Forget The Vacation Or Staycation – Try The Coolcation!

A new trend called “coolcation” is in the ascendancy and Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius – among the world’s 10 coldest cities – is positioning itself to become the coolest place in Europe in which to be seen!

With an average yearly temperature of 7.3°C (45.14°F), the ancient capital has compiled a list of ‘cool’ things to do this August & September-October, as the rest of Europe gets out the suncream and flip flops.

Check out some of Vilnius Coolcations:

Hot Air Balloon Flights
Vilnius is among the few European cities where hot air balloon flights are permitted directly over the city. Common launch sites include Vingis Park and other open areas in the city, which allow passengers to enjoy the views of the cityscape in the early morning and late evening.

Adding to this experience, Vilnius has introduced a red, heart-shaped hot air balloon, that will represent Vilnius during international events, and provide a unique opportunity to explore the Vilnius Historic Center from above. https://skriskimekartu.lt/

Food That Will Make You Soar!
Another standout experience is a flying restaurant concept prepared by Hot Air Lines in collaboration with chef Deivydas Praspaliauskas from Amandus restaurant, recently highlighted in The Michelin Guide Lithuania.

This combines a hot air balloon flight with a gourmet meal featuring seasonal cuisine. Guests enjoy haute-cuisine appetizers and a drink before takeoff, followed by three tastings, dessert, and two drinks served during the flight. https://orobalionai.lt/en/purchase/view/7

Corgi Race Vilnius (24 August)
The Corgi Race Vilnius has been successful in previous years, drawing thousands of people to cheer on their favorite four-legged competitors.

This year, the event is expanding with international guests from Poland, Latvia, and Estonia. This event brings together corgi owners, their pets, and animal lovers for a day of fun in Vingis Park: https://corgiracevilnius.com/

Vilnius Capital Days Festival (31 August – 2 September)
The Vilnius Capital Days Festival traditionally marks the beginning of autumn. The festival offers diverse entertainment options, from high-quality pop, rock, electronic, jazz, and world music to classical music and opera.

Every year, festival organizers ensure surprises for attendees, such as last year's spectacular 70-performance laser show. https://www.vilniusfestivals.lt/en/festival-event/vilnius-city-fiesta-2024/

LOFTAS Fest (5–8 September)
LOFTAS Fest is the only metropolitan arts and music festival of its kind in Lithuania and is one of the largest urban festivals in the Baltic States. It brings music and art to the urban environment, presenting an original program of contemporary music, art shows, and performances: https://www.facebook.com/loftasfest/?locale=lt_LT

Rimi Vilnius Marathon (8 September)
Catering to all ages, the marathon includes races for seniors and even toddlers who just started to walk. https://www.vilniausmaratonas.lt/en/

Sirenos, Vilnius International Theatre Festival (25 September – 13 October)
The annual Vilnius International Theater Festival Sirenos showcases performances from local and international artists : https://www.sirenos.lt/en/

Vilnius Jazz (16–20 October)
Founded in 1987, Vilnius Jazz is Lithuania's oldest annual jazz festival, recognized as one of the most important jazz hubs in the region. The festival is known for its strong emphasis on innovation, often including academic, ethnic, rock, and industrial music: https://www.vilniusfestivals.lt/en/festival-event/vilnius-jazz-festival-2024/

Lithuanian Gastronomy Week (4–10 November)
The debut of The Michelin Guide Lithuania this year spotlighted numerous Lithuanian restaurants, which will be featured during the Lithuanian Gastronomy Week.

Michelin star-awarded spots like Džiaugsmas, led by Chef Martynas Praškevičius, impressed with an inventive tasting menu featuring dishes like a doughnut with black pudding and halibut with shrimp mousse: https://www.facebook.com/gastrosavaite?locale=lt_LT

Vilnius Auto Museum
Recently opened in the legendary Vilnius taxi park, the Vilnius Auto Museum has quickly gained recognition as one of the world's best car museums according to Google Reviews and the prestigious UK digital car marketplace, Auto Trader. Visitors praise the impressive car collections and engaging guides.

Highlights include Alvaro S. Krotzo's Sears Motor Buggy, which owners assembled themselves, and the Delage D8L, carried through jungles for the King of Nepal.

Other notable cars are the Hispano-Suiza, beloved by European monarchs and Albert Einstein, and the iconic Messerschmitt KR200, a three-wheeled car popular in Hollywood and among stars like Elvis Presley. https://automuziejus.lt/en/