Lukiškės Square
Explore the chilling history of Lukiškės Prison and experience the vibrant modern life of its transformed courtyard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for prison tours
Lukiškės Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds for prison tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the chilling history of Lukiškės Prison and experience the vibrant modern life of its transformed courtyard.
"A place where history's shadows meet today's vibrant pulse."
Book Prison Tours Ahead
Prison tours are popular and sell out. Book your spot online well in advance to avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Check Event Schedules
The courtyard transforms! Look for film festivals, bars, and markets happening during your visit. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lukiškės Prison Tour
Former Prison Complex
Step inside the chilling history of this former prison, exploring cells and learning about its past. A must-do for history buffs.
Courtyard Events
Lukiškės Square Courtyard
Experience the square's transformation into a lively hub with outdoor bars, film festivals, and markets. Check local listings!

Architectural Contrast
Lukiškės Square
Witness the striking juxtaposition of the imposing former prison architecture against the modern urban landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Prison Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Prison Tours Ahead
Prison tours are popular and sell out. Book your spot online well in advance to avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Check Event Schedules
The courtyard transforms! Look for film festivals, bars, and markets happening during your visit. :calendar:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the prison and surrounding square. :athletic_shoe:
Be Mindful of Atmosphere
The square can be both a solemn historical site and a lively social space. Be respectful of the context. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Prison Tours Ahead
Prison tours are popular and sell out. Book your spot online well in advance to avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Check Event Schedules
The courtyard transforms! Look for film festivals, bars, and markets happening during your visit. :calendar:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the prison and surrounding square. :athletic_shoe:
Be Mindful of Atmosphere
The square can be both a solemn historical site and a lively social space. Be respectful of the context. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lukiškės Square for its unique duality, offering both a somber historical exploration of the former prison and a vibrant social hub in its courtyard. The prison tours are highly regarded for their historical depth, while the courtyard's events and bar create a lively atmosphere. Some find the transition between these two experiences jarring, and booking prison tours in advance is crucial.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lukiškės Square is centrally located in Vilnius and easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other city center attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Lukiškės Square can be challenging due to its central location. There are paid parking lots and street parking options in the surrounding areas, but it's often more convenient to use public transport or walk.
Yes, Lukiškės Square is within walking distance of Vilnius's Old Town. The stroll takes approximately 15-20 minutes and offers a nice way to see more of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The square itself is a public space and free to enter. However, if you wish to take a guided tour of the former Lukiškės Prison, tickets are required and should be booked in advance.
Ticket prices for the Lukiškės Prison tours vary depending on the type of tour and any special events. It's best to check the official Lukiškės Prison website for the most current pricing information.
Generally, you cannot explore the interior of the former Lukiškės Prison without a guided tour. The prison complex is managed for historical and educational purposes, and access is controlled.
Lukiškės Square is open 24/7 as a public space. The Lukiškės Prison tours operate on a set schedule, which can vary. Always consult the official Lukiškės Prison website for the most accurate and up-to-date tour times.
Tickets for the Lukiškės Prison tours are typically purchased online through the official Lukiškės Prison website or authorized ticketing partners. Booking in advance is strongly advised.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Lukiškės Square offers a dual experience: the historical Lukiškės Prison with its guided tours, and the vibrant courtyard which often hosts an outdoor bar, events, and film screenings. It's a place of both reflection and social gathering.
The Lukiškės Prison tours delve into the darker aspects of its history, including stories of imprisonment and hardship. While educational, it may not be suitable for very young children. Parental discretion is advised.
The courtyard is a dynamic space that hosts various events. Common occurrences include an outdoor bar, live music, markets, and notably, a film festival on Monday nights.
For a comprehensive visit, including a prison tour and exploring the courtyard, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan to attend an evening event, you might stay longer.
Guided tours for Lukiškės Prison are often available in English, and sometimes other languages. It's essential to check the booking platform or the official website for language options when purchasing your tickets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the courtyard of Lukiškės Square often features an outdoor bar, especially during warmer months and event seasons. For more extensive dining options, numerous cafes and restaurants are located within a short walking distance in the surrounding city center.
The bar in the courtyard typically offers a selection of drinks, including local beers, wines, and cocktails. Food options might be limited to snacks or light bites, depending on the specific vendor operating at the time.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary within the Lukiškės Prison. While general photos of the cells and common areas might be permitted, it's always best to check with your tour guide or look for posted signage to confirm. Some areas may restrict photography.
The contrast between the imposing prison architecture and the open square offers great photographic opportunities. The courtyard, especially during events, can also provide dynamic shots. Capture the unique blend of history and modern life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
🎉 Social & Event Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Lukiškės Prison
During its operational years, the prison was known for its harsh conditions and served as a symbol of state control. Stories of escapes, riots, and the daily lives of inmates and guards are part of its complex legacy. The transition from a place of confinement to a public square and cultural hub represents a significant shift in how Lithuania engages with its history, aiming to educate and foster dialogue rather than simply preserve a somber monument.
Today, guided tours offer a glimpse into this past, allowing visitors to walk through the actual cells and hear narratives that bring the prison's history to life. The Lukiškės Prison tours are designed to be informative and thought-provoking, providing context for the building's role in Lithuanian history and society. It’s an experience that encourages reflection on justice, punishment, and societal change.
Lukiškės Square: A Public Space Reimagined
A notable recurring event is the Monday night film festival, which draws crowds to enjoy open-air cinema. This repurposing of the space demonstrates a creative approach to urban development, breathing new life into an area historically associated with confinement. The contrast between the solemnity of the prison and the lively atmosphere of the courtyard is striking and a key part of the Lukiškės experience.
Visitors can enjoy a drink at the bar, browse local markets, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. The square serves as a testament to how historical sites can be integrated into contemporary urban landscapes, offering diverse experiences that cater to different interests. It’s a place where history and present-day culture coexist.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit