CityBuddy
Posjetite Bernardinų vrt (Bernardine Garden)
Best time to visit
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the roses and flower beds are in full bloom. Come on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience before the midday crowds arrive.
Budget tips
Entry is completely free every day of the year. Bring your own snacks for a picnic on the lawns, as the small on-site cafe can be slightly overpriced for what you get.
Recommended for
Romantic couples, Photography enthusiasts, Slow travelers and nature lovers, Budget-conscious visitors
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Tucked along the Vilnia River banks, this serene space dates back to the 15th century when Franciscan monks cultivated medicinal herbs here. Today, its 8.5 hectares feature over 8,000 flowering plants, a restored 18th century pavilion, and one of the most photogenic riverfront promenades in the city.
Highlights: Look closely at the garden's wrought iron gates: they're original 18th century work, forged by local craftsmen and still bearing their maker's mark. On summer evenings, the air fills with the scent of over 200 varieties of old-fashioned roses, planted deliberately to mirror the monastery's original apothecary garden layout.
Insider tips
- Enter through the decorative gate near the Bernardinų Church for the most dramatic first view of the gardens.
- The best photo spot is the wooden footbridge crossing to the river island, especially during golden hour light.
- Pack mosquito repellent in summer months, as the riverfront location makes the area prone to mosquitos at dusk.
- Skip the main paths on weekends and explore the quieter upper terraces where locals read on benches under chestnut trees.
Where to Stay in Vilnius
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in VilniusPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Vilnius, Lithuania, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Vilnius
Vilnius Old Town (Senamiestis)
Gediminas' Tower (Gedimino pilies bokštas)
Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square (Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus)
Gates of Dawn (Aušros Vartai)
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers