Vilnius in 1 Day for Friends - Gedimino Avenue and Cathedral Square
In Collaboration with Bike Baltic Velotakas. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Guided 2.5-hour introductory bike tour of Vilnius combining Old Town classics and nearby viewpoints. Short, easy 8 km ride on mixed sidewalks and cycle paths with frequent stops for photos and stories about the city's medieval past, 20th-century history and modern revival. Guide, bike, helmet and water included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Bike Baltic Velotakas, inspired by the tour Bike Tour of Vilnius Highlights "Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems". Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Gedimino Avenue and Cathedral Square
- Gate of Dawn and panoramic Old Town viewpoints
- Independent Republic of Užupis and riverside embankments
- Modern Konstitucijos district and Lukiškės Square
Itinerary
Day 1
Meeting, bike fitting and 2.5-hour loop visiting Vilnius Old Town, viewpoints and riverside districts.
Meet at Velotakas Bike & Tours Vilnius — kit & briefing
Arrive at the meeting point for bike selection, helmet fitting and a short safety briefing before departing on the guided loop.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start for bike sizing and paperwork.
- Bring a photo ID if you plan to rent an electric or specialty bike; standard bikes provided without extra paperwork.
- Helmets, optional rain coats and bottled water are provided; bring sunglasses and a small backpack for personal items.
Gedimino prospektas (Gediminas Avenue)
Ride along the long, straight 19th-century avenue that became the formal city centre during the Russian Empire era.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep right where there are cycle lanes and watch for tram tracks and light traffic crossings.
- This stretch has good group photo opportunities with wide sidewalks; brief stop only to keep the schedule.
- If you want to explore further after the tour, refreshments and cafés are within easy walking distance along the avenue.
Cathedral Square (Vilnius Cathedral area)
The historic heart of the city with the Cathedral, Monument to Gediminas and nearby National Museum sites — central for public celebrations.
Tips from local experts:
- Cobblestones and historic steps are common here; dismount if the guide asks for a brief on-foot photo stop.
- Use the public toilets near the square before continuing — amenities are limited on some narrow streets.
- Good place for a group photo with the cathedral façade and the Gediminas monument in the background.
Presidential Palace & Vilnius University (Universiteto area)
Harmonious ensemble including the Presidential Palace and Vilnius University’s historic courtyards (Universiteto 3).
Tips from local experts:
- We will pause outside the university courtyards; access into some courtyards may be subject to opening hours.
- There are short sections of narrow pedestrian streets nearby — follow your guide and walk your bike when required.
- If your group wants to linger, the university area has shaded benches for a short rest.
Stiklių gatvė (Jewish history & design area)
Historic street tied to Vilnius' Jewish past and contemporary Lithuanian design galleries.
Tips from local experts:
- This area features narrow lanes and occasional street vendors; keep close to the guide for traffic instructions.
- Look out for small design shops and windows that make quick, walkable photo stops.
- Respect private entrances and building courtyards — we will stay on public streets and designated viewpoints.
Town Hall Square / Didžioji g.
Central historic square and former marketplace — a natural crossroads in Old Town life.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect pedestrians and outdoor cafés — ride slowly through the square and follow the guide’s lead.
- This spot is useful for quick snacks or cold drinks after the tour; note the meeting time to return to your bike.
- Keep personal items secured on the bike during short stops in busy squares.
Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartų) — religious landmark
The only remaining city gate with the miraculous icon of Our Lady — an important pilgrimage and cultural site.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to enter the chapel area, please be mindful of quiet and modest dress expected by visitors.
- The area can get crowded; keep together as a group and lock your bikes during a short walking visit if needed.
- Photography is allowed in exterior areas; interior access is limited at certain times for services.
Bokšto g. viewpoint (panoramic Old Town view)
Picturesque spot overlooking the Old Town and the artistic Užupis district — ideal for panoramic photos.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a popular photo stop; arrive promptly to avoid delays in the schedule.
- Sturdy footwear is helpful if you choose to step off the bike briefly for better shots — some ground is uneven.
- Keep bikes close and on low-gear when stopping on narrow viewpoints to avoid blocking pedestrian paths.
Subačiaus g. viewpoint (church towers panorama)
Another angle for viewing the UNESCO-listed church towers and unique baroque skyline of Vilnius Old Town.
Tips from local experts:
- This viewpoint may require a short on-foot section; follow the guide’s instructions for safe dismounting.
- Watch for short stair sections nearby — some participants may prefer to stand with their bikes rather than climb.
- Use this stop for a quick group photo capturing multiple church towers in the skyline.
Užupis (Independent Republic of Užupis)
Artistic district across the River Vilnia known for its creative community and symbolic independence.
Tips from local experts:
- Užupis streets can be narrow and busy with pedestrians; keep speed low and follow the guide.
- Look for the Užupis Angel and constitution wall — quick on-foot stops are included to respect pedestrian areas.
- This is a friendly area for groups; if anyone wants to stay afterwards, cafés and bars are nearby.
Gothic Corner (Maironio g. 8)
Chaotic yet breathtaking corner of Gothic architecture — a quick architectural stop within the Old Town pattern.
Tips from local experts:
- Short pause only — avoid obstructing narrow sidewalks while taking photos or listening to the guide.
- Some buildings have limited access; we will view exteriors and highlight architectural details from public streets.
- Keep small items zipped; narrow streets sometimes mean closer contact with passing pedestrians.
Barboros Radvilaitės g. park (River Vilnia path)
Picturesque park path along the River Vilnia leading toward the Neris River — green urban riverside riding.
Tips from local experts:
- This riverside path is mostly flat with smoother surfaces — a comfortable section for the group to ride together.
- Keep an eye out for joggers and families; pass slowly and announce when overtaking.
- There are benches and shaded spots for short rests — ideal for a quick water break provided by the guide.
Neris River embankment
Historic embankment linking Vilnius to wider lands — scenic riverside stretch and brief narrative about the city's origins.
Tips from local experts:
- This stretch offers steady cycling on a smooth embankment; keep to the cycle path where marked.
- The guide will point out historical landmarks visible from the river; remain together to hear key stories.
- If you prefer a calmer pace, fall to the back of the group where the guide will ride slower.
Konstitucijos prospektas (modern district & city beach)
Modern business district and city beach area combining contemporary architecture with leisure infrastructure.
Tips from local experts:
- This modern area has wide cycle lanes — a good place to practice group riding at moderate speed.
- If anyone needs shade or restroom facilities, there are public amenities near the riverside beach area.
- The guide will point out landmarks; this stop is brief to keep the full loop on time.
Lukiškių aikštė (Soviet-era city centre area)
Former Soviet city-centre space now refurbished into a public area — final stop before returning to base.
Tips from local experts:
- This open plaza can be windy; keep helmets secured and bikes in a neat group formation for the final briefing.
- Brief final stop for questions, photo review and guidance on nearby cafés or bars if your group wants to continue socialising.
- Gather personal belongings and check for small items on bikes before the short ride back to the shop.
Return to Velotakas Bike & Tours Vilnius — tour end
Short ride back to the shop for bike return, final questions and tour close.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 5–10 minute final ride back to the shop; keep together and follow the guide's pace.
- Return helmets and any provided gear to the staff and confirm your personal items before leaving.
- If you enjoyed the tour, the guide can recommend nearby cafés or evening options for groups staying out.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Outdoor, Attraction, Culture, Neighborhood, Transfer |
