Tourism's Worst Kept Secret… Why you must visit Vilnius

Are you a travel style setter? Do you love discovering the very BEST new places ahead of the rest? If so, we've got the very latest – and often underestimated – destination to share with you… Vilnius! The lovely Lithuanian capital is the Baltic's most beautiful baroque gem. And the city's new-found confidence – along with the long, golden midsummer evenings – now make it an especially alluring destination. Get inspired to travel to Vilnius below.

This cool, compact capital is one of the driving forces behind the country's booming tourism industry. Home to the largest medieval old town in central and eastern Europe, Vilnius is increasingly popular for its engaging sense of history, bewitching architectural heritage and bustling cafe culture. Not surprisingly, it's been named as one of the Top Ten Places to Visit in 2018 by travel guru's, Lonely Planet. Their verdict? “Boasting fascinating history, offbeat elegance and a unique cultural scene, the city pulses with youthful energy, new creative spaces, a flourishing restaurant and craft beer scene, plus plenty of festivals and events…There's never been a better time to enjoy one of Europe's most criminally overlooked capital cities….”

And, despite its far north eastern location, Vilnius does feel essentially European. The lofty Gediminas Tower - part of the ruined 10th century castle - offers fantastic views of the UNESCO protected Old Town below: a charmingly crumbly, cobbled labyrinth of parks, squares, bars, cafes and restaurants. With a wealth of gorgeous neoclassical and baroque churches and artists' studios. Plus, really out-there graffiti! Take a hot air balloon ride right over top for some amazing photo opportunities. Or rent a bike and experience Vilnius like a local.

You'll want to experience the stylish bars that serve Lithuanian craft beers. Bambalynė, a bare-bricked basement bottle shop-cum-bar, is a favorite, along with the low-lit Bar Bukowski and the friendly bohemian neighborhood of Spunka. It's also a ‘must' to cross over the Vilnia River and experience Užupis - an edgy neighborhood which declared itself an independent republic on April 1, 1997. Still moving and grooving now, it's packed with trendy bars and shops -conceptual shoe store, anyone? Wherever you go, Vilnius knows food really matters. Beer Sets, found in most pubs and bars, offer hearty sustenance in the form of dried meat, dumplings and strips of deep fried bread topped with grated garlic.

It is also excellent value. And truly accessible… The iconic Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is just 9 kilometres from the airport. Currently offering 22 storeys of sophistication, the hotel is launching a stylish new 165 room extension on the banks of the River Neris in the heart of the city. The Radisson Blu Lietuva is truly a local landmark – and the stylish Riverside Restaurant and penthouse Skybar - both give amazing viewsl So what are you waiting for?

Traveling to Vilnius on business? Discover the stunning business class rooms of the Radisson Blu Astorija Hotel in the video below.