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Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of Europe’s most underrated city breaks. It has a characterful Old Town, quirky art scene, incredible foodie spots and peaceful green spaces. However, knowing where to stay in Vilnius can really shape your experience.
In this guide, we break down the best areas to stay in Vilnius, from the charming Old Town to the quirky Užupis district, including our top hotel picks for every budget.
A Quick Overview of Vilnius
Vilnius is a compact and walkable city, so it's easy to explore without needing public transport, especially if you stay near the centre.
Most of the main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife are concentrated around the Old Town, Užupis, and New Town areas, all of which are within 15–20 minutes’ walk of each other. That means you can base yourself almost anywhere central and still get around easily on foot.
Chloe Butcher
Best for History & Culture - Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval old towns in Eastern Europe and it's the perfect base if you're visiting for the first time.
You'll see cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, cosy cafes and unique buildings around every corner. You’ll be within walking distance of attractions like Gediminas Tower, the Cathedral, and the Gates of Dawn.
There's also so many great restaurants and bars in this area, so it's perfect for social evenings.
Where to stay in Vilnius Old Town:
- Hotel PACAI (Luxury) - A stunning 5-star hotel set in a former 17th-century palace, with modern rooms, on-site spa and fine dining.
- Artagonist Art Hotel (Mid-range) - A stylish boutique hotel in a central location with creative interiors.
- Stay Vilnius Hotel (Budget) - A great-value option offering simple, clean rooms just a short walk from the heart of Old Town.
Best for Artsy, Local Vibe - Užupis District
Užupis is the smallest district in Vilnius, separated from the Old Town by a river, and is actually its own independent republic, with its own government and constitution. You'll see the famous "Republic of Užupis" constitution mounted on the wall plaques along the street.
It's a quirky area with colourful street art, sculptures, riverside cafés and a laid-back vibe. In this area you'll also find Paupys Market (Paupio Turgus), a huge indoor food hall that has some great foodie spots.
In this area you'll find less hotels but more apartments and home-style stays.
Where to stay in Užupis:
- Hotel Narutis (Luxury) - A 5-star historic hotel just on the edge of Užupis, offering elegant rooms, a spa and a traditional Lithuanian restaurant.
- Artsy Exclusive Old Town Residence Gallery Walk (Mid-range) - Modern and cosy apartments ranging from studios to more deluxe options.
- Cosy Home Paupys (Budget) – A cosy and budget friendly one bedroom apartment in Paupys with a beautiful modern interior.
Best for Modern & Central - New Town (Naujamiestis)
Vilnius New Town is a trendy district packed with cool cafés, street food markets, and local bars, while still being walking distance to the Old Town.
It has a more modern, residential feel than the historic centre and it's close to spots like Lukiškės Prison and the Neris River.
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre and we loved it! It was modern, comfortable and ideally located, with spacious rooms, a great breakfast and beautiful views over the city.
It took us roughly 20 minutes walking to reach Vilnius Old Town, so it wasn't too far away. However, we would consider staying in the Old Town if we visit again!
Where to stay in Vilnius New Town:
- Neringa Hotel (Luxury) – A sleek and stylish 4-star hotel just outside Old Town with spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace and a restaurant.
- Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre (mid-range) - Modern, spacious rooms, a great breakfast and beautiful views over the city.
- Corner Hotel (budget) - Modern and minimalist, this hotel offers excellent value in a quiet part of New Town.
Best for Budget Travellers & Transport Links - Station District (Stotis)
If you're arriving in Vilnius by train or bus, Stotis (the Station District) is the most convenient place to stay. It’s not as polished as Old Town, but it’s quickly developing a more creative, urban feel with trendy cafés and second-hand stores.
Accommodation here is typically more affordable, and you're still just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the city.
- St Palace Hotel (Luxury) - A modern hotel just steps from the train station, with spacious, stylish rooms and an on-site restaurant.
- Loft Inn (Mid‑range) - A practical option for those who value convenience, with modern, loft-style rooms in a great location.
- Hello Vilnius Hostel (Budget) - Great for budget travellers, with clean dorms and private rooms just a short walk from the station.
Where should I stay in Vilnius without a car?
Vilnius Old Town, Užupis or New Town are ideal if you don’t have a car. Public transport is cheap and efficient, but you'll likely walk everywhere anyway.
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, we stayed in the New Town at the Hilton Garden Inn which we loved and would highly recommend.
However, if we return we'd definitely pick the Old Town, as it puts you in the heart of the city’s historical and cultural sites.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Lithuania travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
