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[Sauce](https://www.timeout.com/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world)
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With self-proclaimed ‘Artists’ Republic’ Užupis now very much gentrified, Vilnius’s creative soul resides in the Station District. Here you’ll find the city’s best street art: murals, giant Tony Sopranos and sculptures jammed onto neoclassical buildings (you’ll find the latter at [Kablys](https://www.facebook.com/KablysClub/), a riotous nightclub with Berghain-style door policy). There’s also [Loftas Art Factory](https://www.facebook.com/loftasvilnius/), a Soviet factory that’s been turned into a sprawling community-oriented venue hosting gigs, fashion shows and screenings. The area is packed with cafés (try [Love Bar](https://www.facebook.com/LoveBarVilnius/) for cocktails with seasonal ingredients) and low-key restaurants offering mostly international cuisine: Georgian ([Chačapuri](https://www.facebook.com/GeorgianBakery/about/?ref=page_internal)), Uzbek ([Halės Plovas](https://sites.google.com/view/halesplovas/)) and the best sushi in town ([Narushi](https://www.facebook.com/narushivilnius/)). The neighbourhood’s unique blend of bijou brutalism won’t last forever: Zaha Hadid Architects have just won the competition to renovate the station itself – with an admittedly spectacular redesign.
**The perfect day:** Start with a lazy brunch at [Druska Miltai Vanduo](https://www.facebook.com/dmvkepykla/), the Lithuanian capital’s finest bakery. Then stroll past murals and ceramics workshops to [Halės Market](http://www.halesturgaviete.lt/en/) to sample local delicacies at [Roots](https://rootsvilnius.business.site/). Kick the evening off with drinks at [Peronas](https://www.facebook.com/peronasbaras/) (literally on the station platform), before heading to Loftas for a gig.
**Plan your trip:** For [Loftas Fest](https://www.facebook.com/loftasfest/), Lithuania’s largest city music festival. The free event is hosted by Loftas Art Factory over three days every September, and its nine stages feature the cream of the region’s bands and DJs.