Vilnius, Lithuania, should definitely be on everyone’s must see list. Just imagine flying in a balloon over the old rooftops. Priceless! Here are some tips from Irutė Vaškelaitienė, from Kablys Hostel.
How did you decide to open a hostel?
The owner had an idea of adding additional content to his complex of recreational services in Kablys. There were already a skate park, a night-club, and a restaurant, so we thought that all we needed to have it all was a hostel.
What is the biggest challenge you are facing in running/managing your hostel?
To say the truth there are no big challenges, as we have experience in doing new things. The entire staff working in Kablys is innovative and inspired. On the other hand, sometimes it’s difficult to explain to our guest that we are a “party hostel“ and that loud music is ok at times.
What makes your hostel unique?
Our hostel is unique because it is the only party hostel in town, and maybe even in the country. It is located in the neighborhood which right now is experiencing revival, and right at our doorstep, you can find lots of small bars and pubs. Actually, there is even one at the first floor of our hostel. In the Restobar (restaurant/bar) our guests get 20% discount on the drinks. And every weekend it is hosting some of the best techno music parties in town!
What is the one thing that your guests like the most in your hostel?
We are proud to say that it’s our staff. They are always there for our guests.
What makes your destination/city a place everyone should visit?
Vilnius is not as well known as it should be. We have one of the biggest old towns in this part of Europe and in the city you can find many green areas, so you can feel relaxed even in the city center. Also, it is the home of Uzupis, an independent republic of artists, with a really cool constitution saying “A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need“.
What is the best time of the year to visit you?
Actually, Vilnius is always full of surprises, so visiting it is a good idea all year round. But if you would like to party in our party hostel, for sure the best time to come is Autumn – Spring, as at that time we have the best parties.
What would you recommend to your guests as a must see/must do in your city?
The Republic of Artists – so called Uzupis with it‘s great constitution and Reborned area of Stotis (Station) where you can find many street art paintings, hipster bars and pubs. If you are into history, you should visit the KGB museum, a former Gestapo and KGB prison. Other suggestion is one of the most interactive museums, so called Money museum. Here you can print your own bill with your face on it! At our reception you can always book city tours with paddle board on the Neris river or a balloon flight over the old town roofs! How cool is that? If it is still not enough, we’ll point you in the direction of kayaking tours and the adventure park which is almost in the city center!
