Vilnius: The Hidden Gem of the Baltics

• HelloLabas
  [lah-bahs]
• GoodbyeViso gero
  [vee-so geh-ro]
• YesTaip
  [taip]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomePrašau
  [prah-shau]
• Thank youAčiū
  [ah-choo]
• Excuse me/SorryAtsiprašau
  [aht-see-prah-shau]
• How are you?Kaip tu?
  [kai-p too]
• Fine. And you?Gerai. O tu?
  [geh-ry. oh too]
• Do you speak English?Ar kalbate angliškai?
  [ahr kahl-bah-te ahng-leesh-kai]
• I don't understandAš nesuprantu
  [ahsh neh-soo-prahn-too]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNorėčiau pamatyti meniu, prašau
  [noh-reh-chow pah-mah-tee-tee meh-nyoo, prah-shau]
• I don't eat meatAš nevalgau mėsos
  [ahsh neh-val-gow meh-sohs]
• Cheers!Į sveikatą!
  [ee svee-kah-tah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNorėčiau sumokėti, prašau
  [noh-reh-chow soo-moh-keh-tee, prah-shau]

• Help!Pagalba!
  [pah-gahl-bah]
• Go away!Išeik!
  [ee-sheh-eek]
• Call the Police!Paskambinkite policijai!
  [pah-skahm-been-kee-te poh-lee-tsee-yai]
• Call a doctor!Paskambinkite gydytojui!
  [pah-skahm-been-kee-te geh-dee-toh-yoo-ee]
• I'm lostAš pasiklydau
  [ahsh pah-see-kloo-dow]
• I'm illAš sergu
  [ahsh sehr-goo]

• I'd like to buy...Norėčiau pirkti...
  [noh-reh-chow peerk-tee]
• I'm just lookingAš tik žiūriu
  [ahsh teek zyoo-ree-oo]
• How much is it?Kiek tai kainuoja?
  [kyek tai kai-noo-yah]
• That's too expensiveTai per brangu
  [tai pehr brahn-goo]
• Can you lower the price?Ar galite sumažinti kainą?
  [ahr gah-lee-te soo-mah-zin-tee kai-nah]

• What time is it?Kiek valandų?
  [kyek vah-lahn-doo]
• It's one o'clockViena valanda
  [vyeh-nah vah-lahn-dah]
• Half past (10)Dešimt ir pusė
  [deh-sheemt eer pooh-seh]
• MorningRytas
  [ree-tahs]
• AfternoonPopietė
  [poh-pyeh-teh]
• EveningVakaras
  [vah-kah-rahs]
• YesterdayVakar
  [vah-kahr]
• TodayŠiandien
  [shyah-n-dyehn]
• TomorrowRytoj
  [ree-toy]
• 1Vienas
  [vyeh-nahs]
• 2Du
  [doo]
• 3Trys
  [treese]
• 4Keturi
  [keh-too-ree]
• 5Penki
  [pen-kee]
• 6Šeši
  [sheh-shee]
• 7Septyni
  [sehp-tee-nee]
• 8Aštuoni
  [ah-shtwoh-nee]
• 9Devyni
  [deh-vee-nee]
• 10Dešimt
  [deh-sheemt]

• Where's a/the...?Kur yra...
  [koor yrah]
• What's the address?Koks adresas?
  [kohks ah-dreh-sahs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ar galite man parodyti (žemėlapyje)?
  [ahr gah-lee-te mahn pah-roh-dit-te zheh-meh-lah-pyeh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada kitas...
  [kah-dah kee-tahs]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilietas (į ....)
  [bee-lyeh-tahs ee]

Vilnius was founded in the early 14th century by Grand Duke Gediminas. According to legend, Gediminas had a dream of an iron wolf standing on a hill, which was interpreted by a pagan priest as a sign to build a city that would become a great capital. This vision led to the founding of Vilnius in 1323, and it quickly grew as a political and cultural center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Vilnius thrived as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It became a melting pot of different cultures, including Polish, Jewish, Russian, and German communities. This period saw the construction of many significant buildings, such as the Vilnius Cathedral and the Vilnius Castle Complex, which became symbols of the city's burgeoning architectural heritage.

In 1569, the Union of Lublin resulted in the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a political union between Poland and Lithuania. Vilnius remained a crucial city within this new entity, serving as a vital cultural and educational hub. The establishment of Vilnius University in 1579 by King Stephen Báthory further cemented the city's importance, attracting scholars and students from across Europe.

The late 18th century was a tumultuous period for Vilnius, as the city experienced the effects of the Partitions of Poland. Between 1772 and 1795, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was divided among the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Monarchy. Vilnius was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1795, marking the beginning of a new era in its history.

Throughout the 19th century, Vilnius was a center of political and cultural resistance against Russian rule. The November Uprising of 1830-1831 saw Polish and Lithuanian forces attempting to overthrow Russian domination. Although the uprising was ultimately unsuccessful, it demonstrated the resilience and determination of the city's inhabitants. During this time, Vilnius also became a hub for the Lithuanian National Revival, a movement aimed at preserving and promoting Lithuanian identity and culture.

Vilnius faced significant hardships during World War II. The city was initially occupied by the Soviet Union in 1939, then by Nazi Germany in 1941. The Jewish community in Vilnius, once a vibrant and integral part of the city's fabric, was decimated during the Holocaust. Over 90% of Vilnius' Jewish population was killed, and the city’s Jewish Quarter was largely destroyed. This period left a lasting scar on the city and its people.

After World War II, Vilnius was incorporated into the Soviet Union as part of the Lithuanian SSR. The Soviet era brought significant changes to the city, including industrialization and the construction of new residential areas. However, this period was also marked by repression and efforts to suppress Lithuanian culture and national identity. Despite these challenges, Vilnius remained a focal point for Lithuanian intellectual and cultural life.

Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990, and Vilnius was at the heart of this movement. The city's residents played a crucial role in the events leading up to the fall of the Soviet Union, including the peaceful protests and the January Events of 1991, where Soviet forces attempted to suppress the independence movement. Vilnius emerged as the capital of a newly independent Lithuania, embarking on a path of democratic and economic development.

Since Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004, Vilnius has experienced significant growth and modernization. The city has become a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub, attracting tourists, businesses, and cultural events from around the world. In 2009, Vilnius was named a European Capital of Culture, highlighting its rich historical and cultural heritage. Today, Vilnius continues to evolve, blending its historical charm with modern dynamism.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is well connected internationally. The main gateway is Vilnius International Airport (VNO), located about 6 km south of the city center. Direct flights are available from major European cities. Alternatively, you can reach Vilnius by train from neighboring countries like Poland, Latvia, and Belarus. Bus services operated by companies such as Eurolines and Lux Express also connect Vilnius to various European cities.

Vilnius has an efficient public transportation system comprising buses and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, online, or directly from the driver. The city also offers a bike-sharing service and numerous taxi options, including ride-hailing apps like Bolt. For those preferring self-driving, car rental services are available at the airport and in the city center.

The official currency in Lithuania is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets that may not accept cards.

Vilnius is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being cautious with personal belongings in crowded places. Areas like the bus station or some parts of the Old Town can be hotspots for pickpocketing, so stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Vilnius has several hospitals and medical facilities that can provide urgent care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and season-appropriate, but avoid overly casual attire when dining out at upscale restaurants or visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; always cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Vilnius like a local, stroll through the Užupis district, a bohemian neighborhood with its own 'constitution.' Visit local markets such as Hales Market for fresh produce and Lithuanian delicacies. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss the opportunity to attend local events and festivals, which provide a deep dive into Lithuanian culture.