Užupis

A bohemian riverside district that declared itself an independent 'republic' with its own tongue-in-cheek constitution posted on a wall. Full of galleries, quirky sculptures, cafes and artists' studios, it is Vilnius's creative counterpoint to the baroque old town.

Things to do

• Read the Užupis Constitution — Find the mirrored plaques on Paupio street displaying the republic's playful 41 articles in dozens of languages, including 'A dog has the right to be a dog.'
• See the Užupis Angel — Admire the bronze trumpeting angel atop a column in the main square, a symbol of the district's artistic rebirth unveiled in 2002.
• Cross the Vilnia footbridges — Wander the small bridges over the Vilnia River, where couples hang love-locks and a swing once dangled over the water.
• Visit the Užupis Art Incubator — Explore studios and galleries in Lithuania's largest artists' community, tucked into courtyards along the riverbank.
• Find the Tibet Square — Seek out the small square with prayer flags and a mosaic dedicated to Tibet, a nod to Užupis's support for free expression.
• Hunt for quirky sculptures — Stroll the streets to spot mermaid figures, egg statues and other whimsical art hidden around the district's walls and river niches.
• Get your passport stamped — On Užupis Independence Day (April 1) you can receive a genuine Užupis Republic stamp in your passport at pop-up border posts.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Try Lithuania's national dish of potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and bacon at cozy neighborhood eateries.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cool off with the vivid pink cold beetroot soup made with kefir, dill and boiled egg, typically served with warm potatoes.
• Coffee and cake at Užupio Kavinė — Relax at the district's iconic riverside cafe with a terrace overlooking the Vilnia, a longtime gathering spot for local artists.
• Kibinai — Sample these Karaim savory pastries filled with lamb or other fillings, a regional Lithuanian specialty found in local bakeries and cafes.
• Craft beer and local brews — Sip Lithuanian craft beers or a shot of gira, a traditional fermented bread kvass, at bohemian bars around the square.

Local customs & good to know

• Užupis is walkable from the Old Town — Just cross the Vilnia bridge from the Bernardine Gardens; the whole 'republic' is compact and best explored slowly on foot.
• April 1 is a real celebration — On Užupis Independence Day the district throws parties, poetry readings and border-crossing pranks, so plan around it if you want the full spirit.
• Respect the artists' spaces — Many studios and courtyards are working spaces, so ask before entering private areas and be mindful when photographing residents.
• It's tongue-in-cheek, not literal — The 'republic,' constitution and stamps are a beloved artistic joke, so embrace the humor rather than treating it as a formal border.

Nearby

• Vilnius Old Town — 1 km
• Hill of Three Crosses — 1 km
• Gediminas Tower and Castle Hill — 1 km
• Vilnius Cathedral and Square — 1 km