Vilnius is the capital City of Lithuania and the old town has UNESCO World Heritage status for its baroque architecture.
We stayed at City Camping https://www.camping.lt/campings/vilnius-city this site worked really well for us and had really good facilities. We were even able to catch the city sightseeing bus straight into town each day at 9.40am for 1 euro each.
The bus dropped us off right next to the Bell Tower.
Right by the bell tower is the Stebuklas ‘Miracle’ tile. This tile is shrouded in mystery and no one really knows much about it. It is famous for its magical, wish granting properties but it also represents a momentous day in history too. On the 23rd August 1989 approximately 2 million people joined hands across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to make the longest unbroken human chain in history, which spanned over 370 miles long and ended at the Stebuklas tile.
We then headed over to The Republic of Uzupis.
On the 1st April 1998 the district of Uzupis declared itself and independent republic. This means it has its own flag, a constitution, unofficial currency, a president, cabinet ministers and an army (11 men of which have all now retired). The area is certainly unique and well worth a visit. It has been compared to Montmartre in Paris due to its bohemian and laissez-faire atmosphere.
It is in this area you will find the mermaid and it is said those who surrender to the mermaids charm will remain in Uzupis forever.
As we walked back into the old town of Vilnius we discovered the open air gallery and each piece of work is from a different artist.
The 16th century Gate of Dawn contains a shrine with the sacred Virgin Mary icon once guarded the entrance to the original city.
There’s plenty to see and do in Vilnius. It has a great range of shops and restaurants too. We had lunch at Etnos Dvaras https://etnodvaras.lt/ It is the only restaurant in Vilnius to be certified by the Culinary Heritage Foundation, which means the food is prepared and uses traditional cooking methods.
Potato Pancakes with Mushroom Sauce 
Layered Herring Salad 
Sausage with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potato 
Cold Beetroot Soup
We had great fun at the Museum of Illusions too.
There is plenty more to see and do in Vilnius but it was time for us to move on as the weather was turning to liquid sunshine but we both recommend a visit.
