Looking for things to do in Vilnius beyond the Old Town?
Then it’s time to discover the Station District - one of the most creative neighborhoods in Vilnius and the heart of the city’s alternative culture.
Once considered rough and industrial, this part of the city has transformed into a vibrant area filled with street art, nightlife, creative spaces, local food spots, and modern culture. Today, it is one of the best places to experience authentic Vilnius beyond the typical tourist attractions.
If you want to explore modern Vilnius, discover hidden gems, and understand how Lithuania changed after Soviet times, the Station District is a must-visit.
The easiest way to understand why this area matters to locals is to explore it with someone who has actually experienced its transformation firsthand. That’s exactly what our “Vilnius: From 90’s to Now” walking tour is about - stories of independence, street culture, social change, and modern Lithuanian identity.
No possibility to join our walking tour? No problem - in this guide, we will show you what makes this part of Vilnius so special and share the best places to see, eat, and experience!
What is Vilnius Connect?
Screenshot from vilniusconnect.lt
Vilnius City Municipality and Lithuanian Railways are developing the Vilnius Connect project to renew the area around Vilnius railway station. The project covers 21 hectares between Geležinkelio and Pelesos streets and will also transform Station Square and the city bus terminal.
The goal is to create a modern area with public spaces, better transport links, and new places for work and leisure. Zaha Hadid Architects won the architectural competition with its Green Connect design, which includes a 9,500-square-metre structure above the railway tracks, linking Naujininkai, Naujamiestis, and the Old Town, with easy access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Our guides are especially excited about the planned amphitheater in Station Square. It will help reduce bus noise while creating a green public space on its roof. Can you imagine sitting there, enjoying the sun and the breeze, while learning more about the history of the neighborhood? We definitely can.
However, it seems we will have to wait a little longer for this ideal spot. The project is planned to be completed in 2030 - of course, if everything goes according to plan. With the planned Vilnius Connect project the Station district is going to change faster than ever. That is why now is the perfect time to visit.
So in this part of the blog, let us share all the places you can visit today without waiting for 2030.
Unexpected Vilnius street art!
Tony Soprano statue in Vilnius Train Station. Vilnius with Locals photo.
When people think about the artistic and quirky neighborhoods of Vilnius, Užupis usually comes to mind first. But we would say the Stotis district has just as much to offer. Where else can you find a giant Tony Soprano just around the corner from a monument to John Lennon? You can even see a 16-ton statue of a kitten.
The Station District is often called the creative soul of modern Vilnius. Unlike the polished Old Town, this neighborhood feels raw, experimental, and constantly changing. Murals cover old industrial walls, abandoned spaces become galleries, and creative communities continue reshaping the area every year.
There is also plenty of street art here. Famous artists such as Millo, OS GEMEOS, and Sepe & Chazme have already left their mark on this neighborhood. If you enjoy street art, Open Gallery is a place you should not miss! The Open Gallery is one of the most unique hidden gems in Vilnius. This open-air street art gallery transformed an old industrial zone into a living creative space filled with giant murals, sculptures, lights, and contemporary art installations. Every year, new artists leave their mark here, making the district feel alive and constantly evolving.
Mural by Os Gemeos Pylimo st. 60-62. Vilnius with Locals photo
List of mentioned Vilnius street art:
Statues
Tony Soprano Statue Geležinkelio st. 6 outside of bar Peronas
John Lennon Memorial Mindaugo st. 27
Cat Jurgos Ivanauskaitės square
Street art
Millo's Paper Birds Pylimo st. 56
Mural by Os Gemeos Pylimo st. 60-62
Corest Fity Sepe & Chazme Šv. Stepono st. 19
Open Gallery entry from Vytenio st. 50
Many travelers walk past these murals without realizing the stories behind them. During our walking tour, local guides explain how street art became part of Vilnius’ cultural identity and why this district became a magnet for artists and musicians.
Museums for transport enthusiasts in Vilnius
It is only natural that two museums in this neighborhood are connected to transport.
Railway Museum
Located at Vilnius Railway Station. The museum has more than 15 interactive spaces, divided into stations and platforms, where you can experience the daily work of a train driver, discover forgotten luggage, and explore train signals, railway work, and much more. There is even a special Children’s Station for youngest visitors.
Outside, the Rail Park exhibition displays 28 railway vehicles used in the 20th century, including locomotives, wagons, and track repair machines. You can also see a historic water column made in Kaunas in 1938.
Where? The indoor exposition is located on the 2nd floor of the Railway Station's Central Hall, at Geležinkelio st. 16, The outdoor exposition is located in the territory of the Rail Park, Pelesos st. 10
More info: ltgmuziejus.lt/en
Our guides exploring Automuseum in Vilnius. Vilnius with Locals photo.
Automuziejus
Located in the famous Vilnius Taxi Park. Here, you can see rare and unique cars that show how vehicles have changed over time. It is the largest private collection of historic cars in Lithuania, built over the last thirty years with carefully collected and restored vehicles from many countries. Imagine sitting in a historic Delage, once used by the King of Nepal. And do not miss the elegant Hispano-Suiza, a car owned by famous names such as Coco Chanel, Paul McCartney, and Albert Einstein—a true symbol of style and history.
Where? Dariaus ir Girėno st. 2
More info: automuziejus.lt/en/
Night life in Vilnius Station district
If you want to experience Vilnius nightlife like locals do, the Station District is the place to go. Former factories, railway buildings, and industrial spaces have become some of the city’s most exciting bars, clubs, and concert venues.
For years, the Stotis district has attracted people from all over Lithuania with its unique spaces for dancing, music, and live performances. It has become a home for creative artists who help shape the cultural face and voice of Vilnius. So next time you are in Vilnius, visit these venues and maybe discover your next favorite artist.
Young’s Club
When the stalls of Halės Market, the oldest and one of the most loved markets in Vilnius, close for the evening, you can visit Young’s Club for a cocktail and see this historic place in a completely different atmosphere. On Fridays and Saturdays, DJs play music, making it a great spot for dancing.
Where? Pylimo st. 58
More info: Facebook page YoungsClubVilnius
Peronas
Photo from Peronas Facebook page.
It would be hard to find someone from Vilnius who has never heard of Peronas. It is a bar and event space located on the first platform of Vilnius Railway Station. There are many great concerts, parties, and other events happening here. But even when there is no event, you can enjoy some nostalgic trainspotting from the platform with a beer and snacks while watching the sunset.
Where? Geležinkelio st. 6
More info: Facebook page Peronas
Kablys
Photo from Kablys Facebook page.
This former railway workers’ palace hides one of the most unique event venues in Vilnius. It still keeps many original interior details from the Soviet period, mixed with a stylish and laid-back urban atmosphere.
For many years, it was known for its underground culture and techno parties, but today it regularly hosts a wider range of events - from fashion shows to interdisciplinary performances. Definitely check if something special is happening here while you are in town.
Where? Kauno st. 5
More info: Facebook Kablys
Art Factory LOFTAS
Loftas is one of the most popular cultural spaces in Vilnius. It is located in a former factory where gramophones, radios, and tape recorders were once made. Today, the music connection continues with concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, theater performances, and many other creative events.
They also organize their own festival, Loftas Fest, every September. The festival usually features 7–8 stages and more than 100 performances, bringing together artists and visitors from Lithuania and abroad for one weekend of music, art, and city culture.
Where? Švitrigailos st. 29
More info: Facebook page loftasvilnius
Gallery 1986
Photo from Gallery 1986 Facebook.
It is located in a former radio factory in Vilnius. The space is over 1,000 square metres and has a simple, industrial design with a strong, minimal style, which creates a unique atmosphere for events. It opened only a couple years ago, but it has already become an important place for the local creative scene. It hosts exhibitions, live events, and club nights, with a focus on electronic music such as house, electro, and more experimental sounds.
Where? Kauno st. 32
More info: Instagram 1986_gallery_
What makes the Station District special isn’t just the bars or galleries, it’s also the atmosphere. This is where Vilnius feels the most alive, creative, and real.
Places to eat in the alternative Vilnius
The Station district is full of contrasts in architecture, history, and art, and the same is true for its food scene. You can find everything from small food spots in Halės Market, with dishes from different countries, to traditional Lithuanian restaurants and even Michelin-star dining experiences. It would take a separate blog post to cover all the food, but here is a short list.
Photo from Hales Smokehouse Facebook page.
For lunch, you can try Halės Smokehouse (Pylimo St. 58) or Žilvino restoranas (Švitrigailos St. 26), a canteen-style place.
For Lithuanian food, visit Žemaičių ąsotis (Naugarduko St. 32–1).
For a Michelin-star experience, go to Demo Loftas (T. Ševčenkos St. 16A).
Explore the modern Vilnius with a local
Vilnius with Locals photo
Exploring the Station District alone is interesting. Exploring it with locals who experienced Lithuania’s transformation firsthand is something completely different.
During our “Vilnius: From 90’s to Now” walking tour, you’ll discover the stories behind the murals, industrial buildings, markets, and nightlife venues that define modern Vilnius today.
This is not just a sightseeing tour. It’s a conversation about identity, independence, social change, and everyday life in post-Soviet Lithuania. Together with local guides, you’ll explore hidden corners, creative spaces, and parts of Vilnius most tourists never see.
Starting point? Hales Market (Pylimo st. 58) The guide waits near the main entrance (stairs) from Bazilijonu street
When? Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 3PM
How much? Pay what you want
More info: www.vilniuswithlocals.com/tours/alternative-vilnius
Photo by Vilnius with locals
The Station District is one of the most exciting places to visit in Vilnius right now.
It combines street art, nightlife, local culture, history, food, and creativity in a way that feels completely different from the traditional tourist experience.
If you want to discover alternative Vilnius, explore hidden gems, and better understand modern Lithuania, this neighborhood should absolutely be on your itinerary.
And if you want to experience the area through local stories instead of just walking past the buildings, join our “Vilnius: From 90’s to Now” walking tour and explore the real Vilnius with locals.