Lukiškės Prison 2.0
A former prison transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, offering historical tours, concerts, markets, and film screenings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiz nights add a fun twist
Lukiškės Prison 2.0
Best Time
Quiz nights add a fun twist
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former prison transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, offering historical tours, concerts, markets, and film screenings.
"This place has been turned into a hub of culture and art & a way to talk about and commemorate history."
🎯 Book Night Tours
Night tours offer a unique, atmospheric experience of the prison's history.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
See what concerts, markets, or film screenings are happening during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Prison Tour
Interior of the former prison
Step back in time with an immersive tour, uncovering the prison's dark history and its transformation into a cultural hub.
Courtyard Events
Outdoor courtyard
Experience concerts, markets, and film nights in the former prison yard, now a lively event space.
Film Set History
Various locations within the prison
Discover the prison's role as a filming location for popular shows like Stranger Things.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Multifaceted Experience
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Night Tours
Night tours offer a unique, atmospheric experience of the prison's history.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
See what concerts, markets, or film screenings are happening during your visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear.
📸 No Photos Inside
Photography is generally not allowed inside the prison cells during tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Night Tours
Night tours offer a unique, atmospheric experience of the prison's history.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
See what concerts, markets, or film screenings are happening during your visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear.
📸 No Photos Inside
Photography is generally not allowed inside the prison cells during tours.
🍻 Enjoy the Bars
The courtyards feature bars offering drinks, perfect for a relaxed evening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the immersive and informative guided tours, highlighting guides like Jonas and Martina for bringing the prison's history to life. The transformation into a vibrant cultural hub with events like concerts and markets is also a major draw, though some note that photography is restricted inside.
"Such a fantastic experience. I’m SO glad I booked the tour last minute, especially the night tour. Unfortunately no photos/ videos were allowed inside but it didn’t affect how cool the tour was. Our guide Jonas was super rad- I could tell he really loves his job. Love that this place has been turned into a hub of culture and art & a way to talk about and commemorate history. If you ever come to Lithuania, I definitely recommend coming to this spot!"
Stef Daugilis
"Wow what an experience! Jonas our guide was enthusiastic informative and brought the prison to life. It’s a varied tour with a lot of ground covered. It doesn’t feel like two hours flying past! Parking is around and about the toilets are unsurprisingly prison style and there’s bars all sorts at the prison - a truly wonderful event space."
Matthew Douglas
"I’ve visited a few different prisons around the world and this is by far my favorite. The 2-hour tour is well organized. We were able to visit different parts of the prison and learn how the prison functioned during different regimes. Our tour guide Martina was extremely knowledgeable. She shared many fun stories about past prisoners and guards. Highly recommended!"
Shuo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lukiškės Prison 2.0 is centrally located in Vilnius and is easily accessible by public transport, including buses and trolleys. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the city center. Parking is available in the surrounding areas.
While the courtyard and some event spaces are accessible, certain areas within the former prison may have stairs and uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility concerns should inquire about specific accessibility during tour bookings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can explore the courtyard and attend events without a tour. However, to enter the former prison cells and learn about its history, a guided tour is required.
Tour prices can vary, but booking in advance is recommended. Check the official website or ticketing partners for the most up-to-date pricing information.
The courtyard and event spaces have varying hours depending on scheduled activities. Guided tours typically run at specific times, especially popular night tours. It's best to check the official schedule for precise opening times.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tours in advance, especially for the popular night tours, to ensure availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lukiškės Prison 2.0 offers guided historical tours, hosts concerts, artisan markets, film screenings, and jazz nights. It's a dynamic space with diverse activities.
Generally, photography is not permitted inside the prison cells during guided tours to preserve the atmosphere and historical integrity.
The guided tours typically last around two hours, covering various parts of the prison and its history.
Opened in 1908 during the Russian Empire, Lukiškės Prison operated until 2018. It has a complex history, serving under different regimes, and is now being repurposed as a cultural and event space.
While the historical tours cover sensitive topics, the transformation into an event space with markets and concerts can be enjoyable for older children. Parental discretion is advised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the courtyards often feature bars where you can purchase beer, wine, and other beverages. Food options may be available during specific events like markets.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, especially during ticketed events or tours. It's best to purchase refreshments from the onsite vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture and the courtyard offer great photo opportunities. Inside the prison cells during tours, photography is usually restricted.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires special permits and arrangements. Contact the venue management for specific inquiries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a Sunday for the Blusturgis flea market, where kids might enjoy browsing unique items and the lively atmosphere. If attending a tour, gauge your children's sensitivity to historical narratives. The sheer scale of the prison and its transformation can be fascinating for older children and teenagers interested in history and urban exploration.
🎶 Music and Art Enthusiasts
The space itself, with its raw, industrial aesthetic, provides a unique backdrop for performances and exhibitions. Keep an eye on the event schedule for art installations, temporary exhibitions, and other creative happenings. The transformation of this former prison into a hub for creators and artists means there's always something new and inspiring to discover, making it a prime spot for anyone interested in contemporary culture.
+1🎬 Film Buffs
+1Beyond its Hollywood connections, the prison also hosts film screening events, particularly during the summer months. Checking the venue's schedule for these cinematic events can offer a unique way to experience the prison, combining its atmospheric setting with the magic of movies.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of Lukiškės Prison
Today, this imposing structure has been reborn as Lukiškės Prison 2.0, a dynamic cultural and creative hub. The transformation has breathed new life into the space, turning its cells and courtyards into venues for art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and vibrant markets. This revitalization aims to confront and commemorate the site's complex past while fostering a forward-looking community.
This dual identity—a place of historical reflection and a modern center for arts and entertainment—makes Lukiškės Prison 2.0 a unique destination. Visitors can experience both the somber history through guided tours and the lively present through its diverse events.
Experiencing Lukiškės Prison 2.0: Tours and Events
Beyond the historical tours, the prison's courtyards have become a popular spot for events. On Wednesday evenings, you can join a quiz night, while Thursdays are dedicated to live jazz performances. Sundays often feature the popular Blusturgis flea market, offering a chance to find unique items. The venue has also been used for concerts and even as a filming location, most notably for scenes in Stranger Things season 4.
+3It's important to note that while the courtyards are open and host events, access to the former prison cells is primarily through guided tours. Visitors are advised to check the Lukiškės Prison 2.0 schedule in advance to plan their visit around specific events or tours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit