TV tower, Vilnius

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Late one afternoon, we decided on a whim to go and visit the TV tower, which is inconveniently located amid estates of low rise apartments on the edge of the city. Despite its conspicuousness, it certainly wasn’t easy to find, but our determination was rewarded when we finally managed to ensconce ourselves in the revolving restaurant on top of the tower, watching the world spin by at a leisurely 6º a minute. We had been warned that the cuisine might leave much to be desired - it could most charitably be described as "acceptable" - but as a vantage point, it was unbeatable and gave us some much needed down time in an otherwise demanding schedule.

After a very laid back couple of hours, we descended with full tummies and a sense of relaxed wellbeing. Our complacent frame of mind was somewhat shaken when we walked past the memorial to the pro-democracy protests that took place here in 1991 on our way back to the car. It was disturbing to realise that on this spot, pro-democracy protesters had been mown down by tanks barely a decade ago, and the simple memorial serves as a stark reminder of how recently this part of the world experienced profound political transition.

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If you have a possibility to get to the restaurant on the top of Vilnius TW tower, you will see a beautiful view of Vilnius and it’s surroundings and will try some delicious dishes.

But you can get even higher and see more beautiful views (and even get some champagne), if you order a hot air balloon flight over Vilnius.

Vilnius is one of just few capitals in Europe, where you may fly by hot air balloon.

Balloon Tour over Vilnius is one of the top things to do in Lithuania.

I recommend to rise up to restaurant "Pauksciu takas" and admire a views of Vilnius.Or....you can try to jump from the TV tower with rope.

TV tower has an historical view too. In 1991, 13 of January, soviets surrounded this tower and killed 14 people. To commemorate this day, museum in TV tower was established.
More, this tower becomes a big Christmas tree in winter.

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For some great views of Vilnius you should go up to the TV tower, 326 m high. It's not in the centre so you should take a taxi which takes about 10-15 mins. Beware of the taxi drivers as they drive like crazy!

The TV Tower boasts the most comprehensive views over the city, but is not for those who are scared of heights. There is a small café, although it is the views that people come to see. One can view the touching exhibition commemorating the sacrifice of 14 civilians who were murdered by Soviet tanks in 1991 during the independence struggle.

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Televizijos Bokstas (TV Tower)will always have a place in history on account of January 13th 1991. In front of the tower stands this fantastic sculpture; a woman figure standing on a bell reaching up. There are scriptures on the bell, which I understood from a local, whom I asked, is the lyrics of a song of freedom.
The TV Tower is the place to be if you don't mind heights and you want the full view of Vilnius. 165 metres up the elevator stops at the rotating cafe/restaurant.
One rotation takes about an hour.

If I can be annoyed for a bit - I truly really hate the choice of music in the rotating cafe. When I'm 165 metres up and the most fantastic view of Vilnius spreads in front of me for an hour, I really don't need anything but soothing sounds - in stead it was the super young hip hits. Well, maybe I just don't get it, and obviuosly I lived to tell the tale.

In any case, DO go, it's magical. It's 21 litas for adults and 9 litas for children.
Trolleybus # 16 gets you there from Stotis (Railway Station)

We went to the TV tower for a dinner during our stay in Vilnius. Make sure you have the right directions to go there, we first thought we could walk there from the town center, but you walk through a park and then you cannot cross the river Neris. So from the city center take trolleybus 1 or 3 to 'Televizijos Bokstas'. We had excellent weather and enjoyed the views. The restaurant is moving, so during our dinner we made a whole turn. A ticket to the top was in 2006 21 Litas.

Outside the TV tower you can read information on the historical background of this place!

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The Vilnius TV-tower became famous/notorious, as in January 1991 Soviet special forces occupied the tower when trying to re-occupy Lithuania and 14 persons died, a part of them under tanks.

Outside, beside the tower there is a monument for those dead that time; a stone with the names on it. There are also crosses with photograhps and names. It is a place making one silent.

When going inside the tower, you find more history downstairs/in the first/main floor. There is an exhibition telling about the happenings of 1991.

The TV tower is luckily something else, too. Up in the tower there is a restaurant, which is turning around slowly all the time. You have a good sight allover the city from the tower.

The time I was there last time (2001) the restaurant looked still somewhat Soviet-era style with lilac/violet sofas and brown tables; everything being very plain. But it is a very interesting place to visit.