THE 5km taxi trip to the centre should cost no more than £2, but keep your eye on the meter. Regular buses cost 20p.

Stay in style under £100. . .

Rooms at Shakespeare Hotel are named after literary heavyweights such as Wilde and Joyce; each comes individually tailored to match the style of the writer. Expect telephones in the bathroom, complimentary fruit baskets and a choice of pancakes for breakfast. Singles £70 (Bernardinu 8/8, 00 370 52 314 521, www.shakespeare.lt).

. . .or splash out:

Stikliai, which is in the heart of Vilnius’s historic centre, boasts luxurious rooms with antique furnishings and floral patterns. Facilities include sauna, swimming pool and business centre. Singles from £110 (Gaono 7, 649 595, www.stikliaihotel.lt).

Cutting edge eating. . .

Freskos is a Vilnius legend, and the spot where George W. Bush ate during a recent visit. Inventive options such as plaice wrapped in banana leaves available alongside more conventional choices like the “beer, beef and onion pie”. Main courses from £6 (Didzoji 31, www.freskos.lt).

. . . and a local classic:

Farmyard animals served up by staff dressed in medieval tunics. Vaulted ceilings and heavy drapes make Stikliu Bociai an atmospheric and popular venue to feast on platters of grilled meat. Mains from £6 (Sv. Ignoto 4/3, 625 141).

Don’t miss:

The Genocide Museum (Auku 2a) in a former KGB building is a grisly reminder of Lithuania’s recent history. Execution rooms and torture cells have been preserved and are sobering viewing. Closed Mondays.

Insider tip:

Taxis are cheap only if you call in advance. Hailing cabswill be extremely costly. Hotels and restaurants will telephone you, otherwise try Vilniaus Taksi (128 888) and hope for an English speaking operator.

Contacts:

British Embassy (122 070).

• For more guides: www.timesonline.co.uk/briefcaseguides