Vilnius is an enchanting capital city known for its awe-inspiring architecture that ranges from stunning Gothic cathedrals to prominent Neo Classic-inspired structures. Though a bustling city with medieval accents, Vilnius has the wondrous feel of an excessively large village. Vilnius Old Town is an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site and is awash with historic splendor, from cobblestone streets to age-old buildings. Top tourist highlights include the stately Presidential Palace, ornate St. Anne’s Church, and two compelling Jewish quarters. To find out what favored items to purchase in this amazing city, you must scroll down to see this list of what to buy in Vilnius, Lithuania.
1. Amber jewelery
One of the most cherished stones in the country, Amber is ideal for making exquisite jewelry. Though amber is available throughout many areas of the globe, it is believed Baltic amber is by far the best quality. As a result, amber products, particularly jewelry, are in high demand in Lithuania. Locals and tourists alike scour charming gift shops, casual street markets, and deluxe boutiques hunting for the perfect amber merchandise such as necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and more. You can’t go wrong purchasing first-rate amber jewelry in Vilnius.
2. Mead
If you’re a wine lover, then mead is something you should taste at least once. Considered one of the earliest alcoholic beverages on the globe, Mead is created by fermenting sweet honey with water and occasionally adding a variety of fresh fruits, flavorful spices, grains, or hops. Not as popular as it once was, this centuries-old libation does, however, have a rich tradition in Lithuania and is still celebrated. Given its revered status in this country, it’s worth sampling this unique concoction. Lietuviškas Midus is the largest producer of mead in Lithuania and occasionally holds mead tastings in Vilnius.
3. Lithuanian basketball jersey
Lithuanians are fanatical about basketball and if there’s a major tournament going on such as the Olympics or EuroBasket, you will no doubt see almost every local dressed in the team colors of their favorite Lithuanian National basketball team. If you want to blend in, then purchasing a brightly colored and winningly designed jersey is a no-brainer. If you can’t wait and want to own one before you arrive in Vilnius, a great place with a large selection of rare or custom-made Lithuanian basketball jerseys can be purchased at Superfanas online.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Honey and beeswax candles
Local Lithuanians are crazy about honey and beeswax candles. Whether adding a dollop of honey to tea or swallowing a spoonful to coat a sore throat, the tastiness and health benefits of what locals refer to as liquid gold is an everyday part of peoples’ lives in Vilnius. The honey found in this region is produced from a variety of distinctive flowers and herbs that enhance the honey’s quality. Locally made beeswax candles offer decorative purchases often carved into lovely figures. These candles provide a nice yet understated natural scent of sweet honey and you can light them at dinnertime and they won’t overpower any food aromas.
5. Ceramic artworks
One of the most splendid buys in Vilnius is ceramic artworks. Eye-popping designs and colorful brilliance is on full display when you browse Lithuanian ceramics. No matter if you purchase bowls for everyday use or a fanciful plate to highlight a bookcase in your living room, the ceramic artworks you can find in this city are a cut above. The types of ceramics are just as impressive from snazzy wind chimes to hang on your back porch to ostentatious beer steins to hold your favorite sudsy ales. Many of these wares can be bought directly from craftsmen or at an endless selection of gift stores.
6. Traditional woolen knitwear in Lithuania
If you arrive in Vilnius during the blustery winter months then you have the perfect opportunity to buy indulgently warm, classic Lithuanian woolen knitwear. A huge selection of cozy woolen mittens, toasty socks, easy-wear sweaters, head-warming caps, and more are a breeze to find throughout the city. Available in a limitless array of vibrant designs and patterns, traditional Lithuanian knitwear is a prized example of expert handwork as well as comfortable pieces of clothing.
7. Wood carvings
Lithuania boasts a rich wooden folk art tradition and an ideal gift is fabulous wood carvings from quaint gift shops found in Vilnius Old Town. Wander into the collection of charming stores on Pilies Street and you’ll uncover great wooden crafts such as graceful statuettes, attractive medallions, handsome boxes, and intricate pieces of wooden jewelry. If you’re a cooking fan, then Vilnius is also a top spot to stock up on sturdy and handy kitchen utensils such as wooden spatulas, spoons, or mixing bowls.
8. Clay jugs and decorative clay souvenirs
Explore any street market or high-end department store in Vilnius and you’re sure to find irresistible clay jugs and decorative clay souvenirs. From fancy teacups to attractive water jugs, Lithuania has an expansive choice of incredibly designed kitchenware and tableware. You’ll also uncover wonderful knick-knacks to enhance your home decor, such as gorgeous figurines and colorful clay bells. There are even fun whistles to delight kids. Jiesia is an established Lithuanian brand since 1938 and masterfully produces enticing items such as shapely clay decanters with matching cups.
9. Degtinė, or Lithuanian vodka
Mead isn’t the only alcoholic beverage Vilnius is known for. Degtinė - or Lithuanian vodka - is a choice for libation for locals when they want to gather friends and family to unwind or to celebrate at a large wedding bash. This grain-based spirit is grown in the fruitful fields of Lithuania and the fresh drinking water added to the fermentation is filtered through no less than a six-stage filtration system. The natural raw materials and softening additives enhance its noteworthy taste. Lithuanians are fiercely proud of their vodka and you can find Degtinė at conventional supermarkets in Vilnius such as Maxima.
10. Linen and other textiles
Touting a back-to-nature mindset, Lithuanian’s eagerly embrace natural linen along with other textiles. Fetching table cloths, soft towels, pretty scarves, and breathable linen clothing are abundantly available in plenty of shops. Typically, linen was a considerably affordable and easily accessible material in the Baltic region throughout several centuries, so it became a go-to fabric for just about every purpose. Linens are usually presented in natural taupe coloring, but you can buy dyed items in any color. To get top-quality linens directly from expert artisans, head to an outdoor market and check out the latest creations.
Top-notch Vilnius buys
Vilnius offers a dreamy essence you never want to forget. To keep memories of this town alive after you depart, choose a few items from this list. A nifty clay pitcher or a colorful knit cap is sure to help you remember your once-in-a-lifetime Lithuanian adventure
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to