Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, is what every traveller’s dreams are made of. Nestled in the confluence of rivers Vilnia and Neris, the charming metro promises an unforgettable experience to anyone lucky enough to discover this hidden gem.

There are many things to see in Vilnius, with 360 degrees of picturesque views, dotted with cultural charm and architectural marvels, it can be confusing to narrow down what to do in Vilnius – especially if you’re only staying for a short while. But don’t worry, we’ve listed down the must-dos, must-visits and must-eats to help you make the most out of your Vilnius adventure.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO VILNIUS

Here are a few things to remember and prepare before you head to Vilnius to make sure you will have the best time during your visit and make a little mistake as possible. 

Schengen visa policy

Lithuania practices the Schengen visa policy, which means, you can stay here for 90 days within the 180-day calendar. If you have spent 30 days in other parts of Schengen, for example, Germany, then you can only stay for 60 days in Lithuania.

The 90-day rule is the total number of days you can stay in the entire Schengen area.

Find more information here according to your nationality:

• Australian passport visa-free countries
• Visa-free countries for Canadian passport holders
• Visa-free countries for US citizens
• British passport visa free countries

Language

Lithuania has their own language which is Lithuanian, however, due to the fact that it was once conquered by the Soviet Union, many older people speak Russian. While the young people speak English very well, therefore, you should not have a problem going around and asking locals for directions or anything. If you speak Russian, you should be able to get around as well.

Transportation

Going around in Vilnius and the entire country is very easy in Lithuania and very affordable too. There are city buses for €.60 – €1, while out of the city buses will be between €3 and up. You can also take the train or bus for as low as €4 to another city or nearby countries.

If you will be here for a while, you can register online and pay €4 to use the city bike for free for 30-minutes unlimited times a day for 30 days. There are many bike paths which makes it easy and safe.

The local buses and trains are integrated with Google Maps and are always right in time. Uber and Taxify works in Lithuania very well too and is quite affordable. You can also immediately hire cars for hire upon checking out this site.

Sim card and mobile data

To save some money from using a data room, you can purchase a local sim card with mobile data in it for as cheap as €6 valid for 30 days, it should also have free SMS and some minutes for local calls.

These sim cards can be found in grocery stores by the check out station, you don’t need to show an ID or passport. Simply grab one and play it on your way out.

Best time to go

Vilnius is a very green city, there are trees, open grounds, and park all over the city for everyone to enjoy. The busiest time of the year is summer, most of the hotels and hostels are fully booked, therefore, you should book in advance if you are planning to go here during summer.

If you can stand the cold, winter can be pretty nice in Vilnius as well, there are some Christmas markets and the prices of accommodation is a little cheaper due to low season.

Where to stay

Vilnius has many options for tourist to choose from when it comes to accommodation. There are AirBnBs for those who prefer an apartment-style, a classic hotel room is right at the Old Town, and for those who want to stay on the budget side, there are affordable hostels in Vilnius too that are well-located.

I highly suggest you stay in the Old Town area to make things easier, although, walking around and taking taxis, uber, or the buses are easy.

WHAT TO DO IN VILNIUS – COOL THINGS TO DO

Here are the cool things to do in Vilnius, attractions that you must not miss, food to taste in restaurants that are top-notch in prices and taste, and of course, never leave without checking out Vilnius’ nightlife.

CHECK TOURS’ PRICES & SCHEDULES

EXPLORE UZUPIS

For the wanderlust who loves to immerse in the Vilnian art culture, exploring the Bohemian and art district of Uzupis is a good starting point. The once dangerous neighbourhood and red light district has transformed into a thriving home for the city’s creative community.

This artistic haven will welcome you in streets bursting with colourful (and entirely legal) graffitis, art galleries, and cute
cafes and restaurants with artisanal selections of burgers, pastries, and craft beer.

They regularly host exhibitions, workshops, poetry evenings, and music and fashion festivals so are sure to ask around if they have one or two scheduled while you’re there. Fun fact: The Uzupis neighbourhood is actually the Republic of Uzupis. It is one of the must-sees in Vilnius for tourist, many would on go on a tour with a local to get to know the area better.

It declared itself an independent republic on April 01, 1997. Uzipis has its own president, army, flag, and anthem. How to get there: Uzupis is located across the Vilnia River. From the Old Town, the easiest way is to use the main bridge, Uzupio Undinele, which leads directly to the republic’s main entrance.

EXPERIENCE THE OLD TOWN CHARM

No Vilnius adventure is complete without a leisurely stroll around the Old Town. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Vilnius is a time capsule of medieval beauty. It promises an eyegasmic feast of architectural harmony inspired by gothic, renaissance, neoclassical, and of generally baroque style buildings. There are super affordable day tours to see the Old Town like this one, it comes with transportation and audio guide, it covers the must-sees in Vilnius. Much better than walking around and getting lost in the city.

Gates of Dawn, Presidential Palace, Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble Museum

Old Town is a melting pot of the city’s historical, religious, and cultural influences best represented by well-preserved palaces, monuments, and historic landmarks. Notable places of interest include the Gates of Dawn, Presidential Palace, and the Vilnius University Architectural Ensemble Museum.

Fun Fact: Old Town Vilnius is Northern Europe’s largest surviving medieval old town encompassing 1,487 buildings, 70 streets, and 74 quarters.

Follow the street sign: Old Town lies at the heart of the city. Many hotels are located within or just outside its sprawling area, which means you’re already there or a mere stone’s throw away. But if you’re looking for good places to start exploring, Pilies Street, Vokieciu Street, and Zydu Street come highly recommended.

Visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights / KGB Museum

Getting a deeper understanding of Lithuanian history begs for a visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Rights, formerly the Museum of Genocide Victims. Established on October 4, 1992, the museum provides an unsettling yet eye-opening insight into the dark past that gripped the country in the hands of the KGB.

The former KGB prison is now a historic building that houses expositions devoted to commemorating the past, and reminding present and future generations of the imprisonment, torture, deportations of, and anti-Soviet resistance by Lithuanian residents during the 50 years of Soviet occupation.

Address: Aukų g. 2A, LT-01113 Vilnius, Lithuania

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Tuesday – Closed
• Wednesday – Saturday – 10AM – 6PM
• Sunday – 10AM – 5PM

Entrance Fee:

• Adults – 4 €
• Pupils, students, retired people (present ID/appropriate document) – 1 €
• Child under 7, disabled, ICOM member – Free

How to get there:

• By bus: Take bus no. 43, 46, 52, 56, 60, or 88, by trolleybus: Take no. 9 and 19. Your exit is at the Nacionalinė dailės galerija’ stop. You can also walk along Gediminas Avenue to get there, or from the Cathedral Square.

GET A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CITY

Vilnius is as stunning below as it is from above. And for the shutterbugs who want to capture the city from a few meters up, these scenic overlooks make for the best viewing and snapping spots.

​The Hill of Three Crosses, Cathedral Square Bell Tower, and Gediminas Castle are your top three destinations for an obstructed view of the city. From these vantage points, you can get postcard-perfect shots of the Old Town, a bird’s-eye view of the cobblestone streets, roof tiles, and the rivers and forest that blend seamlessly into Vilnius’ picturesque cityscape.

It helps that these three places are also must-visits and should be in your Vilnius trip bucket list – that’s hitting two birds with one stone right there. But wait, there’s more, if you have time to kill and want to see more panoramic views of Lithuania outside Vilnius, then head over to Treetop Walking Path in Anyksciai.

It’s a popular day-trip destination (1.5 hours by car) for locals and tourists who want to experience the Lithuanian forest and get gorgeous tree-level views via a tree-canopy trail walkway.

HEAD TO TRAKAI CASTLE

Trakai Castle is actually outside Vilnius, about 50-minute drive, you will get to see the famous island castle. This castle is surrounded by a lake which freezes during winter. The castle was built in the 14th century and was redecorated, however, became a jail in 1500. The castle was damaged and was completely ruined, it was reconstructed in the 19th century but was fully done in 1961 which is now a major tourist attraction. This is one of the day trips from Vilnius that you can do during your stay.

During summer, many locals and foreign tourist will hang around the area (not inside the castle’s parameter) until late afternoon to watch the beautiful sunset. You can also go on a tour for Trakai Castle to make sure you get to explore this beautiful place as much as possible.

• Address: Trakai 21142, Lithuania
• Opening hours: depends on the season, check here

How to get there:

• By bus: Head to the main bus station (Vilnius Station) in Gelezinkelio street or Sodu Street and take the bus at platform 6, 7, 8, 28, 29. There are buses that run every 10-20 minutes. The fare is about €2 for one-way. Once you get to Trakai town, you will need to walk for about 1.8 kilometres. There should be enough sign for you to follow or simply ask any locals or follow the tourists.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN VILNIUS – WHAT TO EAT IN VILNIUS

Experience the city through taste! Mary is not much of a fan of Lithuanian food although she admits they have the best Kebab and the cheapest (for its serving size) one.

Food in Vilnius is pretty interesting, Lithuanian loves their meat but at the same times, vegans and vegetarians should not have a hard time finding great dishes for their preferences. You should also visit their grocery stores, where you can buy ready to eat food and snacks.

Unsure of what to eat in Vilnius? Don’t forget to try the beetroot soup (Saltibarsciai) and Zeppelin (Cepelinai), these two are very popular and traditional Lithuanian dishes. Accompany these dishes with a traditional drink called Kvass or other local cider and beer. Complete your what to do in Vilnius list by dining here:

Šnekutis

Snekutis is probably my favourite local restaurant in Vilnius. They serve local dishes at such reasonable prices. Funny enough, I’ve tried to go here four times, the first two attempts was unsuccessful because they ran out of food at 8 pm only – yes, it’s that popular. This is the place I highly recommend you try Zeppelin and Beet Root Soup.

So, if you are going for dinner, try to head here as early as 5.30-6.00 pm. They have three locations, one in Vilnius Old Town, one close to the main bus/train station, and one in Uzupis.

Address:

• Uzupis – 01204, Polocko g. 7A, Vilnius 01204 
• Close to the main station – Šv. Stepono g. 8, Vilnius 01138 
• Old Town– Šv. Mikalojaus g. 15, Vilnius 01133

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM

Sweet Root

For those who take eating with your eyes seriously, Sweet Root is the place for you. Open only for dinner, Sweet Root offers a three-hour, seven-course dining experience that pleases both taste and sight with immaculately plated dishes. The restaurant, one of the highest-rated in the city, is best known for its creative use of native and seasonal ingredients.

• Address: Uzupio g. 22, Vilnius, Lithuania
• Opening Hours: 6-11 PM (Best to reserve in advance)
• Cuisine: Fine dining / Seasons-inspired local, modern Lithuanian cuisine

Medininkai Restaurant

A gastronomic adventure of plateful proportions, Medininkai Restaurant is the perfect place to fill up after a whole day of exploring. Medininkai serves traditional Lithuanian cuisine and is famous for its massive meat plates, mushroom soup, superb cheese platters, and other European specialities.

• Address: 8 Aušros Vartų gatvė, Vilnius, Vilniaus apskritis, 1304, Lithuania
• Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11AM – 12AM Sunday: 11AM – 11PM
• Cuisine: Traditional Lithuanian cuisine

GYVAS baras

Perfect for vegan travellers, GYVAS baras, Lithuania’s first vegan restaurant offers an extensive menu of plant-based, meat-free, and even gluten-free dishes, with a choice selection of beer and cider to boot! Their burgers of constantly changing flavours are a hit for both tourists and locals.

• Address: Traku 11 (Old Town), Vilnius, Lithuania
• Opening Hours:
  Monday – Wednesday: 11:30AM -10PM
  Thursday – 11:30AM – 11PM
  Friday – 11:30AM-12AM
  Saturday – 12PM – 12AM
• Cuisine: Vegan, Western

BEST BARS IN VILNIUS – NIGHTLIFE IN VILNIUS

If you want a taste of nightlife in Vilnius, I have a few suggestions for you to try. From a regular sports bar where you can relax and watch some sports or meet locals to all-night party clubs for dancing and go crazy.

Head to the bar street which is just down at Vilniaus Street if you feel like browsing the area by the bar. There are plenty of best bars in Vilnius depending on your liking, but here are some that we recommend you check out.

BIX Baras

For those who prefer a quiet evening but still have fun and learn about Vilnius nightlife and try out some local beers and ciders, BIX baras is the place for you. A lot of local people hang out here and play pool/billiard or do Karaoke in the weekdays.

• Address: Etmonų g. 6, Vilnius 01129, Lithuania
• Opening Hours: 11AM – 12AM (S, M ,T), 11AM – 2AM (W, T) 11AM – 5AM (F, S)

Hooters

If you miss some classic bar food that serves local beers and ciders while watching sports, you probably should try Hooters. They are quite affordable compared to Hooters in Colombia although the service time can be slower.

• Address: Vilniaus g. 16, Vilnius 01402, Lithuania
• Opening Hours: 4PM – 11PM (S, M, T, W) 4PM – 12MN (T), 4PM- 2AM (F, S)

La Birra Pub

La Birra is actually a pretty cool place, they are regular sports bar during the day which turns into a crazy nightclub once midnight hit the clock, simply head down to the basement where the action on the dance floor happens. They also serve bar food but the kitchen opens at 7PM.

• Address: Vilniaus g. 29, Vilnius 01119, Lithuania
• Music type: mainstream and modern
• Opening Hours: 5PM – 4AM (S, M, T, W), 5PM – 6AM(T, F, S)

Gringo

This pub is a cute little sports bar that serves affordable drinks. They also have plenty of screens that show different sports. However, they only play the audio for big games/championships and normally play punk rock, rock, and heavy metal music.

• Address: Vilniaus g. 31, Vilnius 01402, Lithuania
• Opening Hours: 11AM – 3AM (S, M, T, W), 11PM – 4AM (T, F, S)

I really hope that you found this what to do in Vilnius article useful for you visit in this magnificent city. If you have any questions or concern, let us know in the comment section below.

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? SAVE THIS FOR LATER READ:

As anyone who has ever planned a trip knows, travelling gets expensive. Between flights, car hire, hotel bookings and a daily spending allowance for activities and restaurants, what starts out as a cheap weekend getaway can quickly escalate into spending free for all – if you’re a rube.

If you’re not, and you have a little bit of street savviness about you, then there are a number of steps you can take to mitigate the costs of travelling and ensure that you get more bang for your buck. We’ll take a look at some of these tips and tricks below.

RELATED:

• Long-haul flight essentials
• Eco-friendly travel accessories
• How to find a low-cost travel insurance

Book in Advance

Airlines make a ton of money off of last-minute flights. The logic is that if you’re booking a flight at the very last second then you’re absolutely desperate to reach your destination, probably for a business meeting or some other emergency, and this is where airlines crank up the price.

If you have more flexibility and time to plan your trip, booking way in advance is going to give you access to some of the cheapest fares available.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Depending on the country you’re travelling to, the water there might be of questionable quality, and you’ll likely find yourself shelling out loads in order to buy cold, sealed, plastic bottles of water. Not only is this terrible for the environment, but it’s downright criminal for your wallet.

A quick fix is to bring your own reusable water bottle with you. Just make sure it’s empty when you’re travelling through security at an airport, then you’re free to use and reuse this bottle to your heart’s content. It may not sound like a lot, but every buck you spend on a bottle of water quickly adds up.

Learn Your Air Passenger Rights

If you’ve ever travelled frequently before, then you’ll know that delays and cancellations are inevitable. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about them. Quite the opposite. Under certain conditions, and depending on where you’re flying to and the duration of your delay (or if your flight was cancelled altogether), you as an air passenger are entitled by law to monetary compensation to the tune of up to €600.

Airlines are quite hushed about this fact, and make it pretty difficult for you to claim this money back. However, once you are aware of your air passenger rights, simply contact a company like AirHelp in the event of a cancellation or delay, and they will ensure you get your money.

Stay for a Month

This might sound counterintuitive – staying longer in one place to save money – but hear me out. If you’re travelling for an extended period, it might make more sense to stay in one location and use it as a base to explore surrounding areas.

The reason for this is that many hosts, hotels and other forms of accommodation offer hefty discounts for those willing to stay for a month or more.

It’s guaranteed income for them, so they’re willing to let you stay for less in order to reap the benefits of a long-term renter.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance seems like can add up to your travel expense but believe me, you are saving so much money by having travel insurance. Who knows what’s out there and what will happen. It’s worth the money to have a peace of mind than finding yourself standing in the middle of ER unsure if you can get the help you badly need.

A friend of mine went to Vietnam where he had an accident, he spent $2000 for hospitalisation whilst he could have paid $120 for a travel insurance coverage.

Travel During Off-Peak Season

Much like the last minute flights we mentioned earlier, airlines are also notoriously expensive during peak seasons. If you’re planning on flying during summer, Thanksgiving or the December period, you’d better be prepared to shell out a fortune on increased costs.

The prices of everything practically double! To save a ton of money, not to mention visiting a place when the tourist ebb and flow is at an all-time low, consider travelling during off-peak seasons.

Bring Food Onboard Before Flying

Many people don’t realize this, perhaps because they get scared away by stringent security checks at airports, but you’re absolutely allowed to bring food with you onboard your flight. If you’re flying on a budget airline where food isn’t provided, this can be a godsend.

Rather than paying insane amounts of money for what amounts to a cheese sandwich with white bread, or remaining hungry and moody for the rest of the flight, prepare something delicious at home and bring it on board with you. Your wallet and your stomach will thank you immensely.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Just because you’re in a new city doesn’t mean you have to pay for every single tourist trap on the recommended list. There are a ton of free activities regardless of where you go, which will leave you enlightened and entertained without you shredding through money.

For example, if you find yourself in London, take advantage of all of their free museums and art galleries. Another good go-to strategy is to take a free walking tour. They’re on offer in almost every major city in the world and are a great way of getting to know the city you’re visiting for a minuscule or even non-existent price.

Be Flexible With Your Flight Dates

Like travelling during peak season or last minute, airlines charge more for certain days such as Saturday or Monday. Being flexible with your days allows you to travel on days when the price of travel is cheaper. If you have the option, try and travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. These are the cheapest possible days for flying and you’ll likely save a not inconsiderate sum of cash.

Stick To Your Budget

Travelling can get really expensive really quickly, which is why it always pays to have a plan. Before you even get on the plane, draw up a budget based on how expensive the destination you’re going to is, and try to stick to it.

Draw up amounts of how much you’d like to spend on food, accommodation, activities and even souvenirs, and try to stick to it. Even if you overspend slightly, simply having everything written down will make you more aware and more accountable for the money you’re spending, and help you stay on track.

Pack Light

Pack light only brings on hand luggage and avoid the costly fees for keeping baggage in the hold when you fly. You don’t need as much luggage as you think. Most airlines offer passengers at least seven kilograms of luggage to bring with them on board, and many others offer 10.

This is way more than you think, especially for short trips. Plan the outfits you’d like to wear, buy toiletries at your destination and don’t bring anything bulky – it’s easier than you think.

India is one of the most popular destinations in South Asia for decades now. Given they have one of the 7 wonders of the world; Taj Majal, they also have world-class dishes, and of course, it’s a very affordable destination. The locals speak English very well too, which attracts a lot of travellers from everywhere in the world.

Entering India is very easy too, the offer visa-free access to a few countries but also has an e-Visa program for most nationalities. They have made it convenient through e-Visa application and processing. That said, if you’re planning a trip there soon, here’s what you need to know on how to apply for India visa online.

In this article, you will find the countries who do need a visa to enter India, while the main focus is to walk you through how to apply for India visa online – step by step.

ALSO READ:

• Best Surfing spots in Asia– where to go

TIP: You may use the table of contents below to navigate faster

COUNTRIES WITH VISA-FREE ENTRY TO INDIA

Before you get started on your application, you might want to check first if you’re eligible to visit India without visa obligations.

RELATED POST: Tips for solo female traveller travelling to India

If you’re a citizen of Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal, you will be permitted visa-free entry into Indian soil, provided you’re not arriving from mainland China.

India also allows visa-free entry to visitors with Persons with Indian Origin (PIO) Card or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card, as long as you’re not a citizen of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, or Pakistan.

Let’s save you a Google search: India’s POI card is a form of identification issued to a person of Indian origin who holds a passport in another country besides those aforementioned above. However, the POI is currently being replaced with the OCI card. Per India’s Bureau of Immigration, all POI cardholders are advised to convert their POI to OCI, and all handwritten POI is now invalid.

The POI will only be accepted until 31 March 2019 and should be presented with a valid foreign passport. Although both cards come with lifelong validity, the OCI cardholders who is under 21 years old or over 50 years old will have to apply for a new OCI card every time he/she is issued with a new passport. 

COUNTRIES ALLOWED TO ENTER INDIA WITH VISA ON ARRIVAL

India implemented their Tourist Visa on Arrival or TVoA facility to boost the country’s tourism through convenient and uncomplicated visa processing. The TVoA scheme was first introduced to 11 countries and has since expanded to 43, which are:

India visa fees: How much is visa on arrival

TVoA processing costs $60 (non-refundable) per passenger including children. You will be required to present your passport (valid 6 months prior) with a minimum of 2 blank pages (for stamping), and to submit a photocopy of your passport, 2 passport size photos, and a copy of your return ticket.

India visa validity

Your TVoA is valid for 30 days, non-convertible and non-extendable. Do note that you can apply for a TVoA twice in a calendar year with a minimum 2-month gap in-between visits.

India visa on arrival requirements

Apart from your passport, prepare to print all your TVoA documents as you will need to present them at the airport immigration counter. And no, do not rely on your electronic copies as there’s a huge chance they will not honour them. For best measure, also prepare hard copies of your flight details, hotels, meals, tours, and everything else you booked in advance for your stay.

REMEMBER: Apply for your TVoA at least 4 days before your date of arrival, and take note of your application ID – you’ll be needing this to complete your partially completed online application upon arrival in India.

TVoA ENTRY POINTS

India’s TVoA facility is only available at these designated international airports:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi) 
• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai)
• Chennai International Airport (Chennai)
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkota)
• Cochin International Airport (Kochi)
• Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram)
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)
• Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru)
• Goa International Airport (Dabolim)

WHO CAN APPLY FOR INDIA VISA ONLINE

If you’re a citizen of these countries/territories, you are eligible to apply for India visa online or e-Visa. Please see below, arranged alphabetically for your browsing convenience:

• Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan
• Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi
• Cambodia, Cameron Union Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China- SAR Hongkong, China- SAR Macau, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic
• Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France
• Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy
• Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
• Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar
• Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Norway, Oman
• Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Rwanda
• Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland
• Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Indian visa online requirements – TVoA

India’s e-Visa is available in 4 categories: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, and e-Medical Attendant, subject to your purpose of visit. For foreign visitors coming to India for pleasure and leisure, your e-Tourist visa requirements include:

• Scanned bio page of your passport in PDF format, minimum KB, maximum 300KB. Your photograph and personal details should be clear and visible.
• Digital photograph, front view showing your full face and open eyes without glasses. The background should be plain white, no facial shadows, and without a border. The photo should be in JPEG format with a minimum size of 10KB, maximum 1MB.

How much is the e-Tourist visa fee

The application fee is either $80 or $120 depending on your country of origin. Citizens from Singapore, Japan and Sri Lanka however are only charged $25 for their e-Tourist visa, while fee is waived for citizens of Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, and Vanuatu.

E-Tourist visa validity

Your Indian e-Tourist Visa is valid for 60 days (non-convertible and non-extendable) from your date of arrival in India. Double entry is allowed per the calendar year.

HOW TO APPLY FOR INDIA VISA ONLINE

Here is an easy step on how you can obtain your own Indian visa online:

1. Prepare all required documents mentioned above

Make sure that you have all the documents ready before starting the application plus your bank card for payment or PayPal details.

2. Travel details

Prepare supporting travel details such as hotel information which you’ll need to fill in the “References in India” section of the online application, flight schedule, and your financial account details for payment.

3. Head to the visa application page

Go to this site(I highly recommend and trust this visa agency),.You are highly advised to secure this process on your own to safeguard your personal and financial details.

CHECK PRICES ACCORDING TO YOUR PASSPORT

Select your nationality and choose if you need an e-Tourist visa, Medical visa or Business visa, then click apply.

4. Continue to the next page

Fill in all required fields of the application form for your chosen visa type such as full name, passport details, port of entry, date of arrival in India and exit. Before proceeding to the next page, make sure to double check the information that you filled out, otherwise, you can no longer change any info.

NOTE: Once this section is accomplished, an auto-generated application ID will be sent to your email address or you will be given an instruction on the next page. As a precaution, take a screenshot of the page with the unique ID or note it down.

6. Payment

A link to the payment gateway will be provided to settle your Indian e-Tourist Visa application fee. Whenever you’re ready, tick “Yes”, click “Pay Now”, then select between Sbi e-pay or Axis Bank. Both banks accept online payment via debit card, credit card, or PayPal.

After which, you will be required to upload the scanned copy of your passport’s bio page and digital photo.

If you encounter 3 unsuccessful payment attempts, you will be required to apply again and a new application ID will be issued. Due to technical reasons and network delays, applicants are advised to wait at least 4 hours to check on their payment status by clicking on the “Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee” tab.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS THE E-VISA

E-visa processing normally takes 72-hour or less if you pay for rush processing. You will be notified via email regarding your application result. If granted, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA. 

HOW TO USE YOUR INDIAN VISA

Remember to print a copy of your Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA. You will need to present this to the immigration officer once you landed in India.

Once you have an approved copy of your Indian e-Tourist Visa and have been officially granted access into India, you will be advised to keep it on your person during your stay.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE ARRIVING IN INDIA

A country of colourful history and unique traditions, India is nothing short of captivating; truly a no-brainer if you’re looking for a one-for-the-books travel experience. But as it is with every country, you will encounter challenges during your trip. So, here’s a quick rundown of important points to make your India visit safe, fun, and memorable.

Food and water

While Indian cuisine is exquisite and street food seems like an appetizing way to experience it, you’re better off sticking to reputable restaurants if you don’t have the stomach to survive Indian street food. Also, be cautious where you drink your water from and don’t even think about drinking from the tap. Stick to bottled water or soda instead.

Dress code for India

Women travellers, expect to get unwanted attention. Curious gazes are often just that so it’s best to ignore them, but remain vigilant of your surroundings. Wear loose pants or skirts (ankle-length) and tops, and make sure to cover your shoulders. If you can, travel with a group especially when and where the place is thick with people.

Getting around

Traffic is treacherous in India, and public transport is more for the experience than convenience. That said, there are transportation options that are not only tech-driven but are traveller-friendly as well. This includes RedBus for intercity travel and Ola Cabs for your private or shareable cab and bike service. If you have extra bucks to spare – rent a car and hire a driver. 

Mobile apps

Download these apps for a smooth Indian experience: RedBus, Ola Cabs, IRTC Connect. To help you get around; MapmyIndia for tracking, navigation, and location analytics and HERE WeGo or Maps.Me for offline navigation; FoodPanda for your food deliveries; HostelWorld for booking your accommodation; and JustDial for India’s local listings and services.

Travel budget

India is a relatively cheap country to travel in; food, transportation, and accommodation are quite affordable with about $20 – $50 to get you through the day. That is unless you fell victim to scammers which sadly are common in the country. Avoid this by drafting a well-researched India travel itinerary and booking arrangements in advance. On the spot purchases or deals can be risky.

I hope you found this guide on how to apply for an Indian visa online helpful. If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? SAVE THIS FOR LATER READ:

A melting pot of contemporary wonders and ancient culture, Tallinn, Estonia’s beguiling capital is one of Northern Europe’s most fascinating travel destinations. A renowned gem of the Baltic, the capital holds within a UNESCO Heritage Site, Tallinn’s famous Old Town, that has exquisitely preserved its medieval past and rich, colorful history. Plus, a creative city that will take you deep into the heart of Estonia’s artistic prowess.

Needless to say, Tallinn is a destination worth booking. 

Cure the bite of the travel bug, but not with a quick stop when the city deserves a meaningful exploration. As such, you need the right accommodation of pocket-friendly options, without compromising on the much-required secure and comfortable stay. Yes, traveler, we’re talking hostels. To guide you to the best ones in the city, check out our top picks of the best hostels in Tallinn, from the cheapest to the most-reviewed.

RELATED POSTS:

• Best hostels in Vilnius, Lithuania
• Best hostels in Riga, Latvia
• What to do in Vilnius
• Best Schengen travel insurance

WHAT TO LOOK FOR A HOSTEL IN TALLINN

You’re either the sociable backpacker or a solo traveler looking to savor your Tallinn experience in your own terms. Whichever the case, the hostel of your choice should be secure, clean, comfortable, and fitted with essential amenities at reasonable rates.

Look for a hostel that is located close to the city’s main interest points, with options for hassle-free transportation. Let’s give bonus points for complete facilities, activity areas, dedicated hang-out spots, in-house bar, social potentials, and friendly and helpful staff to seal the deal.

Location

If you’re a first time visitor in Tallinn, stay at a hostel in the Old Town or city centre. These are prime locations to get you easily towards the city’s popular landmarks. Budget-oriented hostels dot the area, as well as bars and clubs if you’re looking to experience Tallinn’s nightlife. If you’re traveling with family, the hostels in the Kadriorg area (located east of the city centre) brings you close to the Baltic Sea.

Definitely, a day at the beach is something the whole gang will enjoy. Then there’s the Kalamaja neighborhood if you want to stay in a cool vibe, a hip area highlighted by the colorful street art of the Culture Kilometer.

Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia

Price

If you’re looking to book a dorm room, the rate can go from $10 – $18, with an average Tallinn hostel price at $14. Meanwhile, if you’re more comfortable in a double private room, then you will shell out an average of $34, with a price range of $22 – $58.

Public Transportation Access

Tallinn’s public transport network is efficient and accessible, consisting of buses, trams, and trolleys. The network operates from 6 AM – 11 PM. Popular routes start from 5 AM until midnight. Bus routes are numbered from 1 – 73 and almost all of them go through the centre.

Bus stops with most routes include Viru Keskus, Kaubamaja, Estonia and Freedom Square. Trolley routes will take you from Balti Jaam railway station and the city centre to Tallinn’s western suburbs.

Type of Hostel

To give you an idea of what type hostel best suits your needs and preferences, know that there are 7 to choose from cheap hostels, if you’re on a shoe-string budget; homestay for that home away from home, laid-back setup; boutique hostels with the upscale design and feel; party hostel, you guessed it – where the party happens.

Traditional youth hostels, with big dorms and common areas primarily for big groups (e.g. team-building, school excursions); activity hostel aka backpacker hostel, usually situated close to main activity areas; and the 5-star hostels where local value meets high-end facilities. 

Reviews

Before fully committing to your hostel of choice, it doesn’t hurt to first go through the reviews of the establishment’s previous guests. Make sure that the reviews are recent. Guest feedback will give you as much information as you need such as quality of accommodation, available amenities, extra charges, staff hospitality, and other insider knowledge that should contribute to your booking decision.

HOSTELS IN TALLINN – COMPARISON TABLE

To get a quick grasp of the hostels in Tallinn that are listed on this post, check the comparison table and find out yourself which you think is the best fit for you. These are traveler-favorite properties with great reviews, excellent staff, and a promise of an overall great stay.

CHEAPEST HOSTELS IN TALLINN

If you are on a budget, here are the hostels in Tallinn that you want to check out and book. Keep in mind that maybe they are the cheapest because they are not in the best location or it’s a hostel that needs renovating. If you book one of these hostels, don’t go expecting a 5-star experience. You can always go to other hostels to hang out and meet people.

if you are lucky enough, there are hostels that are super affordable and amazing at the same time.

United Backpackers Hostel

Cost per dorm bed: $9

Saving the bucks for more Tallinn eats, souvenirs, and activities? These well-rated hostels offer the cheapest options yet are also among traveler-favorite properties with great reviews, excellent staff, and a promise of an overall great stay.

From sightseeing to shopping, to nightlife activities, the United Backpackers Hostel makes Tallinn’s must-check-out spots easily accessible, either by wheels or on foot. This three-story hostel is equipped with a self-service laundromat, entertainment area, computer corner, shared self-service kitchen, full-size pool table, and a common area that used to be a bomb shelter!

All rooms are heated and come with personal lockers and lots of electrical sockets. How about this for a cool touch – your bed comes with a reading light!

Best Features:

• great location! Near Old Town, airport, bus station, and supermarkets. 
• common area used to be a bomb shelter
• free coffee and tea from 7-11AM

Cons:

• not enough sofas and chairs in the common area 

Imaginary Hostel

Cost per dorm bed: $10

The Imaginary Hostel gives you real value for your money with a perfect location that’s right in the heart of central Tallinn. The hostel has a small outdoor terrace overlooking the red-tiled roofs of the medieval Old Town, shared lounge that’s great for meeting and socializing with other guests, a shared, well-equipped kitchen to store, prep, and cook your meals, and clean rooms fitted with comfortable beds and desks, and with heating, too.

There are enough toilet and shower facilities so no waiting game during your stay.

Best Features:

• free wifi
• great location, close to Old Town, with a passenger terminal nearby
• friendly staff

Cons:

• comfy but squeaky beds

Knight House

Cost per dorm bed: $11

Undoubtedly, the Knight House’s most attractive selling point is that this 700-year old building is actually a UNESCO listed monument. Get pocket-friendly rate for great historical value and quality accommodation that this hostel bed and breakfast offers.

The Knight House’s rooms are decorated in themes, with large windows and wooden floors. The free pancakes for breakfast are all the rave with guests. There’s a common kitchen, dining area, and a large lounge that leads to the terrace for a relaxing spot to hang out and catch up with other guests.

Best Features:

• a 700-year old building is a UNESCO listed monument
• free wifi
• free breakfast, great pancakes!

Cons:

• limited shower areas
• mixed reviews on bed comfort

PARTY HOSTELS IN TALLINN

If fun is what you seek, party fun is what you’ll get in these top party hostels in Tallinn. Old-world charm meets modern party vibe in these popular stays packed with travelers and locals looking to meet new people and make the most out of their Tallinn vacation.

Monk’s Bunk

Cost per dorm bed: $11

From dusk ‘til beer o’clock, the Monk’s Bunk Party Hostel is all about giving their guests an unforgettable stay. Theme nights range from beer pong tournaments, dress up parties, to their famous Wizard challenge.

You can also join movie nights and pub crawls that will connect you to Estonian locals who are all about painting the town red. In terms of amenities, Monk’s Bunk is fitted with custom-made beds, shared bathroom facilities, heating, shared kitchen, shared and lounge area.

Best features:

• free welcome shot at the bar
• free wifi, free luggage storage
• great location in the city centre

Cons:

• won’t accept guests above 40 years old

Tallinn Backpackers

Cost per dorm bed: $10

Looking for a perfect blend of good time and a good night’s rest? Then Tallinn Backpackers is the hostel to book. Both a great place for solo travelers and a fantastic party hostel, Tallinn Backpackers exudes a lively yet cozy atmosphere that makes for an ideal social place for its guests.

Nightly group programs and parties are organized, ending no later than midnight to give you a restful snooze. The hostel’s facilities are designed for comfort, with modern amenities such as brand new showers, spacious dorm rooms, and a shared kitchen that’s furnished for easy meal preparations.

Best features:

• renovated historic building
• great location in the city centre
• free wifi

Cons:

• no designated smoking areas

MOST REVIEWED HOSTELS IN TALLINN

These most reviewed hostels heap praise from their previous guests, and all for good reasons. Great accommodation makes for a great experience, and to give you an idea which best hostels in Tallinn are enjoying all the awesome ratings, we took the liberty of putting together the top 3 notable stays, calculated based on the buzz they make for excellent overall service.

Note: These hostels earn their spot on our list based on the accumulated number of reviews plus rating from both Booking.com and HostelWorld, B+H = X out of 20.

Fat Margaret’s

Fat Margaret’s excellent location near the picturesque Tallinn Bay and at the gate of the Old town is complemented by its friendly and helpful staff, cozy, heated, and well-equipped rooms, and clean common spaces.

Inside you’ll find an indoor pool that’s open all year round, a sauna, bar, shared lounge area and a shared kitchen. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to share a good conversation with fellow travelers from all over the globe.

Cost per dorm bed: $18

Total number of reviews: 6,097

Rating: 17.2 out of 20

Best features:

• great location, close to Old Town, Ferry station, train station, Tallinn Bay
• free access to sauna and pool in the mornings
• free wifi

Cons:

• not the cheapest option

Red Emperor Bar & Hostel

The vibrant Red Emperor Bar & Hostel is well-reviewed for its cleanliness – from rooms, bathrooms, down to its common areas. The rooms are colorful and exude an air of creativity. The shared kitchen is fully equipped to make your self-prepared meals a breeze.

This laid-back hostel in the morning turns into a fun, social place to hang out at night as the bar welcomes patrons and guests looking to top off the day with a cold, cheap beer. There is, too, a common lounge where a giant Jenga and pool table is readily available to give guests more options for fun activities.

Cost per dorm bed: $14

Total number of reviews: 2,678

Rating: 17.5 out of 20

Best features:

• organized parties and sightseeing trips
• great location in the city centre
• free wifi

Cons:

• no free breakfast

Old Town Hostel Alur

Located right around the corner of the Town Hall Square, this relaxed-vibe hostel boasts of spacious, clean toilets, newly-renovated rooms with comfortable beds and free linens. Old Town Hostel Alur gathers guests for social nights with movies, games, and just have a straight-up fun time with the group.

The hostel has a shared kitchen, common room, and a terrace. You can use irons, hair dryers, and luggage storage without charge. And here’s a great addition – the hostel provides a discount at a nearby restaurant, souvenir shop, and popular pub.

Cost per dorm bed: $10

Total number of reviews: 2,901

Rating: 16.8 out of 20

Best features:

• free coffee or tea in the morning
• free luggage storage
• discounts at nearby establishments
• close to Old Town

Cons:

• no parking space

You’ll find many great options for accommodation in Tallinn. With this guide and bit more of research, you will no doubt book an unforgettable stay that can give you comfort, good time, and the best impression of Tallinn’s hospitality to make your visit to Estonia’s economic, historical, and cultural hub all the more worthwhile. I hope we helped you choose the best hostel in Tallinn for your visit.

If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? SAVE THIS FOR LATER READ: