring listed below are low. Violent crime is rare and there are not any particular cities or areas that vacationers ought to remember to 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, countless inexperienced landscapes, and even quirky spots that deserve a glance.
Is Vilnius good for solo journey?
Once I deliberate my first-ever journey, it took rather a lot of analysis.
This was each resulting from my want-to-see-it-all perspective and the truth that it wasn’t (and nonetheless isn’t) one of the crucial closely visited European cities.
I had a lengthy checklist of sights that I simply couldn’t stay with out seeing, and it took quite a lot of effort to find get from right here to there.
Fortunately, issues have modified fairly a bit since then. Public transportation is far simpler to navigate these days, obscure spots are rather less obscure, and mapping out your itinerary might be fairly straightforward 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 it is best to spend one evening in and go away as rapidly as doable. It is a capital metropolis you have to discover.
Vilnius has a big 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 fashionable, 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 among the most well-known assembly factors in all of Vilnius, and you’re more likely to move by this spot a number of instances throughout your keep.
The broad open space is commonly used for festivals all year long, and in case 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 will not be conscious – you may truly climb this bell tower, and I extremely advocate doing so!
It’s rather a lot 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 Complicated are additionally sights to see. Each time I’ve stepped foot in Lithuania, I’ve made it some extent 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’re Catholic or not, add these to your itinerary, stat!
St. Anne’s church is constructed within the Gothic fashion 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 maintenance, and extra fashionable parts had been added within the twentieth century.
To not be overshadowed, the spectacular St. Bernardine is correct subsequent door. This large and weird neighborhood was inbuilt a shiny and eccentric fashion.
Seeing these two very totally 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 vital cease you’ll make in Vilnius.
On a private be aware, this museum opened my eyes to all that Lithuania has been by means of.
Phrases can not specific all that I felt, however suffice it to say that there was large respect, a great deal of unhappiness, a little bit of delight, 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’d by no means have identified about Lithuania’s historical past and resiliency.
Every flooring options pictures of historic folks and occasions, and is jam-packed filled with a lot data it’s overwhelming.
The basement holds a former KGB jail and – chillingly – an execution room. It’s extremely haunting however so vital in case you actually need to perceive the Lithuanian folks.
For those who journey exterior of Vilnius, Kaunas is one other metropolis filled with historic sights and museums. For historical past lovers, Vilnius and Kaunas ought to be on the high of your checklist.
Vilnius has unimaginable 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’re positive to wish some gasoline.
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 case you seize a meal right here, know that you’ll be consuming genuine Lithuanian treats cooked in conventional methods.
Some of the in style meals in Lithuania is cepelinai, that are gargantuan-sized dumplings fabricated from potato flour, and stuffed 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’re going to fill you up rapidly!
Shiny pink beetroot soup and potato pancakes with dill are on a regular basis staples as effectively.
Lithuania can also 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 blissful to report that Vilnius, and all of Lithuania, are extraordinarily cheap. Although they’re on the Euro, you’ll discover considerably lower cost than discovered virtually wherever in western Europe.
You will discover accommodations and guesthouses for effectively underneath $50 per evening, relying in your wants, and hostel beds are fairly low-cost.
A full dinner with extra meals than you may end is perhaps round $12 USD. And souvenirs are very reasonably priced too.
On my final go to, I received a heat and fluffy winter scarf that was high quality for $20, and little doubt it will be greater than double the worth within the US.
So whilst you can splurge and discover extra luxurious lodging in Vilnius, you actually don’t have to and might truly get by fairly low-cost.
Easy accessibility to different off-the-beaten-path nations
Lithuania is certainly one of three Baltic nations, joined by Estonia and Latvia. Latvia and Lithuania share borders, and Estonia is simply north of Latvia.
Many guests highway journey by means of the three Baltics, and I extremely advocate 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 aircraft first touches down. I nonetheless really feel like its “residence.” I nonetheless be taught 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 you already know nothing about. I’m blissful to say that’s not the case! And that I’ll maintain going again, as a lot as doable, to be taught 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!