Favorite spots in Latvia or Lithuania? I have ten days, a decent background in Baltic history, and absolutely zero specific plans for an upcoming October trip. Would love any and all suggestions! Bookstores, hotels, hostels, veg/pescatarian restaurants, bike trails, museums, markets, architectural treasures, music shops, cafes...

Question

Kendra · Answer

Lithuania!!!: Oh, this is the best question! Most of the recs below are for Vilnius :)

Coffee: Mon. coffee shop,  Kitchen Coffee Vilnius

Books: Mint Vinetu

Everything in the Senatorių Pasažas courtyard is divine. Fantastic wine, grill, cardamom buns at the bakery in the morning

For Lithuanian cuisine— Šnekutis

If you want a ritzy hotel, Hotel Pacai is super cool and has an incredible spa.

Bernardine Garden is lovely for a walk and in the evenings, a courtyard has a ton of great food trucks—Malfatti is the winner, incredible handmade pasta

Go for a walk in Užupis, look at the art galleries, and book ahead for a wonderful, cozy meal at Le Travi

Halės Market is a real cultural experience, and Senamiesčio Krautuvėle has all sorts of great local snacks and treats

The island castle of Trakai is a must-visit, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take a hot air balloon there or over the old town of Vilnius :)

Could take a wonderful day trip to the spa town of Druskininkai, and if you do, rent bikes in town and ride through the lovely forest to Grūtas park

Enjoy Lithuania!! It is the absolute best

Lisa Smith · Answer

Loved Hotel Neiburgs in Riga… Rothko art museum in Daugauvpils, Latvia is wonderful.: Neiburgs is a boutique hotel in Old Town... Cozy and great location. Rothko was born in Daugavpils. A great collection of his work housed in an amazing historic building.

Peach Kelly · Answer

Vilnius: We did a Poland, Finland and Baltics trip a couple summers ago! We stayed in Vilnius, Lithuania and Riga, Latvia.

One notable shop I loved was Linen Tales in Vilnius (Bernardinų g. 10, Vilnius). I could have spent an hour looking at the linens (if it weren’t for my husband lol). They have a small cafe, so you can get a coffee & browse 🥲

We also visited a Georgian restaurant called Georgian House. The food was fantastic! Lovely outdoor seating area and cozy interior. It was outside of the old town area so didn’t feel super touristy over there.