Known as a Baroque city, the beautiful city of Vilnius can be reached easily from Helsinki by air in less than two hours. Featured in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the pastel-coloured buildings of the Old Town look like dollhouses, and the atmospheric cellar restaurants have a historical atmosphere. The mediaeval Gediminas Tower is well worth a visit, not least because the walk up to the hill is rewarded by sweeping views over the city.

The Užupis neighbourhood is popular among artists, and the district declared itself an independent republic in 1997. Filled with quaint cafes and galleries, Užupis is home to St. Anne’s, one of the most beautiful churches in Lithuania, and the world’s only monument to Frank Zappa. The Museum of Genocide Victims, which is located in former KGB headquarters, is a testament to the darker history of the city. If you have the time, why not spend a day or two outside the city as the Trakai Castle and the Palanga beach are only a short bus ride away.