Get out of Vilnius's Old Town to explore the new city and its recent history. See some impressive Soviet-era buildings. Listen to stories from the daily lives of people under communist rule and Lithuania's road to independence.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy the view of the brutalist architecture of the Palace of Concerts & Sports
- Learn how people lived in Vilnius under Soviet rule
- Hear some horrific tales at Lukiskiu square next to the KGB Museum
- Be inspired by Lithuania's road to Independence
Full description
The tour starts next to Gediminas monument at the Cathedral Square. As your guide takes you out of the Old Town you will see the former Palace of Concerts and Sports - a brutalist Soviet-era building which housed concerts and basketball games back in the day. Your tour continues along the river with some spectacular views towards the Green Bridge which used to be famous for its Soviet propaganda statues which were taken down recently.
Then you will visit the first shopping mall in the city and see one of the first hotels build for foreign guests to be spied on by KGB agents. After this, you will cross the river and go to Lukiskiu Square, former lyLenin's Square. Your guide will tell you more about the harsh soviet rule under Stalin. Then finish your tour next to Seimas (parliament building) which was one of the spots where Lithuanians defended their independence in 1991.
Includes
- Guided walking tour
- Hotel pick up and drop-off
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Look for the guide with a yellow bag and a yellow "Vilnius with Locals tours" sign in front of Gediminas monument at the Cathedral square.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility as there is a lot of walking is involved
