Imagine winding cobbled alleyways, a bohemian quarter with Baroque architecture, and Michelin-starred restaurants, all without the Parisian price tag. This is the reality awaiting visitors in Vilnius, the compact and underexplored capital of Lithuania.
The country's tourism board even jokes about its obscurity, famously declaring Lithuania the 'G-spot of Europe' – 'amazing, but nobody knows where it is'. Yet, for savvy travellers seeking a festive getaway, this hidden gem has just been named this winter's top spot for a bargain Christmas break.
The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Break
According to an analysis by Post Office Travel Money, Vilnius offers the lowest price for a two-night trip for two people out of 15 popular European destinations. The total cost, factoring in return flights, bed and breakfast accommodation, meals, and market refreshments, came to just £509 for two people.
This represents a staggering saving when compared to other European capitals. A similar trip to Berlin would cost £691.85, Prague £901.25, and Copenhagen, the most expensive on the list, a hefty £1,056.55.
Best value Christmas destinations for 2025:
- Vilnius: £509.06
- Riga: £555.50
- Bratislava: £568.15
- Gdansk: £585.85
- Warsaw: £588.97
A City of Peace, Plates, and Affordable Pleasures
Upon arrival, visitors are immediately struck by the city's tranquil atmosphere. The silence of the streets offers a welcome respite from the hustle of cities like London. A 2019 survey suggested that only 5% of Brits know more than the name and approximate location of the Lithuanian capital, which translates to a distinct lack of British accents compared to the steady streams heard in Prague or Amsterdam.
Convenience is another major draw, with the airport just a 15-minute drive from the UNESCO-listed Old Town. The affordability is palpable, with local beers costing around £2.75 (€3.20).
The food scene is rapidly blossoming, moving far beyond traditional fare. For a memorable meal, head to 14 Horses, a farm-to-table restaurant offering a four-course menu for €55 per person. For a Michelin-starred experience, Dziaugsmas serves an acclaimed tasting menu from €67, featuring unique dishes like black pudding doughnuts.
The city also feels incredibly safe. It's not uncommon to see coats and bags left unattended in trendy spots like Nick & Nora, one of Vilnius' best cocktail bars, where a quince gin will set you back €11. This combination of safety, affordability, and vibrancy is likely why Lithuania recently topped the World Happiness rankings for the under-30s.
History, Freedom, and a Republic Within a City
Beyond the charming aesthetics, Vilnius has a complex and powerful history. On a riverbank near the old town lies Uzupis, a free-spirited neighbourhood that declared itself an independent republic in 1997.
Our tour guide, Lina Dusevičienė, explained that during Soviet times, the district was a no-go area, its beautiful buildings used as squats by creatives deemed 'undesirable'. The main thoroughfare was once nicknamed the 'Street of Death'.
'It was here that people turned [when the Soviet Union fell],' says Lina. 'People had always been themselves here. They helped others to become individuals again.'
Today, Uzupis is home to an eclectic community of artists and boasts its own constitution, with wonderfully bizarre clauses like 'a dog has the right to be a dog' and 'everyone has the right to understand nothing'.
This enduring belief in self-determination fuels Lithuania's fierce solidarity with Ukraine, evident on every street corner with Lithuanian and Ukrainian flags flying side by side.
For a deeper dive into the nation's dark past, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (£5/€6) offers a harrowing but essential look into KGB brutality, housed in the former KGB headquarters and used as a filming location for the HBO series Chernobyl.
Where to Stay and Unwind
Accommodation in Vilnius is remarkably affordable. For great value, Comfort Hotel LT – Rock ‘n’ Roll offers rooms from £67.17 per night in December. For a luxury stay, Hotel Pacai, set in a Baroque palace where Napoleon once slept, provides stylish rooms from £173.22 per night, right on the city's historic 'royal mile'.
After exploring the chilly streets, a visit to Bokšto Spa is the perfect respite. This sleek retreat in a restored cellar features three saunas, a jacuzzi, and a 25-metre pool. At €80 (£67) for three hours, it's a veritable bargain compared to similar London spas.
With its enchanting mix of ancient history, vibrant modernity, and undeniable value, Vilnius is the Christmas city break you haven't discovered yet. But with flights from London starting from just £19.99 with Ryanair, it's only a matter of time before this secret gets out.
