When I was spending a day in Vilnius I was looking for something a bit more unusual to do, as constant museums and historical buildings can get a bit samey, especially on a multi country trip. Užupis sounded like it would be very similar to Christiana in Copenhagen, which I loved, so I added visiting Užupis to my Vilnius to do list.
What is Užupis?
Užupis is an independent republic within Vilnius with it’s own money, power, constitution and anthem. It’s effectively a quirky neighbourhood full of art, unusual buildings and less conventional people and it’s absolutely my kind of place.
How do I get to Užupis?
If you’re visiting Užupis you want to head down to the river Vilnelė and find the sign welcoming you to the republic. It’s really easy to find, even someone who gets lost all the time (me!) could manage it. It’s a short walk from all other parts of the city.
What should I do when visiting Užupis?
Under the river bridge there’s a ‘swing of destiny’ to have a go on, and there’s the ‘mermaid of Užupis’ to visit down there too. I didn’t realise either of these existed until I got home and wrote this post-don’t be like me, do your research before you arrive in the city!
Other than the swing and the mermaid, you’ll mostly want to walk around the neighbourhood and take in the atmosphere. You can visit their tourist information and get your passport stamped, or buy some Užupis currency (which can only be used on one specific day of the year, to buy beer, so maybe don’t buy much!) both of which make for cute souvenirs, especially if like me you have a travel scrapbook. The tourist information office will also be able to give you a copy of the Užupis constitution which is well worth reading, and tell you more about the republic of Užupis and it’s history.
Make sure you visit the Angel of Užupis before you leave-legend has it that the Dalai Lama suggested placing her in her current location on a visit to Vilnius, but make your own mind up about that one.
Is it worth visiting Užupis?
Užupis is only a couple of minutes out of the main city, and it doesn’t take up too much time-you’ve had a good look around after an hour or so. I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit, because it’s more unusual and a bit of a talking point. It’s probably not the only reason you should head to Vilnius (you can read my Vilnius post for more things to do in the city) but it’s a must do when you’re there.
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