A word on Lithuanians: they are incredibly charming, hospitable, and hell-bent on having a good time. Upon our first outing into the unknown streets of the city at night for example , we had the good fortune of asking two young university students directions to a bar that no longer existed.
In reply, one of the young ladies produced two handles of alcohol one vodka, one tequila from her handbag and bade us drink up while we waited idly for the little green man to usher us through the crosswalk. An unprovoked diatribe against the self-proclaimed stereotype that Lithuanians are all vodka-swilling alcoholics though the evidence was rather irrefutable shortly followed, and soon we found ourselves in the midst of a university party at Bix , surrounded by college-age girls, drinking the aforementioned handles quite openly in the upstairs.
We could go on to describe the sunrise that morning and the circumstances of sleeping arrangements, but the point is that Lithuanians are extremely friendly, accommodating and love little more than a good time. As a visitor to Vilnius you will find no shortage of great places to piss away the hours or play the field. Our bar and club directory should serve as a solid survey of what's available and where to go, whatever your taste or titillation.
Can't be bothered to sort through all your options? We break it down below:. Last night in a Galaxy not so far away With an endless array of great nightlife options, many of Vilnius' venues seem to be competing as the end-all-be-all, with an all-bases-covered approach offering food, drink, DJs or live music and huge dance floors that stay packed well into the wee hours. While many clubs don't get going until , Cozy is a great place to start the evening, enjoying the comfy character of its name before it becomes too crowded, claustrophobic and carcinogenic.
Cafe de Paris is also a hip, early-evening hangout, though you can expect it to be crowded anytime, day or night. For a more groovy, sedated atmosphere, try Ibish Lounge near the Gates of Dawn , Tipo Zoro 's small and stylish padded confines, the casual jive of Briusly , or SMC 's clever, cool and curious characters. Beer connoisseurs will want to start the evening at Avilys - Vilnius' prime brew-pub - with a honey beer and assortment of beer snacks. Sky Bar , with its stunning 22nd-floor view of the Old Town and delicious cocktails make it worth a peek, but the corresponding up-market prices and general lack of activity should have you heading to the lift after a drink or two.
