Liubartas Bridge

What to expect

Liubartas Bridge (Liubarto tiltas) is a working road crossing over the Neris that has quietly become a Vilnius landmark. On the surface it's a functional bridge, but it rewards anyone who lingers: there are open, panoramic views of the river and the surrounding city, and after dark the structure is attractively illuminated, making for a picturesque scene. The bridge is also known for a gentle, springy sway when traffic crosses — locals jokingly compare it to a giant set of swings.

The real character, though, is found underneath. The space below the bridge has grown into a destination in its own right — a casual hangout that hosts summer events such as open-air film festivals and concerts. Look up at the pillars for the striking Atlantes (atlases) mural by Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevič, painted during the 2014 Vilnius Street Art Festival, and you'll find swings nearby to take in the panorama.

• Location: Liubarto tiltas, over the Neris river, Vilnius
• Best views: river and city panoramas, especially when the bridge is lit at night
• Street art: Atlantes mural by Ernest Zacharevič (2014 Vilnius Street Art Festival)
• Under the bridge: a summer events space for film screenings and concerts
• Nearby: swings and a relaxed riverside spot to pause

Good to know

It's an everyday crossing, so some visitors find the bridge itself unremarkable in daylight — the payoff comes from the views, the night-time lighting and the under-bridge atmosphere rather than the structure alone. Time a visit for late afternoon into dusk to catch both the panorama and the illumination, and check local listings in summer for whatever screening or concert might be on underneath.

Pair it with the wider riverside and the city's street-art trail, both of which it connects to naturally as a viewpoint and photo stop.