Vilnius, what's next?
Where? I had to look up Vilnius on Google Maps when my employer asked me to participate in an educational exchange program at the Vilnius Design College. Having no expectations is always a good thing. I loved spending 5 days in the Lithuanian capital.
Where to sleep: Loft 14 - a really great Airbnb location for up to 2 persons. I didn't want to leave...
Where to eat: Kitchen - spacious, modern and affordable restaurant to have lunch or dinner / Keule Ruke - for meat-loving hipsters only, pulled pork sandwiches served with local beer / Snekutis - no-nonsense bar/restaurant serving a local menu with stapels like Zepelinas and beetroot soup.
Where to drink: Mint Vinetu - during day-time this is a cozy place to relax, grab a book from one of the shelves and drink a hot coco / Paviljonas - recently opened bar/club in a great architectural location / Cafe de Paris - craving a cocktail? This place serves the basic ones, like Mojito etc. / King & Mouse - craving a whisky? They have an extensive menu over here, sorted by region.
Where to shop: Lithuanian Design Block - this cool store was just around the corner from my airbnb, very dangerous for your wallet! / Boho Chic Boutique - casual sneakers collide with minimal design clothing and a variation of accessories. / House of naive - the only real concept store in Vilnius? Buy chocolate with hops flavour or a designer outfit. It's up to you!
What to see: Uzupis - cross the river and enter Uzupis, an artists neighborhood now gone fancy (the mayor lives here) but still has a bohemian vibe to it. / Literati street - this street has it walls covered with 'art' by locals, from an envelop encased in the wall to a tile painting. / CAC - this art centre shows the Lithuanian influence on the Fluxus movement and temporary exhibits of contemporary art.
So much more to discover in Vilnius. Can't wait to visit again.
PS// a big up to everyone who showed me around town / Mantas, Jurga, Aiste, Julius!