I am in Lithuania, where can I travel during my internship abroad? And this is a very good question if you are doing your internship in Lithuania, you will have no choice: you will have to travel and discover the beautiful places scattered in Lithuania, but also in the surrounding countries.
Vilnius, without a doubt
Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have given you the same advice, but since then the city has been renovated, and the airport now has direct flights to most of Europe’s capitals and major cities. The city has been transformed and is a great place to live. It’s a small capital, so you can do everything on foot, and discover the incredible Lithuanian and Baltic architecture. There’s plenty to do in this capital of Eastern Europe. I won’t go into too much detail here, we’ve already written a big blog detailing everything you can do in Vilnius, and there are a few nuggets in there!
Trakai, for culture
You can reach Trakai from Vilnius by various means of transport. The trains, elegant and regular, pass peacefully through the green landscapes that separate the two towns. The journey takes you back in time, immersing you in the serenity of the fields and forests. Another option is to take a bus, where you can let yourself be carried along by the gentle melody of the road, accompanied by the murmur of travellers. Sitting comfortably, you can watch the landscape change as you go, bringing you closer to the brilliance of Trakai.
Finally, if you would like a guided experience, organised excursions from Vilnius are available. Let yourself be guided by a passionate narrator, who will take you into the mysteries of Trakai, inviting you to explore every corner with curiosity and wonder.
Once you arrive in Trakai, you’ll be instantly captivated by the majestic castle enthroned on the island of Lake Galvė. The calm, sparkling waters reflect the grandeur of the past, transporting your imagination back to a time when knights and princesses roamed the stone corridors.
Take a boat out on the lake, letting the gentle waves guide you into the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside. Breathe in the fresh, pure air, watch the changing hues of the sky mingle with the nuances of the landscape, and feel a serenity wash over you. As you stroll through Trakai’s old town, you’ll be enchanted by its medieval charm. The narrow, cobbled streets will lead you past wooden houses, silent witnesses to a bygone era. The cafés and restaurants, alive with conversation and tempting aromas, will invite you to take a gourmet break.
Don’t miss the chance to try the kibinai, the delicious filled pastries for which Trakai is famous. Each bite will be an explosion of flavours, awakening your taste buds to the culinary traditions of Lithuania.
As the day draws to a close, savour a few more moments in Trakai. Let yourself be enchanted by the tranquillity that emanates from this place steeped in history. Contemplate the sunset, when the golden hues set the castle ablaze, creating a magical backdrop for your timeless memories.
So your visit to Trakai from Vilnius will be an unforgettable getaway, an immersion in the history and natural beauty of Lithuania.
Tallinn, of course
If you want to visit Tallinn from Vilnius, there are several transport options to get you to Estonia’s capital.
You can fly from Vilnius airport to Tallinn airport. Flights are generally quick and convenient. Once in Tallinn, you can use public transport or taxis to get around the city.
Another option is to take a bus. Bus companies offer regular services between Vilnius and Tallinn. The buses are comfortable and often offer affordable fares. The bus journey can take around 4-5 hours, but you’ll have plenty of opportunity to admire the scenery along the way.
If you have a weekend to explore Tallinn, here are a few activities you might like to consider:
- Explore Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along its cobbled streets, discover its medieval buildings and enjoy the unique medieval atmosphere.
- Visit Tallinn’s ramparts and towers for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Tallinn’s television tower is also a great place to admire the view.
- Discover Kadriorg Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by vast gardens. You can visit the KUMU art museum in Kadriorg Park, which houses a collection of Estonian art.
- Stroll through the Kalamaja district, known for its trendy atmosphere and colourful wooden houses. Visit the Telliskivi Creative City cultural centre, home to independent boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants.
- Relax in one of the city’s many cafés and restaurants to sample Estonian specialities and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the local culinary scene.
- If you have the time, you can also take a trip to Pirita beach, close to Tallinn. It’s an ideal place to walk on the sand, enjoy the coastal scenery and recharge your batteries.
These are just a few suggestions from the many activities available in Tallinn. You can adapt your programme to suit your personal interests and schedule. Make the most of your weekend to discover Tallinn’s history, culture and charm! And if you ever want some information about doing your work placement in Tallinn, we’ve got a blog for that too!
Riga, the Beautiful
If you want to visit Riga from Vilnius, here are some transport options to get you to Latvia’s capital:
You can fly from Vilnius airport to Riga airport. Flights are generally quick and convenient. Once in Riga, you can use public transport or taxis to get around the city.
Another option is to take a bus. Bus companies offer regular services between Vilnius and Riga. The buses are comfortable and often offer affordable fares. The bus journey can take around 4-5 hours, but you’ll have plenty of opportunity to admire the scenery along the way.
If you have a weekend to explore Riga, here are a few activities you might like to consider:
- Discover the old town of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its narrow streets, admire its historic buildings and enjoy the charming medieval atmosphere.
- Visit Riga Cathedral, an impressive Gothic building that dominates the city skyline. Don’t forget to climb the tower for a panoramic view of Riga.
- Explore the Art Nouveau district, where you can admire magnificent building facades in this distinctive architectural style. Rue Alberta iela is particularly well known for its examples of Art Nouveau.
- Discover Riga’s central market, one of the largest in Europe. Stroll through the colourful stalls, sample the local produce and soak up the lively atmosphere.
- Visit the Riga Occupation Museum to learn more about Latvia’s history during the Soviet and Nazi occupations.
- Relax in Riga’s parks, such as Bastejkalns Park or Mežaparks Park. Enjoy the fresh air, green spaces and leisure activities.
- Explore Riga’s lively districts, such as Miera iela, with its trendy cafés, independent boutiques and alternative atmosphere.
These are just a few suggestions from the many activities available in Riga. You can tailor your programme to suit your personal interests and schedule. Make the most of your weekend to discover the history, culture and vibrant atmosphere of Riga! We’ve also got a blog post dedicated to an internship in Latvia!
Minsk !
visiting Minsk from Vilnius, here are some transport options to get you to the capital of Belarus:
The most convenient way to get to Minsk from Vilnius is to fly direct from Vilnius airport to Minsk international airport. Flights are generally fast and regular, offering an excellent option for getting to the city.
Another option is to take the train from Vilnius station to Minsk central station. Trains linking the two cities offer a comfortable and picturesque way to travel. Train journeys can take around 3 to 4 hours, and there is also the opportunity to admire the scenery between the two destinations.
Once in Minsk, you’ll have plenty to do:
- Discover Independence Avenue (Prospect Nezavisimosti), the city’s main thoroughfare. Stroll along this wide avenue, admire the Soviet and modern architecture and soak up the urban atmosphere of Minsk.
- Visit Trinity Island (Troitskoye Predmestye), a picturesque historic district on the banks of the River Svislach. Stroll along its cobbled streets, admire the colourful buildings and enjoy the charming cafés and restaurants.
- Explore the Belarus National Opera, a magnificent building where you may be able to attend a musical or ballet performance. It is one of the city’s most prestigious cultural venues.
- Discover Minsk’s religious architecture by visiting the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church of St Simon and St Helen and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. These places of worship are magnificent examples of the region’s religious architecture.
- Take advantage of Minsk’s parks and green spaces, such as Gorki Park and Cheluskintsev Park. These places offer opportunities for relaxation, picnics and pleasant walks.
- Discover the richness of Belarusian history and culture by visiting Minsk’s museums, such as the National Museum of Belarusian History and Culture or the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.
These are just a few of the many activities and attractions you can discover in Minsk. Make the most of your stay to explore this dynamic capital and familiarise yourself with the culture and history of Belarus.
We loved Lithuania and have been there so many times that we can only recommend it! If you call us, we will tell you all about Vilnius for your internship abroad! So for your internship in Lithuania: contact us!
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.