Europe

3 Best Towns to Visit on Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como in Italy and local ferry - best towns to visit on Lake Como

Lake Como could be described as La Dolce Vita of Italy. This upscale resort area in Italy’s Lombardy region where Italy meets Switzerland is well-known for its spectacular scenery set against the foothills of the Alps.

For many years this area was a popular summer retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy thanks to the beautiful villas, stunning gardens, and peaceful villages. But even today huge crowds of tourists and locals come to spend time at these Belle Époque Era towns on the shores of Lake Como.

This post is featuring my experience of visiting 3 of the prettiest towns on Lake Como – Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

Bellagio

Bellagio is often called “The Pearl of Lake Como” and is widely considered to be among the most beautiful towns in Europe. It is classy, glamorous, and frankly more expensive than other small towns around the lake.

It was our first visit to Lake Como. We spent 3 days in Bellagio and this lovely town left me wanted to go back for more.

We traveled by bus from the city of Como and when we arrived, I was taken by stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. The town has unbeatable Old-World elegance with shopping arcades, flower-lined promenades, luxury hotels, and villas facing the lake.

How to explore Bellagio:

The best way to discover Bellagio is by walking through its picturesque cobblestone streets. The town is small and located on two levels.

Bellagio steep stairs with pastel color houses

The lower part runs along the waterfront promenade with hotels, shopping arcades, bars, and restaurants. And the higher part needs a lot of uphill climbing on cobblestoned stairs until you reach Via Guiseppe Garibaldi. From the top of this street, you can get picture-perfect views over the rooftops of Lake Como.

Basilica of San Giacomo

The Basilica of San Giacomo is a Romanesque church built in the 12^th century. It is located in the center of the old town – Piazza della Chiesa – on the hillside, and it makes a great landmark from the water. We found this beautiful old church while strolling along Via Guiseppe Garibaldi.

Bellagio is well-known for two villas and gardens:

Villa Serbelloni
Villa Melzi

Villa Serbelloni

I have read a lot about Villa Serbelloni and its scenic location. This luxurious holiday villa by the lake was built by the noble family from Bergamo in the middle of the 19^th century. Later on, the villa was converted into 5- star luxury hotel. It’s well-known for beautifully maintained gardens which occupy a large area above the town. The Villa Serbelloni Gardens are owned by the Rockefeller Foundation and can be visited on guided tours.

Villa Melzi and Gardens

Villa Melzi was built at the beginning of the 19^th century. Francesco Melzi D’Eril, the Vice-President of the Napoleonic Italian Republic commissioned to build this perfect example of neoclassical architecture as his summer residence. The villa is set in beautiful gardens with classical statues and century-old trees. The villa is not opened to the public. But you can buy a ticket and stroll the gardens.

small pond and a woman sitting on the edge-Bellagio

On a hot August day, this place was a perfect retreat. Filled with native and exotic plants, small ponds, and park benches perfectly situated with the views of the lake, this was a wonderful place to go for a stroll.

Cruising Lake Como

Cruising Lake Como was our favorite experience. We purchased tickets for a boat ride from Bellagio to Varenna and then to Menaggio. It cost us 15 euros per person for the whole day. We spent a wonderful time being on a boat passing magnificent villas with gardens, enjoying gorgeous lakeside views of Bellagio and other small towns that sit on the edge of the lake.

Trombetta express train

Another great way to explore Bellagio is to hop on the Trombetta express train. It’s a small tourist train which you can board on the ferry dock and then enjoy 30 minutes tour of panoramic views of Bellagio. You can request a stop at a few locations such as the Hotel Belvedere, Villa Melzi, and San Giovanni Church.

Varenna

Varenna is located in the center of Lake Como, on the eastern shores of the lake. It can be easily reached by boat from other towns like Bellagio and Menaggio.

We took a boat ride to Varenna. And it looked exactly like it was described in touristy brochures – a small fishing village with brightly colored houses and villas that sit close to each other on the waterfront of Lake Como.

We spent a few hours there before going back to Bellagio. The place looked rustic and charming, romantic, and peaceful. We walked along the lovely promenade and admired the views of the lake, the boats, and the mountains.

Even though Varenna is a popular destination, it tends to be less crowded than the famous resort-town Bellagio. The town has a train station, which makes it an ideal choice for travelers from Milan who are not planning to drive to the lake.

Lake Promenade

As with most towns on Lake Como, we started our visit to Varenna with a promenade along the lake. The path began exactly where we got off the boat. The first part of the promenade is a narrow path. Then when we approached the town center, we had lovely views across the blue waters of the harbor to the pastel color houses with mountains rising steeply behind.

And I will be honest – the walk is very picturesque.

Town Center

Varenna’s town center is very small with several tiny cafes, waterfront restaurants, gelato shops, and bars. It is a perfect place for lunch. It was Sunday and the place was overrun by tourists who came here to have an idyllic lunch. We couldn’t even find any available seats at any of these places for lunch.

A little further we reached a small stony beach with many swimming enthusiasts. Behind the promenade, we found the old part of Varenna with ancient alleys and steep stairs. We followed those passageways and passed many old stone houses with overhanging flowerpots, and ivy-covered balconies.

It was a hot summer day, and after climbing so many steep stairs we decided to stop for an Italian aperitivo at one of those bars with the view.

Piazza San Giorgio

Piazza San Giorgio is the main square in the village surrounded by two historic monuments – the Church of San Giorgio and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

The Church of San Giorgio is located at the top of the square and is dominated by its tall bell tower visible from the lake. Inside the church, you can find wonderful ancient frescos. At the bottom of the square is a small church of San Giovanni Battista with impressive medieval frescos inside.

Castello de Vezio

The ancient Castello de Vezio that overlooks Varenna is dated back to the 11^th century. We started our climb but never made it to the top because it was quite a steep walk to get there. But I can tell that the views from the top will worth the effort. Probably we will go there next time!

Like all towns around Lake Como, Varenna has several luxurious villas.

Here is a list of villas to visit for their lush gardens:

Villa Monastero
Villa Cipressi (now a hotel)

Menaggio

Menaggio is one of the largest towns on the lake. It is very easy to visit Menaggio because it is located directly across the lake from Varenna. Hence, you can visit both towns in one day by taking a boat. Usually, it takes 15 to 30 minutes to reach both towns from Bellagio.

Lakefront promenade

Menaggio is a lovely and very laid-back town. It was not as crowded as Bellagio and Varenna. We really liked this town and spent half a day strolling along the elegant lakefront promenade. It started at Piazza Garibaldi and runs along the Lake Como between flower beds, palm trees, and colorful houses.

Piazza Garibaldi

Piazza Garibaldi with its 19^th century architecture is a popular meeting place. This place is filled with small boutiques, cafes, and bars. You can see many locals and tourists stopped here for a cappuccino or gelato while enjoying a breathtaking view of the lake.

Old Town

The Old Town of Menaggio is located in the upper part of the town and still keeps the medieval look with stone buildings, narrow alleys, and steep stairs.

In medieval times, Menaggio was a walled city. It was worth hiking up the steep stairs to explore the older part of town where we could see the remains of the old medieval wall.

Villa Mylius Vigoni

Villa Mylius Vigoni is one of the best things to see in Menaggio. This beautiful villa was built in the first half of the 19^th century and is famous for its lush English garden.

You can book a guided tour of the villa and its large gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Unfortunately, the tours were not available In August when we visited Menaggio.

At the end of the day, we stopped for an aperitivo at one of many cafes facing the lake and watch life goes by. Real Italian La Dolce Vito!

Where we stayed:

Hotels in Bellagio are more expensive than in some of the neighboring towns. We stayed at Hotel De Luc.

Hotel De Luc is a family-run, boutique hotel located right in the center of Bellagio overlooking the main squire. Our room was clean and modern with gorgeous lakeside views from our terrace. My favorite part was to spend time on a rooftop bar with a glass of Italian aperitivo while enjoying the unbelievable views of the lake, distant mountains, and small boats crossing the lake.

How did we get to Bellagio:

We traveled to Bellagio from Venice by train and then by bus from the city of Como.

The easiest way to get to Bellagio is to fly to Milan and then take a train to Varenna (1 hour). Bellagio doesn’t have a train station so you will need to take a boat from Varenna to Bellagio. The boat takes 15 minutes, just check the schedule ahead of time If your train arrives late, so you will get on the last boat.

You can purchase your boat tickets at the booth at the boat terminals. Some boats do not go directly to Bellagio. So, when you purchase your tickets, you can ask the cashier which boat you should get on.

Highlights of My Trip to Venice, Italy

by Maggie 4 Comments

I have been dreaming about visiting Venice for years. And our first trip there did not disappoint.

Everyone has heard of Venice because it is one of the most visited cities in the world. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Something intriguing and mysterious about this city when you just arrive. It feels like you are entering a different world.

This city crossed by the canals instead of roads with colorful palazzos sitting on the water’s edge is truly unique. And the mixture of Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture leaves anyone wondering if this magical city is real at all. The entire city is one work of art. And nothing quite prepares you for its beauty.

Here are the highlights of my first trip to Venice.

A little bit of history:

At the beginning of the 6^th century, people came to live on the marshy islands of the Adriatic Sea blue lagoon to escape the hordes of Huns and other invaders. Later, this settlement built on swamps started to grow.

At the beginning of the 9^th century, the Republic of Venice was formed. It was called “The Most Serene Republic of Venice” to reflect the desire to focus on trade and avoid wars with invaders who were constantly creating chaos.

The city of Venice was built on huge wooden supports that were cut and brought from the mainland. Those wooden legs have stood under the water for many centuries and have been slowly calcified with the minerals from the sea. In the end, the wooden footings worked as the foundations for all buildings in the city of Venice.

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco in Italian) is one of the busiest squares in the city and the main tourist hub. The whole square looks enormous and usually crowded with tourists and all kinds of vendors during the day.

St. Mark’s Square is home to some of the stunning architectural attractions in Venice including St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, and Doge’s Palace.

Another great thing about St. Mark’s Square is that there is no traffic. This piazza may be the only large public square in Europe with no noise from cars, buses, and scooters. You can only hear the melodious sounds of the bell rings coming from the St. Mark’s Clocktower.

It is hard to miss this early Renaissance building located on the north side of St. Mark’s Square. The construction of both the tower and the clock dated to the 15^th century. The tower was placed where the clock could be visible from the waters of the lagoon and shows every one the wealth and glory of Venice. You can hear the bell ringing every hour.

We decided to stop for a drink at one of the glitzy cafes surrounding St. Mark’s Square. Even we paid double the normal price for the two Spritz Campari, we really enjoyed the moment of being part of Venetian life.

St. Mark’s Basilica

The St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is the most famous church in Venice.

The church is considered one of the best surviving examples of Byzantine architecture with the construction completed in 1063.

The St. Mark’s Basilica is a real showpiece of St. Mark’s Square. The main façade is decorated with multicolored marble columns and sculptures of the griffons. These winged lions are a symbol of St. Mark. Over the centuries, the basilica’s opulent design and solid gold mosaics served as a symbol of Venetian wealth.

Touring the interior of the church is free but be prepared to wait in line to enter. The St. Mark’s Basilica opens at 9:30 a.m. and we arrived around 10 a.m. so the line was long and the wait time around 45 minutes.

As with all tourist attractions in Venice, I recommend booking tickets online, so you can skip the line.

St. Mark’s Campanile

The St. Mark’s Campanile towers high above St. Mark’s Square. It stands 323 feet high. It is easy to notice right away that this tower looks new compared to its surroundings. The tower had completely collapsed in 1902 and had to be rebuild.

You can climb on the top of the tower to get the best views of Venice. We skipped the climb even it is in an elevator and no stairs. But I saw many photos taken from the top and the views are really magnificent. From the top, you can have spectacular views of the whole St. Mark’s Square, the St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Venetian Lagoon, and nearby islands.

But I would recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is one of the most interesting landmarks in the city of Venice. It was built in 1340 in Venetian Gothic style. For centuries the palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice – the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice.

The government was made up of several councils. And the largest committee was created of the male members of every noble family in the city.

While it is a palace you can still buy the tickets and tour the Doge’s apartments.

Bridge of Sighs

We walked between the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile toward the blue waters of the Venetian Lagoon and found ourselves on the Riva degli Schiavoni – the lagoon’s waterfront.

It was a warm sunny day, and the views of the lagoon were absolutely beautiful. We could see the dozens of gondolas bobbing in the water, as well as the San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon. Walking along this wide waterfront promenade we reached the Bridge of Sighs on the left. You cannot miss this famous landmark because there are always groups of tourists taking pictures.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the enclosed bridges in Venice. It was built around 1600 out of white limestone, and you can see that it has windows with stone bars. The bridge was built to connect the new prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

After it was built, the bridge became a symbol of Venice’s architectural beauty and a reminder of the cruelty of life. According to legend the name of the bridge comes from the sighs of prisoners who crossed this passageway on the way to their prison cells. Many prisoners who made their way across the bridge could have the last glimpse of Venice and its blue lagoon.

Rialto Bridge and Venice’s Grand Canal

Four bridges go across Venice’s Grand Canal. And out of all of them, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and the most beautiful.

The first bridge was built around the 12th century. It was the only spot to cross the Grand Canal without boarding a boat. The current version of the Rialto Bridge dates to the late 16^th century. There are all kinds of shops lining both sides of this stone bridge. But the best part is to pause at the top of the bridge and enjoy the incredible views of the Grand Canal.

We walked across the Rialto Bridge and found the bustling Rialto Market. Originally it was built as a fish market in the 11^th century. Though parts of the market are filled with touristy stuff, this is still a local place where you can buy fresh produce and fish.

Gondolas and Vaporetto

The best way to explore Venice is from the water. And experiencing Venice’s canals is unforgettable. You can take a private (100 or 80 euro) or a group (60 euro) for 30 minutes gondola ride through the canals. Venice’s canals can be crowded, but we were traveling during the global pandemic times, so we didn’t see huge groups of tourists.

We didn’t book any gondola rides. Instead, we used Venice public transportation which is made up of boats. Taking a vaporetto or water bus is a great way to explore Venice from the water on a budget. We paid only 7.50 euros per person to get a ride along the Grand Canal which provides the same magnificent views of the city’s grand palaces.

Venice’s tiny streets and bridges

We walked towards the Ponte dell’ Accademia – one of the four bridges in Venice. This bridge was my favorite. We spent hours looking at the postcard-perfect view of the Grand Canal.

We liked to wander through many of the tiny pedestrian streets, alleyways, and bridges that make the real Venice. Unfortunately, many of the grand homes are boarded up and empty. Sometimes we noticed that the lower level already sits underwater.

Nevertheless, it is an amazing experience to get lost in Venice. You can find tiny dead-end bridges over the quiet canals that lead to hidden architectural gems. Small gardens grow in overhanging window boxes. And clothes drying lines span across the waterways.

If you want to learn more about Venice, I would recommend taking a 90-minutes walking tour. We have learned so much from our amazing guide about Venice’s history, art, and architecture.

Walking Tour with Get Your Guide

Final Thoughts

Before this trip, I had seen images of Venice in guidebooks, Instagram, and tourist brochures. But nothing had prepared me for its beauty. I fell in love with this city at first sight. Many times I just stopped in awe of its canal views, piazzas, and old palaces. The whole trip was a real treasure I will never forget.

Highlights of My Trip to Florence, Italy

by Maggie 6 Comments

I fell in love with the city of Florence on my first trip to Italy ten years ago. We spent only one day there, and it was not enough. This time I was so excited about spending 4 days in Florence before going to the Tuscany countryside – Castello Le Leccia – for my daughter’s wedding.

In this post, I wanted to share with you the highlights of my trip to the beautiful city of Florence.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is an amazing city known as the heart of the Italian Renaissance. It is full of history, art, architecture, and delicious food. The city’s rich history is full of big names such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, and Filippo Brunelleschi.

On our first day, we head out to the Piazza Del Duomo (Cathedral Square) which is the focal point of Florence. This is the main tourist hub, and it is also home to some of the most stunning attractions in Florence including the Duomo, the Campanile, the Baptistery.

The Duomo

The best-known structure of this big plaza is the Florence cathedral – the Duomo. The official name is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Flower (the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore) but everybody calls it “Duomo”.

The Duomo is the main church of Florence. The entire structure looks enormous and not only the great dome which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The construction began in 1296 and lasted for one hundred and forty years. The magnificent brick dome that covers the central space of the Duomo is considered the largest in Europe.

The Campanile

It is hard to miss another symbol of Florence – the Campanile. This magnificent tower is standing next to the Duomo, and it was designed by Giotto.

The three hundred feet high tower is one of the best showpieces of Florentine architecture and is often called ‘the Giotto’s Tower’. The façade was built in colorful green, pink, and white marble panels and it matches the façade of the Duomo.

If you want to go to the top of the tower to get the best panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills you have to be ready to climb 414 steps to reach the very top of the tower. There are no elevators! The climb is a workout. But you can go at a calm pace and make use of various terraces where you can stop, relax, and take pictures.

The Baptistery

Another impressive structure of the plaza is the Baptistery. The octagonal shape building stands across from the Duomo and the Giotto’s Tower.

The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to 1059. The exterior is very ornamental and decorated with Renaissance figures who were baptized here, including poet Dante Alighieri.

But the main attraction is the doors of the Baptistery. You can always see a big crowd of tourists trying to take pictures of the doors on all sides of the Baptistery. But I think the bronze doors portraying scenes from the New Testament draw the most attention. You cannot miss them.

The doors were created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. It took him 21 years to complete this project. These magnificent, gilded bronze doors consist of twenty-eight panels framed by ornamental foliage on both sides.

Palazzo Vecchio and statue of David

On our second day, we walked to the Piazza Della Signoria. It is one of the busiest and most popular squares in the city. The Palazzo Vecchio with a statue of David by Michelangelo is one of the main attractions.

The Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is the town hall of Florence. This solid massive building with two rows of Gothic windows and one simple tower has a long history.

The construction started in 1299 and lasted for more than one hundred years. In the beginning, it was built for the magistrates of the city. Then in the 1540s Duke Cosimo de Medici moved to the Palazzo and decided to turn this place into his residence showing the security of Medici family power in Florence.

Italian sculptor Michelangelo Buonarotti was born in Tuscany. He is frequently associated with Florence for his relationship with the Medici family. The work of this great Renaissance artist can be still found in Florence – drawings, sculpture, paintings, and architecture.

One of Michelangelo’s most well-known works is a marble statue of David – a symbol of strength and youthful beauty. In 1504 it was installed next to the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. In the late 19^th century the original statue of David was removed from the piazza and moved indoors to protect it from damage. Later on, the copy of David was placed in the same location.

If you want to see the original David, you need to visit the Museum of the Academia (Galleria dell’Accademia).

The Uffizi Gallery

The city of Florence is covered with fascinated museums, but the Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and famous museums in the world. Its name is associated with the work of great Renaissance artists – Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bellini, and many others.

The Uffizi Gallery has an incredible art and sculpture collection. When I travel, I like to go to the museums, but this time I skipped the Gallery because I visited it on my first trip to Florence. If you want to go, I would recommend to pre-buy your tickets so you can skip the waiting line.

Uffizi Gallery Entrance Tickets

studded door and marble sculptures-highlights of my trip to Florence

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge

You cannot visit Florence and not go and see the Ponte Vecchio bridge built in the 1300s. You have probably heard of it and seen many images. But it is something else when you are there and walk across its span.

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a unique place with hundreds of shops hanging over the Arno River. This famous old bridge is described as Europe’s oldest arch bridge.

It was a beautiful day and I spent three hours exploring the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. I feel like I am going back in time except that the vendors are no longer the medieval butchers and merchants. Today, the tiny shops are selling souvenirs, jewelry, and art.

Palazzo Pitti

Most people rush through a courtyard in the center of Palazzo Pitti to get to the gorgeous Boboli Gardens. The sandy façade of this grand palace looks rather plain. But when you step inside you will be overwhelmed by the opulence of this monumental structure.

For many centuries, the powerful Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy families served as the Grand Dukes of Florence and used the Palazzo Pitti as their personal residence.

It all started with the wife of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici, who didn’t like living in the narrow Palazzo Vecchio and decided to buy the Palazzo Pitti and turned it into the family residence. The Medici had done many renovations, expanded the palace, and added the large courtyard where many lush celebrations took place.

The Boboli Gardens

We spent a few hours walking around the Boboli Gardens. The most famous gardens in Florence are spread out directly behind the Pitti Palace. Like everything else, it didn’t grow overnight. Its creation started in the 15^th century and span over 400 hundred years.

We enjoyed walking through the beautifully manicured gardens and landscapes. You can spend hours there away from the crowds and traffic. It was very peaceful. The gardens are filled with grottos, trails, pools, arched walkways, and magnificent marble statues.

Another interesting fact is the construction of the Vasari corridor. This long-arched walkway was built to connect the Pitti Palace with the Uffizi, church, and Palazzo Vecchio. It would allow the Medici family members to move around the city without facing the public.

Piazza della Repubblica

The Piazza was originally built as a site of the city forum. But today it is a big plaza lined up with elegant cafes and a merry-go-around. We spent many hours walking around and sampling a lot of gelatos.

St. Lorenzo Market

The Lorenzo market is a huge local market located next to the St. Lorenzo church. I was planning to book a food tour there but never did. Probably next time. But I spent hours exploring a market on my own. Fresh produce, local food and wine, olive oil, and vinegar.

At the end of the day, we walked to Piazza Michelangelo for the spectacular sunset over the city with the hills of Tuscany in the background. We had to climb lots of stairs, but we were not disappointed because the views were definitely worth it.

We did a lot of walking all 4 days. Florence is an incredibly amazing city and I want to go back again. If you are new to this unique city, I recommend booking a 90-Minute Walking Tour.

Florence – Walking Tour with Get Your Guide

roof top terrace with the view of Florence — **We had the best view of the city of Florence from our Airbnb roof terrace**

Have you been to Florence? What were your highlights?

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What to Do and See in Vilnius, Lithuania?

by Maggie Leave a Comment

View over Vilnius' Old Town from the Gediminas Tower — Beautiful panoramic view over the Old Town with its orange rooftops and church towers.

Want to know what to see and things to do in Vilnius? On my recent trip to Lithuania, I got to explore the best this city has to offer and want to share it with you.

Lithuania is a country with a long history. The first Baltic tribes settled here in the 7th-2nd centuries BC. The country is one of the three Baltic States – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – and is located just north-east of Poland.

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania with a population of only half a million people. The city has a unique Old Town which considered as one of the largest remaining and best-preserved medieval towns in Northern Europe.

Vilnius’ Old Town was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the most beautiful and having the biggest Baroque style buildings in East and Middle Europe. No wonder it has been called a masterpiece of Baroque style.

When you plan a trip to Vilnius it’s best to stay in the Old Town, so you will be in the heart of everything and within a walking distance to all attractions.

Wander around Old Town

I feel that the Old Town has a perfect size to explore on foot. It’s a center of the tourist hub and there is no need for a touristy hop-on, hop-off bus. The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, parks, squares and beautiful pastel tone houses, some of them in a process of renovation.

This part of a city is a mixture of different architectural styles – Baroque, Gothic, Neo-Classical and Renaissance. Some buildings are dated back to the 13th century. It’s so easy to walk around, admire the architecture and pop in and out of trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Places to see in Old Town

Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square is Vilnius’ most important gathering place. The Square witnessed mass anti-Soviet Union demonstration in the fight for independence in 1991.

This grand place is home to the country’s main Roman Catholic Cathedral (Sts Stanislav and Vladislav Cathedral). The Cathedral is connected to the Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania which was originally built in the 15th century for the rules of Lithuania and future kings of Poland.

Sts Stanislav and Vladislav Cathedral (mostly called as Vilnius Cathedral) was built in 1251 by Grand Duke on an ancient site of a pagan temple. Rebuilt eleven times, it received its neo-classical facade in late 18th century. If you want to explore inside the cathedral you would find the impressive tombs of the members of Polish-Lithuanian royal dynasty.

Bell Tower of Vilnius Cathedral is one of the oldest and highest towers in Old Town. It was built as a defensive tower in the 13th century. Later in the 16th century, it was converted into the Cathedral bell tower. You can climb the narrow and steep stairs inside the tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top. Also, you can join the crowds at 5 p.m. and listen to the sound of big bells.

There are plenty of city walking tours offered at Cathedral Square in front of the Bell Tower.

Walking tour with Old Town, Uzupis and Brewery

Town Hall Square (Ratusha Square)

Town Hall Square in Vilnius Old Town — Town Hall Square is surrounded by modern and historic buildings

The Town Hall Square is a traditional center of big events and fairs in Vilnius. The history of this square dates to the 14th century when in 1387 Lithuania became a Christian State.

The neo-classical building of Vilnius’ Old Town Hall is in the center of this square. Walk around to see a mix of old and new buildings surrounded the square, get a taste of local beer or just enjoy the relaxing afternoon at the outdoor cafe.

Pilis Street

People are walking along cobblestone Pilis St. in Vilnius'Old Town — Pilis Street in Vilnius’ Old Town is always busy with locals and tourists.

Pilis Street is one of the oldest streets in Vilnius’ Old Town. Since ancient times, Pilis Street has been the link between the Town Hall Square and Cathedral Square.

Walking along the street you can see the great examples of authentic architecture, and enjoy a great variety of cafes, restaurants, and coffee houses. At the end of the street, it’s easy to see the red brick walls of Gediminas Tower mounted on the top of the hill. It’s the only remaining part of Vilnius Upper castle.

As the legend goes, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gediminas, first built the wooden castle after he had a dream about an iron wolf howling on the top of the hill.

Gediminas Tower

People are walking around Cathedral Square in Vilnius — Vilnius’ Cathedral Square with the Palace of Grand Dukes facade and the Gediminas Tower on the hilltop

The Gediminas Tower is all that remains of the royal castle, named after Grand Duke of Lithuania, and it’s located on the top of a hill behind the Cathedral.

The castle dates back to around 13th century and houses a small museum. The best way to get to the castle is by foot or you can take a funicular. This place is very popular with locals and tourists.

It offers the best panoramic view of the city. You can see the Old Town with its orange rooftops on one side and modern part of the city across Neris River on another side. Don’t miss it. It looks spectacular in any kind of weather.

Churches

Vilnius is often called “the city of 100 churches”

Lithuania was the last country in Europe to convert to Christianity around the 14th century. It managed to stick to their Catholic traditions and beliefs for a long time even though the harsh rules of Soviet Union times.

Most of Vilnius’ churches are a great example of the Baroque style: domes, rich interiors, and richness of decorative details. I always feel overwhelmed by the beauty of them and craftsmanship of people who build these great monuments.

St. Peter and Paul’ Church

St. Peter and Paul’ Church is considered the finest Baroque church interior in Vilnius with more than 2,000 stucco figures and it’s worth visiting.

St. Anne’ Church

St. Anne’ Church is my favorite and deserves its own point. The first church at this site was built out of wood and was destroyed by fire in 1419. Then the church was re-built out of brick. The main facade designed in the Flamboyant Gothic style remains its most striking feature.

According to a well-known legend, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte fell in love with the church. He was so much under the charm of the building that he wanted to take it home to Paris “on the palm of his hand” There is a special atmosphere when you walk inside this little church and spend some time breathing the air of the old history and legend.

St. Anne' Church in Vilnius'Old Town built in Gothic style and favored by Napoleon Bonaparte — St. Anne’ Church is called a masterpiece of Gothic architecture

Gates of Dawn

Gates of Dawn is the only surviving relic of the city’s original defensive wall, dated to 16th century. At that ancient time, the city was surrounded by a tall defensive wall and the only access to the city was through nine guarded gates. Today only one of the entrances remains – Gates of Dawn.

It attracts pilgrims from all over the worlds who come to visit and seek miracles from an icon of Virgin Mary which lives inside the Gate’s chapel.

The chapel with a sacred Virgin Mary icon once guarded an entrance to the original city. Even you’re not a religious person the Gates of Dawn will impress you. It’s much easier to come closer to the holy icon If you are there in the evening when all the tourist groups are gone.

Gates of Dawn in the Old Town of Vilnius — Gates of Dawn is the only surviving part of the city’s original defensive wall.

St. Casimir’ Church

St. Casimir’ Church is one of the finest Baroque churches in Vilnius. It’s located just a few steps from the Town Hall Square.

The construction of this monumental building started in 1604 and was completed in 1635. Then it was burnt to the ground 20 years later and then restored several times. The latest renovation project shows the beauty of the oldest Baroque-style church in Vilnius.

St. Casimir Church in Vilnius' Old Town — St. Casimir Church is the first and oldest Baroque-style church in Vilnius’ Old Town and next to Town Hall Square

Uzupis district

No trip to Vilnius would be complete without spending a few hours wandering the streets of its most unusual neighborhood – Uzupis and it translates “Beyond the River”.

You can get there by taking a short stroll across a bridge. It will bring to you to the self-declared republic of artists who declared themselves independent on April 1, 1997. Uzupis has its own president, prime minister, ambassadors, flag.

The biggest attraction is the constitution of Uzupis. You can find the whole text, translated into 15 languages, on the wall along Paupio street. One of my favorites: “everyone has the right to be happy and a dog has the right to be a dog”

If you want to explore the area properly, check all the quirky pubs and tiny art galleries, step into courtyards and spot some original street art. I always enjoy the bohemian feel and slow pace of life in this neighborhood.

Trakai Castle

Trakai Island Castle in Lithuania - view from the lake — Trakai Castle is on a picturesque lake Galve

Trakai is the old medieval town located just a half an hour from Vilnius. The main attraction is an impressive red-brick Gothic castle on a picturesque lake Galve. The construction of the castle started in the 14th century by the Grand Duke of Lithuania and completed by his son Vytautas the Great at the beginning of the 15th century.

The trip to Trakai and old castle could be a perfect day trip. You can get there by train, bus or a car.

red-brick walls of medieval Trakai Castle in Lithuania — We spent a few hours walking inside the medieval walls of the Trakai Castle.

Food

Traditional Lithuanian food is heavy and hearty, and it’s all about potato dishes. The most popular one is cepelinai (“Zeppelins”) – large boiled potato dumplings filled with minced meat or cottage cheese.

The most exotic Lithuanian dish is vedarai (potato sausage) – pork intestines stuffed with grated raw potatoes and baked in an oven or better in a wood stove.

Kibinais are traditional Lithuanian pastries filled with minced meat and onion. They are mostly associated with the city of Trakai.

On a hot summer day, locals love to eat saltibarsciai (cold beetroot soup) served with warm boiled potatoes.

photo of traditional Lithuanian cold beetroot soup — Traditional Lithuanian cold beetroot soup – saltibarsciai

There are so many great restaurants in Vilnius, but if you want to try traditional Lithuanian cuisine, I would recommend a few of my favorite choices: Lokys, Mykolo 4, Senoji Trobele or Etno Dvaras.

Beer

Lithuania is known as a beer-loving country. There are more than 80 breweries, large and small, producing all kind of beer, light or dark, weak or strong. There are plenty of pubs or bars off Ausros Vartu or Pillis Streets. I am not big on beer, but my husband does. He loves locally brewed dark ale with the bittersweet taste of it. Try any of these pubs: “Leiciai” or “Beer House & Craft Kitchen”.

Amber belt

window display with amber necklaces in the Old Town of Vilnius — Window shop display of amber necklaces in the Old Town of Vilnius.

The Baltic countries are famous for their amber and Lithuania is very often called “The Land of Amber”. Lithuania’s seashore is full of pieces of amber. Many amber artifacts dating to the 5th-6th century had been found during the excavation in many parts of the country.

In ancient times amber necklaces were used not only as a decoration but also as a currency. You can pick up a stylish take on the stone in the form of a necklace in many shops on Ausros Vartu or Pilis Street.

Places to stay

There is no shortage of all kind of accommodations in Vilnius.

We stayed at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija hotel next to the Town Hall Square. The location was perfect for walking around the Old Town. The hotel stands out with its Baroque-style facade. The beautiful architecture blends well with modern amenities. It has been recently renovated and accommodates guests in 119 comfortable rooms many of them facing the Town Hall Square.

George W. Bush was one of the hotel’s distinguished guest together with the long list of other dignitaries, royal families, and celebrities.

Getting to and around Vilnius

Getting to Vilnius should be relatively easy with the city’ recently modernized airport receiving flights from all over Europe. For this trip, we flew to Vilnius from Boston airport with one connecting stop in Frankfurt, Germany.

A taxi ride from the airport to the city center is short and relatively cheap between 10 to 20 euro. Getting around the city is simple and you can do most of it on foot.

But if you want to explore the city outside of the Old Town you can use an excellent city bus system starting at 5 a.m. and finishes at midnight. The city card like everything else in Vilnius is very affordable and you can buy one, three or ten passes.

Have fun visiting Vilnius!

Related Post: Our Trip to St. Martin

Have you been to Vilnius or any places in Lithuania?

How We Spent 2 Weeks in Spain and Portugal – Part 2

by Maggie Leave a Comment

I really wanted to visit Portugal. There is a lot of buzz in the travel community about the old-world charm of Lisbon, the beauty of the Algarve region, and port wineries of Porto. Roman, Ksenia and I agreed that we wanted to see it all and decided to spend the second part of our trip in Portugal visiting Porto, Lagos, and Lisbon.

The fifth day of our trip we spent traveling from Spain to Portugal.

Unfortunately, our early morning flight from Barcelona to Porto was overbooked and we didn’t get on that plane. The airline “Vueling” only offered us the next flight at 8pm, so we would be in Porto by 10pm. There would be no time left for any plans of sightseeing or port tasting in Porto.

We were very disappointed. But things happen when you travel. All you need is to use every opportunity for taking advantage of the unpleasant situation. We checked in our luggage, took the subway to Barceloneta and spend several hours on the beach. Later, we got back to the airport and hopped on our plane which was delayed several times.

Barcelona beach — Our early morning flight from Barcelona to Porto was overbooked. So, we decided to spend extra hours on the beach.

Porto

The sixth day of our trip we were planning to spend in Porto exploring the city and visiting the famous port houses. Unfortunately, the real-life interfered in our plans and we got stuck in Barcelona for one extra day and no chance to see the city of Porto.

When we checked in to Flores Village Hotel and Spa it was already late, dark, and cold. The receptionist was very friendly and offered us a glass of port while we were checking in.

Flores Village Hotel and Spa in Porto

The hotel had a perfect location in the old part of the town in an elegantly renovated 18th-century building with modern amenities. Our 1st floor room was very spacious and lovely decorated. It was facing the narrow street below with people strolling after dinner.

Next morning we had breakfast at the hotel with great selection of local cheeses, meat and sausages, fruits, eggs, bread, pastries, and options of juice, coffee, and tea.

The taxi ride from the hotel to the train station was around 20 minutes. The taxi driver was very nice and pointed at several historical sites and gave us a brief history of Porto. We liked what we saw.

Porto, Portugal - Old Town — Beautiful buildings of Old Town in Porto

The city was small and manageable after the big and bustling Barcelona. The construction cranes and scaffolds were everywhere, because the city was going through the major renovation time. I could see myself exploring the beauty of this place when we come back and stay a little bit longer next time.

Traveling from Porto to Lagos

The seventh day of our trip we spent traveling from Porto to the Algarve region.

You can travel from Porto to Lagos by train or bus. We took a train with two connecting stops in Lisbon and Tunes. The ride is almost 8 hours long. We had a two-hour stop at the main train station in Lisbon “Gare do Oriente”. Then another 4.5 hours from Lisbon to Lagos with a very quick transfer in Tunes.

Lagos

We arrived in Lagos at the end of the day and stayed there for four days.

Why we choose Lagos?

Lagos is a beach town in the South of Portugal region known as Algarve.

The Algarve is well known for its warm and dry climate, beautiful sandy beaches framed by jagged rocks and green hills with orange and lemon orchards.

Lagos, Portugal - white-washed houses — White-washed houses with terracotta tiles – newer part of Lagos

A little bit of history:

Lagos is located along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an ancient town with more than 2000 years of history. In the 6th-century, it was occupied by the Visigoths, later by the Byzantines, then by the Moors in the 8th-century.

The city of Lagos was the capital of the Algarve region in the 13th- and 14th- centuries. The first great Portuguese sea expeditions embarked from here. The first African slave market in Europe was held here.

Lagos old town is defined by 16th-century medieval walls and stretches between Praca Gil Eanes (the main square) and the fort.

The wide pedestrian street along the bank of Bensafrim River is called Lagos Promenade. You can take a pleasant walk with the views of palm trees and busy little boats. We found that most of the tourists spend their evening time in the old town. It’s packed with all kind of restaurants, funky cafes, bars, and nightclubs. The atmosphere is very relaxing and enjoyable.

Beaches:

The beaches around Lagos are famous for their dramatic scenery.

The most popular beaches are Praia da Batata, Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. The picturesque cliff formations work as a background for secluded sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.

Dona Ana Beach in Lagos, Portugal — Dona Ana Beach

Dona Ana Beach (Praia Dona Ana) is the most popular with stunning views. You need to use wooden stairs to get to the beach. There are a basic restaurant, and a kiosk for rentable chairs with umbrellas.

Camilo Beach (Praia do Camilo) is more secluded. The view from the top is breathtaking. Picturesque cliffs embrace the little sandy beach with blue waters. There are wooden stairs to get down to the beach. Don’t forget to bring your own blankets, umbrellas, but you will not be disappointed.

The beach is a sheltered bay and perfect for swimming and suntanning. There is a seafood restaurant on the cliff above the beach with a spectacular view. You may need to book it in advance. We tried to get there, but it was always fully booked.

Where to stay in Lagos:

We stayed at Villas D. Dinis Charming Residence.

Villas Dinnis Hotel - Villa Rose — We stayed at Villa Rose in Lagos. This complex of small villas is a part of Villas D Dinnis Hotel.

It’s a complex of small villas or option of rooms in the main building. The hotel is for adults only. We stayed at Villa Rose. The Villa Rose is a complex of 5 attached suites and has a little pool to share, the cabana style patio with lounge chairs and another one with beds.

Our corner suite was clean, spacious and had a small roof terrace with a beautiful view of the neighborhood. The best part that it was very close to Dona Ana beach.

Where to eat in Lagos:

Fresh fish served in many Lagos restaurants

There are so many good places to eat in Lagos. Most of them serve fish and seafood caught no more than a few hours earlier.

Most of the restaurants are located along Rua 25 de Abril. We dined a couple of nights there and were a little bit disappointed. The choice of dishes was catered to the tourists with long menus in English.

Then one night we decided to try several places outside of the main drag and liked them more.

Our favorite dishes were deep-fried squid, steamed tiny clams and grilled seabass all served with plenty of vegetables.

Lisbon

After four days in Lagos, we said good-bye to this lovely beach town. The last leg of our trip was Lisbon. Saturday morning, we hopped on the early train to Tunes and one hour later changed to the one going to Lisbon.

Lisbon at glance:

Lisbon is Portugal’s coastal capital. One time it was Old World capital of the huge empire stretching from Europe to Brazil to Africa and to China. The city was built on seven hills and has many spectacular views.

Old Town of Lisbon is an interesting combination of the narrow and steep streets with mosaic sidewalks, tall buildings adorned with multicolored tiles, decorative wrought-iron balconies, trendy cafes and designer boutiques. It is old and modern, trendy and charming all at once.

Lisbon - city view — Our favorite spot with the best city views at Miradouro de Sao pedro de Alcantara

It was our first time in Lisbon, so we decided to walk, explore the city, and enjoy the relaxed café culture of Portugal.

We had booked an Airbnb apartment which was in the old city of Lisbon in the residential neighborhood of Principe Real. The apartment was a short walk to downtown called Baixa.

The Baixa district is the heart of Lisbon. It consists of grand avenues, impressive plazas and shopping boulevards with trendy boutiques.

Places we visited:

Praca do Comercio is Lisbon’s largest open square situated next to RioTejo (River Tagus). You can tell that it’s a focal point for events, festivities, shopping, and dining.

The monumental Arco da Rua Augusta is at the entrance of Praca do Comercio. The arch was built to mark the reconstruction of the city after the 1755 earthquake.

On the other side of the Arco da Rua Augusta is the main shopping street Rua Augusta. This wide pedestrian street has many fashionable boutiques and upscale hotels and restaurants.

The Elevator Santa Justa is one of the major tourist attractions right off Rua Augusta. This giant elevator was designed by an apprentice of Gustav Eiffel and considers as an artistic marvel of the industrial age. The lift takes you 32 meters up inside the ornate metal tower to the platform with spectacular city views.

By the end of our trip, we were tired and didn’t book any city tours in advance. But the basic hop on and hop off tour helped us to go around the city in a more relaxed way.

CitySightseeing in Lisbon

Roman and I bought the bus tour tickets from CitySightseeing company. It was very affordable – 44 euros for two of us and you can spread the tours in two days.

Cathedrals of Old Town of Lisbon — Beautiful cathedrals of Old Town

The first day we went with a red line bus tour. There were two amazing places we wanted to come back and explore more: Torre de Belem (Tower of Belem) and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

The next day we took a blue line bus tour. The tour started at Praca do Comercio and took us east of the city along the river, old and new docks and warehouses, through modern buildings of Oceanario de Lisboa and Gare do Oriente (train station) and then down south through Jardim Zoologico and very popular Parque Eduardo VII.

Places we want to visit next time:

After staying in Lisbon for four days we already knew that we need to come back and explore this city in full.

Here is our list:

Torre de Belem (Tower of Belem) is the 16th-century fortress placed on the Tagus River. It was built to welcome the returning sailors. It was from Belem that Vasco da Gama set sail for India at the end of the 15th-century and returned a year later.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery) is a large complex including a church, cloisters, and galleries in combined Renaissance and Gothic styles. It was built as a celebration of the discovery of a sea route to the Orient and beginning of Portuguese’s golden age.

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George castle) is another Lisbon’s famous landmark. The castle was once the heart of a walled city that spread downhill as far as the river. It was built on the original site of the Moorish castle which was defeated in 12th-century by Crusaders. There are spectacular views overlooking the historic center of Lisbon.

Take away from our trip

It was our first visit to Portugal. We liked the places we had visited, we liked the fresh food and very friendly Portuguese people. During our travels, we come across countless construction sites in every city. Portugal is a country with many old and medieval buildings which are being preserved and restored. The process is slow.

Lisbon - narrow and steep streets ofOld Town - — Narrow and steep streets of Old Town in Lisbon

There are tourists everywhere and the streets are narrow and steep. And yet every place we visited had its own distinct charm. There is a lot of history and beautiful architecture around every corner. We are planning to come back and explore this country next time.

How We Spent 2 Weeks in Spain and Portugal – Part 1

Related Post: Our Trip to St. Martin

Have you visited Portugal? What places did you visit? Share your comments below.