Gediminas Tower

The symbol of the city of Vilnius, Gediminas Tower is virtually all that remains of the once-mighty Upper Castle. Rebuilt by Grand Duke Vytautus in the 15th century, the defensive tower was used as an aristocratic prison in 1610, before everything around it was destroyed by the Russians between 1655-1661. Restoration work began in 1930 and today the tower houses an exhibition explaining the history of Vilnius' castles. You'll also see scale models, ammunition and arms but the real attraction is the view from the parapet over the Old Town and the Hill of Crosses. And now you don't have to wear yourself out on the winding path to the hilltop - take the spiffy funicular and save your strength for the 78 stairs inside the actual tower. Museum open 10:00-17:00; closed Monday.

Best time to enjoy the view is in the late afternoon, because in the morning the sun will be behind the old town making the sight (and pictures) not too good. Climbing on foot is quite steep but short.

The manual ascent really isn't bad. Balls to the funicular, go for a freakin' walk people. And if you're a cheapskate (like myself) you can enjoy great views from the top of Castle Hill without necessarily going to the top of the tower. Good place to hang out in general.