Vilnius

Vilnius is Lithuania's capital — population 580,000, the largest Baroque Old Town in Europe at 3.59km² (UNESCO 1994), and one of the cheapest EU capitals (35-50% cheaper than Berlin or Stockholm). The city was founded in 1323, served as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (which was the largest country in Europe in the 1400s), survived occupation by Russians, Germans, and Soviets, and emerged from independence (1990) as a quiet hidden gem. Highlights: the Cathedral + 57m bell tower (free climb to viewpoint), Gediminas Tower (14th-century brick castle ruin with funicular up), the irreverent Republic of Užupis (1997 a group of bohemian artists declared 'independence' from Lithuania across the Vilnia River — has its own constitution with 41 humorous clauses like "A dog has the right to be a dog" + "Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation," own president, currency, and flag), Gates of Dawn (1503 city gate with miraculous Mary icon visited by 2M pilgrims/year), Trakai Castle (28km west, 14th-century Gothic island castle in Lake Galvė), and the sobering Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum in former Soviet prison + interrogation rooms). Hill of Crosses (200km north, 200,000+ crosses planted since 1831 as anti-Russian/Soviet protest, now a Catholic pilgrimage site visited by Pope John Paul II).

Iconic Lithuanian cuisine: Cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat, $8-15 — Etno Dvaras canonical), Šaltibarščiai (cold pink beetroot soup, $4-7 — summer specialty), Kibinai (Karaim ethnic pastries from Trakai, $4-8 — Senoji Kibininė), Skilandis (smoked pork sausage, $6-10), Lokys medieval-cellar restaurant (since 1971, traditional wild boar + bear stew $25-50), Švyturys + Kalnapilis Lithuanian beer ($2-4), Krupnikas honey liqueur ($4-7).

Bottom line: Vilnius is Eastern Europe's hidden gem + cheapest EU capital + Baroque architecture canonical. 2-3 days hits Old Town + Užupis + Trakai + KGB Museum.