- Most Popular!
- 3 hours Duration 3 hours
- Food, Activity Type Food Culture Activity Type Culture
With a fascinating fusion of Jewish, Polish, Italian, and Russian influences, Vilnius is a cultural feast of architectural and culinary proportions.
Tour Highlights
- Celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Užupis with a local resident (and member of parliament!) as your guide.
- Cross the cheeriest border in the world and get a Užupis visa in your passport.
- Watch the parade (or join it!) and check out concerts starring local talent.
- Visit boutique shops and taste the best of Užupis cuisine.
- Chat with Užupis citizens and find out why they want to be part of this independent community.
Celebrate Užupis Independence Day
Become an honourary citizen of Užupis for a day! This independent republic in Vilnius has its own government, its own currency, and its own constitution — and throws one heck of a party on April 1. That‘s because it’s the republic’s Independence Day, and you’re invited to join the celebration with a Užupis local (who just happens to also be the republic’s minister of tourism) as your guide on this one-day-only pop-up tour!
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, some drinks and snacks, a good mood.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks (you may wish to buy beer, mead, wine, or kvass), souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point: Vilnius Cathedral Belfry. View on Google Maps.
- Starting time: 12.00 PM
- Ending point: Užupio str. 10.
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Welcome to the Republic of Užupis! This unique neighborhood in Vilnius Old Town is a fully functioning independent republic, established on April 1, 1997 (yes, on April Fools’ Day), and inhabited by artists, writers, filmmakers, scientists, civil activists, teachers, and other citizens committed to cultural and social movements in Lithuania.
The district is often compared to Montmartre in Paris or Kristiania in Copenhagen, but of course, Užupis has plenty of its own features that make it totally distinct! (Some fun facts: its constitution has been translated into more than 50 languages, and honourary citizens include the Dalai Lama, former President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, and renowned artist Jonas Mekas.)
In honour of this year’s Independence Day of the Republic of Užupis, we’re celebrating with an exclusive one-day pop-up tour that brings travellers into the heart of the community. You’ll get to join the Independence Day festivities, meet with members of the Užupis government, sample snacks that are unique to the neighbourhood, and learn what this community is really all about.
First up, we’ll lead you through customs — the easiest, fastest, and happiest border crossing you’ll ever experience! Don’t forget your passport to obtain your visa for the day.
Then, we’ll meander around the district, visiting backyards, popping into shops and cafés, and catching the best views of Vilnius city, all with the assistance of a local who lives right in Užupis! In fact, your local host will be none other than the republic’s minister of tourism, and he’ll give you an intimate introduction to what the area is all about, the history of how it was formed, and who lives here and why.
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even get to take a selfie with the prime minister and shake hands with the president! You’ll also learn about the Constitution of the Republic and get a hard copy for you to keep.
As we explore, you’ll get to visit boutique shops and taste the best of Užupis cuisine — local and global, sweet and sour. You’ll also get to join the celebratory parade — watch or walk with the procession and talk to citizens of this awesome republic. We’ll also pop by a free concert featuring local stars. Learn some Užupis tunes and sing along!
By the end of the day, you’ll be an honourary citizen of this weird, wacky, and wonderful little republic!
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, some drinks and snacks, a good mood.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks (you may wish to buy beer, mead, wine, or kvass), souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: Please contact Vilnius Urban Adventures to confirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
Local contact
Office phone number: +370 616 20002 or +370 616 20007
Email address: [email protected]