Where to Stay in Vilnius: The Best Areas and Hotels

Vilnius is often overlooked by travellers on a short Baltics itinerary who tend to favour the other Baltic capitals of Tallinn or Riga. This is undoubtedly a great shame, as Vilnius has a lot to offer travellers with several interesting neighbourhoods that are perfect for a few days of exploring.

This article outlines all the best places to stay in Vilnius, including many great hotels and hostel options in each part of Vilnius.

Want a quick answer? The best area to stay for tourists is in the Old Town. These are some of the top accommodation picks:

Budget Hostel: Jimmy Jumps House/Hostel
Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Rinno
Luxury Hotel: Grand Hotel Kempinski
Private Rental: Very Vilnius Stikliu street

Vilnius Old Town

If it’s your first trip to the Lithuanian capital, then staying in the Old Town is one of the best options available to you.

The Old Town is one of the largest in Europe and contains a number of the city’s most famous attractions including Town Hall Square, the old Jewish Quarter, St Anne’s Church and Vilnius Cathedral. Due to the Old Town’s size, it also doesn’t feel as claustrophobic as other nearby historical centres such as in Tallinn.

If you want to explore the traditional food scene in Vilnius, the Old Town is also home to the Hales Turgus, the Lithuanian capital’s main market hall. Here you can see some typical produce and also browse the old-style flea market and pick up a unique souvenir.

Because of how large it is, you can still find a quiet area of the Old Town if that’s what you’re looking for. There are also plenty of lovely streetside cafes, nightlife and inviting restaurants, both locally-focused and more tourist-centric.

Overall, if you’re wondering what the best neighbourhood to stay in Vilnius is and haven’t visited the city before then the Old Town is likely the best choice for you.

Best Hotels in Vilnius Old Town

Hotel Rinno – This elegant hotel is classically decorated making it perfect for travellers who want to feel as if they’ve stepped back in time. This hotel is also located on the borders of the Old Town, near the New Town and offers a fantastic buffet breakfast.

Old Town Trio – A stylish hotel located on the edge of Vilnius’ Old Town, there are a range of private rooms to choose from. Rooms are stylish and modern with the option to include breakfast in the room rate.

Grand Hotel Kempinski – One of the best options if you’re after a luxury option. They offer a range of rooms, each with access to their state-of-the-art spa and gym facilities as well as a restaurant with breakfast served daily on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Vilnius Old Town!

Best Private Rentals in Vilnius Old Town

Very Vilnius Stikliu street – Located in the heart of Vilnius, this two-bedroom apartment is perfect for a longer stay in the Lithuanian capital. Sleeping up to 6 people, it is well laid out and has a modern kitchen and living area.

Luxury apartment in Pilies street – A lovely apartment that’s perfect for couples who want to stay in the heart of Vilnius. It is classically decorated but has a modern kitchen and bathroom.

Best Hostels in Vilnius Old Town

Jimmy Jumps House/Hostel – One of the highest-rated hostels in Vilnius, they offer both dorms and private rooms, a free waffle breakfast every morning and their friendly staff will help organise your time in Vilnius.

Mikalo House – This hostel also has a range of different dorms and private rooms available. There is a large fully equipped kitchen for travellers wanting to make their own meals and there is also a private yard and balcony for visitors to enjoy.

Pogo Hostel – Located next to the Vilnius Cathedral, this hostel creates a homely and social atmosphere perfect for travellers wanting to meet travellers but also have a quiet stay. Rooms are creatively decorated and there is an option to choose from a variety of private rooms and dorms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hostels in Vilnius Old Town

Užupis

Located across the Vilnia River, Uzupis is a sanctuary for artists and creative types who have declared this part of the city an Independent Republic in the vein of Christiania in Copenhagen.

While there are no actual border crossings to get to this part of the city, it is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for a laid-back, artistic and alternative area to stay within easy reach of the top attractions in the city centre.

Not only does Uzupis boast a fun and funky vibe, it is also home to some of the top restaurants in Vilnius, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re a foodie.

There is more to eat in this city than hearty Eastern European fare and there are a lot of inventive restaurants that are putting an imaginative and modern spin on traditional cuisine.

All in all, Uzupis is one of the best areas to stay in Vilnius if you want to be close to a number of great restaurants, cafes and bars as well as some fantastic street art.

Best Hotels & Private Rentals in Uzupis

Mabre Residence – Located just across the river from Uzupis, this classically designed hotel is perfect if you want to be near Uzupis but also has easy access to the Old Town. Rooms are incredibly spacious, breakfast is included and guests can enjoy access to sauna and pool facilities.

Uzupis apartments – Located in the heart of Uzupis, this spacious apartment has a lovely terrace for guests to enjoy a morning coffee and is furnished with modern furniture and appliances.

Angel Wing Apartamentai – Located in a recently renovated historical building, this one-bedroom apartment is perfect for couples looking for a base to explore Vilnius.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Uzupis

Best Hostels in Uzupis

Downtown Forest Hotel & Camping – A unique hostel where the building is surrounded by nature. They offer dorm and private rooms and aim to create a social and welcoming atmosphere. There is a lovely outdoor terrace and also a campground for travellers on a tight budget.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hostels in Uzupis

Vilnius New Town (Naujamiestis)

Vilnius’ New Town, known locally as Naujamiestis, is a fantastic area to stay in Vilnius if you want to explore the more modern part of the city centre.

The buildings here are unique from the Baroque Old Town as they were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries in a grand style reminiscent of Central European cities such as Budapest, Prague or Vienna.

It is perfect for travellers who want to come to Vilnius to enjoy some affordable shopping but also remain within walking distance of the Old Town. There are also plenty of hip coffee shops and cool bars to check out, all very much catered towards locals so you can get a better feel for day-to-day life in the city.

There isn’t much when it comes to tourist sites in this area, however, it is nice to simply wander around and see what it is you discover. You’re sure to uncover some hidden gems that other visitors to the Lithuanian capital don’t get to.

Naujamiestis is also where the bus and train stations are located, making it a convenient area to stay if you have an early train or bus to catch.

Best Hotels in Vilnius New Town

Comfort Hotel LT – Rock ‘n’ Roll Vilnius – Undoubtedly one of the most unique hotels in Vilnius, this rock and roll-themed hotel is filled with interesting pictures and decorated in an original style. Rooms are modern and clean, a great breakfast is included and guests have access to a 24-hour gym.

Ratonda Centrum Hotel – A modern boutique hotel located in the heart of the New Town and within walking distance of the Old Town. Rooms are incredibly spacious, offer a small workspace and are air-conditioned. Buffet breakfast is included and there is also a fitness centre and bar on site.

15th Avenue – A stylish and modern hotel located in the north of Vilnius’ New Town. It is located within a few minutes walk to the Old Town and rooms have all the expected amenities. Breakfast is not included in the room rate but is available for an additional fee.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Vilnius New Town

Best Private Rentals in Vilnius New Town

Cozy Dream Apartment – This studio apartment is located in the centre of Vilnius New Town, near a number of restaurants and shops while still being within walking distance of the Old Town. Click here to see their latest prices

Apartment by the Theatre – Also, located close to the Old Town, this one-bedroom apartment can sleep up to 4 people with its pull-out sofa and has a modern living area and kitchen. Click here to see their latest prices

Vilnius Business District (Šnipiškės)

Just north of the Old Town and above the Neris River lies the region of Šnipiškės. The southern part of this area, closest to the river, has been transformed over the last couple of decades into the main business district of the city with skyscrapers being consistently built. Here you will find shopping malls, the National Gallery of Art and many businesses.

Walking further north in Šnipiškės will transport you to a completely different area with more traditional wooden houses that feel absolutely nothing like the modern area near the river.

Šnipiškės is a great alternative area to stay in Vilnius whether you’re travelling for business or simply want to explore a different neighbourhood of Vilnius while still remaining close to the Old Town.

Best Hotels in Vilnius Business District

Happy InnSide – Great value apartments that are perfect for a longer stay in Vilnius located in the southern area of Šnipiškės. Apartments are fully equipped with a large kitchen so you can cook your own meals and still be located close to the Old Town.

Lvovo Apartments – Stylish studio apartments that contain a small kitchenette and modern facilities with supermarkets and transport located nearby.

Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva – One of the most luxurious hotels in all of Vilnius, the rooms are modern, spacious and guests have access to a range of hotel facilities including saunas and gyms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Šnipiškės

Where to stay in Zvernyas

Zvernyas is a residential neighbourhood that feels as if you’re staying in a small self-contained village. The area is surrounded by parks to the west and is only a short walk to the other parts of Vilnius.

There are plenty of cool cafes and restaurants to try and staying in Zvernyas will definitely make you feel like a local resident of Vilnius!

This is considered to be a more upmarket area of Vilnius to live in, however, it’s not a super common neighbourhood for visitors to venture to. However, it’s very much worth wandering around and taking in the lovely early 20th-century timber houses.

If you want to experience one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city, then Vingis Park lies just across the Neris River. This is a massive nature reserve just adjacent to Vilnius’ city centre and it is lovely to explore.

Best Private Rentals in Zvernyas

Apartments Ameda – A small family-run guest house that is of excellent value for money and located in the heart of Zvernyas. There are a number of places to eat nearby and there is also the option of renting an apartment that is great for travelling families.

Vilnius apartment with stained glass – This studio apartment is located on the edge of Zvernyas. They offer a large apartment that can sleep up to 4 people with a kitchen, lounge area and washing facilities as well as access to a children’s playground nearby.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Zvernyas!

No matter which area of Vilnius you choose to stay in, the city is compact enough that is easy to see many of these neighbourhoods during your time in the Lithuanian capital.

Wondering what the best neighbourhood in Vilnius is? Or do you have a favourite area in the city? Let us know in the comments below!