Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė) is the beautiful, lively heart of Vilnius's Old Town. Visitors praise its grand architecture and its clean, spacious layout, and the square works as a natural central hub: it sits at the foot of Didžioji gatvė, is surrounded by cafés and restaurants, and is one of the most popular places to begin an Old Town walking tour. At night the surrounding buildings are beautifully illuminated.

The square is anchored by the historic Town Hall (Rotušė), an elegant neoclassical building that has stood on this trading crossroads for centuries in successive forms. Today it is a prestigious venue for official ceremonies, concerts and high-profile cultural events, and over the years it has welcomed royalty, presidents and world-renowned artists — a role that has cemented its standing as a key civic and cultural landmark.

Throughout the year the open plaza fills with seasonal markets, festivals and public gatherings, making it as much a stage as a thoroughfare. It is free and always open to wander, and its central position makes it an ideal anchor for exploring the wider Old Town, from the cathedral end of Pilies gatvė down toward the Gates of Dawn. Programmes and event dates change, so check ahead if you are timing a visit around a specific concert or fair.

Where it is

Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai) — The last surviving city gate of Vilnius, housing a revered chapel with the icon of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn.