I lived in Lithuania for several years and am there on business several times each year.
For a short stay, there is plenty to keep you occupied in Vilnius, the capitol. A hotel is probably the best bet for first time visitors. Not cheap, but not horribly expensive either.
Two that I like a lot are the Ratunda and the Centrum.
Here is the web address of the Ratunda:
http://www.centrumhotels.com/en/The Centrum can be found here:
http://www.uniquestay.com/?id=1171Other hotels that are interesting are The Mabry, Sarunas and Business Guest House.
Here is a link to a listing of many hotels in Vilnius:
http://www.hotels.lt/cgi/list_hotels.pl?city=VilniusOnce you gain some knowledge of the city, it is possible to rent apartments for short or long term stays at reasonable prices.
The main street in downtown Vilnius is Gedimino street. The Ratunda is on this street. At one end is the river and the other end is catherdral square (Catedros Aikste). Near the river is the parliament building and a monument to the fight for independence. Firther up Gedimino is the Ratunda and a great restaurant called Prie Parlamento (near the Parliament in Lithuanian). It is a great ex-pat hangout and nice restaurant. If you eat there - go upstairs.
Continuing up Gedimino is the old KGB headquarters building. In the basement is a museum. It is the old KGB holding cells and interrogation rooms. This is a 'Must See.'
Further up Gedimino is a beautiful shopping area, McDonalds, Australian restaurant and then cathedral square. Just off Gedimino is the Opera house.
In cathedral square is a large cathedral (imagine that!!). To the left is a great museum. Behind the museum is a finicular that will take you to the top of a hill where the ruins of a castle lie. From the observation areas you can see all around the city.
Going to the right off Cathedral square is The old town area with hoards of outdoor markets, reastaurants, more hotels and sights that will keep you busy for years. The main street in old town is Pileis Gatve.(pill - eh - us)
At the edge of old town is an area called Uzupis (across the river in Lithuanian). It is an artist area. Each April 1 the residents block off the bridge and 'require' passports and visas to enter. They will issue you a visa on the spot and stamp it :-) During this time there are non-stop parties, dancing and other celebrations in Uzupis. It is a great area to visit year round.
HTH
Can tell you much more about Vilnius as well as other areas of the country if you like.
Krissa
