8 Vilnius Viewpoints You Cannot Miss in Lithuania
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Did you know Vilnius has a wealth of incredible viewpoints? They’re highlights of any visit to Lithuania’s capital.
Each viewpoint offers a unique panoramic perspective, so leave enough time to see a few while you’re here.
I visited many vantage points during my visit, from churches, castles, restaurants, and hillsides.
So I’ve put the best ones on a helpful list you can steal. Here are the very best. Vilnius viewpoints.
Free Vilnius Viewpoints
If you’re on a budget, or want to visit viewpoints at optimal lighting times for photography, there are some great free options.
They don’t require a ticket, but some have restricted opening hours.
1. The Hill of Three Crosses
The most amazing Vilnius viewpoint is the incredible Hill of Three Crosses.
A legend surrounds this hill (known as Bleak Hill): 14 Franciscan monks were invited to Vilnius and began preaching about God.
At that time, Lithuania was pagan, and the people didn’t really appreciate the monks bad-mouthing their Lithuanian Gods.
So, the people revolted and kill them all. 7 were executed and thrown from Bleak Hill, and the other 7 were crucified and thrown into the Vilnia River.
Today, they are known as the Franciscan martyrs of Vilnius, and this monument memorialises them.
It was torn down twice during the Soviet occupation. Today, it’s a popular viewpoint where you can see the whole of the Old Town.
Of all the views in Vilnius, this was my favourite. You can see the whole city from there, plus attractions like Gediminas Tower.
Related Post: How to Visit the Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius
2. Gediminas Castle / Tower
Did you know that you don’t actually need to pay to visit the Gediminas Tower? Well, not the hill surrounding it anyway.
Gediminas Hill is another popular viewpoint in Vilnius; not only is Gediminas Castle an icon of the city, but it’s also closer to Cathedral Square.
The tower is named after Grand Duke Gediminas, the founding father of Vilnius, who laid the foundations for the tower in the 14th century.
When I visited, there was a lot of construction, which blocked the views, so I paid to go inside the museum and get a better look from the top.
I found the price worth the money. But you can get great views from the hill when construction isn’t consuming the place.
For accessibility, there is also a funicular you can ride up and down the hill, but it costs 1 euro each way and has limited hours.
Related Post: A complete guide to Gediminas Castle
3. The City Bastion Viewpoint
This isn’t one of my favourite Vilnius viewpoints, I have to admit. But you may enjoy it.
The City Bastion used to be a stronghold as part of the city defence walls during the Duchy of Lithuania.
Later, it became barracks for German troops during World War II.
Today, the hill by the City Bastion is a popular park and viewpoint, and from here you get a great view.
This viewpoint is free, but visiting the terrace in the City Bastion museum costs extra.
Vilnius Viewpoints from Churches & Museums
There are a staggering number of churches in this city. Vilnius has over 700 churches.
Some of these amazing buildings have bell towers you can climb for great city views.
Also, some other museums offer observation decks as part of your visit, which makes the entrance price a little sweeter.
Related Post: 14+ Instagrammable Places in Vilnius
4. Church of St John’s Bell Tower
This tower in the Church of St John’s supposedly has the BEST view of the Old Town.
I was really disappointed during my visit, as it was closed for winter.
This bell tower has unobstructed views from its windows at the top, which is why people prefer it over the Cathedral Square Bell Tower.
If you’re interested, this church was built in 1387, so it has a lot of history to tell and is worth popping in to see.
5. Palace of the Grand Dukes Observation Deck
I loved the Palace of the Grand Dukes. It was an extensive museum which is an excellent reconstruction of the old Palace in Cathedral Square.
They are still excavating historical artefacts from the site.
The museum has four parts, and you can pay for each part separately or buy a full museum ticket that covers all areas.
As part of your museum ticket, on the top floor of the palace, there is an observation tower where you can take in some amazing views of the city.
But it’s all behind windows, and there is no outdoor viewing area.
6. The Cathedral Square Bell Tower
Just outside Vilnius Cathedral is the famous Bell Tower in Cathedral Square.
It’s one of the city’s oldest and tallest towers, originally built in the 14th century.
Today, this is a reconstruction of the Bell Tower that stood in the square and is a whopping 52 metres high.
Not only will you be greeted with beautiful panoramas of the square, but you’ll also be able to check out the museum.
It also has an exhibition of the church bells, historical pictures of the reconstruction, and the Old Town Clock inside.
Don’t miss out; it’s one of the best Vilnius viewpoints.
Restaurants and Bars with amazing views in Vilnius
If you’d rather take in some magical views with dinner or a few cocktails, there are some amazing places in Vilnius that are perfect for that.
These can be expensive, and some may have a minimum spend requirement, but remember you are paying for the jaw-dropping views.
7. Vilnius TV Tower
The Vilnius TV Tower is Lithuania’s tallest building and an attraction in the new part of the city.
It is over 1,000 feet high, so you’re bound to feel like you’re up in the clouds.
As well as simply visiting for the views alone, you can also enjoy a delectable dinner up in the air.
Reservations in advance are highly recommended.
8. Radisson Blu Sky Bar
Just over the Neris River from the Old Town is the Radisson Blu Hotel. If you climb up to the 22nd floor, you’ll find their sky bar and restaurant.
It is a little overpriced but, again, you’re paying for the views, and to sit by the window you may have a minimum spend.
But they have a delightful range of snacks, light bites, meals, and cocktails to choose from, so you can celebrate your time in Vilnius in style.
If you want to stay in this hotel and enjoy these views from the comfort of your hotel room, click here to book.
Read my Lithuania guides
I covered a lot of ground in Lithuania while I was here and visited many places in Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai, and even the Hill of Crosses.
From my adventures, I wrote these helpful guides to give you all the information that you need to prepare for your travels in Lithuania:
40+ places to visit in Vilnius
My photography guide to Vilnius
The Instagrammable Love Story Cafe of Vilnius
Top attractions in the Republic of Užupis
Hill of Crosses: How to reach there from Vilnius
Why you need to visit Vilnius in December
Discover Lithuania
Save these Vilnius Viewpoints for later
