Things to Do in Vilnius: Best Activities & Experiences 2026
The capital Vilnius is a city that is constantly changing, dynamically growing, and every year offers tourists and locals more and more opportunities for meaningful and memorable leisure time. If you are looking for an answer to the question of what to do in Vilnius, you are in the right place. In 2026, the city welcomes visitors with an even wider selection, tailored for both thrill-seekers and those looking for a slow, peaceful vacation. From breathtaking hot air balloon flights over the red roofs of the Old Town to cozy food tastings and active hikes in nature — entertainment in Vilnius will suit every traveler's taste and needs. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the best and most popular activities, which will undoubtedly ensure that your active leisure in Vilnius is not only unforgettable but also full of the best emotions. Explore the guide and start planning your vacation or weekend itinerary right now!
1. Hot Air Balloon Flights: Vilnius and Trakai from a Bird's-Eye View
Vilnius is one of the few capitals in Europe and the world where hot air balloon flights are officially allowed right over the city center itself. This is undoubtedly one of the most romantic, photogenic, and spectacular experiences you can have during your stay. During the flight, which usually takes place early in the morning at sunrise or in the evening at sunset, you will be able to admire the labyrinths of the Old Town roofs, the impressively winding Neris river, modern skyscrapers, and lush, green parks. If you want even more historical spirit and spectacular landscapes, you can choose a flight over Trakai and see the majestic red-brick Trakai Castle, surrounded on all sides by the calm waters of the lakes. It is a truly unique experience worth trying at least once in a lifetime to create memories that will last forever.
Where to book: The most popular hot air balloon flights are most conveniently booked through the GetYourGuide platform, where you will find reliable, licensed organizers, the best offers, and flexible cancellation policies.
Approximate price: From 120 to 160 EUR per person, depending on the chosen route, time of day, and group size.
2. Kayaking: Neris and Vilnelė River Routes
If you love water, nature, and are looking for what to do in Vilnius on a warm spring or sunny summer day, kayaking is an absolutely perfect and highly popular choice. In the Lithuanian capital, you can choose from two main river routes, depending on your experience and desired level of challenge. Kayaking on the Neris is much calmer, slower, and perfectly suited for beginners, families with children, or those who simply want to relax and admire the city panorama from a completely different, unexpected perspective. Meanwhile, the Vilnelė (also known as Vilnia) offers a much more extreme challenge — a fast current, sharp turns, fallen trees, and underwater stones will require considerable physical strength, teamwork, and quick reflexes. However, after this route, you are guaranteed to feel a massive dose of adrenaline and pride in your abilities.
Where to book: You can easily find kayak rental services and organized tours with experienced instructors by searching on GetYourGuide.
Approximate price: 20–35 EUR per person for a few hours of unforgettable paddling.
3. Bike Rentals and Sightseeing Tours
Vilnius is becoming more and more bicycle-friendly every year, so active leisure in Vilnius is hard to imagine without pedaling. The city is full of well-equipped, safe bike paths leading through the most picturesque routes: along the renovated Neris embankment, through the bustling Vingis Park, the wooden house streets of Žvėrynas, or even all the way to the Valakampiai beaches. You can simply rent a bike (regular or electric) for a self-guided ride or join a tour led by a local guide. During such an excursion, you will not only get some exercise but also hear intriguing, little-known facts about the city's history, culture, and architecture.
Where to book: Various sightseeing bike tours and electric bike rentals are convenient to book on the GetYourGuide system.
Approximate price: Bike rental for a day costs about 15–25 EUR, while organized tours with a guide will set you back 25–40 EUR per person.
4. Walking Tours Through the Magical Vilnius Old Town
The Vilnius Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the largest, coziest, and best-preserved in all of Eastern Europe. Walking tours are one of those classic activities in Vilnius that never get boring, as the city is full of secrets. In 2026, organizers offer not only standard historical excursions but also an abundance of thematic tours: from city ghosts and spooky legends to modern street art, Soviet heritage overviews, or the stories of famous women. A slow walk along the narrow cobblestone streets, popping into open courtyards, will reveal unexpected secrets even to those who think they know this city perfectly.
Where to book: You can easily choose and book walking tours of the most diverse themes on GetYourGuide.
Approximate price: 15–30 EUR per person for a few hours' walk with a professional guide.
5. Food Tours and Authentic Tastings
To truly deeply understand a country's culture and traditions, it is essential to taste its national food. The gastronomic scene in Vilnius has been experiencing a true renaissance and boom in recent years. Special food tours invite visitors to get acquainted not only with traditional, hearty Lithuanian dishes (such as cepelinai, pink cold soup, fried bread with cheese), but also with modern, high-class cuisine, where the flavors of various eras harmoniously intertwine. Also very popular among locals and guests are tastings of Lithuanian craft beer, authentic mead, or local cheeses. It is simply a great way to spend a delicious evening, make new friends, and discover flavors you haven't tasted yet.
Where to book: You will find all gastronomic experiences and food tours with local food enthusiasts (guides) on GetYourGuide.
Approximate price: 40–80 EUR per person (the price heavily depends on the number of places visited and the amount of food served).
6. Active Team Entertainment: Paintball and Laser Tag Arenas
If you are traveling with a group of friends, colleagues, or family and want to release pent-up energy and test your tactical skills, Vilnius has plenty to offer. Team-based, interactive games are a wonderful way to strengthen mutual bonds and have an incredibly fun time.
Paintball
Paintball is a classic, time-tested choice for adrenaline fanatics. Around the city of Vilnius and its surroundings, there are several excellent, spacious outdoor arenas equipped with various artificial obstacles, deep trenches, old cars, and forest areas. Here you can safely test your strategic skills, teamwork, and, of course, accuracy. It is a particularly fun activity for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, or corporate team-building events.
Where to book: The GetYourGuide platform offers convenient packages, which often include private transport from the city center to the paintball arena and back.
Approximate price: 25–45 EUR per person (the price covers the necessary ammunition, protective gear, weapons, and instructor services).
Laser Tag
For those who want team excitement but are not too keen on painful paint pellet hits or mud, modern laser tag arenas are an ideal and clean alternative. It is a highly dynamic, futuristic game in dark, enclosed spaces. Special lighting effects, thick smoke, mazes, and pulsating music create an exceptional atmosphere, as if from a sci-fi movie. This activity is perfectly suited for both children and adults, especially when it is raining or cold outside.
Where to book: You can also conveniently find tickets to the most popular and modern laser tag arenas in the city on GetYourGuide.
Approximate price: 15–25 EUR per person for a few hours of intense gameplay.
7. Hiking: The Hilly Verkiai Regional Park
For nature lovers and those seeking tranquility, active leisure in Vilnius is simply unimaginable without hiking in the fresh air. Verkiai Regional Park is a true salvation for those visitors who want to escape the intense bustle of the city, at least for a short while. Here you will find plenty of well-marked trails leading over high hills, through dense forests, and along the exceptionally picturesque Green Lakes and steep Neris cliffs. The famous Vilnius Calvary Way of the Cross, the surroundings of the Green Lakes, and the historical Verkiai Palace itself offer stunningly beautiful routes for both short Sunday walks and long-distance hikes requiring endurance.
Where to book: Although you can safely and confidently walk independently in the vast park, GetYourGuide offers organized hikes with professional naturalists. During the hike, they will tell you in detail about the unique local flora, fauna, ice age legacy, and the history of the manor.
Approximate price: Independently – completely free, while organized tours with a guide will cost about 15–30 EUR per person.
8. Photography Tours: Discover Hidden Corners of the City
For creative travelers, designers, and art lovers, specialized photography tours offer a completely unique opportunity to see Vilnius through a camera lens. A professional local photographer-guide will take you to secret courtyards unseen by outsiders, show you the best panoramic observation decks, and unexpected "Instagrammable" locations. During the tour, the guide will teach you the subtleties of shot composition and proper natural lighting. It does not matter whether you are shooting with a simple smartphone or expensive, professional equipment, this tour will allow you to masterfully capture the most beautiful memories of your trip and noticeably improve your photography skills. Capture the beauty of Vilnius city and bring it home in the best possible format!
Where to book: Exclusive photography excursions and lessons can be quickly booked through the GetYourGuide platform.
Approximate price: 35–60 EUR per person, depending on the tour duration and individual attention.
Summary: Plan Your Time in Vilnius
In 2026, Vilnius is an incredibly modern, safe, vibrant, and multifaceted city, open to all ideas. Whether your main travel goal is to find what to do in Vilnius while peacefully walking the Old Town streets and drinking coffee, or a desire to try extreme, blood-pumping activities in nature — absolutely every visitor will discover something interesting for themselves here. The offered activities in Vilnius are of extremely high quality, while the prices of services still remain very attractive compared to many other Western European capitals. We guarantee that active leisure in Vilnius will provide you with a multitude of unforgettable impressions, ranging from romantic hot air balloon flights to delicious local food discoveries and historical tours. Do not delay and start planning your unforgettable vacation or a short weekend getaway in the Lithuanian capital. We sincerely recommend booking your favorite activities and tours in advance via the GetYourGuide platform to secure the best spots, most convenient times, and most favorable prices!