Historic hostel set in a converted school building near the Old Town, offering spacious rooms with high ceilings. Popular with long-stay backpackers for the relaxed communal atmosphere.
Filaretai Youth Hostel occupies a converted early twentieth-century school building on Filaretų gatvė in the Užupis neighbourhood of Vilnius. Užupis is a self-declared artistic republic on the eastern edge of the Old Town, separated from the main historic centre by the Vilnelė river. The neighbourhood is known for its bohemian character, independent galleries, mural art, and the celebrated Užupis Constitution — a humorous, philosophical document displayed on mirrored plaques along the main street. The hostel is approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from Cathedral Square and Pilies gatvė.
The building's school origins are visible in the generous ceiling heights and large windows that characterise the dormitory rooms, giving them an airiness unusual in hostel accommodation. Both mixed and same-gender dormitory options are available, along with some private room configurations at higher price points. Lockers are provided in dormitory areas for securing valuables.
A fully equipped shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals, a key factor for budget travellers on extended stays in Vilnius. A common room serves as a social hub for meeting other travellers and accessing the free WiFi. Bicycle rental is available on site, providing an efficient way to explore the city and the riverside cycle paths that connect Užupis to the wider Vilnius cycling network. Laundry facilities are also provided.
Filaretai has long been a first-choice hostel for backpackers visiting Lithuania, particularly those on longer Baltic itineraries also taking in Riga and Tallinn. The quietly creative Užupis location rewards those willing to walk slightly further from the main tourist corridor. Low-season dorm beds begin at approximately €10–€12 per night, with private rooms available from around €35. Summer rates rise to €14–€18 for dorms and €45–€55 for private configurations. The hostel's consistently strong reviews reflect its reliable standards, well-maintained facilities, and the memorable character of the Užupis setting.
Amenities
- free WiFi
- shared kitchen
- common room
- laundry
- bicycle rental
- lockers
Location
Filaretu g. 17, Vilnius 01207
54.6749, 25.2963 View on map
Highlights
- Set in a converted early twentieth-century school building with high ceilings and large windows in Vilnius's bohemian Užupis district
- Shared kitchen, common room, bicycle rental, and laundry — a complete set of budget-traveller facilities under one roof
- Bohemian Užupis neighbourhood with galleries, murals, and the famous Užupis Constitution just outside the door
- One of the longest-established and most popular hostels in Vilnius, with a sociable atmosphere and well-travelled guest mix
- Dorm beds from approximately €10–€12 per night, with private rooms available from around €35
Tips for visiting
- The Vilnelė river footbridge into Old Town takes about 15 minutes on foot and passes the Užupis murals — a scenic morning walk
- Bicycle rental at the hostel is one of the cheapest ways to cover ground in Vilnius; the Old Town and Bernardine Park are a short cycle away
- Book dorm beds well ahead in summer; Filaretai is consistently ranked among the top hostels in the Baltic states and fills quickly
- Lock valuables in the provided lockers — standard travel security practices apply in a sociable shared-room environment
- The cafés on Užupio gatvė are excellent for breakfast before exploring; look for Lithuanian rye bread and curd pastries
Accessibility
Filaretai is a converted building and accessibility infrastructure is limited. Dormitory areas are reached via stairs and the building does not have a lift. Guests with mobility requirements are advised to contact the hostel directly before booking. The surrounding Užupis neighbourhood has a mix of cobblestoned and paved streets, with the river bridge into Old Town accessible on foot.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Filaretai Hostel in the Vilnius Old Town?
The hostel is in the Užupis neighbourhood, adjacent to the Old Town and separated from it by the Vilnelė river. The walk into the Old Town takes 15–20 minutes on foot over the river bridge.
Does the hostel have private rooms?
Yes. In addition to dormitory beds, Filaretai offers private room options at higher rates. Availability of private rooms is more limited than dormitory spaces; booking in advance is recommended.
Is bicycle rental available at the hostel?
Yes. The hostel offers bicycle rental to guests, making it a practical base for cycling the city's river trails and reaching attractions that are further from the Old Town.
What age group is the hostel most suited to?
Filaretai is a traditional backpacker-style hostel with a social atmosphere. It primarily attracts guests aged 18–35, including solo travellers, inter-rail visitors, and those on Baltic itineraries, though guests of all ages are welcome.