2-Hour Soviet Vilnius Walking Tour with KGB and Independence History

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Walk along Gediminas Ave., once known as Lenin's Ave. during the Soviet period
• 02 See the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre and hear about Soviet censorship
• 03 Explore Lukishkes Square and learn about its Soviet-era history
• 04 Discover the story of the Lithuanian resistance movement near the former KGB building
• 05 End near the Lithuanian Parliament, where independence from the Soviet Union was declared

Sign up for a captivating walking tour of Soviet Vilnius, starting at Cathedral Square. Explore Gediminas Ave., once known as Lenin's Ave., and delve into Soviet history as you visit key landmarks such as the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre and Lukishkes Square. Learn about Soviet realities, the Lithuanian resistance movement, and the legacy of the KGB building before ending near the Lithuanian Parliament, where the nation's independence from the Soviet Union was declared.

It was in this building that independence from the Soviet Union was declared.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Vilnius

Languages English, Lithuanian, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Highlights of Soviet Vilnius

• Meet your tour guide at Cathedral Square to begin your walking tour of Soviet Vilnius.
• Walk up Gediminas Ave., which during the Soviet period was called Lenin's Ave. Along the way, your guide will share historical overviews and facts about everyday Soviet realities.
• See the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre. Lithuania had a deep theatrical tradition, but during the Soviet period, theatres were subject to Soviet censorship.
• Visit Lukishkes Square. During the Soviet period, the square bore Lenin's name, and his monument stood there. On one side of the square is the former KGB building, where you can now find the KGB museum. Your guide will tell you about the Lithuanian resistance movement, which lasted until 1953.
• End the tour near the Lithuanian Parliament. It was in this building that independence from the Soviet Union was declared.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• English-, Lithuanian-, or Russian-speaking tour guide

What's Not Included

• Transportation
• Tickets to museums
• Any type of supply
• We will not enter any building
• Tips and personal expenses

What to bring

• On hot days, bring a bottle of water.
• Camera

Know before you go

Medieval Vilnius is known for its baroque architecture and rich medieval history. But from 1940 to 1990, Vilnius was occupied by the Soviet Union, and many tourists know little about this period. During this tour, we will walk up Gediminas Avenue, and I will tell you how Soviet people lived, what they bought in shops, and how children were educated at school. I will show you the KGB museum (visit to the museum not included), where many people were killed. You will also see Soviet buildings with bomb shelters and the Lithuanian Parliament, where Lithuanian independence from the Soviet Union was declared, as well as the remains of the wall that protected the Lithuanian Parliament from possible Soviet troops.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Vilnius City Municipality, Lithuania

Tour start

Gedimino pr., Vilnius, Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.