Where to live in the Baltic States: Vilnius a city of Future and Past

December 13, 2017 Rihards Gederts No comments exist

After Urban Treetops team visited Vilnius we concluded that this city is pretty cool. You may ask: What is so special about Vilnius? Well, let’s find out! First of all, Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, but it’s also a place were the past and future meets. Vilnius was established in the early 14th century and nowadays with more than 500 000 people is the second largest city in the Baltic States. The city is best known for its rich history and a promising future because of many new developments and young professionals that are choosing Vilnius as their home. Located in the southern part of the Baltic States it’s also one of the oldest cities in the Baltic States and it’s historically known for being the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. So would you like to live in one of the most interesting, culturally rich and fastest-growing cities in the Northern Europe?

The Past and History

If you have chosen Vilnius as your new home you need to know more about the past and future of the city. So let’s start with the grand history of Vilnius. We have made couple photos of architecture, city infrastructure and community activities around the Old town and Center neighborhoods in Vilnius.

Built in neoclassical architecture style, opened in 1783

After we visited this historic site we definitely felt the monumentality and grandeur. The Cathedral and the belfry were renovated in 2008 and now it looks spectacular.

The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus in the The Cathedral Square in Vilnius
The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus in The Cathedral Square in Vilnius

In front of the entrance, a fantastic and breathtaking view overlooks the cathedral ceiling. It gives you a look into past of Lithuania’s former greatness. 

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Vilnius Cathedral brightly glowing in the night.
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Vilnius Cathedral brightly glowing in the night.

Architecture and the planning of wide streets prove that Lithuanians love and care about its historical heritage. We felt the vibe of “royalty”.

 

One of the best places in Europe were to spend your Christmas holidays

Yes, you heard me correctly Vilnius is a super great place were to spend your Christmas holidays with your loved ones. The city even has two Christmas trees and both of them are looking awesome!

 

International Christmas Charity Bazaar, which has become a tradition is held in Vilnius City Hall square - Didžioji g. 31, Vilnius 01128, Lithuania
International Christmas Charity Bazaar, which has become a tradition is held in Vilnius City Hall square – Didžioji g. 31, Vilnius 01128, Lithuania

You can see many happy faces here at the Vilnius City Hall Square where a traditional Christmas tree has been placed. People are also enjoying International Christmas Charity Bazaar that has become a tradition.

 

The Christmas tree in Vilnius Town hall square is looking amazing

Those Christmas lights light up the streets and hearts of residents and the guests of the city. We felt the Christmas vibe from the first steps in the Old Town neighborhood. Vilnius during Christmas holidays is a great place to be with your family, especially for kids.

Local residents and tourists are enjoying the weekend and Christmas vibes in the Old Town.

One of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe
One of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe

Christmas tree is truly spectacular! Also, you will be amazed by the decorations and all the lights in the Old Town.

The city is all about Christmas in the month of December.
The city is all about Christmas in the month of December.

Vilnius is known as a city with a great religious heritage. You will notice many Christian churches while you are walking around the city.

Beautifully enlightened church building
Beautifully enlightened church building
Cobblestone streets in Vilnius
Cobblestone streets in Vilnius
Entrance into Gediminas Hill
Entrance into Gediminas Hill

Gediminas Tower is the remaining part of the Upper Castle and a symbol of Lithuania. This is a huge tourist attraction place in Vilnius. 

Gediminas Hill Funicular Railway
Gediminas Hill Funicular Railway

 

The flag of Lithuania was re-hoisted atop the tower on October 7, 1988
The flag of Lithuania was re-hoisted atop the tower on October 7, 1988

The flag of Lithuania has been graciously fluttering since the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union.

Restoration works at Gediminas hill
Restoration works at Gediminas hill

Nowadays The Gediminas hill is facing restoration works.

Gediminas' Tower, height 48m
Gediminas’ Tower, height 48m

Here you can truly experience the history of Lithuania.

The royal symbols can be seen all around the city
The royal symbols can be seen all around the city

The royal symbols can be seen all around the city. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 13–15th centuries was a force to be reckoned with. 

The Mindaugas Bridge. It crosses Neris River and connects Žirmūnai neighborhood with the Old Town of Vilnius
The Mindaugas Bridge. It crosses Neris River and connects Žirmūnai neighborhood with the Old Town of Vilnius.

The Mindaugas Bridge was opened in 2003 and it crosses Neris River and connects Žirmūnai neighborhood with the Old Town of Vilnius.

The Mindaugas Bridge
The Mindaugas Bridge

Very beautiful, symbolic and detailed pre-war architecture.

Fabulous Pre-war architecture
Fabulous Pre-war architecture

The National Museum of Lithuania was established in 1952 and it encompasses significant structures and a huge collection of written materials and artifacts.

The National Museum of Lithuania
The National Museum of Lithuania
The National Museum of Lithuania
The National Museum of Lithuania

Nature comes into the city. Vilnia river is bringing good energy and perfectly fits into the landscape of Vilnius Old Town part.

Vilnia River
Vilnia River

The Vilnia river is one of the natural objects worth to see. It also gives a magic feeling to the city of Vilnius!

Narrow streets in the Old Town of Vilnius
Narrow streets in the Old Town of Vilnius

Maybe you thought to yourself: will I get a good coffee in Vilnius? No worries! Vilnius has many small coffee shops that are offering great quality coffee. Also, you can try one of the biggest coffee shop chains in the Baltic States called Caffeine.

Pre-war architecture in Vilnius - pretty cool
Pre-war architecture in Vilnius – pretty cool.

You can find several great dining places in the Old Town where you can try out the traditional Lithuanian cuisine. The most famous dish is called Cepelinai, a potato-based dumpling dish characteristic of Lithuanian cuisine.

Plenty of green zones in Vilnius
Plenty of green zones in Vilnius
Local community enjoying the festivities at the evening time.
Local community enjoying the festivities at the evening time.
We fell in love with the architecture of Vilnius - such a great place to be
We fell in love with the architecture of Vilnius – such a great place to be. The Old Town is colorful, majestic and the narrow streets will make you feel magical. The Old Town neighborhood is a romantic, artistic and little bit of hipster. If you are looking for a weekend gateway why not to choose Vilnius? 
View from the Old Town part to the "New modern center area"
View from the Old Town part to the “New modern center area”
Vrublevskiai Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
Vrublevskiai Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

The mesmerizing architecture will make you feel like in good old days! 

Vrublevskiai Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
Vrublevskiai Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

Entering into Old Town neighborhood where the streets are getting more narrower. In recent years the city government has introduced several new bicycle lanes.

Entering the Center neighborhood and Old Town neighborhood in Vilnius
Entering the Center neighborhood and Old Town neighborhood in Vilnius.

So the conclusion: The past of Lithuania is spectacular. We at Urban Treetops enjoyed it enormously. The Old Town encompasses the best of the history of Lithuania. If you have chosen Vilnius as your new home try living in the Old Town. Especially, if you are a student and a lover of history!


 

The Future of the city

Vilnius has been one of the fastest growing and developing cities in Northern Europe. The city has witnessed a huge transformation in last decade which has helped to attract many new businesses and shared business centers. More and more young professionals are choosing Vilnius as their new home. Additionally, the cost of living is a plus to choose Vilnius instead of other Northern European cities. Inhabitants of Vilnius are happy and satisfied people, maybe that is because of the public wifi which works really well and you can access all the necessary information! Lithuania as a whole is moving towards the right direction.

First thing that comes to mind when you arrive in Vilnius is: This city is developing fast! Just look at this! 

Entry to Vilnius - arriving from Riga
Entry to Vilnius – arriving from Riga

In the distance, you can already see many cranes that are adding new buildings and infrastructure objects to the city. 

High class residential buildings next to Neris river
High-class residential buildings next to Neris river

The business environment is constantly improving and has become an attractive place for foreign companies. Companies like booking.com, BarclaysWestern Union and many more, has chosen Vilnius as their new home by opening shared service or global business centers. 

Modern office buildings in Center neighborhood of Vilnius
Modern office buildings in Center neighborhood of Vilnius

Nowadays modern skyscrapers are complementing the panorama of Vilnius center. Therefore, we can say that this is the future of Vilnius – a city that is a modern and attractive place for businesses.

I would like to study in Vilnius because it’s a city of tomorrow.

Vilnius is a city for students
Vilnius is a city for students

 

Vilnius is also a city for students because of the high-level educational institutions. Many of the great Lithuanian academic institutions are located in Vilnius:

Vilnius University – The oldest and largest Lithuanian higher education institution. Since its establishment in the 16th century, Vilnius University, as an integral part of European science and culture has embodied the concept­ of a classical university and the unity of studies and research.

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University – an innovative Lithuanian University, educating highly qualified and creative specialists. The University is the leader among the institutions of technological science education, ensuring modern studies, orientated to the labor market.

The bridge was named after Mindaugas, King of Lithuania
The bridge was named after Mindaugas, King of Lithuania

So if you are thinking about educational options outside of your home country, why wouldn’t you evaluate Vilnius, Lithuania as an option? We at Urban Treetops would. 

Skyline of Vilnius from Mindaugas bridge
Skyline of Vilnius from Mindaugas bridge

 

Beautiful winter day in Vilnius
Beautiful winter day in Vilnius

Neris river with its pedestrian promenade walkway and bicycle path. The river also is dividing Old Town and the new city center. Great place to walk by after a long work or school day. Or if you want to take your dog for a walk. 

At daytime, Vilnius has completely different vibe than in night time. When there was sunlight we felt calm, cozy and fresh – these are the good vibes of Vilnius city.

Žirmūnai Bridge across Neris River is connecting Žirmūnai and Antakalnis neighborhoods in Vilnius
Žirmūnai Bridge across Neris River is connecting Žirmūnai and Antakalnis neighborhoods in Vilnius.

If you are looking for housing options in Vilnius as foreign students be calm and don’t stress out. Do some proper search and you will find your rental home. Additionally, universities in Vilnius are offering accommodation dormitories.

Sun is shining over Vilnius Center neighborhood
Sun is shining over Vilnius Center neighborhood.

We are predicting that in near future more new construction office buildings will complement the skyline of Vilnius. 

If you want to see the skyline of Vilnius we are recommending to visit Skybar in Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel building.

 

We also noticed that Vilnius has several green zones that the city residents can use for their leisure time. By the way, the city is located “between the mountains” making it even more beautiful. In fact, Vilnius is surrounded by beautiful nature, especially the forests and small mountains. Therefore, you can find great hiking places 20 minutes from the city. We are also recommending to visit Trakai castle, which is only 30 minutes from Vilnius. This place was awesome! 

Blue sky over Vilnius city
Blue sky over Vilnius city.
Infrastructure in Vilnius
Infrastructure in Vilnius

Infrastructure in Vilnius is getting much better. We saw more bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways being implemented in the city. 

 

Public transportation in Vilnius.
Public transportation in Vilnius.

Public transportation in Vilnius is pretty convenient. One of the most popular public transportation ways in Vilnius is to use the trolley.  You can find more information about public transportations by visiting Vilnius tourism info center.

Palace of Concerts and Sports in Vilnius, Soviet-era architecture
Palace of Concerts and Sports in Vilnius, Soviet-era architecture.

Heading out of Vilnius and on our way to visit Trakai Castle. Vilnius was a success. We prepared Vilnius neighborhood guide just for your needs. Hopefully, you enjoyed it! 

 

Traffic knots - Vilnius is easily accessible.
Traffic knots – Vilnius is easily accessible.

 

Schedule a Visit! Call or email Urban Treetops team to schedule a visit to see properties in Vilnius neighborhoods!

 

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