An underrated beautiful city with a vibrant culture and diverse architecture has been dubbed the “cheapest in Europe”. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is a perfect example of an affordable European destination without any tourists. 

Located in the southeastern part of Lithuania, near the Belarusian border, Vilnius is situated in the picturesque valley of the Neris River and surrounded by hills and forests.

The Lithuanian capital topped the Post Office’s 2023 City Costs Barometer report, which calculates the cost of a weekend getaway in 48 cities across the continent.  It was beaten only by Lison when it came to getting the most bang for your buck.

The city is steeped in history and has been an important center of culture, trade, and politics in Eastern Europe.

One can discover its World War II past and more through guided walks and museum visits. 

Vilnius is famous for its colourful hot air balloon rides, offering a scenic view of the city. You can book a ride starting from £148.09.

While there are no beaches close by, you can enjoy mountain excursions, swimming in natural lakes, and even coffee tasting tours. 

For about £29 (35 euros), you can join a mountain biking tour of Pavilniai Regional Park nearby.

In Vilnius, the average three-course dinner for two including a house wine comes out to £52.86, and you can even snag a beer for as little as £2.69. 

If you are looking for accommodation, two nights in a three-star hotel for two comes out to £128.

Indulge yourself in Lithuanian cuisine at local restaurants and cafes, and try traditional dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and kugelis (potato pudding).

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.

It has historically been home to various religious communities, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

Travellers who have been to the city have shared their tales on Tripadvisor forum. 

One person said: “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 (tip: take a trip to Trakkai and plan enough time for the old town) 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.”

A second user chimed in: “Vilnius, Lithuania is a gem of a find when it comes to exploring European cities. This small capital in the Baltic is highly overshadowed by its more famous sister cities, Tallin, Estonia and Riga, Latvia.

“However, it offers an equally enjoyable experience, is less touristy and much more laid back, making it a great holiday visit for a few days if you are interested in visiting the Baltic region of Europe.”