Known for its Baroque architecture and enchanting Old Town, Vilnius is a dark horse when it comes to European coffee culture. Hidden inside weather-worn ancient buildings, you’ll find a plethora of edgy cafes selling expertly crafted coffees in all shapes and sizes. From sleek modern décor to cosy escapes covered in kitsch Soviet paraphernalia, the coffee shops of Vilnius are worlds away from your local Starbucks. Channel your inner caffeine connoisseur and spend the days sipping on the finest cappuccinos in Lithuania. Here’s our pick of the top seven coolest cafes in Vilnius.
Potentially one of the best specialty coffee shops in the Old Town, a brew here is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. With its own on-site roastery, Strange Love offers a unique opportunity to sample an array of different beans all prepared using a diverse range of techniques. White glossy tables and chairs along with subtle black accents make for the ultimate Instagram worthy interior while the fire place adds a cosy atmosphere during the chillier months. When the sun’s shinning, grab a coffee, find a seat on the outdoor terrace and look out over Kalnu parkas, one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces – this café has it all!
Boasting two locations in the centre of town and beside the Neris River, Taste Map is known for its vast collection of beans. Originally opened as an independent roastery, the coffee chain serves beans from all over the world. Whether its Ethiopian, Brazilian, Mexican or Kenyan you’re after, this place has got the brew for you. Take away or relax inside the rustic, industrial-esque café and you’ll soon understand why this is one of the coolest cafes in Vilnius.
One for the real coffee enthusiasts, this next one is a place where you can not only drink the black stuff but learn about it too. Hosting regular events such as tastings and lectures, the cool space is a haven for creatives and hipsters in the city. Priding itself on having the best baristas, the café uses a Chemex, AeroPress and pour-over to create their incredible coffee blends. Serving only a few snacks, it’s all about the drinks at this minimalist open plan space. Located near the historic centre, the micro-roaster never fails to disappoint.
Nestled in the heart of Vilnius, Coffee Inn is more than just a regular café. friendly staff, a great atmosphere and exceptional tasting coffee attracts crowds all year round and for good reason. Acting as an espresso and brew bar, artisan roastery, barista academy and educational space, the Inn is a constant hive of activity. One for the real coffee lovers, spend hours chatting to the staff all things barista and trying your hand at creating your own blends. An experience as well as a great place to re-fuel, Coffee Inn Roasters is a must see when visiting Vilnius.
Set on two floors Coffee 1 adds a more traditional flare to the Vilnius coffee scene. Located in the heart of Pilies, the well-known tourist district, the coffee shop is loved by locals for its friendly attitude. Despite being tucked away in a narrow store front, the tiny café is not easily missed with its stack of suitcases and fairy-lights above the front door. Come here for some avocado toast at breakfast time or stop by for a quick snack to go with your cuppa.
Primarily a second hand book store, Mint Vinetu is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Order one of their massive cappuccinos, find a seat among the mix of upcycled furniture and grab a book from the tumbling piles scattered around the space. With a collection of magazines and books in almost every language, this café is great for locals and tourists alike. In the evening, head to this cosy café for some live music and relaxed atmosphere.
Last but certainly not least, the kitsch vibes at Chaika round up the list of the coolest coffee shops in Vilnius. Decked out in Soviet paraphernalia you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at this place. Walls covered in faux grass, old board games scattered around, street signs converted into tables and orange dishes used during the Soviet era are just some of the features to expect when you visit the café. Serving a gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly menu, there’s something for everyone. Sit down with a matcha latte and take in the truly unequalled surroundings of Vilnius’ quirkiest coffee shop.
Visiting Vilnius soon? Be sure to tag us in your photos of the coolest cafes in Vilnius using the hashtag #ryanairstories, for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed.
Flights to Vilnius
- Lucy Norris
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