5 TOP Reasons to Choose Vilnius for Your Incentive Trip

When you come to think of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn as an incentive destination, all three capitals bring many similar characteristics to mind. The capitals are compact in size with wonderful Old Towns that are listed under UNESCO World Heritage protection. You can walk from your hotel or meeting venue to a cozy restaurant or any other attraction in under 5-20 minutes. The public transport network is well developed and may bring you to various locations by bus, trolley or tram. All of that eliminates the need for lengthy transfers, saving time, money, and effort.

As far as air connectivity is concerned it is better than ever before, connecting Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn to all major European cities. Airlines like Lufthansa, airBaltic, Turkish Airlines, Finnair, KLM, SAS, and more operate direct flights with durations between 1-3 hours depending on your departure city. Vilnius will open a new departures terminal in February 2025 and more construction is waiting ahead.

Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn are proud to be green capitals with lush parks for your teambuilding activities. One can drink tap water safely in all the three capitals and enjoy clean air, since the main industrial zones are in the countryside.

The question is how should one decide where to go? Let’s focus on our differences. Why should you choose Vilnius? If you’re on the fence about going to Vilnius, here are five compelling reasons that will remove all doubts.

1. Vilnius – a City of Green and Cultural Celebrations in 2025

Vilnius is a symbol of sustainability and culture. Declared the Green Capital of Europe 2025, Vilnius is committed to eco-friendly practices, offering a variety of green spaces, sustainable venues, and activities that align with today’s environmental priorities.

In addition, Vilnius has been named the European Capital of Christmas in 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, established by the European Parliament, thanks to its breathtaking holiday displays and magical atmosphere. If your incentive trip is planned around the festive season, participants will be captivated by the city’s charm.

2025 also marks the 150th birth anniversary of M.K. Čiurlionis, Lithuania’s most celebrated composer and artist. A host of cultural events will take place in Vilnius, allowing groups to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture while honoring this legendary figure.

2. Architectural Contrasts in the Baltics

Vilnius stands out for its architectural diversity, offering a variety of architecture styles from Gothic to Classicism. 

• Vilnius: The city’s skyline is defined by its 55+ churches, each representing a different period in history. Baroque masterpieces like St. Peter and Paul Church and St. John’s Church, Gothic gems such as the intricate St. Anne’s Church, and neoclassical landmarks like the Vilnius Cathedral and Town Hall showcase Vilnius’s rich architectural heritage.
• Riga: Renowned as the Art Nouveau capital, Riga dazzles with ornate residential buildings on Elizabetes and Albert streets. For a deeper dive into this style, groups can explore the Art Nouveau Museum for an immersive experience.
• Tallinn: Known for its medieval charm, Tallinn transports visitors to the Gothic era with landmarks like its medieval Cathedral, network of defensive walls and well-preserved Hanseatic merchant houses.

Exploring Vilnius’s architecture offers a unique and diverse experience, setting it apart from its neighboring capitals.

3. Memorable Activities for Group and Individual Time

Vilnius offers an incredible variety of activities that will bring your team together while catering to individual interests. Vilnius may offer various conventional team activities like treasure hunts, SUV safaris (by the way starting from your very hotel), shooting quests, workshops and tastings. However, we come up with various new options. For team-building experiences, you can:

• Sore in a hot-air balloon above Vilnius. A rare possibility offered by Vilnius, one of the few European capitals that allows such an opportunity.
• Go on a Vilnius city tour ending with a canoeing adventure on the Neris River right at the city center, available during the day or as a magical night excursion with torches.
• Finish your Vilnius city exploration with a private concert at the stunning St. Catherine’s Church, featuring opera, jazz, or even modern Lithuanian folk music.

For individual free time, Vilnius caters to every interest:

• Art and culture enthusiasts can visit the MO Museum or the historic Vilnius University.
• Auto fans can explore the Vilnius Auto Museum, featuring over 120 classic cars, with optional, pre-agreed visits to restoration workshops.
• Music lovers can unwind at bars playing live music, like Tamsta, Jazz Cellar or Lucille Blues Bar in the Old Town.
• Shoppers can discover local designer boutiques or hidden gems in the city’s quaint streets (e.g. on Didzioji Street, Glass Quarter, etc).

4. A Culinary Paradise

Vilnius is a gastronomic hotspot, offering dining experiences to suit every taste. With four Michelin-starred restaurants and many more Michelin-recommended establishments, the city prides itself on exceptional quality and creativity. Unlike Riga or Tallinn, Vilnius offers authentic Lithuanian historical cuisine inspired by the recipes from the Royal Grand Dukes Palace or noble manors. In Vilnius you can find local peasant style cuisine, featuring potato based dishes (e.g. cepelinai, vedarai, kugelis, blynai), cold pink soup and black rye bread.

Highlights include:

• Trendy eateries at the Paupys Market, where food meets vibrant culture and community. Paupys Market brings a vast impact on the local Uzupis District atmosphere inspiring art, music and changes towards conventional city development and community life.
• Authentic Lithuanian folk dinners, where live performances invite guests to sing and dance along.
• Unique dining experiences like “Dining in the Dark” or “Dialogue in the Dark,” which combine food and theater for an immersive adventure.

5. Perfect Base for Exploring Lithuania

Vilnius is ideally located for excursions to some of Lithuania’s most famous attractions. These day trips provide opportunities to add variety and adventure to your incentive program:

• Trakai (30 km): A picturesque town home to a stunning 14th-century island castle, perfect for a half-day trip.
• Kaunas (100 km): Lithuania’s second-largest city boasts a charming Old Town, the M.K. Čiurlionis Museum, the Devils museum, visits to breweries (“Volfas”, “Genys” & strong liquor (“Stumbras”) makers and the newly opened (in December, 2024) Science Island, which doubles as a dynamic meeting venue and scientific exploration site via various workshops.
• Aukstaitija National Park (70 km): Aukstaitija National Park only 1 hour ride from Vilnius offers great escape into nature with lush forests, hiking trails, canoeing opportunities and other activities bringing the team together.

If you are still unsure about the possibilities Vilnius offers, contact our team and we are going to offer you an agenda tailored to your needs, habits, experience expectations and budget.