Did you hear the news? Vilnius has been named the European Green Capital for 2025! This esteemed recognition, granted annually by the European Commission since 2008, highlights cities across Europe that are committed to advancing sustainability and improving the well-being of their residents.

What set Vilnius apart in the eyes of the jury was our grounded and practical approach. Our guiding motto, “Vilnius – the greenest city in the making,” reflects a strong vision backed by real, measurable progress. The city’s environmental efforts are closely linked to the quality of life for its people—focusing on cleaner air and water, protecting biodiversity, expanding green areas, and more.

So what will you experience when you visit the green capital Vilnius in 2025?

Getting Around in Vilnius: What’s the Best Way to Explore?

Once you arrive in Vilnius, you’ll quickly discover that the most eco-friendly and enjoyable way to explore the city is on foot. The city center is compact and walkable, making it perfect for discovering charming streets, hidden courtyards, and beautiful corners you might miss otherwise. Want to find the best walking routes? Check out this website for inspiration—or better yet, join a free walking tour with the Vilnius with Locals team. We'd love to show you around!

If you’re in the mood for something a bit faster, renting a bike is a great alternative. Vilnius operates a convenient orange bike-sharing system, and all you need is a mobile app (available on the App Store or Google Play). Choose a plan that fits your needs, find a nearby bike, and follow the instructions. Even better—your first 30 minutes are free! For longer rentals or scenic cycling adventures, visit our friends at Velo Takas. They also offer self-guided bike tours.

Planning to go a bit farther? Public transportation is another sustainable choice. Vilnius boasts an eco-conscious network, including electric trolleybuses that run on clean energy. Even our buses are becoming greener! Whether you're heading across the city or arriving from the airport, public transport is easy to use and well-connected. Learn more about how it works [here].

Looking to venture beyond the city? Trains are your best bet for day trips. They’re widely considered one of the most environmentally friendly travel options. In just a few hours, you can reach Kaunas (Lithuania’s second-largest city), the coastal town of Klaipėda, or Šiauliai—home to the famous Hill of Crosses. Tickets are available online or at the main train station (Geležinkelio str. 16).

One of the most popular and rewarding day trips from Vilnius is to the historic town of Trakai. Just a short ride by public transport, this former capital of Lithuania is best known today for its serene lakeside setting and its iconic island castle. It’s a must-see for visitors!

Prefer a guided experience? Vilnius with Locals proudly supports the European Green Capital initiative and offers a sustainable summer 2025 tour to Trakai—by train! On this eco-friendly tour, we’ll stroll through peaceful lakesides, lush parks, and neighborhoods filled with traditional wooden homes. Along the way, you’ll learn about the natural landscape and local wildlife, and hear fascinating stories about the Karaim people, a unique ethnic group that settled in Trakai centuries ago. They brought their own culture, language, and cuisine—including their signature dish, kibinai. It’s a day trip you won’t forget!

Don’t Forget Your Reusable Water Bottle!

Feeling thirsty after exploring Vilnius on foot? No problem—Vilnius tap water is not only safe to drink, but also among the purest in Europe. That’s because all of it comes from deep underground sources that are naturally protected from contamination.

Lithuania’s largest water provider, Vilniaus vandenys, draws its supply from 287 wells, drilled between 40 and 245 meters below the surface. These deep wells ensure a steady flow of clean, mineral-rich water. So go ahead—refill your bottle whenever you spot a tap!

Staying hydrated in summer is even easier thanks to 40 public drinking fountains scattered throughout the city. Though they’re only active during the warmer months (from May to October), they’ve made a huge impact: in 2024 alone, Vilnius residents and visitors drank the equivalent of over 3.8 million cups of water and helped prevent nearly 195 tons of plastic waste!

Wondering how this is tracked? Each fountain is fitted with a smart sensor that monitors water usage, and the data is available via an interactive city map. So, by bringing your own bottle, you're not only staying refreshed—you’re also helping Vilnius stay green.

If you get the chance, bring your own reusable cup when exploring Vilnius. Many cafés, coffee spots, and gas stations offer discounts—typically between 5% and 15%—to customers who bring their own mugs. Larger chains like Vero Cafe, Caif Cafe, and Circle K are known to reward eco-conscious choices with these savings.

While smaller, independent places may not always offer discounts, the heart of the zero waste movement isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reducing waste and protecting the planet. So, when packing for your trip to Vilnius, don’t forget your travel mug. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Eco-Friendly Shopping in Vilnius

Living sustainably often means consuming less—but let’s face it, we all still need everyday essentials. Going completely zero-waste from the start isn’t realistic for everyone, and that’s okay. The good news is that you can still make mindful choices by opting for organic, eco-conscious products without giving up convenience or quality.

Instead of picking up a typical fridge magnet as a souvenir, consider something more lasting—like a well-made hat you'll actually use and treasure. Choosing locally made, sustainable items not only reduces your environmental impact but also supports the local economy. These products usually involve shorter supply chains, minimal packaging, and help generate local employment—all of which make your purchase more meaningful.

Take Utenos Trikotažas, for example—a Lithuanian textile brand that became the first in the world to fully meet Greenpeace’s textile procurement standards. Their organic cotton supply chain is tightly regulated to eliminate hazardous chemicals, reflecting the highest level of environmental responsibility and transparency. You’ll find their store at the CUP shopping mall (Upės St. 9), just a short distance from Vilnius Old Town.

Another great stop is Local House (Pilies St. 22), an independent shop right in the heart of the Old Town. It showcases a wide variety of handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, and unique gifts—all created by local makers. Every purchase supports small businesses and brings a piece of authentic Vilnius craftsmanship home with you.

Vilnius isn’t just a city to visit—it’s a city to experience mindfully. From strolling its walkable streets and refilling your bottle with some of Europe’s purest tap water, to choosing eco-friendly transport and supporting local artisans, every step you take here can be a step toward sustainability. The city’s commitment to green living is woven into everyday life, making it easy—and inspiring—for visitors to travel responsibly. In Vilnius, sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or culture—it simply means enjoying the beauty of the city while helping preserve it for generations to come.