Stunning European city just two hours from UK overlooked by tourists | Europe | Travel

A stunning European capital located just a two-hour flight away from the UK could be the perfect place for a city break.

Vilnius in Lithuania is packed with stunning architecture set against green surroundings while visitors need not break the bank to go, with the average two-day trip including accommodation, dinner for two, drinks, sightseeing fees and transportation within the city coming to £237 according to the Post Office.

The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming squares.

The main Cathedral Square is dominated by the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and the bell tower, an iconic symbol of the city, along with the main thoroughfare of Vilnius, Gediminas Avenue.

The street is lined with landmarks such as the National Drama Theatre and the Museum of Genocide Victims, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants.

And the city makes for the perfect place to try some traditional Lithuanian food such as cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), and kugelis (potato pudding), as well as international cuisine.

One of the city’s highest-rated restaurants is Peronas, which is located in a former train station and offers a unique atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music. It also has a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails.

A must-visit for beer lovers is Alaus Biblioteka, which translates to “Beer Library” and offers over 250 types of beer from Lithuania and around the world.

Vilnius is perhaps most famous for its colourful hot air balloon rides, offering a scenic view of the city, rides start from £148.

The city also has a diverse religious heritage, with Catholicism being the predominant religion. It is often referred to as the ‘Jerusalem of the North’ due to its long history of religious tolerance and coexistence.

Those who have already visited the Lithuanian capital describe it as “beautiful” and say they cannot wait to return.

One Tripadvisor review read: “Vilnius is certainly the least beautiful capital in the Baltics. This is certainly due to the fact that Vilnius is not on the sea. But Vilnius is a very interesting city with a great old town.

“There are numerous good hotels, great sights and it is also a good place to live and have a good holiday. Vilnius can be reached from the other Baltic capitals by good bus connections as well as from Kleipeda on the Curonian Spit.”

The city also has a diverse religious heritage, with Catholicism being the predominant religion. It is often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the North” due to its long history of religious tolerance and coexistence.