Some traditional Lithuanian souvenirs are various amber products or unpolished pieces of amber, ornaments of silver, bronze or copper, leather goods, clay vessels, wooden kitchen implements, linen or woollen clothes. The widest variety is to be found at fairs, where craftsmen sell their wares. At other times they can be purchased at craftsmen’s workshop-galleries in the Old Town, in the little open air market on Pilies Street or in souvenir shops. Presents to please children – impressive original toys made of wood or clay – can be found at the Pilies Street market or in the Sauluva galleries.

 

Shops selling amber craft wares are scattered throughout the whole Old Town from Cathedral Square to Aušros vartai (the Gate of Dawn). Those who would like to acquire more sophisticated amber creations would find it worth visiting the Amber Museum-Gallery in Šv. Mykolo (St Michael’s) Street. Nearby, at the Baltic Amber Arts Centre in Šv. Mykolo Street, you can find out more about the centuries-old Lithuanian traditions of amber craftsmanship.

 

An increasing number of shops selling linen apparel, table cloths and traditional Lithuanian sashes are appearing in the Old Town. Some of them are in the tourists’ best-loved street – Pilies Street; others are to be found in smaller streets such as Arklių Street and Stiklių Street. Traditional Lithuanian metal craft wares may be purchased in the Blacksmithery Museum-Gallery in Užupio Street. If you are looking for a painting of Vilnius Old Town scenes, have a look at the paintings set out on display at the little open air market in Pilies Street. Or if you are interested in more serious art, it would be worth your while to visit some Vilnius galleries displaying the works of Lithuania’s best known artists. Lovers of designer-label clothes should not neglect to visit the boutiques of leading Lithuanian designers.

 

Visitors to Lithuania are usually highly impressed by the local black rye bread or the wheat bread. Also popular is the pastry specialty ‘šakotis’ (layered festive cake – German Baumkuchen).