With the world being so focused on tech, more of us than ever are looking to escape screens and focus on reconnecting with the physical world in 2026. Quietcations are on the rise and people are looking to take a genuine break from the grind and get back to basics. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, with its forests, saunas and laid-back atmosphere offers an affordable and authentic option that ticks all the boxes. A YouGov survey in late 2025 found that, of those respondents who said they were travelling abroad less, 27% said rising travel costs were the main reason for this. Vilnius is a cheaper, veritable alternative to other, more expensive city breaks such as Paris and Madrid and is a destination that once you visit you’ll wonder why you didn’t go sooner. Infact with so many things to do in Vilnius, you’re spoilt for choice.
Image Credit: Gediminas-Avenue-(c)-Gabriel-Khiterer
Named the 2nd most affordable city break location in Europe in the UK Post Office’s City Costs Barometer, and with multiple flight connections by budget airlines, Vilnius represents a cost-effective solution.
Here we’ve put together some top wellness things to do in Vilnius Lithuania that should help show you just why you need to add it to your travel list in 2026
Forest bathing in town
Surrounded by pristine forests and lakes, Vilnius is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. So, finding peaceful spots in nature is easy. One popular option is forest therapy (rooted in the Japanese shinrin-yoku tradition), where guides lead slow, mindful walks and sensory exercises to connect with the forest and reduce stress. Alternatively, self-organised hikes are a great way to take advantage of the over 100km of hiking trails around the city. Popular routes include the Pūčkorių trail through Pavilniai Regional Park, the forested paths of Verkiai Regional Park, and the glacier-sculpted Ribiškės hills – all offering hilly terrain, river views, and easy access from the city center.
Letting off steam in the sauna
Image credit: Ivanas Musa Gonga
Saunas (pirtys) are a traditional way for Lithuanians to relax and recharge. A traditional Lithuanian sauna session is a full ritual: herbal infusions scent the steam, honey and salt are used for skin treatments, and sauna masters perform whole-body massages with vantos – bundles of leafy birch, oak, or juniper branches believed to have healing properties. Sauna masters can tailor sessions for groups, including women’s or men’s retreats.
Vilnius offers options ranging from rustic to refined. Ivanas Muša Gongą is a boutique-style urban sauna with locations in the city center and even inside the former Lukiškės Prison. For a more traditional experience, the bathhouses near the historic Pilaitė Mill on the city’s outskirts offer authentic rituals just a short drive from the center. With private sauna sessions starting from around €25 per person, it’s an affordable way to experience one of Lithuania’s oldest wellness traditions.
Inner-city skiing
A quiet mind often comes after some activity in the snow. The 2.6km of slopes at Liepkalnis, in Vilnius, offer a convenient and fun city location for skiing and snowboarding, including night skiing sessions. There are 1 black, 3 red, 4 blue and 1 green runs (which now features a belt lift), and a ski park with various obstacles for tricks, meaning every ability level is catered for. The slopes offer views of the Old Town and the snow-covered forest surrounding the city, while the Apres ski bar serves up pizzas and refreshments.
Getting to Vilnius in 2026
Image credit: Ivanas-Musa-Gonga
Vilnius is easily accessible from the UK, with direct flights from London Stansted, London City, London Luton and Dublin several times per week. With convenient transport links to Riga, Tallinn, and Poland, Vilnius is also the perfect base for regional holiday adventures
Places to stay in Vilnius in 2026
Top Picks in Vilnius
Hotel PACAI – Elegant luxury hotel in a beautifully restored 17th-century palace in the Old Town with great dining and spa options.
Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton – Stylish upscale option with spa, pool and central location near attractions.
Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, Vilnius – Well-reviewed modern hotel with comfortable rooms and breakfast included.
Stikliai Hotel – Boutique historic hotel with charming interiors and close to many Old Town sights.
NARUTIS Hotel – Classic hotel in the heart of the Old Town, great for walking to cafes and museums.
Mid-Range & Central Stays
Novotel Vilnius Centre – Comfortable, modern hotel on Gedimino Avenue — ideal for families and business travelers.
Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre – Popular mid-range choice with friendly service and good transport links.
Congress Avenue – Stylish hotel on Vilnius’s main avenue, close to shops and nightlife.
Hotel Vilnia – Well-priced option near the cathedral and Old Town.
Domus Maria Hotel – A budget-friendly, comfortable choice in the Old Town — great value on a tighter budget.
Other Notable Mentions
Travel tip: The best areas to stay in Vilnius are Old Town (Senamiestis) and along Gedimino Avenue, both put you within walking distance of main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
These are just a few reasons to visit Vilnius in 2026 and some top places to stay. Will you be adding Lithuania to your list this year? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.