Užupis
Ideal: Ideal for art, café culture, alternative neighborhoods, and local atmosphere.
The neighborhood declared itself an independent republic on 1 April 1997; it has a president, an anthem, a twelve-person army, and a constitution mounted on mirrored plaques in dozens of languages on the riverbank wall. Among its articles are 'Every dog has the right to be a dog,' 'Everyone has the right to be happy,' and directly below that, 'Everyone has the right to be unhappy.' Before independence this was an abandoned and dangerous area; low rents drew artists in. Every 1 April visitors can get a stamp in their passport at the entrance.
Did you know?
Is Užupis really an independent republic?
It is a tongue-in-cheek one, declared by artists in 1997 with its own flag, president, anthem and constitution. It has no official status but is Vilnius's best-known neighbourhood.
What does its constitution say?
The 41 articles are mounted on a wall in dozens of languages. They include lines such as "everyone has the right to be unhappy" and "a dog has the right to be a dog".
What happens on 1 April?
The republic celebrates its independence day: passports are stamped at the "border", local currency is issued and street events run all day.
Why go?
- To see Vilnius's art and alternative culture atmosphere
- To build a more local route with cafés, galleries, and street art
- To experience a neighborhood different from the classic historic center
Travel tip
Do not miss the Užupis Constitution wall and the small streets around the river.
