Autumn in Vilnius is more than the gorgeous transformation of nature and an abundance of exciting cultural events. Yes, the rain might be annoying, but there are so many cozy places to visit across the town! Food lovers are in for a special treat in autumn, especially since it’s the time of year when farmers markets are filled with fresh produce that chefs use to create culinary wonders.
So what to do and experience in Vilnius when the leaves turn colorful and the umbrella becomes your best friend?
Listen to some Jazz music
Photo by Vilnius Jazz festival organisers
What could be better than a cozy autumn evening with live music? Jazz lovers shouldn’t miss Vilnius Jazz Festival, taking place from 16 to 20 of October. This is a great opportunity to see some renowned foreign jazz performers in Lithuania, discover musical innovations, hear the rising stars and get a taste of jazz avant-garde.
When? October 16-20
More info: http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/
Taste great food
After getting food for soul it’s time to dive into gourmet tour – Gastronomy Week invites to try special menus and tasting dinners from seasonal products on 4 to 10 of November. The debut of The Michelin Guide Lithuania this year spotlighted numerous Lithuanian restaurants, which will be featured during this event too. Don’t worry about breaking the bank after one dinner—participants in Gastronomy Week offer tasting menus starting at just 20 euros. And if you are not planing to visit Vilnius in November, you can still embark on a culinary adventure in Vilnius, where centuries-old food traditions continue as the contemporary flavors. Our unique Lithuanian Flavors Experience is a good way to learn about our culture and hide from cold weather.
When? November 4-10
More info: Vilnius events: Lithuanian Gastronomy Week
Photo by Vilnius with Locals
How about some shoping?
Photo by locals.lt
Vilnius city center is filled with cozy unique shops and boutiques where you can buy lots of cool things made in Lithuania by our local artists and designers. From graphic tees to woolen jackets - you can update your entire wardrobe in one afternoon. We recommend starting your shopping spree in Gediminas avenue, where many clothing stores are located. LOCALS.LT located in shoping centre GO9 is a great place to learn about lithuanian design trends. Designer goods are not for you? Another lovely place to visit - Lietuviški drabužiai visai šeimai.The name of the shop says it all: Lithuanian clothes for a whole family. Even though it's a very small palce, you can still find many different things: from socks to leather handbags, from jewelry to dresses. Brands here are not some fancy designers, but small businesses or bigger clothing factories from across the country, so you do not need a deep wallet to buy stuff here. Enjoy! And remember – you are supporting the local economy!
Enjoy the colorful panorama
If you are lucky enough to be in Vilnius on the day with clear skies, you shouldn’t miss to see a great colorful panorama of the city! Lithuanian major city is one of the greenest European capitals, and during the autumn those parks and forests turns into amazing palette of yellow and red colors. Altana hill, one of the highest hills in Vilnius is well-hidden in the independent republic of Užupis, but once you find it, the view it offers is spectacular. There’s not much climbing involved if you go to the Užupis Gymnasium and take the stairs and path behind it. You’ll have a perfect view of Gediminas’ Tower and the typical golden sunsets of Vilnius.
Relax with a cup of something hot
Photo from Mint Vinetu Facebook
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Whatever your go-to autumn drink, Vilnius Old Town offers plenty of cozy spots to enjoy a rainy afternoon. Take Kiras, for instance, known for its warm atmosphere, colorful retro interior, and delicious vegan desserts. You can sip on freshly roasted coffee, one of their many unique teas, or enjoy a tasty hot sandwich. If you're a book lover, Mint Vinetu is your paradise. This independent bookstore and café is a gathering spot for good company and hosts various grassroots events, from poetry readings to art exhibitions. Craving chocolate? Head to “Rūta” Chocolate Shop, where hot chocolate is served in espresso cups—perfect proof that quality beats quantity.
All saints Day
Autumn in Lithuania is not only colorful leaves and cozy evenings with your friends. It's also time for reflection. All saints Day (November 1st) and Day of the Souls known as Vėlinės (November 2nd) to this day are very important religious holidays here. Many Lithuanians try to visit the graves of one’s relatives and honor their forefathers. Visiting historical cemeteries of Vilnius is also a popular activity. If you would like to understand this tradition better, check our blog post What you should know about Day of the Souls.
How about a walking tour?
Vilnius with locals photo
You know the saying - There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather. So don't hesitate to join our walking tour. We will start our autumn schedule from October 1st, so check out the calendar and book your spot today!
We hope this article helped you plan your trip to Vilnius this autumn. See you soon!