Vilnius, Lithuania

• Vilnius is Lithuania's capital with a UNESCO-listed Old Town that's small enough to walk across in about 30 minutes. The baroque architecture is real - not reconstructed like in some other Eastern European cities - and the cafe scene is surprisingly good. You'll find places to sit with coffee or a book without anyone bothering you.
• People eat alone in cafes all the time here, especially students and younger locals. Most people under 40 speak decent English, older generations less so. The city runs pretty quiet compared to Western European capitals - fewer tourists, smaller crowds, lower prices overall.
• Crime is low but pickpockets work the main tourist spots like Cathedral Square. The train station area gets sketchy at night. Emergency services (112) have English operators. Public transport costs about €1 per ride and works well, though you probably won't need it much in the center.
• The city feels more authentic than touristy - locals actually live and work in the Old Town, it's not just a museum district. Winter is seriously cold (well below freezing) and summer can still be cool in the evenings. Bolt taxi app works everywhere and rides are cheap.

Lithuanian is the official language. Younger people and anyone in tourism speak decent English. Older generations may only know Lithuanian or Russian from Soviet times. Emergency number 112 has English operators 24/7. Hotel, restaurant, and tourist attraction staff usually speak English. Police at +370 5 271 6444, some officers speak English.

• People dress more formally here than in Western Europe - jeans and nice tops work for most places, but shorts and tank tops look out of place except in summer. Churches need modest dress like anywhere.
• Lithuanians come across as reserved initially but warm up once you talk to them. Younger people speak English well, older folks may only know Lithuanian or Russian from Soviet times. Service can be a bit brusque - it's not personal, just the local style.
• Tipping 5-10% is normal for decent service but not obligatory. People keep to themselves in public - loud conversations get stares. Being on time matters. If you somehow get invited to someone's home, bring flowers or chocolate, but that's unlikely unless you make local friends.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Universal Emergency: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Old Town is small - you can walk most of it in 20 minutes. Cobblestones are uneven in places, wear decent shoes. You won't need public transport much unless staying outside the center.
• Buses and trolleybuses cost €1 with the Trafi or m.Ticket app, €1.50 on board. The train from airport to center takes 7 minutes and costs €0.70 - cheapest way in. Runs every 30-60 minutes depending on time of day.
• Bolt (like Uber) is everywhere and cheap - €9-12 from airport, €3-6 for city rides. Drivers are usually fine, good for late nights when you don't want to walk. Minimal wait times in the center.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Vilnius with local guides and curated experiences.