FAST FACTS ABOUT LITHUANIA

• European Union membership: since 2004
• Official language: Lithuanian, with English and Russian widely spoken
• Currency: Euro €
• Country dialing code: 00370 or +370
• Emergency number: 112
• Capital and the biggest city: Vilnius

Vilnius tourist information: www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/

VILNIUS
Vilnius - Lithuania's capital, has been quietly charming tourists and conference delegates for years, drawing in visitors with the largest baroque Old Town in eastern Europe, then wowing them with an offbeat elegance, a complex history and a cultural scene that's uniquely Lithuanian. Vilnius under-promises and over-delivers

OLD TOWN CHARM
Dating back to the 14th century, Vilnius has quite the historical pedigree. While the city's Unesco-listed Old Town is primarily known for its baroque buildings (of which the meticulously restored Palace of the Grand Dukes is one), a variety of styles are crammed onto its diminutive medieval footprint, from the Gothic St Anne's Church to the classical exterior of the gargantuan Vilnius Cathedral.

Aside from its architectural clout, the Old Town's jumbled cobbled streets are simply a delight to wander through; perfect for getting lost and 'finding' yourself in one of the many cafe-bars ferreted away in its alleyways or courtyards.

MUST SEE SPOTS IN VILNIUS

• Vilnius Cathedral Square
• Vilnius Cathedral
• The Bell Tower
• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
• Monument for the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas
• The majestic Gediminas castle
• A hill of Three Crosses