Digital Nomad in Lithuania – A Vilnius Guide

Digital nomad, and former Vilnius resident, Enrico Armenia, gives One Planet Journey’s readers the essential guide to a successful nomad experience in the Lithuanian capital. He presents the vital facts about the city, explains why Lithuania is a fantastic country to visit, and reveals the best co-working spaces, cafés, and neighbourhoods for digital nomads. Also, don’t miss the interview with Go Vilnius Development Agency detailing why Vilnius is a headliner for 2025.

Digital Nomadism – Travelling Deeper

For those of you who like to move around and have roles that allow you to work remotely, there is an opportunity to experience a different pace of life as a digital nomad. Spending an extended period abroad instead of a brief holiday offers unexpected rewards. You have the privilege of immersing yourself deep in the country’s culture. You can integrate into the city, learn to live as a local, and partake in daily routines. Use that slowed-down time to explore the tourist spots without joining the headlong rush of the masses. Who knows, you might also find potential clients or business partners.

As a digital nomad, I had the amazing opportunity to stay in Lithuania for a year in 2021 and returned in May 2024. This magnificent country came into my life almost by chance. I participated in a youth volunteer programme organised by Erasmus Plus. Lithuania is still relatively unexplored, not only in my home country of Italy but also among overseas and European visitors. Many digital nomads opt for high-profile destinations, especially in Southern Europe, attracted by a warm climate and incredible sightseeing. People tend to underestimate the Baltic countries, particularly Lithuania, yet these places offer opportunities and competitive advantages for remote work and digital nomadism.

Why you should visit Lithuania 

Language 

During my stay in Lithuania, the language intrigued me. I discovered it’s one of the oldest Indo-European languages ​​still in use. Linguists continue to argue about which is the older, Lithuanian or Sanskrit, making it a true linguistic marvel.

History

Lithuania has a fascinating pagan history, late to convert to Christianity. If you visit in the summer, it’s possible to see archaeological events and traditional pagan festivals, such as the famous (Midsummer Night) and the Autumn Equinox. The last Lithuanians, who considered tree, fire, and forest spirits to be important entities, had their baptism in 1413, but Baltic beliefs remain alive today. Mysterious rites continue to be performed on the fortified hills, of which there are at least 850. 

Nature 

Lithuania has four distinct seasons, each with a unique and captivating display. If you love snow, winter is a glittering wonderland. However, as someone from a warmer climate, I found my first Lithuanian winter particularly intense, with temperatures reaching -15 degrees Celsius. During the summer, it becomes pleasant, and the landscape transforms. With almost 30,000 rivers and over 6,000 lakes, kayaking and canoeing are ideal ways to explore the pristine nature.

Amber

Have you ever held amber in your hand? I did it while walking on Palanga beach. The Baltic Sea is home to 80% of the world’s supply, and after a windy night, you can find handfuls of it on the shore.

Food

During my initial week in Vilnius, I discovered one of the most beloved dishes among Lithuanians: the famous cold beetroot soup Šaltibarščiai. Locals are crazy about it! The founder of the Slow Food movement, Carlo Petrini, called it “the most aesthetic cold soup in the world.”

Fun fact: Lithuanians consume more black rye bread than anywhere else, averaging 110 kg per person yearly. Otherwise, the staple of most meals consists of meat and potatoes. Case in point, Cepelinai. Nicknamed zeppelins after the shape, it’s a national dish of sorts, made of raw and cooked potato dough. A sour cream and bacon sauce accompanies the zeppelins, which are filled with pork.

Basketball

Are you a fan or just curious like me? Basketball is beyond popular, almost considered a second religion in Lithuania. Many NBA players are of Lithuanian origin, including Arvydas Sabonis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Linas Kleiza and Jonas Valančiūnas. Courts are everywhere, even in the country’s most remote villages. 

Heritage

Lithuania is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them the historic centre of Vilnius, and the Curonian Spit, a long peninsula in the country’s north overlooking the Baltic Sea. Fun fact: I met the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, on his day off while cycling. Apparently, it is one of his favourite places. Also, don’t miss the castle on the lake in Trakai – a true gem.

Living in Lithuania – Language, Visa, and Affordability

During my stay, I met people from across Europe and immersed myself in the local culture. After taking a basic language course, I could better interact with residents and become part of the community. My first impression of Lithuanians included a certain distance, especially when considering my Italian origins. Italians tend to be extroverted and outgoing, while Lithuanians appear calmer, more reserved, and introverted in the beginning. However, they are open and friendly once you get to know them.

Most young people converse in fluent English in big cities, while the older generations may have difficulty communicating. Many of them speak Lithuanian or Russian. My advice is to learn a little Lithuanian for those who intend to stay for the medium to long term.

If you are an EU citizen like me, you do not need a work visa. However, you must apply for temporary residency if you have lived and worked in the country for over 90 days.

Relevant for digital nomads from outside the EU is the startup visa where you have to apply for eligibility. If you qualify, you get a two-year residency, which is possible to extend for another 3 years.

Lithuania has a reputation for being affordable. Compared to countries like the UK, on average, expect the cost of living to be approximately 30% lower. For example, rent for a one-room apartment in the centre of Vilnius is around 800-1000 Euro. Dining, and transportation come at reduced prices, which is ideal for digital nomads who want to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

7 Reasons Why Vilnius is Great for Digital Nomads

Vilnius surprises you; many of the most beautiful secrets of Lithuania are on display for all to see. Yet, so few people talk about them. It is a city on a human scale, with a population of 540,900 in a country with 2.8 million inhabitants.

Vilnius is a highly technological city with several innovative and renowned startups, such as the famous Vinted and Revolut. It contributed to a dynamic and stimulating environment for digital nomads, amplified by roughly one in ten people being international citizens. It offers a mix of history, modern infrastructure, and affordability that makes it an excellent spot for work and play. Here’s why you should consider Vilnius:

1. Booming Tech Scene

Vilnius is a growing tech hub with a vibrant startup ecosystem. It’s home to a thriving community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers. Digital nomads in tech, finance, or creative fields will find numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration. With initiatives such as Vilnius Tech Park and other innovation centres, there’s no shortage of events to connect with like-minded professionals.
Vilnius boasts some of the best internet connections in the world, along with reliable mobile phone networks. Public Wi-Fi speeds are fast, and free access is widely available in shopping malls, restaurants, hostels, libraries, parks, and Wi-Fi hotspots in major cities.

2. Efficient Public Transport and Cycling Infrastructure

Vilnius offers a network with buses and trolleybuses that cover the city well. It’s also bike-friendly, with cycle lanes continuously expanding. This makes commuting easy and affordable, ideal for exploring or getting to your favourite café or co-working space without delay.

3. Beautiful Green Spaces and Nature Retreats

For nomads who enjoy nature, Vilnius has a remarkable amount of green areas. Vingis Park, Bernardine Garden, and Pavilniai Regional Park offer plenty of opportunities to relax or work outdoors.

4. Growing Digital Nomad Community

Vilnius is home to an increasing number of digital nomads and expats, the scene becoming more vibrant each year. The city offers regular meetups, coworking spaces, and social events that create a strong sense of community.

5. Rich History and Culture

The Old Town serves as the prime example of Vilnius’ rich history. I also recommend the mediaeval Gediminas Tower, the Glass Quarter, or visiting the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights.

6. Diverse Food Scene

Gastronomy in Vilnius offers everything from traditional Lithuanian dishes like Cepelinai to international cuisines. Nomads can enjoy affordable and high-quality meals in restaurants, cafés, and food markets.

7. Improved Connectivity

Vilnius is already well-connected to other European cities, but more direct routes are on the way from the international airport, as well as a train between the Baltic states and Poland.

7 Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads in Vilnius

1. Spaces Works

A coworking place that offers a suitable working environment with a unique entrepreneurial spirit in the city’s historic centre. The office provides ample opportunity to share in a vibrant community. It’s a well-connected location with great public transport links and close to popular bars and restaurants.

2. Workland Centre

Their offices are easy to reach on foot and, located in the city centre, historic area, or business district. In Vilnius, there are four open coworkings in G9, Quadrum Business Centre, Gediminas Street, and Didžioji Street. So whether you are an entrepreneur and/or digital nomad and looking for a cool community, it is a calm space to get your work done.

3. IKEA 

An unexpected and free option for coworking, located at the famous shopping centre, Panorama, 2nd floor (Saltoniskiu st. 9, Vilnius).

4. Talent Garden in Vilnius

A place where I spent a few days, is a large, well-equipped spot with many amenities. Offering good value, they frequently hold networking events and courses, creating a stimulating environment for professionals and digital nomads.

5. AltSpace 

Located in the city centre, in a prime area known as the heart of Vilnius nightlife. With a bar on its premises, AltSpace has space for a relaxing beer to continue that brainstorming session.

6. Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania

An excellent place to work remotely. Affordable price with a month costing 150 euros plus VAT. Monday – Friday opening times.

7. Coworking-Coliving

My last recommendation is a project in Vilnius. It offers a novel approach to living-working-leisure spaces that adapt to your individual needs.

Cafés in Vilnius

Huracan Coffee

At Gedimino pr. 10 & Vokiečių 15 in the central city, surrounded by many shops, it offers easy reach to other tourist places. The coffee is wonderful, and the place has a modern interior, ideal for dedicating a full day of work. It’s a quiet, elegant spot with excellent Wi-Fi. 

Mint Vinetu 

On Šv. Ignoto 16 this is a tranquil café where you can study or read a book with a pleasant atmosphere. I stumbled upon it by chance and immediately fell in love. It is perfect for remote work with proper Wi-Fi. Mint Vinetu is cheap and affordable, and they make good coffee.

Knygynas VAGA

A café I always return to whenever I visit Vilnius, to spend my days working here. You can find it on the main street, a few steps from the Cathedral. It has a bookshop and a bar with seating. Knygynas VAGA is often full of people, but it is still a nice place to work.

Not Only Caffe 

A bar I recommend. It has an independent coffee shop and bookstore in the heart of the Republic Užupis district (see more below). It is a small place, cheap, and ideal for working remotely with reliable Wi-Fi.

Sometimes it’s challenging to meet new people, expand your network, and find work projects as a digital nomad in Vilnius. This is where the Facebook group “Digital Nomads in Lithuania” comes in handy: it provides the perfect context for networking, attending events, and connecting with other professionals.

Vilnius Neighbourhoods for Digital Nomads

Vilnius offers a range of unique neighbourhoods that provide excellent living and working environments.

Republic Užupis

Another peculiarity of Vilnius is the independent Republic Užupis (citizens declared independence on April 1, 1997), a smaller district of only 0.6 square kilometres and separated from the Old Town by the Vilnelė River (often referred to as Neris). Known as the bohemian heart of Vilnius, Užupis often draws comparisons to Montmartre in Paris. This artistic section, once a degraded part of the city, has a lively atmosphere with cosy cafés, galleries, and creative arenas. It even has its own constitution, making it a quirky and inspiring place to live.

Naujamiestis

Close to the city centre, Naujamiestis (New Town) is an up-and-coming neighbourhood filled with trendy cafés and modern apartments. It’s a mix of historical charm and urban regeneration, with plenty of Soviet era architecture around.

Senamiestis (Old Town)

The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Vilnius is a historical and cultural hub with cobblestone streets, mediaeval architecture, and vibrant street life. We can’t ignore it’s more touristy, but the central location and its wide variety of cafés and coworking options make up for it.

Antakalnis

For digital nomads seeking a balance between work and nature, Antakalnis offers proximity to Vilnius’ green spaces, with the river Neris running along its left side. It’s actually one of the oldest suburbs.

Žvėrynas 

Surrounded by the Neris on three sides, Žvėrynas is a calm and leafy neighbourhood known for its wooden buildings and peaceful streets. An excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere but still need quick access to the main centre.

Interview with Go Vilnius – The Official Development Agency of Vilnius 

To give you the most up-to-date information about the many amazing things happening in this wonderful city, I spoke to Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at Go Vilnius.

Lithuania is grabbing headlines. What are the highlights? 

Lithuania is earning its place on the global travel map. Ranked #2 on Lonely Planet’s list of top countries to visit in 2025 and named Europe’s #1 must-see destination, our Baltic gem offers a unique mix of history, nature, and modern culture. 

Vilnius is also turning heads. Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards recently nominated the city as one of the Most Desirable Cities in Europe, combining sustainability with charm. 

Then, Vilnius is the European Green Capital of 2025 for its commitment to eco-friendly growth while maintaining a practical, grounded approach. Nearly half the city is covered with green spaces—parks, forests, and squares—making it perfect for walking or cycling without leaving nature behind. 

What can you recommend to culturally minded nomads?

This year, Vilnius also celebrated 30 years of its historical centre being part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Landmarks like Gediminas Castle Tower, the Gate of Dawn, and the Church of Saint Anne tell stories of a rich and often turbulent past. If you want a more personal experience, the ‘Meet a Local’ initiative offers visitors the chance to explore the city through the eyes of its residents, discovering hidden corners beyond the guidebooks. 

Nomads love sampling the local cuisine. Where should we go?

The city’s culinary scene is making a mark. Vilnius now boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants (Nineteen18, Dziaugsmas, Demo, and Pas Mus) and three more recognised with the Bib Gourmand for offering high-quality meals at accessible prices. It’s a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a destination for food lovers. 

For something truly unique, Vilnius will host its annual Pink Soup Fest on May 31, 2025. This celebration of Lithuania’s iconic cold beetroot soup, Šaltibarščiai, is a fun way to experience local culture and traditions. 

So, whether you’re drawn to its history, nature, or modern culinary experiences, Lithuania—and especially Vilnius—is a destination worth exploring at your own pace. 

Reflections on Being a Digital Nomad in Vilnius 

I have learned to never judge people from other places until I meet them in person and immerse myself in their reality. When travelling, seek different routes, listen to local music, interact with locals, and respect their traditions. It’s surprising how much you change before returning home, enriched by your experiences and encounters.

It is important to remember that you do not have to spend prolonged periods in a country to transform your view of the world. Even a single week of living authentically outside the established tourist path can lead you to see things differently and make you appreciate your hometown and daily life all the more. Deep travel through digital nomadism is a choice that offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and open-mindedness.

Lithuania Rising 

I consider having worked and lived as a digital nomad in Vilnius as a truly rewarding experience. It is a quiet city with splendid beauty and architecture, different from other European cities, especially those in Western Europe. Lithuanians are wonderful people. Once you get past the superficial phases of a new acquaintance, you discover that when you make friends with a Lithuanian, you have found a true friend. That happened to me. It took months, but after a year of learning the language, I made strong bonds with several locals, and after many years, we are still in touch.

Besides its historical and cultural charm, Vilnius has a cutting-edge digital infrastructure, which is ideal for those who work remotely. The country provides lightning-fast internet connections, making it a hub for nomads and tech professionals. Furthermore, the city has a well-connected airport for other European destinations.

Lithuania offers breathtaking landscapes and a deeply rooted culture. Traditions are still alive, and numerous folklore events throughout the year celebrate the national identity. Nature is another treasure: immense forests, crystal clear lakes, and pure air, far from the pollution of large European cities. The roads seem endless and offer a rare space of freedom. That’s why I recommend all digital nomads to make Vilnius your temporary home. You will be delighted with Lithuania.

Have you been to Lithuania? What was your experience with Vilnius? Let us know in the comment section! Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.