Why Radisson Collection Astorija is the perfect base to explore Vilnius – Europe's historic hidden gem

Neighbouring the Nordics, just a stone's throw across the Baltic Sea, lies one of Europe's best-kept secrets: the city of Vilnius. The pocket-sized capital of Lithuania is not only brimming with baroque architecture, a cobbled-stone village ambiance, and centuries of stories, it's also a hotbed of luxury innovation and elevated experiences.

Dating back to 1323, with its fair share of tumultuous history over the centuries, Vilnius has stories to tell – which visitors can now explore within the weathered city walls. From the charming Old Town and majestic Gedminas Castle, to contemporary fine dining and cutting-edge cultural offering, Vilnius is a verified hidden gem, but it won't stay that way for long.

While discerning travellers are beginning to get wind of all that Vilnius has to offer, the city is still refreshingly free of oppressive crowds and long queues. So, make sure you stay one step ahead of the tourism trends and follow in Vogue Scandinavia's footsteps to Vilnius.

Read on for our definitive guide to the must-go Lithuanian destination.

Amid the unique surroundings of Vilnius, it only makes sense to choose a one-of-a-kind hotel as your home base. Vogue Scandinavia's accommodation pick is the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel, which serves as the perfect base for exploring the city. The Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel is as rich in history as Vilnius itself. The building has lived many lives: it was home to Vilnius' first cinema, a fur shop, a winery, pharmacy, and even a fortune teller. It's also housed countless notable guests, including Swedish and Spanish royalty, renowned singers Andrea Bocceli and Billy Idol, and a number of American and European presidents.

Positioned in the heart of the Old Town and adjacent to the Town Hall, this is a site that perfectly merges the old and the new, while the staff and concierge (the latter being the only person accredited as five-star category hotel concierge in Lithuania) can provide personalised recommendations for events, sightseeing, galleries and more in the local area.

Step inside the hotel and you're welcomed by the perfect mix of old and new: timeless 20th century architecture, tapping into local nuances through its curated art collection and contemporary interior details. Guests will also experience a glimpse of classic Lithuanian aristocratic lifestyle in the elegant structure of the hotel which boasts neo-baroque and recession-style architecture, while indoors, you're immersed in authentic frescoes and bespoke wallpaper inspired by original tapestries in the city's Palace of the Grand Dukes.

But don't just take it from us. Recent guests enthuse in testimonials about the "classy" accommodation site, with its "great amenities, extremely comfortable bed and view over the Old Town", which offers panoramic perspectives from some of the hotel vantage points. Another guest sums it up in one word: exceptional. "Amenities – exceptional, people who work there – exceptional, location – exceptional," the guest attested.

Another drawcard of the Radisson Collection Astorija is its outstanding suitability for families: there's truly something to keep everyone happy and occupied, and those with infants or toddlers will find the necessary services and comforts on-hand. Fur babies are catered for as well, with the hotel's welcoming policy ensures you can enjoy Vilnius with your beloved pet by your side.

For further accommodation options, AirBnb boasts countless apartment and guest house listings in the capital that are dotted across the nooks and crannies of the cities, for that truly 'local' feeling. There's no shortage of choices, with everything from beautifully furnished modern apartments to charming stone-walled hideaways.

With its recognition from Unesco as a World Heritage site listing, your first point of call should be the Old Town – situated right at the doorstep of the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel. Humming with energy and life from morning until late at night, wondering through the cobbled streets will transport you to centuries past, with glimpses of late gothic, classic and baroque periods visible in the winding lanes. Don't miss St. John's Church with its striking old bell tower, St. Casimir's Church with its crown-like dome, or a leisurely stroll along the Neris River.

Alternatively, the more adventurous traveller visiting Vilnius between April and October may prefer to take in the sites from above. More specifically, from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. This bucket list-worthy activity can be arranged for groups both small and large, and can even include a sky-high dinner.

Time spent in Vilnius is the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with works by modern and contemporary Lithuanian artists at the Mo Museum of Modern Art. The building itself can be considered art, having been awarded several prizes for its innovative design by esteemed architect Daniel Libeskind. With its revolving roster of unmissable events and exhibitions, MO Museum is sure to satisfy those who love, or are simply curious, about local art.

Hungry to learn more about the capital's past? Stop off at the Vilnius Museum. This establishment is just a few years old, but has already proven to be one of the best spots to delve into the stories of the city in great detail. The exhibitions are constantly evolving, holding two to three exhibitions a year based on the studies of Vilnius' urban life over the years.

Another landmark worth exploring is The Gediminas’ Tower, a symbol of Vilnius that's visible from many points throughout the Old Town and is depicted in many works of art. Perched on Gediminas' Hill, it offers spectacular views across the rooftops of Vilnius. Scale even higher up the castle's tower to find several levels of informative exhibitions that document the development of the territory, amongst rare Baltic artefacts and jewels.

The courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania should also be on your to-do list when sightseeing, especially if visiting at the height of summer when the unique city festival Midsummer Vilnius is in full swing, with a brimming schedule of one-of-a-kind, open-air performances.

Later in the summer, the Kristupo Summer Festival (being the largest summer music festival in Vilnius since 1995) kicks off with unmissable classical, world and intergenre performances around the city.

Vilnius' culinary landscape does not disappoint. The number one food destination on Vogue Scandinavia's radar, not just for its convenience but also its top calibre, is the gastronomic offering at Astorija Brasserie, housed within the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel. Experience a flavoursome, French-style menu with a carefully curated mix of a la carte dishes on offer – complemented by a world-class mix of cocktails and gins. (Don't miss the salade niçoise or mussels, or the pavlova for those with a sweet tooth).

For a truly unique experience, make sure you venture below to the Brasserie's 15th century wine cellar: a happy discovery made by archaeologists during a renovation process for the hotel. Once you've been to the depths of the historic cellar, you can then ascend to the Brasserie's rooftop terrace, complete with a Pommery champagne bar. Enjoy a glass of bubbles as you take in the breath-taking panoramic views of the Old Town – or book out the space to throw an unforgettable private event, weddings inclusive.

For more traditional Lithuanian cuisine, we recommend making a beeline for the Old Town. Tucked with a medieval merchant's house is Restaurant Lokys, where the menu of specials offers a selection of 'hunters' dishes' comprising roasts and stews. Vegetarians can find an unparalleled traditional beetroot borscht at Zilvino Restoranas, or a stop-off at Paupys Market offers a mix of food hall delights at affordable local prices.

No Vogue Scandinavia city guide would be quite complete without curated shopping destinations. Guests at the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel are in luck, with a mix of the capital's best boutiques nearby including Baltas Miškas, a retailer with a mix of top Lithuanian labels, and the storefront for sustainable local brand Flow Femme. For those looking for special jewellery pieces as stylish souveniers, our recommendation is Laura Antiques Fine Jewellery or Miutto, a LIthuanian and Scandinavian boutique specialising in covetable bijoux.

For more retail-focused cardio activity, head by foot to** Stikliu Street**, Vilnius' buzzing hub of homeware, jewellery and fashion spots including Linen Tales, Pudrinė and Šapokliak Salonas.