Finally, I’m heading to the Baltic countries!
The trip from Poland to Lithuania takes about 8 hours by FlixBus — quite a long ride, but the endless rural scenery outside the window made it feel peaceful, giving me a real sense of Eastern Europe.
Stay: Vilnius Hostel (about €82 for 4 nights)
In Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, I stayed at Vilnius Hostel for four nights, spending around €82 in total — great value for the price.
The location was perfect, right in the middle of the city, so it was easy to get anywhere on foot. On weekends, the nearby bars blasted music late into the night, and the whole neighborhood came alive with energy (and volume 😂).
When I first arrived, there was no staff in sight, and I had to wait a few hours before finally checking in — probably the only downside.
Interestingly, all the staff were from Uzbekistan or Tajikistan, which made me wonder why, but they turned out to be very friendly and welcoming.
Some nights I even had the dorm room all to myself — quiet, comfortable, and totally carefree.
My “Lidl Life” Begins
By this point in my journey, I started to realize I’d been spending a bit too much money, so it was time to switch into budget-travel mode.
Enter my new best friend: Lidl, the European traveler’s lifesaver. 😂
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Luckily, there was a Lidl just a short walk from the hostel, and I went there every morning to grab a protein drink and some bread.
Protein is one nutrient I can’t skip even while traveling, and in Europe, it’s easy to find — most supermarkets sell protein drinks and yogurt, making it effortless to keep your nutrition balanced on the road.
Impressions of Vilnius
Vilnius is a small and compact city — you can probably see all the major sights in just a day.
It’s not crowded with tourists, and the atmosphere feels antique, calm, and chill.
Simply wandering around the streets was relaxing and soothing.
Many shop entrances were decorated with flowers, each with its own unique charm and personality. Walking past them and admiring their designs was a small joy in itself.
Café: CAFFEINE LT
CAFFEINE LT is a popular Lithuanian coffee-chain that I ended up visiting several times during my stay.
Food Spots
I ate out only twice in Vilnius, but both places left a strong impression.
Sakai Ramen
A well-known ramen shop that looked like it usually required reservations, but I managed to get a seat at the counter.
The broth had amazing depth, and the noodles were firm — honestly on par with a good ramen place back in Japan.
At €15, it’s a bit pricey, but if you start missing Japanese food, it’s absolutely worth it.
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ŠNEKUTIS
This is a classic Lithuanian restaurant serving local dishes.
I ordered their famous Cepelinai — a huge potato-based dish so big that two people could easily share one.
The outside was soft and springy, the inside juicy — I couldn’t help wondering how they make it!
Paired with beer, it was perfect, and I ended up finishing the whole thing myself.
The restaurant had a strong local vibe, giving me a glimpse into everyday Lithuanian life.
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Interesting Spot: Vynomanai
While wandering the city, I stumbled upon a wine bar called Vynomanai.
It had a great atmosphere — if you love wine, this place looks worth checking out.
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Sightseeing Spots
Gediminas Tower
According to legend, Grand Duke Gediminas dreamt of an iron wolf on this hill — a prophecy that led to the founding of Vilnius.
Later, a brick castle was built here, but only this tower remains after many wars.
From the top, you get a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town, and the climb isn’t too hard.
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St. Anne’s Church
A modest yet stunning Gothic-style church that blends perfectly with the calm atmosphere of Vilnius’s Old Town.
Its delicate red-brick façade has a quiet beauty — almost like a sense of wabi-sabi — and it quickly became one of my favorite spots.
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Užupis Art District
A bohemian neighborhood filled with artists and creatives.
Since the 1990s, young artists began moving here for cheap studios, and in 1997 they declared the area an independent “Republic of Užupis,” complete with its own flag, constitution, and even a symbolic government.
The whole district feels like an open-air gallery — perfect for slow walks between cafés and art spaces.
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If You Have Time: Sugihara House in Kaunas
If you have extra time, I highly recommend visiting Sugihara House in Kaunas.
During World War II, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara served as acting consul in Lithuania and issued “transit visas” to Jewish refugees, saving thousands of lives.
It’s a moving and meaningful place for any Japanese traveler — or anyone interested in human courage and history.
Final Thoughts
Vilnius may not be a big city, but it’s full of charm — a blend of history, art, food, and tranquility all in one compact place.
If you travel to Lithuania, don’t miss enjoying a slow afternoon coffee in Užupis and watching the sunset from Gediminas Tower.
Next stop: Latovia
