Lithuanian Pride 2024: Where to Stay, What to Eat and See as Vilnius LGBT Celebration Returns
With its annual Pride event just around the corner, Vilnius is aiming to be discovered by LGBT travelers, and has even bigger plans on the horizon.
May 21, 2024 – Vilnius, Lithuania. June is LGBT Pride Month, and Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius plans to celebrate in a big way. Over 20,000 participants are expected for the LT Pride festival on June 5–8, many of whom will be enjoying the city’s cuisine, accommodation, nightlife, and cultural events.
The LT Pride will offer various activities and shows, including DJs, drag performances, a community stage and family area, a conference on education diversity, and free HIV testing. The main march will conclude with a huge concert featuring international stars of the LGBT community.
“As visitors are discovering, Vilnius has an atmosphere that’s festive and open-minded, and we look forward to maintaining that during the LT Pride in June,” said Vladimir Simonko, founder of the LGL and organizer of the LT Pride, calling Lithuania a safe haven for LGBT rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
During the festive weekend, visitors to the city can choose from a variety of LGBT-friendly places and activities, starting with hotels and restaurants that openly welcome diversity, to concerts and art exhibitions.
Where to stay in Vilnius
Radisson Blu Lietuva
The Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva stands on the banks of the River Neris and features Skybar, a rooftop venue with panoramic views of Vilnius. Take a walk down charming cobblestone streets and visit rich historic sites such as the Old Town and Vilnius Cathedral nearby.
Artagonist Hotel
With paintings, murals, and sculptures displayed throughout its 15th century edifice, Artagonist Hotel offers a taste of history. Its high-arched ceilings complement works of art exclusively designed for the hotel by Lithuanian artists, while its modern room amenities and business equipment make it ideal for today’s busy traveler.
Hotel PACAI
Set in the heart of Vilnius Old Town – Hotel PACAI reflects the Baroque character of its neighborhood, but with modern twists. Once upon a time this stately mansion belonged to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today, the history is visible in the centuries-old frescoes and unique textures of the walls, as well as in its Gothic cellars, which house a reward-winning spa.
Where to eat in Vilnius
Ertlio namas
Ertlio Namas offers a unique dining experience with contemporary interpretations of traditional Lithuanian cuisine. Specializing in historical dishes like rabbit brawn with horseradish, the restaurant's menu can transport food lovers back to the Medieval, Baroque, Renaissance, and Enlightenment periods.
14Horses
14Horses, located at Senatorių Pasažas, showcases the best of Lithuanian produce with dishes like yellow peas tempeh and pike-perch pithivier. Their regenerative farm and local partnerships ensure the freshest ingredients in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Briusly
Briusly, a beloved spot open for many years, offers a fusion of Asian flavors in a hip setting. Guests enjoy non-intrusive music, friendly staff, and generous portions of dishes, paired with quality house wine.
Where to party in Vilnius
Soho Club
As the longest-running LGBTQ+ nightclub in Lithuania, this iconic venue is more than just a nightclub. It is a safe space and a cultural hub for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Opium
Nestled in the heart of Vilnius, Opium offers fun parties with top-tier local and international DJs, and exquisite cocktails.
VOX Bar
Known for its warm and casual atmosphere, Vox Bar is a popular spot among the LGBT+ community. It offers a variety of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Things to do in Vilnius
We Don’t Do This, art exhibition at the MO Museum
We Don’t Do This. Intimacy, Norms and Fantasies in Baltic Art explores the shifts and changes in representations of gender, family and sexuality, marked by the back-and-forth relaxing and restricting of norms in the Soviet era and beyond.
The Writer, a film by Romas Zabarauskas
Filmed on the streets of New York and in a studio in Lithuania, The Writer is an intriguing story of two men's lives, and the idea of personal choice vs. fate as determined by political and social circumstances. In cinemas from May 31.
Gay Sauna Glamour
The only gay sauna in Vilnius offers great service, a beautiful interior and an alluring atmosphere. Facilities include a steam room, Finnish sauna, and whirlpool with waterfall. Private parties take place on the weekends.
dadcap x Local Blood concert
Two great Lithuanian alternative bands, Local Blood and dadcap, known for their light-hearted lyrics and heavy rhythms, will be performing at the Lukiškės Prison yard on June 7.
In addition to this year’s LT Pride and Baltic Pride being held in 2025, Vilnius has also applied to host EuroPride in 2027, showcasing the Lithuanian capital's significant ambitions for celebrating Pride events that will attract visitors from across the country, the region, Europe, and beyond.
”It is symbolic that in the first half of 2027, Lithuania will preside over the Council of the European Union. That same year Vilnius hopes to host EuroPride should its application be granted, ” said Mr. Simonko.