We continued our journey through the Baltic countries.

After exploring Kaunas, then Klaipeda on the coast, and the beaches of Palanga, we finally arrived in the capital: Vilnius.

Many travelers come directly here, ignoring the rest of the country.

But after seeing the coastal area and the second largest city, Vilnius makes even more sense.

It's the largest city in Lithuania.

And recently, it's also the most populous of the three Baltic countries, with over 600,000 inhabitants.

I arrived on a particularly hot day, around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

The difference with Palanga was striking.

There, it was around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), with a breeze and that cool feeling typical of the Baltic coast.

Here, on the other hand, the heat was truly palpable in the streets.

People walked more lightly, the terraces were full, and the city had a different energy.

As soon as you reach the city center, you feel like you're in a true capital.

More activity, more outdoor cafes, more people in the streets, especially on weekends.
Vilnius is a very pleasant city for walking.
Distances in the city center are manageable, the streets invite you to stroll at a leisurely pace, and you can spend hours walking without getting too tired.
It's not an overwhelming city. It has a rhythm, but also spaces to breathe.
Fellow traveler, if you like cities with character, Vilnius has something special.
It's not a cold and overly clean capital.
There's history, contrast, and a real energy.

And what's more, prices are still attractive.
Compared to much more touristy destinations in Western Europe, here you can still eat, drink, and get around without breaking the bank.