Vichy Aqua Park

So over-the-top is this attraction, we almost think it ranks among Vilnius' must-sees. With a Polynesian theme, Vichy Vardens is rife with rock sculptures, totem poles, masks, grass skirts, indigenous plantlife (bamboo, palm trees, figs!), traditional music and dancing - and that's just the tip of the volcano. The real excitement is in the bevy of waterslides, some of which reach speeds of 60km/hour! The 280m2 wave pool might be more the speed for some, or relax in one of the sunbeds lining the 'shore.' Children get their own play island and a chance to learn Polynesian dancing. Even in winter it's worth a trip to the Lava Baths - a unique spa experience that simulates the Polynesian climate over 5 different heated pools, including a range of ridiculous effects from 'infrared Equator rays' to 'real' snowflakes to 'scent effects.' Really, you have to see this place... 4 hour ticket, 45-69lt. Weekdays 12-20, weekends 10-20.

DIRTY, DIRTY, DIRTY!!!

The park is really BIG, on 3 levels plus changing place, with a variety of attractions; only thing I could not find was an actual swimming pool with lanes. There is also a terrace to work on the tan (well, during the right season). Children go crazy, and it is popular with families and young couples. It can be great also for families visiting Vilnius, especially in winter: if they had enough walking around in inclement weather, as darkness falls in the early afternoon, they can head for the Aqua Park: it's warm and children will be busy for a while. By the way, in spite of being in a busy place, couples can manage to have some intimacy. If one happens to have just met a girl, the Aqua Park turns out to be a place for an appointment where she feels comfortable.

Three huge Jacuzzis seem among the favorites of the grown ups. Customers sip colored drinks in there, and it is fun to see children jumping into the water, splashing it into other people's drinks.

The place is approximately 4 Km from the Old Town, near the Siemens Arena. To go by bus from the centre, take bus 53 e.g. at Vilniaus (just above Gedimino), and stop at Pramogu Arena. From there it is a few minutes on foot. During week-ends you may want to check the time table of the bus to get back to the centre before proceeding to the Aqua Park, because the bus doesn't run too often, waiting for it 20 or 30 min in the cold can be quite miserable. By the way, if you happen to have a GPS, the bus stop is at N54.71506 E25.28581.

Okay, we know there's nothing Lithuanian about this place, but if you want to have some expensive fun you'll never forget, go here. This new attraction is said to be the biggest water park in Eastern Europe and it's gratuitous alright. 4 hours might not be enough. Parents can send their kids to the supervised Play Island and relax in the spas and whirlpools, adrenaline junkies can get a thrill from the slides, 2 of which are genuinely intimidating. Go to the website to get the full scale of what's on hand. Holey moley.