This impromptu, solo trip came right after a visit to Warsaw as I had a couple of extra days before I needed to head back to Germany. So, I figured, why not hop up to Vilnius? After all, another four-hour train ride from Warsaw was a breeze compared to the journey from southern Germany.

I left for Vilnius from Warsaw on March 27 and returned on March 29, making the most of every moment in this charming Baltic city. I also want to point out quickly that as a young female, I felt extremely safe the entire time. Even when walking through streets at 3am, I never felt like I needed to worry for my safety which was something I didn’t even feel in Scotland when I traveled there in 2020.

Arriving in the late afternoon, I walked from the train station through picturesque cobblestoned streets with Orthodox and Catholic churches on both sides. The standout was the Church of St. Casimir, its vibrant pink hues making it truly memorable.

My accommodation for the trip was Jimmy Jumps Hostel, a short 20-minute walk from the station. After settling into my bunk, I struck up a conversation with two British gentlemen who turned out to be old school friends. Despite their divergent paths in life, they made it a tradition to meet annually. We bonded over drinks at a local bar they recommended, exchanging stories about growing up in America, Ireland, and England until closing time. One amusing highlight was their incredulous reaction when I mentioned the prevalence of German-Irish and Scot-Irish ancestry where I grew up.

The next morning, I set out to explore Vilnius. My first stop was the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, which was bustling with school groups. I immersed myself in the archaeological excavations and admired the reconstructed rooms, though I wish they had had more detailed information during the audio tour or even on signage (whether in English or in Lithuanian).

Following this historical dive, I visited Vilnius Cathedral, where I stayed for a service, marveling at its architectural splendor and the gorgeous art decorating every surface possible. Next, I wandered into the Republic of Uzupis, a bohemian artistic enclave. Founded in 1997, this district has been artistic for decades, even during the Soviet-era when artists squatted in abandoned buildings. A word of caution: while Uzupis offers passport stamps, it’s best for Americans to avoid them to prevent potential travel issues with CBP—a tip I received from a hostel employee.

Continuing my exploration, I visited the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, the Vilnius Ghetto Memorial, and Writer’s Lane.

For dinner, I treated myself to Etno Dvaras, where I sampled their mead and indulged in what quickly has become a favorite food: potato pudding. Served in a rustic pot with sour cream, this dish won me over with its fluffy texture and hearty flavor while remaining distinct from mashed potatoes. So much so that I requested an extra serving to enjoy as breakfast the next day before catching my train back home.

As I boarded the train the following day, I reflected on my attempt at a “vibing trip”, it was a wonderful experience and I hope to go back someday. Of course, my train trip back to Poland from Vilnius would quickly become an adventure in and of itself, but that’s a post for another day.