Shining a spotlight on historic city-break destination Vilnius
As a filming location for the latest season of Netflix sci-fi hit Stranger Things, Vilnius is becoming a hot destination.
The Lithuanian capital has become increasingly popular with filmmakers globally, with HBO’s Chernobyl and Netflix’s Young Wallander and Tokyo Trial all being shot here in recent years.
“The fact that cult series like Stranger Things keep choosing Vilnius as a filming destination is a testament to the city’s many-sided nature,” said Remigijus Simasius, the mayor of Vilnius.
“Vilnius is open, green and easy to get around while being historic and modern at the same time – all the qualities that Vilnius locals love their city for.”
The chance to spot the backdrop from their favourite box set isn’t the only reason for clients to visit Vilnius.
The city is steeped in history and witnessed a tumultuous 20th century with regimes including Imperial Russia, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
Its well-preserved Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site with wide-ranging architecture, while its museums offer an eclectic cultural mix, from modern art to history in the KGB Museum.
This year, the city has also launched a new marketing campaign, following its award-winning “The G-Spot of Europe” campaign in 2018, which coincided with a 7.5% increase in visitors from the UK to the destination in 2019.
“The 2018 campaign was crucial to shake off the city’s dowdy image,” said Inga Romanovskiene, director of Go Vilnius.
“The idea of this year’s “Vilnius: Amazing Wherever You Think It Is” campaign is to use the fact the city is a lesser-known European capital and change the perception of it to somewhere that is entertaining and fun.”
Recommend clients visit the post-industrial Naujamiestis district, which is being revived through alternative art and non-commercial cinema.
Suggest a trip to Open Gallery – an open-air street art gallery located in an industrial block which holds 34 pieces of art, is free of charge, and is open for visitors 24/7.
For a different perspective, clients can hop into a hot air balloon and take advantage of the fact that Vilnius is the only European capital city centre they can take off from.
From the air, clients will be able to see more than 40 churches, the green areas of Tauras Hill, Vingis Park and the curve of the Neris River.
So next time clients are thinking about a city break, perhaps Vilnius should be first on their shortlist.
Essential information
Climate: Semi-continental, with very cold winters and mild, moderately rainy summers.
Currency: The euro.
Flights: LOT began operating a direct route from London City airport to Vilnius in May 2019.
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