Shop a Review

Vilnius is one of the largest cities in the country of Lithuania.

Shopping in Vilnius

You do not go to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania described on Countryaah primarily for shopping. Granted, the prices are low, but the selection is not very different than in Norway when it comes to shoes and clothes.

But you will still have fun by visiting some of the many craft and souvenir shops. The most typical souvenir you can take home from Vilnius is undoubtedly amber jewelry. You will find plenty of market stalls selling this along the Pilies Gatve pedestrian street in the Old Town, and in Vilnius’ oldest street, Ausros Vartu Gatve. Here you can also buy crafts such as religious statues, wooden dolls and toys, woven baskets and the classic eggs with one grandmother (or Russian president) after another inside each other.

In many places you can also come across objects from the Soviet era, so if you wanted a Red Army hat, Soviet banknotes and coins, framed Stalin pictures or a small hammer-and-sickle to the fireplace shelf, you have come to the right city.

Gedimino Prospectus – the shopping street in Vilnius

The main shopping street in Vilnius is without doubt the new and beautiful Gedimino Prospectus. Here you will find most fashionable clothing chains such as Zara and Marks & Spencer.

Markets in Vilnius

You can also have great fun by visiting the morning market in Kalvarijos, in the district of Snipiskes north of Neris. Here it is high tempo and an equally high noise level, while vegetables, fruits, fish, meat and flowers are sold over hundreds of dishes.

Shopping centers in Vilnius

If you prefer shopping centers, you have the Europa Tower in Snipiskees just north of Neris and the Old Town, and a few kilometers further north is the Baltic’s largest shopping and entertainment center, the Acropolis, where you will also find cinemas, bowling alley and ice skating rink. The designer shops selling Armani, Dior and Escada can be found in front of Vilnius City Hall.

In general about shopping in Vilnius

Most shops in Vilnius defined by AbbreviationFinder are open from 8am. 1000 to 1800 on weekdays, and to 1500 on Saturdays. Sundays are mostly closed everywhere, except for the most persistent souvenir shops. Don’t forget to pay VAT, and on all purchases over 200 litas, or approx. 500 NOK, you can get a refund of the VAT on departure. Not every business practices this scheme, so look for the Tax Free Shopping badge at the entrance if you are going to buy some more expensive items and bring a completed and stamped form and receipt.

Eating in Vilnius

Like the rest of Eastern Europe, traditional food in Lithuania is characterized by meat and potatoes, cabbage and fatty, brown sauces. It should be honestly admitted that Vilnius’ restaurants are not world class in terms of food or service. But the quality is decent enough, while your wallet comes out relatively well from the meeting, even at the best restaurants in town.

A main course at a good restaurant is around a hundred pieces. As tourism grows, ethnic restaurants have of course emerged, so you have plenty of options if you prefer to eat Indian, Argentine, Chinese, Turkish or Swedish.

If you intend to take a bar-to-bar lap in Vilnius, at least you will not wear out your shoe soles until it is time to go home. The dining places are close to the Old Town, and you do not have to go far, no matter where in the city you are when the thirst begins. Beer is the main drink in Lithuania, with vodka notched in the heel.

The beer is often served with bars of deep-fried garlic bread, while the vodka is served bar. Wine has no tradition in Lithuania. Of course, you can buy wine at most restaurants and bars, but it is always imported and relatively expensive compared to the options.

Of the restaurants in Vilnius, the itinerary of personal experience can recommend these:

Sue’s Indian Raja
Odminiu 3.
This Indian restaurant with an outdoor table by the cathedral square has a sister restaurant in Riga that was recently named one of Europe’s best.

Lokys
Stikliu str 8.
In a basement room in the Jewish quarters is this atmospheric medieval restaurant where you can choose boats, beaver, wild boar and bear from the menu. The less ambitious can choose fish or bird. Entrance via a steep and very narrow stone staircase.

El Gaucho Sano
Pilies gatve 10.
In the Old Town’s main street, this Argentine restaurant is at the heart of the Atrium Hotel room. The specialty is tender, juicy steaks, served on planks with lots of accessories.