Lonely Planet picks Vilnius as one of the top places in Europe to visit this summer

The selection is part of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2018; the pick of the most exciting and underrated destinations to visit across the continent in 2018. Compiled by Lonely Planet's European experts, the list aims to give travellers the inside scoop on the best places to discover beyond Europe's most popular destinations, and features lesser-visited regions, alternative city breaks and hidden travel gems.

Vilnius earned its place among the ten travel destinations thanks to its growing reputation as a great alternative city break option, combining fascinating history with thriving creativity, including flourishing craft beer scene and New-Nordic-inspired restaurants. With plenty going on this year, Lonely Planet's writers believe that "it's only a matter of time before the world cottons on..." to what this city has to offer.

Lonely Planet's Destination Editor for Northern Europe, Gemma Graham, said: "For those looking to beat the crowds in Europe this summer, Lonely Planet's Best in Europe reveals our hotlist of destinations that provide a great alternative to traditional favourites. Our travel experts have crossed the continent to discover Europe's most outstanding, underrated and overlooked places that are worth exploring right now."

"Boasting fascinating history, offbeat elegance and a unique cultural scene, Vilnius offers plenty for visitors to discover. This is a city that pulses with a youthful energy, and with new creative spaces, a flourishing restaurant and craft beer scene, plus plenty of festivals and events taking place this year, there's never been a better time to discover one of Europe's most criminally overlooked capital cities."

Lonely Planet's writers have explored the globe for 45 years in search of hidden gems and amazing new travel experiences. Best in Europe 2018 is the sixth iteration of the agenda-setting list, which picks out Europe's hottest up-and-coming countries, regions and cities. To help travellers see more of Europe, Lonely Planet has teamed up with Eurail.com to offer travellers the chance to win one of ten monthly rail passes to explore the continent this summer.

"Having Vilnius included on Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2018 list is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness about our city, which we will definitely take advantage of. Being recommended by one of the world's leading travel gurus is especially valuable since Lonely Planet is trusted by millions of independent travellers all around the world," says Vilnius City Mayor Remigijus Šimašius.

Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2018

1. Emilia-Romagna, Italy

2. Cantabria, Spain

3. Friesland, the Netherlands

4. Kosovo

5. Provence, France

6. Dundee, Scotland

7. Small Cyclades, Greece

8. Vilnius, Lithuania

9. Vipava Valley, Slovenia

10. Tirana, Albania